As the festive season approaches, Victoria Falls is expecting a major boost in visitor numbers after authorities confirmed that the border will now operate 24 hours a day.
The move aims to improve the flow of travellers during one of the busiest periods of the year.
Border switches to 24 hour operations ahead of festive season
The Border Post between Zimbabwe and Zambia has moved to 24‑hour operations with immediate effect, following a Zimbabwean Government Gazette on 13 November 2025 (General Notice 2265A) issued under Section 41 of the Immigration Act.
Ambassador Raphael Faranisi, Secretary for Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage confirmed the development.
What does this mean to the tourism industry?
The change enables round-the-clock crossings and aims to improve mobility for travellers and businesses.
Travel News Africa reports that restricted operating hours previously forced travellers to alter their plans, causing them to miss cross-border excursions or face long delays.
With the new schedule, visitors now have more flexibility to plan sunrise or sunset trips, join night-time activities, and fully enjoy their time on either side of the Falls.
More visitors expected
The improved accessibility is set to increase tourist numbers, extend the length of stays, and promote deeper exploration of the area.
With border curfews lifted, local tour operators, hotels, and activity providers are likely to benefit as travellers can move more freely and easily link their trips to nearby attractions, including game reserves, adventure activities, and cultural experiences.
What extended border hours mean to traders?
Economists believe that this will deliver a major boost for cross-border trade.
In the past, transporters and traders often endured overnight delays and high costs while waiting for the border to reopen.
The new policy removes this obstacle and allows goods, trucks, and commercial traffic to move without interruption.
