The Zimbabwean government's recent announcement of an online border management system has generated considerable interest. This initiative, which aims to modernize and facilitate procedures for entering and staying in the country, is a major step towards the adoption of more advanced technologies to improve administrative efficiency and enhance national security.
The electronic visa for Zimbabwe: a step towards modernization
The Zimbabwean government has signed a contract with a private Lithuanian company, Garsลณ Pasaulisfor the implementation of a national online border management system capable of producing entry visas and residence permits. The decision was announced by the Minister of Information, Monica Mutsvangwaat a post-Cabinet press briefing this week.
Cabinet reviewed and approved Garsลณ Pasaulis' commitment to implement an online border management system integrating visas and residence permits, as proposed by the Minister of Interior and Cultural Heritage, Kazembe Kazembe.
- Monica Mutsvangwa
It should be noted that Garsลณ Pasaulis has already set up the country's system for the production of biometric e-passports, including the deployment of related services in all provinces. The transformation seen in passport issuance, which has seen the rapid elimination of delays and queues, is testament to the government's good vision.
Minister Mutsvangwa also mentioned that Cabinet had agreed to extend the Garsu Pasaullis contract to cover the implementation of a national biometric infrastructure. able to issue entry visas and residence permits. “The issuance of visas and permits will be supported by an integrated information and communication technology system capable of sustainably meeting the demand for these services.." So it's not yet officially an e-visa like its neighbors Mozambique or Botswana already have, but it sure looks like it.
Implications and benefits of e-visa
The introduction of the e-visa for Zimbabwe is a significant step forward for the country. Not only will it make the process easier for international travellers, it will also enhance security at entry points. With biometric technology, the government can ensure that every individual entering the country is correctly identified, reducing the risk of fraud and illegal activity.
2023 marks a year of rebirth for Zimbabwean tourism. Tourism revenues reached 580 million US dollars in the nine months to September 2022, an impressive year-on-year increase of 137.7%.
The majority of tourists to Zimbabwe come from African countries, underlining the importance of intra-African tourism for the country.
And what about the KAZA Univisa?
KAZA Univisa, officially launched in 2014, is a joint initiative between Zambia and Zimbabwe. It allows tourists to enter and travel freely between these two countries on a single visa. The name "KAZA" comes from the cross-border initiative "Kavango-Zambezi"which aims to promote regional tourism in five southern African countries: Angola, THE Botswanathe Namibiathe Zambia and the Zimbabwe. This new initiative by Zimbabwe - if it comes to fruition - should not call this visa into question, and would concern visitors from Zimbabwe only.
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