In a significant development that is expected to reshape the dynamics of regional travel and cross-border commerce, the Government of Zimbabwe has officially designated the Victoria Falls Border Post as a 24-hour port of entry. The dramatic policy shift—announced through an extraordinary government gazette on Thursday, November 14, 2025—marks the first time in the nation’s history that one of its busiest and most strategically important borders will operate without closure. Previously, travellers were required to clear immigration by 10PM, after which the gates remained closed until early morning. From now on, however, the border will remain open around the clock, ushering in a new era of uninterrupted movement.
Information Secretary Nick Mangwana broke the news on X, where he described the announcement as a milestone for tourism, trade and regional cooperation. He cited General Notice 2265A of 2025, issued under the Immigration Act, as the legal basis for the new regime. The notice states clearly that “the Minister has extended the operating hours for the Victoria Falls Border Post to twenty-four (24) hours on a daily basis, with effect from the date of publication of this notice.” The directive was formally signed by the Secretary for Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage, Raphael Faranisi, giving it immediate force.
For many observers, this administrative step represents more than a technical adjustment—it signals a deliberate strategic shift. Victoria Falls is not only one of Africa’s most remarkable natural wonders, drawing millions of tourists from across the globe, but also a crucial commercial gateway linking Zimbabwe and Zambia. Extending the border’s operating hours is widely interpreted as a targeted effort to strengthen tourism recovery, enhance regional integration, and streamline the movement of goods and people between the two countries.
Zimbabwe Extends Victoria Falls Border Post Hours To 24/7
Tourism operators, hospitality executives, and industry experts have enthusiastically welcomed the move, calling it a “game-changer” that aligns Zimbabwe with global trends. For years, travellers visiting the iconic waterfall—known locally as Mosi-oa-Tunya, “The Smoke That Thunders”—have had to plan their schedules around a strict curfew. Adventure seekers hoping to experience activities from both the Zimbabwean and Zambian sides often found their plans disrupted by the early closure. The shift to 24-hour operations introduces a new level of flexibility, allowing tourists to move freely and make spontaneous decisions about where to dine, stay, or explore without the risk of getting stranded.
Beyond tourism, the business community has also reacted with relief. Cross-border traders, transport operators, and long-haul truck drivers have long raised concerns about congestion and bottlenecks caused by limited operating hours. Truckers frequently spent nights idling in queues, losing valuable time and incurring additional costs on accommodation, fuel, and logistics. With the border now open throughout the night, freight carriers are expected to enjoy smoother operations, reduced turnaround times, and better coordination with regional supply chains.
Economists argue that such improvements can stimulate broader economic benefits. Faster processing times and uninterrupted entry and exit are likely to encourage higher trade volumes, increase revenue collection, and strengthen Zimbabwe’s positioning as a competitive transit corridor within the Southern African Development Community (SADC). The decision may also attract more investment into the Victoria Falls Special Economic Zone, which continues to grow as a hub for tourism-driven development.
The timing of the announcement has added further intrigue. The gazette was published just 24 hours before President Emmerson Mnangagwa was set to host Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema in Harare. The two leaders were scheduled to preside over the inaugural session of the Zambia–Zimbabwe Bi-National Commission on Friday, November 15, 2025—an event expected to set the framework for deepened diplomatic and economic cooperation between the neighbouring states. Although the gazette does not explicitly link the border extension to the high-level meeting, the proximity of the dates suggests that the change is part of broader efforts to enhance bilateral relations.
Sources familiar with the policy context say improved cross-border movement has been a recurring topic in discussions between the two countries, particularly given the central role that tourism around Victoria Falls plays in both economies. The new 24-hour policy appears to directly address long-standing concerns while setting the stage for more harmonised operations between the Victoria Falls border and the adjacent Zambian border post in Livingstone.
While the full impact of the change will unfold over time, the decision has already been praised as evidence of Zimbabwe’s commitment to modernising its border infrastructure and aligning with regional best practices. For travellers, it signals greater freedom and convenience. For businesses, it signals increased efficiency. And for policymakers, it signals a renewed determination to unlock the economic potential of one of Africa’s most iconic destinations.
What is clear is that Victoria Falls—the waterfall that never sleeps—finally has a border that matches its energy.
