border crossing guide
Your guide to crossing borders between Victoria Falls , Livingstone and Kazangula
BORDER POSTS
The Victoria Falls area has the following border posts.
Zimbabwe and Zambia at Victoria Falls Bridge
The Victoria Falls Bridge border post connects Victoria Falls town (Zimbabwe) with Livingstone (Zambia). This is one of the most scenic border crossings in the world, with views of Victoria Falls; it is also very congested at peak times so please be patient.
This border post is open 24 hours 7 days a week.
Only one vehicle can cross the bridge at a time, so a short wait may be needed.
Zimbabwe and Botswana at Kazungula
This crossing takes you from Victoria Falls directly into Botswana, bypassing Zambia.
Botswana and Zambia at Kazungula
This crossing takes you from Zambia into Botswana, mostly for Chobe National Park Day Trips or onward travel into Botswana.
You will be required to step on a treated mat and disinfect shoes for foot-and-mouth disease control
To clarify: if you were crossing the bridge at Kazangula from Zambia and wanted to get into Zimbabwe you would go out at the Zambia border post into Botswana post and then into Zimbabwe border post.
Botswana and Nambia border in Kasane – Impalila Island / Kasika
There is no direct border crossing from Zimbabwe to Namibia. Guests travel via Kasane, Botswana and transfer by boat to Impalila Island immigration
Kasane Immigration hours: 07:30–16:30 daily (latest arrival 16:00).
This border is used for Zambezi Queen, Ichingo Island Lodge and Zambezi Princess boats
Botswana and Namibia border at Ngoma.
This connects the Caprivi strip area of Nambia with Botswana and crosses the Chobe River.
Immigration hours: 06:00–18:00
Namibia and Zambia at Katima Mulilo/Sesheke border post located along the Zambezi River. Used to access lodges on the less visited upper regions of the Zambezi River.
WHAT TO HAVE ON HAND WHEN CROSSING A BORDER:
- Your passport . It must be valid for at least 6 months past your travel date. It must have 2 to 3 completely empty passport pages. (Botswana requires 3)
- Exact cash ready for visa payments if required.
- Card payments are unreliable at border posts – carry USD (post-2006 series preferred) in small denominations ($1, $5, $10, $20)
- Have water, reading material and sun protection (hat and sunscreen) in case of queues. Vic Falls can get really hot for people used to cooler climates so a pro trip is to travel with a small spray bottle with water to cool yourself with a spritz!
- Patience – Queues and delays can occur, especially during peak season (July to October).
- Vigilance – Take a minute to check that your passport has been stamped.
ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS:
- Children:
If you are travelling with children under 18 years, additional documentation is required at all border crossings in the region (Zimbabwe, Zambia, Botswana, and Namibia). Border officials are strict about these requirements and missing documents may result in being denied entry. - Medications:
Zambia maintains a list of controlled substances that are found in some prescription medicines from other countries.
If you take regular prescription medication, check with your doctor or pharmacist whether your medicine contains any substances that may be controlled in Zambia.
We recommend that you ask your doctor to prescribe an alternative that does not contain a controlled ingredient.
If no alternative is available and you must carry the medication, bring a letter from your prescribing doctor that clearly states the drug name, dosage, and medical necessity.
