What Is the Kazungula Border Crossing?
The Kazungula border crossing is a unique tri-border point in southern Africa where Zimbabwe, Zambia, Botswana, and Namibia meet – making it one of the few places in the world where four countries converge in close proximity. Located approximately 70 kilometres from Victoria Falls, Kazungula serves as a critical land crossing for overland travelers, safari tourists, and freight transport connecting southern African nations. The crossing links Botswana’s A1 highway with Zambia’s M19 road via the Kazungula Bridge over the Zambezi River.
The New Kazungula Bridge – Opened 2021
The Kazungula Bridge is the defining landmark of this crossing and one of Africa’s most significant modern infrastructure achievements. Opened on 10 May 2021, the 923-metre cable-stayed bridge replaced the notorious Kazungula Ferry – a slow, bottlenecked pontoon crossing that frequently caused days-long queues of freight trucks. The bridge cost USD $259 million and was jointly funded by Botswana and Zambia with support from the African Development Bank and the Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
Kazungula Bridge Key Facts
- Opened: 10 May 2021
- Length: 923 metres (3,028 feet)
- Type: Cable-stayed bridge
- Longest span: 129 metres
- Lanes: 2 road lanes (one each direction) plus pedestrian walkway and railway line
- Construction cost: USD $259 million
- Crosses: Zambezi River between Botswana and Zambia
- Replaced: Kazungula Ferry (which caused up to 5-day delays for trucks)
- Rail: Single rail track (1,067mm gauge) for future passenger and freight rail
The bridge has transformed the Kazungula crossing from a major regional bottleneck into a modern One Stop Border Post (OSBP) capable of processing thousands of vehicles and pedestrians daily. For travelers coming from Botswana to reach Zambia (and then onwards to Zimbabwe’s Victoria Falls), Kazungula Bridge is the primary route.
Countries You Can Access from Kazungula
Kazungula’s location at the confluence of four countries makes it one of the most strategically valuable crossing points in Africa for multi-country overland trips. Here is what you can access from Kazungula:
- Botswana: Cross from Zambia side to Kasane (Chobe National Park gateway) – a major safari destination
- Zambia: Cross from Botswana side to Livingstone (Victoria Falls, Zambia side, and Zambia’s southern tourist circuit)
- Zimbabwe: Not directly at Kazungula Bridge itself – Zimbabwe is approximately 70km away via Victoria Falls land border. However, KAZA UNIVISA obtained at Kazungula covers Zimbabwe entry
- Namibia: Namibia’s Caprivi Strip touches the quadripoint but there is no road crossing from Kazungula to Namibia – travelers must use the Katima Mulilo border
For travelers on the classic “KAZA circuit” (Kasane → Livingstone → Victoria Falls), Kazungula Bridge is the Botswana-Zambia crossing, with the Victoria Falls land border or Victoria Falls Airport for Zimbabwe entry.
Visa Requirements at Kazungula Border 2026
Visa requirements at Kazungula depend on your nationality and which country you are entering. In 2026, the following applies:
Entering Zambia at Kazungula
- Visa-exempt nationalities (SADC countries, some African nations): no visa required
- KAZA UNIVISA eligible nationalities: obtain KAZA UNIVISA at Kazungula for USD $50 (covers Zambia + Zimbabwe)
- Standard Zambia visa: USD $50 single entry, available on arrival
- US citizens: USD $50 single entry or KAZA UNIVISA USD $50
- UK citizens: USD $50 or KAZA UNIVISA
- EU citizens: Most can get KAZA UNIVISA at USD $50
Entering Botswana at Kazungula
- Most Western nationalities (US, UK, EU, Australia, Canada) are visa-exempt for Botswana for stays up to 90 days
- Passport must be valid for at least 6 months
- No fee for visa-exempt nationalities
Payment at Kazungula
- USD cash is the primary accepted currency for visa fees at Kazungula
- Exact change preferred – immigration counters may not always have change for large bills
- Credit card acceptance is limited – do not rely on it
KAZA UNIVISA at Kazungula – How It Works
The KAZA UNIVISA (Kavango-Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area Univisa) is available at Kazungula border post and is the recommended visa option for travelers planning to visit both Zimbabwe and Zambia. At USD $50 per person, it provides 30-day access to both Zimbabwe and Zambia, plus day trips to Botswana’s Chobe area.
Getting KAZA UNIVISA at Kazungula
- Where: Immigration counter at Kazungula One Stop Border Post (OSBP) – obtain on the Zambia side when entering Zambia
- Cost: USD $50 per person (exact cash preferred)
- Validity: 30 days from issue date
- Eligible countries: 50+ including US, UK, all EU nations, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea
- What it covers: Unlimited crossings between Zimbabwe and Zambia; day trips to Botswana (Chobe area); does NOT cover Mozambique or other KAZA countries
- Documents needed: Valid passport (6+ months validity), completed immigration form
- Not available online: Must be purchased on arrival only
Travelers who obtained a standard Zimbabwe eVisa online before departure can still upgrade to a KAZA UNIVISA at Kazungula or any designated port of entry in Zimbabwe or Zambia. See our full KAZA UNIVISA guide for eligible nationalities and detailed instructions.
Kazungula Border Hours & Operations in 2026 (24/7 Since April 2026)
As of 1 April 2026, the Kazungula One Stop Border Post officially operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This is a significant upgrade from the previous operating schedule and reflects the growing importance of Kazungula as a regional trade and tourism hub. The announcement was made by Botswana’s President Duma Boko as part of the initiative to transform Kazungula into a “nonstop gateway of opportunity.”
- Road crossing (vehicles and pedestrians): 24 hours, 7 days a week (from 1 April 2026)
- Freight processing: 24 hours
- Tourism/passenger processing: 24 hours
- Previously: Limited hours (approximately 06:00-20:00)
- Important note: While the border is open 24/7, staffing may vary at night – some visa processing services may have reduced availability during late night hours. Travelers are advised to cross during daylight hours when possible.
Practical Tips: What to Bring to Kazungula Border
Crossing Kazungula successfully requires preparation. Here are essential tips for travelers in 2026:
- USD cash: Bring sufficient USD in small denominations ($1, $5, $10, $20 bills) for visa fees, road tolls, and any informal fees. USD $50 per person for KAZA UNIVISA, plus extra for contingencies.
- Passport validity: Must be valid for at least 6 months from your entry date. Check all family members’ passports before departure.
- Blank passport pages: Have at least 2-3 blank pages for entry/exit stamps from both Zambia and Botswana.
- Vehicle documentation (self-drive): Original vehicle registration, COMESA insurance (Yellow Card), SADC cross-border permit if required, fire extinguisher, and warning triangles are checked at the border.
- Declaration forms: Complete the immigration and customs declaration forms on both sides of the border. Forms are available at the border but filling them out in advance saves time.
- Patience: Despite the new bridge and OSBP, freight truck queues can extend several kilometres. Passenger vehicles typically have a separate faster lane. Allow 30-90 minutes for the crossing.
- Water and snacks: If arriving during busy periods, queues can be slow. Have water and food in the vehicle.
Getting from Kazungula to Victoria Falls
Victoria Falls is approximately 70 kilometres from Kazungula via the road through Livingstone (Zambia) or via the Victoria Falls land border (Zimbabwe). Here are the options for travelers crossing at Kazungula and heading to Victoria Falls:
- Via Livingstone, Zambia: Cross Kazungula Bridge into Zambia, drive 70km north to Livingstone, experience the Zambian side of Victoria Falls. From Livingstone, cross into Zimbabwe at Victoria Falls town border.
- Via Kasane, Botswana: If arriving from Zambia, Kasane is 2km from Kazungula. From Kasane, drive 3 hours east through Botswana, then cross into Zimbabwe via Pandamatenga or Plumtree border.
- Transfer services: Transfers from Kazungula/Kasane to Victoria Falls (Zambia side) cost approximately USD $30-60 per vehicle. Book through your lodge.
- Distances: Kazungula to Livingstone – 70km (1 hour). Livingstone to Victoria Falls Zimbabwe border – 3km (5 minutes).
For travelers with the KAZA UNIVISA, you can freely cross from Kazungula into Zambia and then into Zimbabwe at Victoria Falls without paying additional visa fees. Our Zimbabwe eVisa guide covers entry requirements for those preferring to fly directly into Victoria Falls Airport or Harare.
Frequently Asked Questions – Kazungula Border Crossing
Is there a ferry at Kazungula anymore?
The Kazungula Ferry no longer operates for road vehicles following the opening of the Kazungula Bridge in May 2021. The bridge replaced the ferry crossing and now carries all road traffic between Botswana and Zambia. Small boats and informal river crossings may still exist locally, but the official crossing is via the bridge. The transition from ferry to bridge reduced crossing times from potentially days (during freight backlogs) to minutes.
Can I get a Zimbabwe visa at Kazungula?
You cannot get a Zimbabwe-only visa directly at Kazungula because the Kazungula Bridge connects Botswana and Zambia – not Zimbabwe. However, you can obtain a KAZA UNIVISA at Kazungula (Zambia side) for USD $50, which covers both Zimbabwe and Zambia. To enter Zimbabwe itself, you will cross at the Victoria Falls land border or fly into a Zimbabwean airport. Present your KAZA UNIVISA there for entry into Zimbabwe without additional fees.
How long does it take to cross Kazungula border?
Passenger vehicle crossing time at Kazungula depends heavily on traffic. For tourist travelers: 30-60 minutes during off-peak hours, up to 2-3 hours during peak times (weekends, public holidays). Freight trucks face significantly longer waits – historically up to several days with the old ferry, now typically 2-8 hours with the bridge and OSBP. Cross during early morning hours (06:00-09:00) for the shortest waits.
Does Kazungula border operate 24 hours in 2026?
Yes. As of 1 April 2026, the Kazungula One Stop Border Post (OSBP) officially operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This change was announced by Botswana’s government to support regional trade and tourism. Previously, the border had restricted hours. While the border is now 24/7, travelers are advised to cross during daylight hours when possible for safety and to ensure all immigration services are fully staffed.
Is Kazungula bridge safe to cross?
Yes. The Kazungula Bridge is a modern, engineered infrastructure project built to international standards and opened in 2021. It is safe for all road vehicles including heavy freight trucks. The bridge has a 2-lane carriageway with pedestrian walkway and safety barriers. Standard road safety rules apply: observe speed limits on the bridge, do not stop on the bridge (except in emergencies), and follow border official instructions on both sides.
What is the KAZA UNIVISA and can I get it at Kazungula?
The KAZA UNIVISA is a USD $50 single visa that grants entry to both Zimbabwe and Zambia for 30 days, plus day trips to Botswana’s Chobe area. It is available on arrival at Kazungula border post (Zambia side) for eligible nationalities including US, UK, EU, Canadian, and Australian citizens. You cannot apply for it online in advance. Present your passport and USD $50 in cash at the immigration counter. The KAZA UNIVISA is the recommended option for overland travelers on the Victoria Falls circuit.
Do I need a vehicle permit to cross the Kazungula bridge?
Yes, if crossing with your own vehicle. Requirements include: vehicle registration documents, COMESA Yellow Card (insurance valid in multiple African countries), and in some cases a cross-border permit. Rental vehicles from South Africa or Botswana must have a letter of authorization from the rental company permitting cross-border travel. Check with your rental company before attempting the crossing. Third-party tourists in tour vehicles do not need separate permits – their operator handles vehicle documentation.
Can I walk across the Kazungula Bridge?
The Kazungula Bridge has a pedestrian walkway and foot crossing is possible. However, pedestrian crossing at international borders requires all the same visa and immigration formalities as vehicle crossings – you must present your passport, complete immigration forms, and pay any applicable visa fees on both sides. There is no separate process for pedestrians. If crossing on foot, be prepared for full border formalities on both the Botswana and Zambia sides.
