Over 1 million travellers cleared at Zimbabwe's ports in December

Zimbabwe recorded a significant increase in traveller volumes in December 2024, with over one million people processed at the country's ports of entry. This marked a notable rise from the 840,000 travellers cleared during the same period in 2023. The surge is attributed to various national and regional developments, including the relaxation of the visa regime and the increased accessibility of the e-visa system.

Chief Immigration Officer Ms. Respect Gono said the developments under the Second Republic have made travel easier and more convenient. She noted that the Government's economic blueprint, the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1), emphasises engagement and re-engagement, which has resulted in streamlined visa policies. The peace and stability in the country, combined with economic progress, have also played a significant role in attracting travellers.

The Beitbridge Border Post, which accounted for more than half of the total traffic, processed 508,744 travellers, with 322,930 entering Zimbabwe and 185,814 exiting. Other major entry points included Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport in Harare, which handled over 120,000 travellers, and Victoria Falls International Airport, which saw 93,000 travellers. Plumtree Border Post processed 92,153 travellers, while Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo International Airport in Bulawayo recorded 15,879.

To manage the increased traffic during the festive season, the Immigration Department suspended staff leave and brought in relief personnel from inland stations. The department also introduced the Online Border Management System (OBMS), which improved efficiency by integrating traveller information and biometrics, reducing processing times.

Modernisation efforts at Beitbridge Border Post have further decongested the facility. The border now features separate terminals for commercial, bus, and pedestrian traffic, facilitating smoother movement.

Ms. Gono highlighted the transformative impact of these measures, describing Zimbabwe as a nation that is "a friend to all and an enemy to none," as declared by President Mnangagwa. She said travel patterns have shifted, with many Zimbabweans from the diaspora visiting relatives or relocating home, while foreign nationals are drawn to the country for tourism and investment opportunities.

As Zimbabwe continues to invest in modern border infrastructure and enhance its immigration systems, it is expected to sustain this upward trend in travel volumes. The measures align with the Government's broader vision of fostering economic growth and regional integration.