News / National
Zimbabwe introduces online visa applications
5 hrs ago | Views
Zimbabwe has launched a new online visa application system, allowing travellers from countries requiring a visa to apply electronically, in a major move to modernise the country's immigration processes and eliminate outdated paper-based methods.
The initiative is part of an expansion of the Online Border Management System (OBMS), first introduced in 2024, which now offers electronic visas (e-visas), electronic permits (e-permits), and digital travel clearance services.
Announcing the development, Chief Immigration Officer Respect Gono said the new system would significantly improve the application process by eliminating the need for physical visits to embassies or consular offices.
"The major highlights of the OBMS are the e-visas, e-gates, and e-permits," said Gono in an interview with state media.
"The e-visa facility is now fully functional and nationalities from countries that require prior visa approval can apply online."
She added that the transition from manual to digital applications would save time and costs for applicants who previously relied on postal services or had to travel to consulates to submit documents.
"The e-visa has eased the burden of having to send manual applications through postal services or travelling to the nearest consular offices. Now people can apply from their comfort zones, enjoying convenience, reduced paperwork, and a host of other benefits," she said.
In addition to tourist and short-stay visas, Zimbabwe is also rolling out e-permits for travellers intending to stay in the country for longer periods. These include permits for residence, employment, and investment purposes.
"When people come to Zimbabwe with intentions to stay longer, they are required to apply for residence permits, which are now being facilitated through an online platform," Gono explained.
She noted that while some components of the e-permit system - such as temporary employment permits and investor residence permits - are already operational, other modules are still under development.
The OBMS is part of the Zimbabwean government's broader digital transformation agenda aimed at improving public services, enhancing border security, and boosting tourism and foreign investment.
Travel industry stakeholders have welcomed the shift, saying the user-friendly digital platform will improve Zimbabwe's image as a modern, accessible destination and make it easier for both tourists and investors to engage with the country.
The initiative is part of an expansion of the Online Border Management System (OBMS), first introduced in 2024, which now offers electronic visas (e-visas), electronic permits (e-permits), and digital travel clearance services.
Announcing the development, Chief Immigration Officer Respect Gono said the new system would significantly improve the application process by eliminating the need for physical visits to embassies or consular offices.
"The major highlights of the OBMS are the e-visas, e-gates, and e-permits," said Gono in an interview with state media.
"The e-visa facility is now fully functional and nationalities from countries that require prior visa approval can apply online."
She added that the transition from manual to digital applications would save time and costs for applicants who previously relied on postal services or had to travel to consulates to submit documents.
"The e-visa has eased the burden of having to send manual applications through postal services or travelling to the nearest consular offices. Now people can apply from their comfort zones, enjoying convenience, reduced paperwork, and a host of other benefits," she said.
In addition to tourist and short-stay visas, Zimbabwe is also rolling out e-permits for travellers intending to stay in the country for longer periods. These include permits for residence, employment, and investment purposes.
"When people come to Zimbabwe with intentions to stay longer, they are required to apply for residence permits, which are now being facilitated through an online platform," Gono explained.
She noted that while some components of the e-permit system - such as temporary employment permits and investor residence permits - are already operational, other modules are still under development.
The OBMS is part of the Zimbabwean government's broader digital transformation agenda aimed at improving public services, enhancing border security, and boosting tourism and foreign investment.
Travel industry stakeholders have welcomed the shift, saying the user-friendly digital platform will improve Zimbabwe's image as a modern, accessible destination and make it easier for both tourists and investors to engage with the country.
Source - online
