Entry rules at a glance
Zimbabwe and Zambia have separate entry rules. Many visitors cross the Victoria Falls Bridge during the trip, so plan for both. The rules below come from the Zambian immigration authority, the Zambian embassy and the German Foreign Office. This guide is independent. Check the rules with an embassy or the official sources before you travel, because they can change.
KAZA Univisa explained
One visa for two countries, but not for every KAZA country.
What it is
The KAZA Univisa costs $50 and lets you stay up to 30 days within 12 months. It covers multiple visits to Zambia and Zimbabwe as long as you stay in those two countries. It also covers day trips to Botswana via Kazungula. It is not a visa for all the KAZA countries.
Where you get it
In Zambia it is issued at Kenneth Kaunda airport in Lusaka, the Livingstone airport, the Victoria Falls border and the Kazungula border. In Zimbabwe it is issued in Harare, at Victoria Falls airport, and at the Victoria Falls and Kazungula borders. The Zambian authority also offers an e-visa for entry through the Zambian points.
Who can use it
The official list includes Germany, Austria, Switzerland, the UK, the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, France, Italy and Japan. Not every nationality that is visa-free for Zambia is on the KAZA list. Check the full list for your passport.
Victoria Falls tours with transfers
Guided visits, flights, cruises and day trips, with live prices, availability and details of what is included.
Visas for each side
What the sources say, by country.
| Zimbabwe | Zambia | |
|---|---|---|
| German citizens | Visa needed, $30 for 30 days at the airport or land borders; an online application is also mentioned | Visa-free; passport valid at least 6 months; usually 30 days on entry, up to 90 days in 12 months with an extension |
| Austrian and Swiss citizens | Check with the embassy | On the embassy's visa-free list |
| Other nationalities | Fees and rules differ | UK, USA, Canada, Australia and New Zealand are also on the 2025 visa-free list |
| Currency | US dollars widely used, plus the ZiG | Kwacha (ZMW) |
The German Foreign Office text on Zimbabwe says both that the visa is issued on arrival and that it can be applied for and paid online. Treat both options as possible and confirm which one applies to you.
Victoria Falls airport and transfers
There are two airports, one in each country.
Victoria Falls International (VFA)
VFA is 21 km south-east of Victoria Falls Town. The airport operator lists regular operating hours of 06:00 to 18:00 daily, extended on approved request. These are airport hours, not border or ticket office hours.
Harry Mwaanga Nkumbula (LVI)
LVI is the international airport in Livingstone. A hotel at the falls on the Zambian side lists 25 minutes by car from LVI.
Livingstone guide →Transfer examples for 2026
One safari hotel lists a transfer to VFA at 22 minutes and $25, and to LVI at 45 minutes and $61 including the bridge levy. Kasane airport in Botswana is 2 hours and $93. Prices are per person and direction, with two guests minimum, and visa fees are not included. They are estimates to be confirmed. No public airport bus or fixed taxi fare is listed.
Money, safety and health
Notes from the German Foreign Office, 13 and 18 October 2026.
Money in Zimbabwe
Many prices are quoted and paid in US dollars, and the local currency is the ZiG. Cash can be short, and cards and ATMs do not work everywhere. Arrange your cash before you travel.
Money in Zambia
The currency is the kwacha. Cards work at larger businesses, but outages happen. A tour priced in dollars does not mean you must pay in dollars everywhere.
Safety
For Zimbabwe, the German Foreign Office warns about theft and robbery and advises against walking after dark. For Zambia, it warns about petty crime even in tourist centres. Power cuts can switch off lights and security systems. Wild animals can enter camps, so follow your guide and lodge.
Malaria and other health points
The German Foreign Office lists a high malaria risk all year around the falls and the Zambezi valley. Use mosquito protection and ask a doctor about prophylaxis. Yellow fever proof is not required for direct entry from Germany. Zimbabwe asks for proof if you come from a yellow fever area. Zambia asks for it if you come from one or transit there for more than 12 hours, from age 1. For Zambia the Foreign Office also advises against swimming in fresh water because of bilharzia.
Rules at the falls
Stay on the paths, do not cross barriers, do not feed animals and wear shoes with grip. Drones need a special written permit and are not covered by any tour booking.
Victoria Falls travel tips: frequently asked questions
Do I need a visa for Victoria Falls?
That depends on your passport and which side you visit. Germans need a Zimbabwe visa and are visa-free in Zambia. The KAZA Univisa costs $50 and covers both. Check your own nationality with an embassy.
Is the KAZA Univisa valid for all KAZA countries?
No. It covers Zambia and Zimbabwe, plus day trips to Botswana via Kazungula. It is not a general visa for all KAZA countries.
Can I pay in US dollars?
In Zimbabwe, often yes. Zambia uses the kwacha, though tour operators quote dollar prices. Carry cash, because cards and ATMs can fail.
Do I need malaria tablets?
The German Foreign Office lists a high malaria risk all year. Ask a doctor about prophylaxis before you travel. Do not rely on a dry season.
Which airport should I use?
VFA is on the Zimbabwe side and LVI on the Zambian side. Choose by where you plan to stay and which visa you hold. Check the current flights, because the sources here list no public airport bus.