Visa in Zimbabwe
4 Institutionsยท10 ProgramsKey Takeaways
- student visa fee: US$200 for the primary applicant; US$300 for each dependent
- permit extension fee: Non-refundable US$200 per extension application
- renewal window: Apply to renew study permit within 30 days before expiry
- statutory fine for non-renewal: US$100 fine if you fail to renew a study permit annually
- police clearance validity: Police clearance certificate must be no older than 6 months
Requirements
Front-load: you must secure an entry permit or apply at an embassy before travel.
- Pay the student visa fee of US$200 for the primary applicant.
- Pay US$300 for each dependent included on the application.
- All documents must be originals and in English.
- Provide proof of payment in foreign currency with your application.
- Apply at the nearest Zimbabwean embassy before leaving your home country.
- You may obtain a temporary permit on entry to Zimbabwe to allow time to apply for the full student permit.
Eligibility notes:
- You must have an official letter of acceptance from the University of Zimbabwe.
- You must obtain a clearance letter from the Ministry of Education as part of the application.
- You must submit an application letter addressed to the Chief Director of Immigration.
Documents Needed
Front-load: submit originals in English for all documents listed below.
Provide the following items with your student visa application:
- Administrative and identity documents
- Certified copy of passport biodata page.
- Two certified passport-sized photos.
- Police clearance certificate issued within the last 6 months.
- Academic and institutional documents
- Letter of acceptance from the University of Zimbabwe.
- Clearance letter from the Ministry of Education.
- Health and safety documents
- Radiological certificate (chest X-ray report).
- Immigration correspondence
- Application letter to the Chief Director of Immigration.
- Accommodation and financial proof
- Proof of accommodation in Zimbabwe.
- Proof of payment in foreign currency.
- Dependent documents (if applicable)
- Certified marriage certificate for a spouse.
- Certified birth certificates for dependent children.
Notes on document handling:
- Originals only. Do not submit photocopies unless an embassy specifically requests them.
- All documents must be in English. If a document is in another language, provide a certified English translation and the original.
Application Process
Front-load: apply at the nearest Zimbabwean embassy before you depart.
Step-by-step application process:
- Before you apply
- Secure your letter of acceptance from the University of Zimbabwe.
- Obtain the Ministry of Education clearance letter.
- Gather all original documents listed above.
- At the embassy
- Submit the full application package to the nearest Zimbabwean embassy.
- Present proof of payment in foreign currency for the US$200 visa fee.
- Provide originals of police clearance and radiological certificate.
- On arrival in Zimbabwe (if needed)
- If you enter on a temporary permit, apply for the full student permit promptly after arrival.
- Use the temporary permit period to finalize embassy or immigration paperwork.
- For dependents
- Submit each dependent's documents with the principal applicantโs file.
- Pay the additional dependent fee of US$300 per person.
Practical tips:
- Address the application letter to the Chief Director of Immigration as required.
- Keep copies of all submitted originals; the immigration office may request replacements.
- For specific embassy processes and operating hours, contact your nearest Zimbabwean embassy directly.
Financial Requirements
Front-load: you must show proof of payment and accommodation; carry fees in foreign currency.
Required payments and proof:
- Visa application fee: US$200 paid in foreign currency for the primary applicant.
- Dependent fee: US$300 per dependent, payable at application.
- Proof of payment in foreign currency must accompany your application.
Other financial notes:
- Bring documentation proving where you will live in Zimbabwe (accommodation confirmation).
- The sources do not specify a minimum maintenance amount or bank balance requirement beyond proof of payment. If you need a maintenance threshold, confirm it with the embassy or the Ministry of Education before applying.
Fees for permit changes and penalties:
- Permit extension fee: non-refundable US$200 per extension application.
- Statutory fine for failure to renew annually: US$100.
Timelines and Renewals
Front-load: renew permits within 30 days before expiry to avoid fines.
Application timing:
- Submit your visa application at the nearest embassy before you travel.
- If you need a temporary permit on arrival, apply for the full student permit promptly while in Zimbabwe.
Processing and official timing:
- The source advises applicants to check visa processing times on the UK government website for current timelines.
- Processing times at Zimbabwean embassies may vary by location and workload.
Extensions and renewals:
- Renew your study permit within 30 days prior to its expiry date.
- To request an extension, submit:
- Letter from your university confirming continuity of studies.
- Copy of your previous semester results.
- A copy of your current permit.
- The non-refundable extension fee of US$200.
Penalties and validity:
- Failure to renew a study permit annually may incur a statutory fine of US$100.
- Keep your permit valid at all times while studying.
Contacts and practical follow-up:
- Principal Immigration Officer is based at Liquenda House, Harare for immigration queries.
- Client Services Centre phone: +263 (4) 791913-9.
- If you have questions about academic eligibility or representation, source contacts include global@lsbu.ac.uk and representatives@lsbu.ac.uk.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a student visa for Zimbabwe cost?
The standard student visa fee is US$200 for the main applicant. Each dependent costs US$300. Extension applications carry a separate non-refundable fee of US$200.
Where do I apply for a Zimbabwe student permit?
You must apply at the nearest Zimbabwean embassy before you leave your home country. You may obtain a temporary permit on entry to allow time to apply for the full student permit in Zimbabwe.
What documents are essential for the application?
You must provide originals in English, including a letter of acceptance from the University of Zimbabwe, a Ministry of Education clearance letter, police clearance under 6 months old, chest X-ray report, proof of accommodation, proof of payment in foreign currency, two certified photos, certified passport biodata page, and an application letter to the Chief Director of Immigration.
How do I renew or extend my study permit in Zimbabwe?
Apply within 30 days before your permit expires. Submit a university letter confirming continuity, your previous semester results, a copy of the current permit, and pay the US$200 non-refundable extension fee.
What happens if I do not renew my study permit on time?
If you fail to renew the permit annually you may face a statutory fine of US$100. Keep your permit valid at all times to avoid penalties.
