---
title: Canada visa for citizens of Zimbabwe
description: "Citizens of Zimbabwe need a visa for Canada and must apply in person at an embassy or visa centre. Stay up to 180 days. Fee: CA$100 + CA$30 service fee. Processing: Up to 60 days. Documents checklist and application steps."
canonical: https://nowah.xyz/visa/canada/zimbabwe
lastModified: 2026-09-05
---

# Canada visa for citizens of Zimbabwe

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.*

Application site: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/visit-canada.html

## 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

- **Valid Zimbabwe passport** (Identity): Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned stay
- **Completed visa application form (IMM 5257)** (Identity): Fill online via IRCC portal
- **Two recent passport-sized photographs** (Identity): Must meet Canadian photo specifications
- **Proof of financial means** (Financial): Bank statements for the last 3-6 months
- **Travel itinerary** (Travel): Flight bookings and accommodation details
- **Invitation letter from host in Canada (if applicable)** (Supporting, optional): Optional but helps strengthen the application
- **Employment letter or leave approval** (Employment): From your employer confirming your role and leave period
- **Proof of ties to Zimbabwe** (Supporting): e.g., property deeds, family certificates, job letter
- **Marriage certificate (if traveling with spouse)** (Identity, optional): Only if applicable
- **Birth certificates of accompanying children** (Identity, optional): Only if traveling with minors
- **Visa application fee receipt** (Financial): Pay online via IRCC portal
- **Biometrics fee receipt** (Financial): Paid when booking biometrics appointment
- **Police clearance certificate** (Supporting, optional): May be requested if criminal record exists
- **Medical examination certificate** (Supporting, 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

## FAQs

### 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](https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/visit-canada.html)

## More

- [Canada visa for every passport](/visa/canada)
- [Every destination for Zimbabwe passport holders](/visa/passport/zimbabwe)