Victoria Falls working together to speed up immigration

Members of the tourism industry in Victoria Falls have come together in an effort that will ensure that immigration into the tourist town is fast and efficient. Following recent concerns over delays at immigration, meetings were held to see how the issue could be resolved. The industry worked together with the Immigration Office and the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) office in Victoria Falls in easing the flow of guests at the Kazungula Border. 


On Friday 26 August 2011, a Green Route was set up through the use of a tent, two tables and four chairs, courtesy of the Wilderness group’s non-profit organisation Children in the Wilderness, in an effort to assist non visa travellers and returning residents with their entry into the country. Immigration has assigned two extra officers to the Green Route which will undoubtedly alleviate the immigration delays that the border has been experiencing recently.

The 'Green Route' tent, used to speed up immigration at the Kazangula border post

“This is a great start in the right direction,” says Blessing Munyenyiwa, director of Wilderness Safaris Zimbabwe, “but there is still a lot to do in making sure all our entry points are improved, which can be done with the support of ZTA and immigration.” The Victoria Falls Border from Zambia will be the next focus, as most airlines fly into Livingstone Airport, carrying almost 40% of guests coming to Zimbabwe.

This is an excellent example of the power of common purpose between government departments and the private sector to deal with, address and fix challenges that impact tourism. All efforts are being made to make Victoria Falls and ultimately Zimbabwe a user friendly destination.

“The support of Victoria Falls tourism industry and their pulling together to promote the destination is admirable. I am certain that we will continue to be the best tourist town in the region and very soon the best in Africa” concluded Munyenyiwa.

For further information on Victoria Falls visit www.gotovictoriafalls.com. 

Some facts about Victoria Falls:

• Victoria Falls is an acclaimed World Heritage Site and one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World   that everyone should see at least once in their lives. 
• 70% of the vistas are from the Zimbabwe rainforest 
• It’s the largest single curtain of falling water on earth, more than twice the size of Niagara 
• Victoria falls is a 365-day a year destination with weather that is surely unrivalled.