The Forbes Border Post – officially known as Forbes/Machipanda – is the primary land crossing between Zimbabwe and Mozambique. Located 5 km east of Mutare, it connects the Zimbabwean city with Beira on the Mozambican coast. For travelers crossing into Zimbabwe from Mozambique in 2026, understanding the Zimbabwe eVisa requirements at this border is essential – visa on arrival is not available here.
What Is the Forbes Border Post?
Forbes Border Post sits at the end of the A3 highway from Harare, in Manicaland Province, eastern Zimbabwe. On the Mozambican side, the crossing is called Machipanda. It is the most trafficked official border crossing between the two countries, handling both passenger and freight traffic daily.
- Opening hours: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM daily (closed overnight – plan accordingly)
- Location: 5 km east of Mutare city center
- Connects to: Beira, Mozambique (~300 km east via EN6 highway)
- Joint border management: formalized between Zimbabwe and Mozambique in April 2026
In April 2026, Zimbabwe and Mozambique officially formalized joint border management at Forbes/Machipanda – a move expected to reduce processing times and streamline customs procedures for cross-border travelers.
Do You Need a Zimbabwe eVisa at Forbes Border?
Yes – most non-SADC travelers need a Zimbabwe eVisa and must obtain it before arriving at Forbes Border Post. Unlike some other crossings, Forbes does not reliably offer visa on arrival for international visitors.
Zimbabwe eVisa eligibility by category:
- Category A (USA, UK, EU, Australia, Canada) – must apply online at evisa.gov.zw
- SADC nationals (South Africa, Zambia, Botswana, Mozambique, etc.) – visa-free entry for up to 90 days
- Category B – visa on arrival available at major airports, but NOT always at Forbes land border
Check your country’s category on the Zimbabwe eVisa eligibility page before planning your crossing.
how to apply for Your Zimbabwe eVisa Before Crossing Forbes
Apply online at evisa.gov.zw – the official Zimbabwe government portal. The process takes 15-20 minutes and approval arrives by email within 3-7 working days.
What you need to apply:
- Valid passport (minimum 6 months validity beyond travel date, 2 blank pages)
- Digital passport photo (white background, recent)
- Proof of accommodation in Zimbabwe (hotel booking or lodge confirmation)
- Return or onward travel ticket
- Visa fee payment by credit/debit card
Zimbabwe eVisa fees in 2026:
- Single entry: $30 USD
- Double entry: $45 USD
- KAZA UniVisa (Zimbabwe + Zambia): $50 USD – not applicable at Forbes border
Apply at least 10 days before your planned crossing to allow for processing and any delays. Print your approved eVisa approval letter and carry it with your passport.
Forbes Border Crossing – What to Expect Step by Step
If you are approaching Forbes from the Mozambican side (Machipanda), here is the practical process:
- Mozambique exit formalities – Present passport at Mozambique border control. SADC nationals cross freely. Others complete exit stamp.
- No-man’s-land transit – Short drive or walk (approx. 500 m) between the two border posts.
- Zimbabwe immigration – Present passport and printed eVisa approval letter. Immigration officer verifies and stamps entry. Standard process takes 5-15 minutes if no queue.
- Zimbabwe customs – Declare goods above duty-free limits. Vehicle owners complete temporary import permit (TIP) if bringing a foreign-registered car.
- Proceed to Mutare – 5 km on the A3 highway.
Peak crossing times are weekday mornings (7-9 AM) and Friday afternoons. Expect 30-60 minutes wait at peak. Early morning weekday crossings are fastest.
Getting to Forbes Border from Maputo and Beira
Forbes/Machipanda is the natural gateway for travelers arriving from central and southern Mozambique:
- From Beira – 300 km west on EN6 highway (~4 hours drive). Beira is Mozambique’s second-largest city and main port.
- From Maputo – Approximately 1,100 km by road via Beira. Most travelers from Maputo use the Ressano Garcia/Beit Bridge route via South Africa instead.
- Bus services – Regular coach services from Beira to Mutare pass through Forbes/Machipanda. Journey approximately 5 hours including border formalities.
- Self-drive – EN6 from Beira to Machipanda is generally paved but road quality varies – budget extra time.
Forbes is the least-known of Zimbabwe’s major border posts among international tourists – which means shorter queues and a more relaxed crossing experience compared to Beit Bridge or Victoria Falls.
Mutare – Your First Stop After Forbes Border
Mutare is Zimbabwe’s fourth-largest city and the immediate destination after crossing Forbes. It serves as a practical base for the eastern highlands:
- City center with ATMs, supermarkets, fuel stations, and hotels
- Gateway to Nyanga National Park – Zimbabwe’s highest mountain (Nyangani, 2,592 m)
- Access to Chimanimani National Park – hiking and wilderness camping
- 220 km from Harare via the A3 motorway (~3 hours)
USD is the primary currency in Zimbabwe. ATMs in Mutare dispense USD. Credit cards accepted at major hotels and supermarkets. Carry some USD cash for smaller shops and border-area fuel stations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a Zimbabwe visa on arrival at Forbes Border Post?
Category A nationals (USA, UK, EU, Australia) must apply for a Zimbabwe eVisa online at evisa.gov.zw before travel. SADC nationals enter visa-free.
What are the opening hours of Forbes/Machipanda border?
Forbes/Machipanda is open daily 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM. Arrive before 5:00 PM to allow time for formalities.
How long does it take to cross Forbes border into Zimbabwe?
At quiet times: 15-30 minutes. At peak times (Friday afternoons, weekends): 45-90 minutes. A printed eVisa approval letter speeds things up.
Is Forbes border open 24 hours?
No – Forbes is open 6 AM-6 PM only. For 24-hour crossing, use Beit Bridge (South Africa-Zimbabwe).
What documents do I need to cross Forbes border?
Valid passport (6+ months), printed Zimbabwe eVisa approval, proof of accommodation, return ticket, sufficient funds. Vehicle owners need a temporary import permit (TIP).
Can I use the KAZA UniVisa at Forbes Border Post?
No. KAZA UniVisa is only issued at Victoria Falls border and airport. At Forbes, use a standard single or double entry Zimbabwe eVisa.
How far is Forbes Border from Mutare?
Approximately 5 km east of Mutare city center – about 10 minutes by car on the A3 highway.
Plan Your Zimbabwe Entry via Forbes Border
Forbes/Machipanda is Zimbabwe’s quietest major international border – a strategic advantage for travelers coming from Mozambique who want to avoid the crowds at Beit Bridge or Victoria Falls. Apply for your Zimbabwe eVisa online at least 10 days before travel, print your approval, and cross in the morning on a weekday for the smoothest experience.
Continuing your journey into Zimbabwe? Check our guide to Zimbabwe overland travel and multi-country border crossings for route planning tips across southern Africa.
