As of April 2026, Zimbabwe and Botswana have reached a key diplomatic milestone in plans to allow travel between the two countries using only National Identity (ID) cards instead of passports. The move was cemented during the 5th Bi-National Commission (BNC) session held in Harare on 22 April 2026, where Presidents Emmerson Mnangagwa and Duma Boko signed landmark agreements to strengthen regional integration.
The push for seamless borders
The plan to scrap passport requirements follows the successful model already in place between Botswana and Namibia. The main aim is to enable the free movement of people, goods, and services, acknowledging the strong cultural and family ties that existed long before colonial borders were drawn.
Key outcomes from the April 2026 summit:
- Trade and investment: A formal agreement was signed to reduce cross-border barriers, with ID-only travel set to improve economic flow between the two nations.
- Logistics and connectivity: Plans are underway to introduce a 24-hour operating system at Plumtree Border Post to handle higher traffic volumes and ease long-standing delays for travelers and the diaspora.
- Tourism synergy: Under the new “AfrikaDestinations” framework Zimbabwe and Botswana will promote joint cross-border tourism routes, making it easier for local and international visitors to travel between sites like Victoria Falls and the Okavango Delta without complex paperwork.
What it means for travelers
While the legal framework is still being finalized, the transition is expected to match the efficiency of the Botswana–Namibia border arrangement, significantly simplifying travel for citizens of both countries.