Victoria Falls Border Post Now Open 24/7, Ushering in New Era for Regional Tourism and Trade
- The renowned Victoria Falls Border Post between Zimbabwe and Zambia has officially transitioned to a 24-hour operation, a development that promises to redefine cross-border travel and commerce in Southern Africa. The announcement, made via an Extraordinary Government Gazette on November 13, signals a transformative policy designed to promote seamless mobility, stimulate tourism, and bolster trade in one of Africa’s most iconic regions. This bold move, outlined under General Notice 2265A of 2025 and confirmed by Ambassador Raphael Faranisi, Secretary for Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage, extends border crossing hours indefinitely. The notice, invoking Section 41 of the Immigration Act, grants travelers, traders, and locals unprecedented access to the border at any time of day or night, with immediate effect.
For the tourism sector, this round-the-clock border opening is a game-changer. The majestic Victoria Falls also known locally as Mosi-oa-Tunya or “The Smoke That Thunders”, draws visitors from around the world who seek to experience its awe-inspiring beauty from both the Zimbabwean and Zambian sides. Previously, limited operating hours often forced travelers to adjust their itineraries, sometimes missing out on cross-border excursions or enduring long waits. Now, visitors enjoy greater flexibility, enabling them to plan sunrise or sunset visits, participate in night-time activities and make the most of their stay on either side of the falls. This enhanced accessibility is expected to boost tourist arrivals, lengthen average stays and encourage more immersive exploration of the surrounding area. Local tour operators, hotels and experience providers stand to benefit as travelers are no longer restricted by border curfews, allowing for seamless connections to regional attractions such as game reserves, adventure sports, and cultural sites. The move supports the vision of positioning Victoria Falls as a truly integrated tourism destination, serving as a gateway for multi-country itineraries across Southern Africa’s World Heritage corridors. Beyond tourism, the extension of border operating hours heralds a significant win for cross-border trade. Previously, transporters and traders often faced overnight delays, incurring substantial costs while waiting for the border to reopen.
The new policy eliminates this bottleneck, ensuring that goods, trucks, and commercial traffic can flow continuously. This change is set to reduce transit times, lower transportation expenses, and enhance supply chain reliability—key factors for exporters, importers, and logistics providers operating within the SADC region. The ripple effects will be felt by small-scale traders and informal cross-border entrepreneurs as well. Easier and more predictable access to the border encourages business expansion, fosters new partnerships, and opens up opportunities for growth in both local and regional markets. With improved efficiency comes increased competitiveness, potentially spurring investment and innovation along this vital trade corridor. For the local communities residing in and around Victoria Falls, 24/7 border access also spells greater convenience in daily life. Commuters, students, and families who routinely move between Zimbabwe and Zambia can now do so without the constraints of set opening and closing times.
Source: Travel News Africa| 18/11/2025
