Chirundu is an official Zimbabwe eVisa entry point where you can cross from Zambia into Zimbabwe with a pre-approved electronic visa. The KAZA UniVisa is also available at this border. The crossing is open approximately 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM, with the shortest queues in the early morning. Here is everything overland travelers need to know about using Zimbabwe eVisa at Chirundu border post in 2026.
Can You Use Your Zimbabwe eVisa at Chirundu Border?
Yes — Chirundu is officially listed by Zimbabwe immigration as an approved eVisa entry point. When you apply for a Zimbabwe eVisa on evisa.gov.zw, you can select Chirundu as your port of entry. Present your printed eVisa document at the immigration desk on the Zimbabwe side of the border.
Other approved border posts that accept Zimbabwe eVisa include Beitbridge, Forbes (Mutare), Victoria Falls, Kariba, Nyamapanda, and Plumtree — but Chirundu remains the primary overland crossing between Zambia and Zimbabwe for travelers coming from Lusaka.
Chirundu Border Post — Location and How to Get There
Chirundu border post sits on the Zambezi River, marking the boundary between Zambia (north) and Zimbabwe (south). It is one of the busiest commercial road crossings in Southern Africa, handling heavy truck traffic alongside tourist vehicles.
Coming from Lusaka (Zambia Side)
From Lusaka, Chirundu is approximately 130 km south via the T2 highway (also called the Great North Road or Kafue Road heading south). The drive takes roughly 1.5–2 hours in normal conditions. The T2 passes through Kafue town before reaching the border — it is a well-maintained tarmac road. There is a Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRACO) customs post approximately 2 km before the actual border gate where commercial vehicles are checked.
Continuing to Harare (Zimbabwe Side)
After crossing into Zimbabwe at Chirundu, you are approximately 150 km north of Harare via the A1 highway. The drive to Harare takes roughly 2–2.5 hours under normal traffic conditions. The A1 is Zimbabwe’s main north–south arterial road and is paved the entire way. Note that fuel is available at Chirundu town on the Zimbabwean side, which is useful if you are self-driving.
KAZA UniVisa at Chirundu — Dual Zimbabwe–Zambia Entry
One of the most important advantages of crossing at Chirundu is that the KAZA UniVisa is available here. This is not widely known — many travel sites suggest the KAZA UniVisa is only obtainable at Victoria Falls border. In reality, Chirundu is also an authorized KAZA UniVisa issuance point.
What Is the KAZA UniVisa?
The KAZA (Kavango–Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area) UniVisa is a joint visa that allows holders to enter both Zimbabwe and Zambia with a single payment. It costs USD 50, is valid for 30 days from the date of issue, and allows unlimited crossings between the two countries within that period. It is ideal for travelers exploring both sides of Victoria Falls or moving between Zambia and Zimbabwe on an overland route.
Who Is Eligible for KAZA UniVisa?
The KAZA UniVisa is available to approximately 40 nationalities, including citizens of most EU countries, the United States, Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom, and many others. It is not available to citizens of all countries — check the current eligible nationality list on the official Zimbabwe or Zambia immigration websites before relying on this option.
KAZA vs. Standard Zimbabwe eVisa — Which to Choose?
If you are visiting only Zimbabwe, a standard Zimbabwe eVisa (USD 30 single entry or USD 45 double entry) is more cost-effective. If you plan to cross between Zimbabwe and Zambia at least once — for example, to visit both sides of Victoria Falls or for an overland trip through both countries — the KAZA UniVisa at USD 50 offers significantly better value and simplicity. The KAZA UniVisa can be obtained on arrival at Chirundu; you do not need to apply in advance.
Crossing the Border — step-by-step Process
Crossing at Chirundu with a Zimbabwe eVisa follows a defined sequence. Allow approximately 30–60 minutes for the process during off-peak hours, and up to 2–3 hours during busy periods.
- Zambia exit: Stop at the Zambia immigration post. Present your passport and complete Zambia departure formalities. Your passport will be stamped with an exit stamp.
- Cross the Chirundu bridge: Drive or walk across the Zambezi River bridge to the Zimbabwe side. There is a no-man’s land between the two posts.
- Zimbabwe immigration: Present your printed Zimbabwe eVisa document, your passport (with a minimum of 6 months validity remaining and at least 2 blank pages), proof of accommodation in Zimbabwe, and a return or onward travel ticket.
- Zimbabwe customs: Declare any goods if required. Customs officers may inspect your vehicle for prohibited items.
- Proceed: Once cleared, you are officially in Zimbabwe. Continue south on the A1 toward Harare or your destination.
Queue Times and Best Time to Cross at Chirundu
Chirundu is one of the highest-volume commercial border posts in Southern Africa. Heavy trucks from Zambia, the DRC, and beyond funnel through here, creating significant congestion that also affects tourist vehicles.
Busiest times: Monday through Friday between 7:00 AM – 9:00 AM and 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM. Mondays and Fridays are the worst days due to weekly supply truck cycles.
Best time to cross: Arrive before 7:00 AM or after 5:00 PM on weekdays. Weekends (especially Sunday mornings) are generally quieter for tourist vehicles, though commercial traffic never fully stops.
Avoid crossing: Around Zimbabwe public holidays (e.g., Heroes Day in August, Independence Day on 18 April) when increased domestic travel creates additional volume.
Documents You Need at Chirundu Border
Have the following documents ready and accessible — not buried in luggage — when you approach the immigration desk at Chirundu:
- Printed Zimbabwe eVisa — the document emailed to you after approval, printed on paper
- Valid passport — minimum 6 months validity beyond your planned stay, at least 2 blank pages
- Proof of accommodation — hotel booking, lodge confirmation, or a letter of invitation from a Zimbabwean host
- Return or onward ticket — proof that you plan to leave Zimbabwe before your visa expires
- Sufficient funds — you may be asked to demonstrate financial means for your stay (USD cash or a bank statement)
- Yellow fever vaccination certificate — if you are arriving from a yellow fever endemic country
