THE Victoria Falls region has cemented its status as Zimbabwe’s premier tourist gateway, with immigration authorities clearing more than 1,2 million travellers in 2025.
This marks a significant seven percent increase from the 1,135 million travellers processed the previous year, underscoring a robust post-pandemic recovery and growing global appeal. The surge was particularly pronounced during the festive season.
In December 2025 alone, more than 95 000 travellers moved through the North-Western borders, a 6,74 percent rise compared to the over 89 000 recorded in the same month of 2024.
Ms Respect Gono
This was revealed by the Department of Immigration’s Chief Director, Ms Respect Gono.
“A total of 1 225 167 travellers were cleared in the region during the year 2025 compared to 1 135 759 that were cleared the previous year, reflecting an overall increase of 7,87 percent.
In the month of December 2025, over 95 000 travellers were recorded across the North-Western borders, reflecting a 6,74 percent increase in traveller movement compared to the same period in 2024, which recorded over 89 000 travellers.
“Victoria Falls Border had the largest travel volume, accounting for over 52 644 travellers in December 2025 compared to 47 550 during the same period in 2024. The second-highest traveller movement was recorded at Victoria Falls Airport, which had a total of 25 561 travellers in 2025 compared to 23 404 during the same period in 2024,” said Ms Gono.
Ms Gono attributed the growth to strategic Government initiatives and favourable conditions, showcasing the region’s rising prominence.
The North-Western Region, centred around the iconic Victoria Falls, is the nation’s tourism heartbeat.
It is serviced by four land borders, Victoria Falls, Kazungula, Pandamatenga, and Kasambabezi and the Victoria Falls International Airport, forming a critical network for regional and international access.
Ms Gono outlined several key drivers behind the remarkable increase in visitor numbers. Chief among them is the Second Republic’s push to modernise border management.
The automation and digitisation of immigration procedures, including online visa applications, electronic permits, and the use of e-gates, have drastically reduced clearance times, enhancing traveller experience.
“Ours remains to facilitate movement and business,” Ms Gono said, emphasising the department’s commitment.
“The digitisation initiative, as reflected in the Online Border Management System (OBMS), from e-visas, e-permits, e-gates and many more, will definitely keep Zimbabwe a must-visit country in 2026.”
Natural and logistical factors have also played a pivotal role.
Higher water levels on the Zambezi River have made the Victoria Falls spectacle more dramatic, reigniting international interest after the Covid-19 slowdown.
Furthermore, expanded direct flight connectivity from across the globe has made access easier and faster, boosting arrivals at Victoria Falls Airport.
A landmark development has been the 24-hour operational status of the Victoria Falls Border Post, inaugurated on December 31, 2025. This move is expected to further support cross-border tourism and trade.
Ms Gono also highlighted the profound impact of international acclaim.
“Zimbabwe’s recognition as the top travel destination in 2025 by Forbes is a significant positive reflection of our national image that also has the potential to attract travel volumes to our ports,” she said.
The data for December illustrates the traffic distribution: Victoria Falls Border Post led with 52 644 movements, followed by Victoria Falls Airport (25 561), Kazungula (15 454), Kasambabezi (1 403), and Pandamatenga (258).-herald
