From 9 November (00.01hrs) 2002, Zimbabwean nationals will require a visa to travel to the UK .
Zimbabweans wishing to transit the UK en route to or from a third country will also require a visa.

How will the programme work?

In future, Zimbabweans wishing to travel to, or transit, the UK should apply for a visa, through our special operator FedEx. You can lodge your application at FedEx’s offices in Harare, Bulawayo, Gweru, Mutare or Victoria Falls (addresses overleaf). There is no need to visit the High Commission in person. Straightforward applications will be dealt with within 7 working days. If there is a query, you will be invited to an interview at the High Commission. FedEx will deliver your passport, with a visa if your application has been successful, to your home address.

How much will a visa cost?

The current fee for a standard visitor’s visa, allowing entry to the UK for up to six months, is Z$64,800. A direct transit visa currently costs Z$48,600. Details of fees for other types of visa are available from the High Commission or on our website, www.britainzw.org. Fees are subject to review. You should check the current fee before you make an application.

What if I have already made my travel plans?

We have put in place special arrangements to help those who already have a confirmed ticket to travel to or via the UK, and can show that it was purchased on or before 7 November:

A. you do not need a visa to travel if:
 • you are due to arrive in the UK on a direct flight, or a direct transfer flight via Johannesburg, before midnight (24.00hrs) on 15 November 2002 and would not previously have required a visa (eg a genuine visitor or student);
 • you are due to transit the UK before midnight on 15 November 2002.

B. you need a visa, but your application will be treated as a priority, if:
 • you are due to arrive in the UK on a direct flight or a direct transfer flight via Johannesburg, between midnight on 15 November and midnight on 29 November 2002;
 • you are due to arrive in the UK on any other flight (including indirect flights via other cities) any time between now and midnight on 29 November 2002;
 • you are due to transit the UK between midnight on 15 November and midnight on 29 November.

If any of these points apply to you, you can apply for your visa at the British High Commission from 08.00hrs on 8 November. You should come to the High Commission as soon as you can, bringing your passport, 2 photos, visa fee and ticket. We will deal with all applications as quickly as possible to ensure that genuine visitors with confirmed travel for this period, can stick to their plans.

What if I plan to travel in the future?

Anyone planning to travel to or via the UK, arriving after midnight (24.00hrs) on 29 November 2002, should apply for a visa through FedEx. You should also apply through FedEx if you want to travel between 15 and 29 November but have not yet bought a confirmed ticket. You should deposit your passport, photos, application form and visa fee at any FedEx office:

You can do this from today. Application forms are available from FedEx, or at the High Commission, or can be downloaded from our website, www.britainzw.org. We will also be able to accept visa applications at the High Commission, although we believe that for most people FedEx will offer a more convenient service.

Is anyone exempt from the visa requirement?

Yes, the following categories of Zimbabwean passport holders do not need a visa to travel to or via the UK:
 • those who are legally settled in the UK and have been away for less than two years;
 • those have a certificate of entitlement to the right of abode in the UK;
 • those who have previously been granted leave to enter or remain in the UK for a period of more than six months, and who are returning, for the same purpose before that period has expired.

Opening Hours?

We will be open 8am - 4.30pm on Friday 8 November and 8am -1pm on Saturday 9 November to answer any enquiries and to assist those who qualify for the special arrangements. Thereafter we will revert to our normal opening hours: 8am-4.30pm from Monday to Thursday and 8am-1pm on Fridays.

Please do not come to the High Commission over the next few days to make enquiries, unless you qualify for the special arrangements set out above. We need to focus on those with immediate travel plans. Please do contact us by telephone, email or in writing, with any questions, and we will do our very best to assist:

Tel: 772 990 / 774 700

Email: ukvisas@harare.fco.gov.uk

Address: Visas, Corner House, Samora Machel/Leopold Takawira, PO Box 4490.
British High Commission, Harare