In short
- The KAZA UniVisa costs $50 and covers both countries.
- Walking across the Victoria Falls Bridge takes 30 to 60 minutes.
- You need your physical passport for all bridge and border access.
In this article
Visiting both sides of the Zambezi River allows you to see different angles of Victoria Falls. The border crossing sits directly on the river, connected by the historic Victoria Falls Bridge.
What is the KAZA UniVisa?
The KAZA UniVisa is a single travel permit that lets tourists easily cross between Zambia and Zimbabwe.
This visa costs $50. It allows you to visit both Livingstone and the town of Victoria Falls without paying for separate entry visas for each country. This saves time and money at the border.
Do you need a visa to cross from Zambia to Zimbabwe?
Yes, most international visitors need a visa to enter Zimbabwe from Zambia.
If you do not have a KAZA UniVisa, you must buy a standard single-entry visa at the border. A passport is strictly required for this process. Visa prices change, so check current rates before your trip.
Can you walk across the Victoria Falls bridge?
Yes, you can walk across the bridge for free, which usually takes 30 to 60 minutes.
To enter the bridge without officially crossing into the other country, you still need your passport. You must present it at the border post to obtain a temporary bridge pass.
What medical documents do you need at the border?
You may need a yellow fever vaccination certificate depending on your travel history.
Border officials check these certificates if you have recently visited a country where yellow fever is present. Always carry your physical passport and required medical documents in a secure bag.
Do cross-border tours include park entry fees?
Most guided tours do not include national park entry fees or visa costs.
If you book a combination tour covering both sides of the falls, expect to pay these fees separately. For example, international entry to Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park in Zambia costs $30 in 2026.
Do activity operators provide cross-border transfers?
Transfer inclusions vary widely depending on the operator and the activity.
Many rafting tours pick up guests from both Livingstone and Victoria Falls town. However, some activities, like certain dinner cruises departing from Zimbabwe, strictly exclude transfers from Zambian hotels. Always check the pickup terms 24 hours in advance.
Questions travellers ask
How much is the KAZA UniVisa?
The KAZA UniVisa costs $50. Prices can change, so confirm current fees before traveling.
Do I need my passport just to see the bridge?
Yes. Even if you are not crossing completely into the next country, you must present your passport at the border post to get a free bridge pass.
How far is the border from Livingstone town?
It is a 10 to 15-minute drive from the Livingstone town center to the river border. The roads are paved and well-maintained.
