Zimbabwe grants visas on arrival to Chinese visitors as arrivals climb

Chinese nationals can obtain visas upon arrival at Zimbabwe's ports of entry, under relaxed visa controls the government has introduced to encourage both tourism and business travel. The Zimbabwe Tourism Authority said 10,366 Chinese tourists arrived in the first quarter of this year, compared with 8,373 in the same period last year.

Key facts

• Visa on arrival at ports of entry for Chinese nationals, for tourism and business travel
• 10,366 Chinese tourists arrived in the first quarter of this year, up from 8,373 a year earlier
• Zimbabwe launched its 2026-30 national tourism strategy in July
• Target: a $5 billion tourism industry by 2030
• Tourism investment reached $132 million in the first half of this year, up from $40 million

What is the visa arrangement for Chinese visitors?

Zimbabwe has implemented relaxed visa controls that allow Chinese nationals to get their visas when they arrive at ports of entry, rather than in advance. The measure is intended to support both tourism and business travel.

The source does not state the visa fee, the length of stay permitted, which specific ports of entry offer the facility, or when the arrangement took effect.

Why is Zimbabwe doing this?

Following the launch of the 2026-30 national tourism strategy in July, the government set a goal of turning tourism into a $5 billion industry by 2030. It points to infrastructure investment, relaxed tourist visa requirements and improved regional flight capacities as supporting the sector's rebound.

Speaking at the 19th Sanganai/Hlanganani World Tourism 2026 Expo in Masvingo in September, President Emmerson Mnangagwa said the government would keep removing restrictive barriers to growth. He said tourism investment had more than tripled to $132 million in the first half of this year, up from $40 million in the same period last year, and that "Zimbabwe is on the rise again".

Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion Minister Mthuli Ncube said the tourism sector attracted over $1 billion in investments between 2021 and 2025.

What is drawing Chinese travellers?

Chinese visitors are exploring trekking expeditions in Zimbabwe, according to the source, drawn by the country's climate, wildlife, golf tourism and experiential gastronomy. The rise in Chinese arrivals has also led hotels and other hospitality companies to employ more Chinese-speaking workers.

The September expo in Masvingo, home to the Great Zimbabwe World Heritage Site, drew a record 405 exhibitors and 153 international buyers. The largest groups of buyers and traders came from China, Japan, Belgium, Germany, the United Kingdom, the United States, Singapore, the United Arab Emirates and South Africa.

What this means for travellers

Chinese nationals planning tourism or business trips to Zimbabwe can expect to complete visa formalities at the port of entry rather than before departure. Travellers should confirm the current requirements, fee and permitted length of stay before booking, as the source does not provide those details.

No further changes to Zimbabwe's visa rules have been announced in the source.