Zimbabwe passport → Canada

Canada visa for citizens of Zimbabwe

Embassy / VFSVisitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa)

Citizens of Zimbabwe need a visa for Canada and must apply in person at an embassy or visa centre.

Verified · Last checked 2026-09-05. Policies change. Confirm with the embassy or official visa portal before you travel.

Key facts

Entry route	Embassy / VFS · Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa)
How to apply	In-person at an embassy or visa center
Maximum stay	Up to 180 days
Entries	Multiple entry
Processing time	Up to 60 days
Government fee	CA$100 + CA$30 service fee
Passport validity	At least 6 months
Biometrics	Required
Appointment	Required
Interview	Not required
Onward or return ticket	Required
Proof of funds	Bank statements or proof of sufficient funds for the stay

How to apply

1
Gather required documents
Collect all necessary documents including passport, photos, financial proof, itinerary, and ties to Zimbabwe
2
Complete online application form
Fill form IMM 5257 on the IRCC website and upload digital copies of documents
3
Pay application and biometrics fees
Pay CAD 100 for the visa plus CAD 30 for biometrics using a valid credit card
4
Book biometrics appointment
Schedule an appointment at the nearest VFS Global office or Canadian visa application centre (usually in South Africa)
5
Attend biometrics appointment
Bring your passport and biometrics instruction letter to provide fingerprints and photograph
6
Submit passport and original documents
Mail or submit your passport and original documents to VFS Global after biometrics (if requested)
7
Wait for processing
Processing times vary; check IRCC website for updates (typically 30-60 days)
8
Collect visa and passport
Once approved, collect your passport with visa sticker from VFS Global or receive by courier

Documents checklist

Identity

Valid Zimbabwe passport
Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned stay
Completed visa application form (IMM 5257)
Fill online via IRCC portal
Two recent passport-sized photographs
Must meet Canadian photo specifications
Marriage certificate (if traveling with spouse)
Optional
Only if applicable
Birth certificates of accompanying children
Optional
Only if traveling with minors

Travel

Travel itinerary
Flight bookings and accommodation details

Financial

Proof of financial means
Bank statements for the last 3-6 months
Visa application fee receipt
Pay online via IRCC portal
Biometrics fee receipt
Paid when booking biometrics appointment

Employment

Employment letter or leave approval
From your employer confirming your role and leave period

Supporting

Invitation letter from host in Canada (if applicable)
Optional
Optional but helps strengthen the application
Proof of ties to Zimbabwe
e.g., property deeds, family certificates, job letter
Police clearance certificate
Optional
May be requested if criminal record exists
Medical examination certificate
Optional
May be required if staying more than 6 months or from a listed country

Proof of funds

Minimum balance: CAD 2,500 per person for the stay

Bank statements
Pay slips
Proof of assets
Sponsor letter

Must demonstrate enough funds to cover travel, accommodation, and return

Good to know

Ensure all documents are in English or officially translated
Biometrics are mandatory for applicants aged 14-79
Processing times can exceed 60 days during peak periods

Common refusal reasons

Insufficient financial proof

Provide detailed bank statements and proof of assets

Weak ties to home country

Include employment letter, property deeds, and family evidence

Incomplete or incorrect application form

Double-check all fields and use the official checklist

FAQ

Do citizens of Zimbabwe need a visa for Canada?

Citizens of Zimbabwe need a visa for Canada and must apply in person at an embassy or visa centre. Visa type: Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa).

How long can citizens of Zimbabwe stay in Canada?

Up to 180 days.

How much does the Canada visa cost for citizens of Zimbabwe?

Government fee: CA$100 + CA$30 service fee.

How long does Canada visa processing take?

Typically Up to 60 days.

What documents do citizens of Zimbabwe need for Canada?

Valid Zimbabwe passport; Completed visa application form (IMM 5257); Two recent passport-sized photographs; Proof of financial means; Travel itinerary; Employment letter or leave approval; and 8 more.

How long must my passport be valid for Canada?

At least 6 months.

Where do I apply?

Applications go through https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/visit-canada.html. Check that you are on the government's site before you pay.

Sources

canada.ca

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