On the 28th of November 2014, Zambia and Zimbabwe launched the Kavango Zambezi Trans-frontier Conservation Area UNIVISA The KAZA UNIVISA is a tourist visa that will grant tourists access to both Zambia and Zimbabwe, but without the hassle of having to get two visas. The goal is to expand the access points after the first six months of trial, so as to include Angola, Botswana, and Namibia, following the inclusion of other countries that are part of the SADC (southern African Development Community) region.
The Kavango Zambezi Trans-frontier Conservation Area stretches across Angola, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe, and is concentrated by the scope of the Caprivi-Chobe Victoria Falls area. As one of the world’s largest conservation areas, if not the largest, the fundamental concern of the KAZA initiative is to conserve and sustain the land and the animals that occupy it, and the five governments have worked together to achieve this. Made of no fewer than thirty-six national parks, game reserves, and forest reserves, with an overwhelmingly abundant wildlife and plant life, the five countries are a spectacular draw to tourists. The tourism sector is thus largely generated by this region, and also funds the region’s conservation efforts, giving cause to develop the tourism industry.
Joint tourist visa for Zambia and Zimbabwe makes it easier for tourists
The UNIVISA allows for a more economical and efficient travelling experience, with less potential problems, and thus the KAZA UNIVISA aims to draw more tourists to the region, thereby increasing the revenue of the tourism sector. Tourists are able to travel to a variety of countries within the Kavango Zambezi Trans-frontier Conservation Area, making the experience a far simpler and more enjoyable one.
Citizens from forty countries will be eligible to buy the Kavango Zambezi Trans-frontier Conservation Area UNIVISA for US$50 (about R500), and the visa will be valid for thirty days, provided one remains in the region. In Zambia, the ports of entry include the Harry Mwaanga International Airport; the Victoria Falls Border; the Kazungula Border; and the KK International Airport. In Zimbabwe, the ports of entry include the Victoria Falls International Airport; the Victoria Falls Border; the Kazungula Border; and the Harare International Airport.
The Kavango Zambezi Trans-frontier Conservation Area UNIVISA may be obtained at any one of the eight ports of entry, and once expired, a new one may be bought (up to three a year allowed). Within the time limit, one can cross the borders of Zambia and Zimbabwe as often as desired, and one may take day trips to Botswana by crossing the Kazangula Borders, provided one doesn’t stay the night. The UNIVISA is intended for tourists on holiday, and, therefore, does not cover visitors who are there for business, who will be expected to follow the normal visa regulations for each country.
The UNIVISA intended for travelling in the Kavango Zambezi Trans-frontier Conservation Area is a step in the right direction, with the potential to expand should it be as successful as is predicted. The KAZA UNIVISA is a great addition to the tourism industry, and tourists can expect to experience a far more fulfilling journey across Zambia and Zimbabwe.
Contact Ashworth Africa tours for more information on the Zambia Zimbabwe UNIVISA