Zimbabwe Visa - Multiple Entry Question
Aug 21st, 2010, 01:00 PM
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Zimbabwe Visa - Multiple Entry Question
Well, I took the plunge to take the plunge into Devil's Pool while I'm at Victoria Falls this October. Yes, probably crazy for an almost 40-year-old, full-figured gal, but it looked like too much fun to miss! And I hear it is a "must" in the dry season. It even includes high tea on Livingstone Island...my kind of tour 
But it creates a problem with my visa plans. I now need to enter Zimbabwe 3 times instead of 2 times (I'm also doing a Chobe trip). I hear there is some crazy complication with the multi-entry visas. It was recommended that I purchase both a single entry and a double entry instead of a multi-entry.
Does anyone know if this is actually even allowed? And can I get them both upon landing at the airport or will they make me buy the second one later?
CJ
But it creates a problem with my visa plans. I now need to enter Zimbabwe 3 times instead of 2 times (I'm also doing a Chobe trip). I hear there is some crazy complication with the multi-entry visas. It was recommended that I purchase both a single entry and a double entry instead of a multi-entry.
Does anyone know if this is actually even allowed? And can I get them both upon landing at the airport or will they make me buy the second one later?
CJ
Aug 21st, 2010, 01:07 PM
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Is there a limit on how many times you can enter on a multi-entry Visa? When we visited our multi was used only for few days trip to/from Chobe.
If not, then there shouldn't be a problem. However, unless you can get details from the ZIM website, or call their Embassy/High Commission (whether in the States or UK) for specific will you know for certain. That said and since TIA (this is Africa) I'd still be prepared to purchase an extra single visa just in case. In ZIM, it's possible Immigration agent/s may set their own rules!!!
If working with a tour operator they should have this info; if you've booked direct, contact your hotels (ZIM & ZAM) who one would assume would also know.
Would be nice to hear whether others have more specifics.
If not, then there shouldn't be a problem. However, unless you can get details from the ZIM website, or call their Embassy/High Commission (whether in the States or UK) for specific will you know for certain. That said and since TIA (this is Africa) I'd still be prepared to purchase an extra single visa just in case. In ZIM, it's possible Immigration agent/s may set their own rules!!!
If working with a tour operator they should have this info; if you've booked direct, contact your hotels (ZIM & ZAM) who one would assume would also know.
Would be nice to hear whether others have more specifics.
Aug 21st, 2010, 01:25 PM
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Thanks Sandi, I booked this part of the trip with a tour operator in London and I've been having problems getting questions answered, but they are the ones who actually told me that there is a problem getting a multi-entry visa for Zimbabwe (maybe this is new?). Something having to do with them having to "send it out" and you can't get it right away? Did you get your multi at the Zim airport??
Aug 21st, 2010, 01:44 PM
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Yes, we did get ours on arrival as do most all visitors; sure wouldn't trust mailing away to this Embassy your passport and funds. Unless something has changed, on deplaning you get in the Immigration queue, request a multi-entry Visa and pay an additional small fee (over that for the single). Believe total is about $50/person.
Aug 21st, 2010, 02:01 PM
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My niece (a Canadian) and I have being going through this problem with our upcoming trip. We will be entering Zimbabwe 3 times. This is the e-mail quote we got through the tour operator from their agent in Zimbabwe "US passport holders can obtain a double entry visa at the border @ US$45." For her it is a little different "Canadians cannot obtain their double entry visa at the port of entry - this must be issued prior to leaving their home country. Failing that they will have to purchase 3 single entry visas every time they enter Zimbabwe @ US$75."
It is $25 cheaper to get it ahead of time through the Ottawa Zimbabwe embassy so we are going to go with getting hers each time at the border instead of sending it away.
Carrie, I am not sure if you are American because you said you booked through a tour agent in London. I would contact them if you are English but otherwise don't worry about it. I'm not.
It is $25 cheaper to get it ahead of time through the Ottawa Zimbabwe embassy so we are going to go with getting hers each time at the border instead of sending it away.
Carrie, I am not sure if you are American because you said you booked through a tour agent in London. I would contact them if you are English but otherwise don't worry about it. I'm not.
Aug 21st, 2010, 08:47 PM
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Thank you for your responses...my plan will be to have money for both the multiple or a single and a double...depending on what they tell me. Louise, yes, I'm American but only booked with an online company based in London. Sadly for me, the person I booked with left the company and ever since then, information has been slow coming out of their office. But when I made my final payment, they said that multi-entry visas cannot be issued for short stays (I'm only there 3 nights). I believe they said they send it down to the capital city if you request a multiple entry. But I'll be ready either way! Thanks!
Aug 22nd, 2010, 09:52 AM
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That UK company has no idea what they're talking about.
Many people, as we did, arrive VFA for a visit to the Falls (1/nt) and then do a road transfer to Botswana for 2/nts at Chobe and then back to VFA for return flight to JNB.
Immigration at VFA, did ours all by hand, with an ink-stamped or pasted-on coupon Visa, clarly marked "multi" indicating the amount paid!
Many people, as we did, arrive VFA for a visit to the Falls (1/nt) and then do a road transfer to Botswana for 2/nts at Chobe and then back to VFA for return flight to JNB.
Immigration at VFA, did ours all by hand, with an ink-stamped or pasted-on coupon Visa, clarly marked "multi" indicating the amount paid!
Aug 22nd, 2010, 09:57 AM
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Sandi - lol - yes, it makes me a little worried about the rest of the trip details. Hopefully it will be ok. But that's great news because it will save me a little and every little bit helps on a trip like this.
Aug 22nd, 2010, 09:23 PM
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Hi guys,
It's worth remembering that the Zimbabwean border authorities are prone to making up their own rules as they go along, and the word multi sometimes means twice.
Remember too that the border officials often "don't have change", so have the exact amount in notes (needless to say, the "change" is for their pockets).
You'll also not easily find anyone who will readily sort out a problem. It's a matter of "pay up and shut up"!
Be prepared for these situations.
It's worth remembering that the Zimbabwean border authorities are prone to making up their own rules as they go along, and the word multi sometimes means twice.
Remember too that the border officials often "don't have change", so have the exact amount in notes (needless to say, the "change" is for their pockets).
You'll also not easily find anyone who will readily sort out a problem. It's a matter of "pay up and shut up"!
Be prepared for these situations.
Aug 22nd, 2010, 09:42 PM
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I've just done some research, and the latest information I could find (valid April 1) seems to indicate that multi entry visas are not available at ports of entry (only single and double). The rates I've got are $30 single and $40 double for most nationalities, and $55 single, $70 double for British passport holders. These can change though.
Aug 23rd, 2010, 08:31 AM
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Bushkid0 -
yeh, semantics... one word and who can truly figure out the meaning Does "multi" mean as many as within a given period of time, OR only twice/double?
Thinking further on this, our border crossings were only twice, but if as CarrieT mentions, will be three times, my guess is she'll require 1/double and 1/single.
Best to have the correct notes for these options, but don't volunteer more info than necessary. If on arrival you purchased the "double" you might be able to get across the third time and no one will ask; if they do, then you pay.
yeh, semantics... one word and who can truly figure out the meaning
Does "multi" mean as many as within a given period of time, OR only twice/double? Thinking further on this, our border crossings were only twice, but if as CarrieT mentions, will be three times, my guess is she'll require 1/double and 1/single.
Best to have the correct notes for these options, but don't volunteer more info than necessary. If on arrival you purchased the "double" you might be able to get across the third time and no one will ask; if they do, then you pay.
Aug 24th, 2010, 07:22 PM
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Thanks for your thoughts on this Bushkid0 - I think you're right. I'll let them know I need to enter 3 times and see what they give me and be prepared to pay for either the multi or the double AND single.
Aug 25th, 2010, 12:52 AM
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Sorry I can't help with the Zim visa question (we stayed in Zambia) but we did the Devil's Pool and it was amazing!! There are little fish in the pool that will nibble on your feet and legs so the guides tell you to keep swishing your legs around! It was fantastic, you will love it!! Good luck and have fun!
Aug 29th, 2010, 05:12 PM
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Kits55, glad to hear that! I was a little worried that I was just a tad crazy ;-) So you actually go in with bare feet then? I was wondering if I needed to get special water shoes or anything...
Sep 1st, 2010, 03:47 PM
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We received this today from our agent:
ZIMBABWE
"The Zimbabwea government has introduced reciprocity visa fees for passengers from Canada and America. The cost of the visa is subject to increase.
Canadians: Single Entry - US$75/person
Canadian citizens can no longer obtain a multiple entry visa on arrival. Note the cost of obtaining a single entry at the Zimbabwean Consulate in Ottawa is CA$100 and Multiple entry is CA$200.
Americans: Single Entry - US$30/person
Double Entry - US$45/person
Multiple Entry - US$55/person
US $ only. Keep in mind that each entry visa will take up 1 complete page of your passport."
ZAMBIA
"US and Canadian passport holders:
Single Entry - US$50
Double Entry - US$80
Multiple Entry - US$60
Day Tripper Visa - US$20
RE-ENTRY VISAS: Persons wishing to leave Zambia and then return on the same or at a later date will now be required to purchase a NEW visa at port of entry, assuming all other previously issued visas have been utlized.
Commonwealth countries do not require visas EXCEPT for the following, on a reciprocal basis: GREAT BRITIAN, CANADA, INDIA, NEW ZEALAND and AUSTRALIA.
Note: This information was valid at the time of issuance, as passport and visa requirements can change frequently or without prior notice, it is best that you check with your local travel professional or embassy/consulate for the most up to date info."
Looks like you must have at least 6 completely blank pages in your passport.
ZIMBABWE
"The Zimbabwea government has introduced reciprocity visa fees for passengers from Canada and America. The cost of the visa is subject to increase.
Canadians: Single Entry - US$75/person
Canadian citizens can no longer obtain a multiple entry visa on arrival. Note the cost of obtaining a single entry at the Zimbabwean Consulate in Ottawa is CA$100 and Multiple entry is CA$200.
Americans: Single Entry - US$30/person
Double Entry - US$45/person
Multiple Entry - US$55/person
US $ only. Keep in mind that each entry visa will take up 1 complete page of your passport."
ZAMBIA
"US and Canadian passport holders:
Single Entry - US$50
Double Entry - US$80
Multiple Entry - US$60
Day Tripper Visa - US$20
RE-ENTRY VISAS: Persons wishing to leave Zambia and then return on the same or at a later date will now be required to purchase a NEW visa at port of entry, assuming all other previously issued visas have been utlized.
Commonwealth countries do not require visas EXCEPT for the following, on a reciprocal basis: GREAT BRITIAN, CANADA, INDIA, NEW ZEALAND and AUSTRALIA.
Note: This information was valid at the time of issuance, as passport and visa requirements can change frequently or without prior notice, it is best that you check with your local travel professional or embassy/consulate for the most up to date info."
Looks like you must have at least 6 completely blank pages in your passport.
