Victoria Falls Border goes 24‑hour, boosting tourism and cross‑border trade

Travelers using the Victoria Falls Border Post between Zimbabwe and Zambia have welcomed the port of entry’s transition to 24-hour operations, saying the move will significantly enhance seamless travel, tourism growth, and cross-border trade.

The development follows the publication of General Notice 2265A in the Government Gazette of November 13, 2025, issued in terms of Section 41 of the Immigration Act, which officially designates the Victoria Falls Border Post as a round-the-clock port of entry.

The border, which links Zimbabwe and Zambia across the Zambezi River near the world famous Victoria Falls, is a critical gateway for tourism, commerce, and regional transport. It serves thousands of travelers, tour operators, traders, and freight operators daily. For years, its limited operating hours—previously closing at 10PM—were widely viewed as a bottleneck, particularly during peak tourism seasons.

Travelers, businesspeople and border officials say the new operating arrangement is already easing congestion, shortening processing times and unlocking the full potential of one of Southern Africa’s flagship tourism corridors.

A Zimpapers news crew observed a noticeable change in the pace and atmosphere at the border, characterized by smoother vehicle movement and reduced pressure during traditional peak hours.

In interviews, travelers described the development as a game changer for cross-border mobility.

“Before, we were always racing against the clock since the border closed at 10PM. Now, I can plan my business on either side based on opportunity, not on the border closing time. It gives me flexible working hours and peace of mind,” said Ms. Abigail Mwale, a Zambian cross-border trader.

From a tourism perspective, industry players say the 24-hour operation aligns with Victoria Falls’ status as a global destination and reinforces the region’s ambition to grow high-value tourism.

Local tour operator Mr. Edward Dzapasi said the extended hours will significantly enhance operational efficiency.

“This is a game changer. The extended hours will reduce the long queues we used to see, drastically cutting processing times and making movement between Zimbabwe and Zambia effortless. It transforms this busy border post into a truly integrated, functional tourism corridor, enabling crossings at any hour to improve mobility for both leisure and business purposes,” he said.

Victoria Falls forms part of the Kavango Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area (KAZA TFCA), one of the world’s largest conservation and tourism regions, spanning five countries.

Efficient border operations are regarded as vital in maximising the value of multi country tourism packages and transfrontier travel.

Employers for Tour and Safari Operators and Shearwater Public Relations Manager Dr Clement Mukwasi said the extended operating hours will significantly enhance the visitor experience.

“We now have incredible flexibility to offer cross border excursions — think sunrise tours on one side and sunset dinners on the other, night time activities and seamless multi destination itineraries,” he said.

He added that easing congestion during peak travel periods would improve overall service delivery and visitor satisfaction.

“Continuous operations will slash delays for freight and small traders, lower transport costs and boost supply chain reliability, fostering deeper regional integration and economic growth,” said Dr Mukwasi.

In a recent interview, Chief Immigration Director Ms Respect Gono said Government is working towards synchronising operations at major ports of entry to keep pace with growing regional movement.

“The movement of people and business has increased tremendously, and we are committed to ensuring smooth regional mobility. This will stimulate economic growth and unlock a surge in regional business activity,” she said.

Beyond tourism, the 24-hour operation of the Victoria Falls Border Post is viewed as a major boost to the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which seeks to establish a single, integrated market across the continent.

The border now forms part of a continuous, non-stop transport corridor stretching from South Africa through Zimbabwe into Zambia and beyond. Freight trucks entering through Beitbridge can now transit across Zimbabwe and cross into Zambia at Victoria Falls or Chirundu at any time, significantly reducing transit delays, logistics costs, and inefficiencies that have historically constrained intra-African trade.

This milestone aligns with AfCFTA’s broader objective of removing non-tariff barriers, improving trade facilitation, and promoting regional industrialization through faster and more reliable movement of goods and people.

Source