Chinese Visa Policy and Requirements for Citizens of Zimbabwe

I. Chinese Embassy in Zimbabwe

 

1. Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Harare

 

  • Address: 320 Second Street, Harare (official website: http://zm.china-embassy.gov.cn).
  • Contact:
    • Consular Section: +263-242-772138 (visa enquiries).
    • Emergency Hotline (Consular Protection): +86-10-12308 (China’s global emergency number).
  • Note: Visa applications processed via the embassy or third-country missions (if applicable).

II. Visa Requirements for Zimbabwean Citizens

 

1. Visa Necessity (Ordinary Passport)

 

  • Mandatory Visa: Required for tourism, business, work, etc.
  • Visa-Free Categories:
    • Diplomatic/Government Passports: 免签 (60 days, per 2014 bilateral agreement).

 

2. Visa Types & Eligibility

 

  • Tourist (L Visa):
    • Visa-on-Arrival (Since 2018): Available at all Zimbabwean entry points.
    • Eligibility: Valid passport (≥6 months), round-trip ticket, hotel booking/invitation, completed application form.
    • Fees: USD 60 (single-entry, stay ≤30 days).
  • Business (M Visa): Invitation letter from a Chinese entity.
  • Work (Z Visa): Work permit + invitation.
  • Transit (G Visa): 24/72/144-hour visa-free transit at designated Chinese airports (with onward ticket).

 

3. Required Documents (General)

 

  • Passport (valid ≥6 months, ≥2 blank pages).
  • Passport photo (3.5×4.5cm, white background).
  • Online application (COVA system: https://cova.mfa.gov.cn).
  • Travel itinerary (flight/hotel bookings).
  • Financial proof (bank statement, ~USD 50/day for stay).
  • Additional for Specific Visas:
    • M/Z Visas: Invitation letter + Chinese company registration.
    • X Visas (Study): Admission letter + JW201 form.
    • Q Visas (Family): Kinship proof (birth/marriage certificate).

 

4. Application Process

 

  • Tourist Visa (On-Arrival): Submit documents at Zimbabwean entry points.
  • Other Visas: Apply via Chinese Embassy in Harare or third-country missions (e.g., South Africa).
    • Online: Complete COVA form → Schedule appointment (via AVAS system).
    • Processing Time: 4–7 business days (standard).
    • Fees: Tourist (USD 120), Business (USD 145) (via embassy; varies by type).

 

5. Health & Customs (2025)

 

  • COVID-19: No mandatory tests/quarantine (post-pandemic policy).
  • Customs (China): Declare cash >¥20,000 or equivalent; prohibited items: drugs, ivory.

III. Reciprocal Visa Policies (China → Zimbabwe)

 

1. Chinese Citizens (Ordinary Passport)

 

  • Visa-on-Arrival (Tourism): USD 60 (30 days, all Zimbabwean ports).
  • Eligibility: Valid passport (≥6 months), round-trip ticket, hotel booking/invitation.
  • Long-Stay (Work/Study): Apply for residence permit locally (after entry).
  • Diplomatic/Government Passports: 免签 (60 days, reciprocal agreement).

 

2. Visa Types for Zimbabwe

 

  • Work/Investment: Requires local permits (e.g., investment ≥USD 300,000 for residency).
  • Yellow Fever: Certificate mandatory for travelers from endemic areas (including China).

IV. Key Travel Notes

 

  • Residence Registration (China): Non-hotel stays >24 hours? Register with local police.
  • Zimbabwe Entry: Yellow fever vaccination certificate required (WHO guidelines).
  • Security: Monitor China’s travel advisories (e.g., 外交部公告).

V. Emergency Contacts

 

  • China (Global): +86-10-12308 (consular protection).
  • Zimbabwe Emergency: Police 995 | Ambulance 994.
  • Chinese Embassy in Harare: +263-242-772138.

VI. Official Resources