Do Children Need Their Own Zimbabwe eVisa?
Yes — every child, including infants, needs an individual Zimbabwe eVisa at the full adult fee with no discount. As of 2025, Zimbabwe no longer offers reduced-cost or free eVisa processing for minors. Each traveler under 18 requires a separate eVisa application, a valid passport in their own name, and additional supporting documents that vary depending on the travel scenario. This guide covers every situation your family may encounter.
Zimbabwe eVisa Fee for Children: Full Price Since 2025
Before 2025, there was some ambiguity about whether children paid a reduced fee for the Zimbabwe eVisa. That ambiguity is now resolved: children pay the same fee as adults. For a tourist single-entry eVisa, this means $30 per child. There are no family discounts, infant exemptions, or group reductions available through the official Zimbabwe eVisa portal.
This is a common point of confusion for families planning travel to Zimbabwe. Budget accordingly — a family of two adults and two children will pay four separate eVisa fees.
Required Documents for a Minor’s Zimbabwe eVisa
When applying for a Zimbabwe eVisa for a child, you must submit all standard documents plus additional paperwork specific to minors:
Essential Documents for All Minors
- Child’s own valid passport — in the child’s name, valid for at least 6 months beyond the travel date
- Passport bio-data page scan — clear color scan of the child’s passport
- Digital passport photograph — recent, white background, child’s face clearly visible
- Unabridged birth certificate — required for all minors (see explanation below)
Unabridged Birth Certificate Explained
An unabridged birth certificate is a full, long-form birth certificate that includes the details of both parents — full names, ID numbers, and their relationship to the child. This is different from an abridged (short) birth certificate, which may only show the child’s name and date of birth.
Many countries issue both versions. Zimbabwe immigration requires the unabridged version for all minors. If you only have an abridged certificate, you will need to request the full version from the relevant government registry in your home country well in advance of travel.
South African travelers note: South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs issues unabridged birth certificates — ensure you have this version, not the standard version.
4 Travel Scenarios: Documents Required by Situation
The additional documents required for a minor’s Zimbabwe eVisa depend on who is traveling with the child. Zimbabwe has four recognized scenarios, each with its own requirements.
Scenario 1 – Both Parents Traveling Together
If both parents are traveling together with the child, the requirements are straightforward:
- Unabridged birth certificate showing both parents’ names
- Both parents’ passports (or copies) proving they are named on the birth certificate
This is the simplest scenario. Immigration will verify that the adults accompanying the child are the documented parents.
Scenario 2 – One Parent Traveling (Other Parent Absent)
If only one parent is traveling with the child:
- Unabridged birth certificate
- Affidavit from the absent parent — a sworn, notarized statement confirming consent for the child to travel with the other parent
- The affidavit should include the child’s full name, passport number, travel dates, destination, and the absent parent’s contact details
- Copy of the absent parent’s passport or ID
If the absent parent cannot be located or has passed away, a court order or death certificate (as applicable) replaces the affidavit.
Scenario 3 – Traveling with a Guardian (Neither Parent Present)
If the child is traveling with a legal guardian, grandparent, aunt, uncle, or any adult other than a parent:
- Unabridged birth certificate
- Court order confirming legal guardianship, OR a notarized letter of consent from both parents
- Affidavit from both parents (or guardian’s court order) explicitly authorizing the named adult to travel with the child
- Copy of both parents’ passports or IDs
- Contact details for both parents
Scenario 4 – Unaccompanied Minor
Children traveling alone to Zimbabwe face the most document-intensive process:
- Unabridged birth certificate
- Notarized parental consent letter from both parents authorizing unaccompanied travel
- Details of the adult receiving the child in Zimbabwe (name, address, contact number, ID copy)
- Airline unaccompanied minor documentation — most airlines require parents to complete their own forms and pay an unaccompanied minor fee
- Confirmation of who will collect the child at Harare or Victoria Falls Airport
Note: Different airlines have different minimum age requirements for unaccompanied minors. Check your airline’s policy carefully before booking.
how to apply for a Child’s Zimbabwe eVisa
The Zimbabwe eVisa for minors is applied for online by a parent or guardian on behalf of the child. The child cannot apply independently. Here is the step-by-step process:
- Visit evisa.gov.zw and log into your account (or create one)
- Start a new application — select the appropriate visa type (tourist, transit, etc.)
- Enter the child’s personal details as they appear on their passport
- Upload the child’s passport bio page scan and digital photo
- Upload the unabridged birth certificate
- Upload any additional scenario-specific documents (affidavit, court order, etc.)
- Review and submit the application
- Pay the full fee ($30 for single-entry tourist) per child
- Receive the approval letter by email — print it and carry it alongside the child’s passport
Apply at least 3 weeks in advance to allow time for processing and to request any missing documents (particularly the unabridged birth certificate).
Tips for Smooth Family Travel to Zimbabwe
- Apply early: Getting unabridged birth certificates, affidavits, and notarized documents takes time — start the process at least 6 weeks before departure
- Keep document copies: Carry both originals and certified copies of all supporting documents
- Each child = one application: If you have multiple children, submit separate eVisa applications for each one
- Consistent names: Ensure names on the birth certificate, passport, and affidavits are identical — discrepancies can cause delays at immigration
- Check expiry dates: Children’s passports are often issued for 5 years — verify your child’s passport is valid for the full duration of travel plus 6 months
Planning a layover through Harare? Check our Zimbabwe Transit Visa guide. For corporate travel, see our Zimbabwe Business eVisa page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do children need their own Zimbabwe eVisa or can they travel on a parent’s visa?
Every traveler, including infants and children of all ages, needs their own individual Zimbabwe eVisa. Children cannot be added to a parent’s visa. Each child requires a separate application and full payment of the applicable fee.
Is there a reduced fee for children’s Zimbabwe eVisa?
No. As of 2025, Zimbabwe charges the full adult fee for all travelers including minors. There are no child discounts, infant exemptions, or family packages. Budget for one full eVisa fee per child in your group.
What is an unabridged birth certificate and why is it required?
An unabridged birth certificate is the full, long-form version that includes both parents’ names, ID numbers, and relationship to the child. Zimbabwe requires it for all minors to verify family relationships and prevent child trafficking. An abridged (short) birth certificate showing only the child’s details is not sufficient.
What if only one parent is traveling with the child?
You need an affidavit from the absent parent — a notarized sworn statement confirming consent for the child to travel. It must include the child’s full name, passport number, travel dates, and destination. A copy of the absent parent’s ID is also required.
Can a child travel to Zimbabwe without their parents?
Yes, but additional documentation is required: a notarized parental consent letter from both parents, details of the receiving adult in Zimbabwe, and airline unaccompanied minor documentation. Check the airline’s minimum age requirements and specific procedures before booking.
Who applies for the Zimbabwe eVisa on behalf of a child?
A parent or legal guardian applies online on behalf of the child at evisa.gov.zw. The child cannot apply independently. The parent logs into their account and submits a new application with the child’s details.
How long does it take to process a Zimbabwe eVisa for a child?
Processing time is the same as for adult applications: 3–7 working days for standard processing. Apply well in advance — at least 3 weeks before travel — to allow time to gather supporting documents and receive approval.
What if the child has a different surname from the traveling parent?
Carry a notarized explanation document (e.g., marriage certificate, deed poll, or statutory declaration) explaining the surname difference. Immigration officers will scrutinize passport names against birth certificates — any discrepancy must be documented and explained.
