Planning a Zimbabwe and Botswana combined trip in 2026? Zimbabwe requires an eVisa ($50), while Botswana is visa-free for most Western passport holders. The KAZA UniVisa covers Zimbabwe and Zambia only – Botswana requires a separate entry arrangement, though for most nationalities no visa is needed at all.
Do You Need a Visa for Botswana in 2026?
Botswana has one of the most generous visa-free policies in Southern Africa. Citizens of over 50 countries – including the United States, United Kingdom, all EU member states, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and most Commonwealth nations – can enter Botswana without a visa for up to 90 days.
There is currently no Botswana eVisa system for most Western travelers. You simply arrive at the border or airport, present your valid passport, and receive a stamp. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your travel dates and have at least 2-3 blank pages.
Countries that do require a visa for Botswana include some Asian and African nations. Check the Botswana Department of Immigration official list if you hold a less common passport.
Zimbabwe eVisa Requirements 2026
Zimbabwe requires most international visitors to obtain an eVisa before arrival. The Zimbabwe eVisa is applied for online at the official government portal and is available in two formats:
- Single Entry eVisa: $50 – valid for one entry, stay up to 30 days
- Double Entry eVisa: $70 – useful when crossing into Zambia or Botswana and returning
- Visa on Arrival: Available at major airports and border posts for certain nationalities, but the eVisa is strongly recommended
Processing time for the Zimbabwe eVisa is typically 24-72 hours. You need a passport photo, travel dates, accommodation details, and a return ticket. Citizens of certain SADC countries including South Africa, Zambia, and Botswana enter Zimbabwe visa-free.
If you plan to cross into Botswana and return to Zimbabwe, apply for a Zimbabwe double entry eVisa – this saves you the cost of purchasing a second single entry on your return.
The KAZA UniVisa: What It Covers and What It Doesn’t
The KAZA UniVisa is a joint visa scheme between Zimbabwe and Zambia, costing $50. It is popular among Victoria Falls visitors who want to see both the Zimbabwe and Zambia sides of the Falls. Key facts for 2026:
- Countries covered: Zimbabwe AND Zambia (multiple entries between these two countries)
- Does NOT cover Botswana – this is the most important fact many guides miss
- Valid for: 30 days from first entry
- Available at: Victoria Falls airport (Zimbabwe), Harare airport, Livingstone airport (Zambia), Victoria Falls border post
- Who can get it: Citizens of eligible countries (US, UK, EU, Australia, Canada, and others)
If your Zimbabwe-Botswana trip involves going from Zimbabwe into Zambia and then into Botswana, the KAZA UniVisa covers your Zimbabwe-Zambia movements. For Botswana, most Western passport holders need no visa at all.
Best Border Crossings: Zimbabwe to Botswana
There are two main border crossings between Zimbabwe and Botswana:
Kazungula Border Post
Located near Victoria Falls, Kazungula is the most popular crossing point for tourists. It connects Zimbabwe (near Victoria Falls town) with Botswana (near Kasane, the gateway to Chobe National Park). The new Kazungula Bridge opened in 2021 significantly speeds up transit times.
- Distance from Victoria Falls town: approximately 70 km
- Opening hours: 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM
- Road condition: Good tarmac, easy self-drive
Plumtree-Ramokgwebana Border Post
This is the main commercial crossing between Bulawayo (Zimbabwe) and Francistown (Botswana). Less popular with tourists but useful if traveling south toward Gaborone or the Okavango Delta by road.
Chobe National Park Day Trip from Victoria Falls
One of the highlights of any Zimbabwe-Botswana combined trip is a day trip from Victoria Falls to Chobe National Park in Botswana. Chobe is famous for having the highest concentration of elephants in Africa – herds of hundreds are commonly seen on river safaris.
Day trip logistics:
- Distance: Victoria Falls town to Kasane (Chobe gate) is approximately 90 minutes by road
- Tours available: Full-day tours from Victoria Falls hotels include transport, boat safari, lunch, and game drive – typically $150-250 per person
- Border crossing: Kazungula border – your tour operator handles all paperwork
- Visa for Botswana: Not required for most nationalities – just bring your passport
- Zimbabwe re-entry: Ensure you have a double-entry Zimbabwe visa or KAZA UniVisa to return
The best time for a Chobe day trip is dry season (May-October) when animals concentrate along the Chobe River. Morning boat safaris offer exceptional wildlife viewing with elephants swimming across the river.
Recommended Zimbabwe-Botswana Itineraries 2026
7-Day Southern Africa Highlights
- Days 1-2: Arrive Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe) – Falls tour, Zambezi sunset cruise
- Day 3: Day trip to Chobe National Park (Botswana) – boat safari
- Days 4-5: Hwange National Park (Zimbabwe) – Big Five game drives
- Days 6-7: Bulawayo, Matobo Hills – rhino tracking, UNESCO World Heritage site
10-Day Wildlife and Waterways
- Days 1-2: Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe)
- Days 3-4: Chobe National Park (Botswana) – overnight at Kasane lodge
- Days 5-6: Okavango Delta (Botswana) – mokoro canoe safari
- Days 7-8: Return to Zimbabwe – Hwange National Park
- Days 9-10: Great Zimbabwe ruins, Masvingo
Visa Costs Compared: Zimbabwe + Botswana vs KAZA
| Visa Type | Cost | Countries Covered | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zimbabwe eVisa (single) | $50 | Zimbabwe only | Zimbabwe-only trip |
| Zimbabwe eVisa (double) | $70 | Zimbabwe (2 entries) | ZW + BW day trip |
| KAZA UniVisa | $50 | Zimbabwe + Zambia | Vic Falls both sides |
| Botswana visa | Free (most nationalities) | Botswana | All Western passports |
For most travelers doing a Zimbabwe-Botswana trip, the total visa cost is $50-70 for the Zimbabwe eVisa (single or double entry) plus $0 for Botswana. This is very affordable for a Southern African safari combination.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the KAZA UniVisa cover Botswana?
No. The KAZA UniVisa only covers Zimbabwe and Zambia. It does not include Botswana. However, most Western passport holders (US, UK, EU, Australia, Canada) do not need a visa for Botswana – entry is visa-free for up to 90 days.
Do Americans need a visa for Botswana?
No. US citizens can enter Botswana visa-free for up to 90 days. Just bring a valid passport with at least 6 months validity and 2 blank pages. No advance application needed.
How do I get from Victoria Falls to Chobe National Park?
From Victoria Falls town in Zimbabwe, drive or take a transfer to the Kazungula border post (~70 km). Cross into Botswana and continue ~8 km to Kasane, the entrance town for Chobe National Park. Total journey is approximately 90 minutes. Most visitors book day tours that include transport and border crossing assistance.
What border crossing connects Zimbabwe and Botswana near Victoria Falls?
The Kazungula border post is the main crossing near Victoria Falls. It connects Zimbabwe (near Victoria Falls town) with Botswana (near Kasane). The Kazungula Bridge opened in 2021 has made this crossing much faster than the previous ferry system.
How much does a Zimbabwe eVisa cost in 2026?
The Zimbabwe eVisa costs $50 for a single entry (valid 30 days) and $70 for a double entry. If you plan to do a Chobe day trip and return to Zimbabwe, get the double entry eVisa. Apply online at the official Zimbabwe eVisa portal before your trip.
Can I visit both Zimbabwe and Botswana on a 7-day trip?
Yes, absolutely. A typical 7-day itinerary covers Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe), a Chobe National Park day trip (Botswana), and Hwange National Park (Zimbabwe). Many travelers add a Zambia side visit to the Falls using the KAZA UniVisa for the Zimbabwe-Zambia portion.
Do I need a double-entry Zimbabwe visa for a Chobe day trip?
Yes. If you enter Zimbabwe, cross into Botswana for a Chobe day trip, and return to Zimbabwe, you need a double-entry Zimbabwe eVisa ($70). Alternatively, the KAZA UniVisa allows multiple entries to Zimbabwe (and Zambia), covering your return from Botswana.
What is the best time to visit Zimbabwe and Botswana together?
The dry season (May to October) is best for wildlife viewing in both Zimbabwe and Botswana. Animals concentrate around water sources, making game drives and boat safaris in Chobe particularly rewarding. Victoria Falls is most powerful in April-May following the rainy season.
For complete Zimbabwe eVisa information, see our Zimbabwe eVisa guide. Planning the Victoria Falls circuit including Zambia? Check our Victoria Falls Circuit Visa Guide 2026.
