Pakistani citizens require a Zimbabwe eVisa (Category C) before departure – visa on arrival is not available for Pakistani passport holders. Apply at evisa.gov.zw, pay $30 USD, and receive your Letter of Authority by email in 3-7 working days. Without an approved Zimbabwe eVisa, airlines will refuse boarding at departure.
Zimbabwe Visa Category for Pakistan – Category C Explained
Pakistan is Category C in Zimbabwe’s entry system – a Zimbabwe eVisa is mandatory before travel, with no exceptions at the border. Zimbabwe operates a three-tier visa system that determines how each nationality can enter the country.
Zimbabwe’s 3-Tier Entry System
| Category | Entry Method | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Category A | Visa-free | South Africa, Kenya, Zambia |
| Category B | eVisa or Visa on Arrival | USA, UK, Germany, Australia |
| Category C | eVisa required before departure | Pakistan, India, China, Philippines |
Why Pakistan is Category C
Pakistan appears on Zimbabwe’s Category C list alongside countries like India, China, and Bangladesh. This means Pakistani nationals cannot obtain a visa on arrival at any Zimbabwe port of entry – not at Harare Airport, Victoria Falls Airport, or Beitbridge border post. The Zimbabwe eVisa must be approved before you board your flight.
Note: The Wikipedia article on Zimbabwe visas explicitly states that “Foreigners of Pakistani origin or who hold a Pakistani Passport are not eligible for an e-Visa under certain conditions” – always verify your eligibility at evisa.gov.zw before applying.
Zimbabwe eVisa Requirements for Pakistani Citizens
Pakistani citizens applying for a Zimbabwe eVisa need 7 documents: valid passport (6+ months remaining), bio page scan, passport photo, flight itinerary, hotel booking, bank statement, and an application letter stating your purpose of visit.
Required Documents Checklist
| Document | Specification | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Passport | Valid 6+ months beyond intended stay | Must have 2 blank pages |
| Passport bio page scan | Clear, full-colour, all 4 corners visible | No blurry photos |
| Passport photo | White background, recent, 35x45mm | No glasses, neutral expression |
| Flight itinerary | Inbound and outbound confirmed bookings | Does not have to be paid ticket |
| Hotel booking | Confirmation with dates and address | Or invitation letter from host |
| Bank statement | Last 3 months, showing sufficient funds | Minimum $50/day recommended |
| Application letter | Signed statement of purpose of visit | Template below |
Application Letter Template for Pakistani Applicants
Many Pakistani applicants are unsure what the “application letter” requires. Here is a ready-to-use template:
To: Zimbabwe Department of Immigration
Date: [DD/MM/YYYY]Dear Officer,
I, [Full Name as on passport], holding Pakistani Passport No. [Passport Number], hereby apply for a Zimbabwe eVisa for the purpose of [tourism / business / transit].
I intend to visit Zimbabwe from [arrival date] to [departure date] and will be staying at [hotel name and address]. I have sufficient funds to cover my stay and hold a confirmed return ticket to Pakistan.
I confirm that all information provided in this application is accurate and truthful.
Sincerely,
[Your Full Name]
[Date]
Airlines Will Refuse Boarding Without a Zimbabwe eVisa – Critical Warning
Airlines conduct pre-departure document checks for Pakistani travelers to Zimbabwe – if you cannot present an approved Zimbabwe eVisa Letter of Authority, you will be denied boarding at the departure gate.
Why Airlines Check Your eVisa
Under IATA Timatic rules, airlines are financially liable if they transport passengers who lack valid travel documents. For Category C countries like Pakistan, Zimbabwe eVisa is a mandatory pre-travel document. The airline will verify:
- Your Letter of Authority from evisa.gov.zw (printed or digital copy)
- That your name matches the passport presented
- That the eVisa has not expired (usually valid 3 months from issue date)
What To Do If Travelling Soon
If your departure is within 7 days, apply immediately at evisa.gov.zw. Standard processing is 3-7 working days. There is no guaranteed express option, but some applications are processed faster. Contact Zimbabwe Immigration at +263 712 321 210 if your application has been pending more than 7 working days.
How to Apply – Step-by-Step Process
Pakistani citizens apply for a Zimbabwe eVisa entirely online at evisa.gov.zw in 5 steps, paying $30 USD by card.
- Create an account at evisa.gov.zw using your email address
- Fill in the application form – personal details, travel dates, purpose of visit, accommodation address
- Upload all 7 required documents – ensure each file is clear, correct orientation, under 2MB
- Pay the processing fee – $30 USD for single-entry (Visa Credit/Debit card accepted)
- Wait for email notification – approval takes 3-7 working days; check spam folder
Once approved, print your Letter of Authority and carry it to Zimbabwe. Present it at the port of entry alongside your passport.
Zimbabwe eVisa Fees for Pakistani Citizens
The Zimbabwe eVisa costs $30 USD for a single-entry tourist visa; the KAZA UniVisa covering both Zimbabwe and Zambia costs $50 USD.
| Visa Type | Fee | Covers | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single Entry (Zimbabwe) | $30 USD | Zimbabwe only | Up to 30 days |
| Double Entry (Zimbabwe) | $45 USD | Zimbabwe – two entries | Up to 30 days |
| KAZA UniVisa | $50 USD | Zimbabwe + Zambia | Up to 30 days |
Important: The $30 processing fee is non-refundable even if your application is rejected. If your application is denied, read our guide on what to do after Zimbabwe eVisa rejection.
After Approval – Your Letter of Authority
After approval, you receive a Letter of Authority by email – print it and present it at your Zimbabwe port of entry alongside your Pakistani passport.
Zimbabwe accepts Pakistani travelers at three main entry points:
- Harare Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport (most common for Pakistani travelers)
- Victoria Falls International Airport (if visiting the falls)
- Beitbridge Border Post (land crossing from South Africa)
The eVisa is typically valid for 3 months from issue date. Your actual stay is limited to 30 days unless your visa specifies otherwise. For more details on the full application process, visit the Zimbabwe eVisa guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Pakistani citizens need a visa for Zimbabwe?
Yes. Pakistani citizens are Category C and must obtain a Zimbabwe eVisa before departure. Visa on arrival is not available for Pakistani passport holders.
Can Pakistani citizens get a Zimbabwe visa on arrival?
No. Pakistan is Category C in Zimbabwe’s entry system. Visa on arrival is only available for Category B countries. Pakistani travelers must apply online at evisa.gov.zw before departure.
How much does a Zimbabwe eVisa cost for Pakistani citizens?
The Zimbabwe eVisa costs $30 USD for single-entry. The KAZA UniVisa (Zimbabwe + Zambia) costs $50 USD. The fee is non-refundable.
How long does Zimbabwe eVisa processing take for Pakistani citizens?
Standard processing takes 3-7 working days. Apply at least 2 weeks before your departure date to allow for delays.
What happens if I arrive in Zimbabwe without an eVisa?
Pakistani citizens without a valid eVisa will be refused entry at Zimbabwe ports. Airlines will also refuse boarding before departure if you lack an approved Letter of Authority.
What documents do Pakistani citizens need for Zimbabwe eVisa?
You need: valid Pakistani passport (6+ months validity, 2 blank pages), passport bio page scan, passport photo, flight itinerary, hotel booking, bank statement (last 3 months), and an application letter stating your purpose of visit.
Can I apply for a Zimbabwe eVisa on behalf of my family?
Each applicant must submit their own individual Zimbabwe eVisa application at evisa.gov.zw. Family members cannot be included on one application.
What is the KAZA UniVisa and should Pakistani citizens apply for it?
The KAZA UniVisa costs $50 USD and covers both Zimbabwe and Zambia. It is ideal if you plan to visit Victoria Falls from both sides or cross into Zambia. If visiting Zimbabwe only, the $30 single-entry eVisa is sufficient.
Where do I present my Zimbabwe eVisa when arriving?
Print your Letter of Authority and present it at immigration at Harare Airport, Victoria Falls Airport, or Beitbridge Border Post alongside your valid Pakistani passport.
