The Zimbabwean government is looking into granting visa exemptions for Chinese travellers.

Home Affairs Minister, Kembo Mohadi, was quoted in the Chinese newspaper, Global Times, as saying Zimbabwe was keen to upgrade Chinese nationals to Category B of the country's visa classification, allowing them to obtain visas on entry into Zimbabwe.

A spokesperson for the Department of Home Affairs told Tourism Update the visa exemption was not a done deal yet. He explained that, because the visa regime applied reciprocally, any change needed to be agreed by both countries. “The ball is in their court now,” he said.

While Zimbabwe is in negotiations to facilitate the visa process for Chinese nationals, the South African Department of Home Affairs has recently announced new visa requirements, which have affected travellers who require visas, such as the Chinese.

 “If Zimbabwe grants a visa exemption or visa upon entry while South Africa persists with in-person visa applications for Chinese tourists, I expect South Africa will stand to lose some market share to Zimbabwe,” says Onne Vegter, CEO Wild Wings Safaris.

Also Michael Tollman, CEO Cullinan Holdings Ltd, fears the ease with which Chinese travellers will be able to obtain visas for Zimbabwe will drive them away from South Africa. “Particularly, assuming that this is complemented by the new extended runway airport at Victoria Falls. Having more international flights will provide the airlift that tourists to Zimbabwe require.”