Story by Tichaona Kurewa
ZIMBABWE’s Online Border Management System (OBMS) is now fully operational, enabling travellers to apply for visas and clear immigration processes online, a major milestone in the country’s efforts to modernise travel facilitation and boost tourism.
The OBMS, launched by the Department of Immigration in January, is designed to enhance efficiency for both travellers and immigration personnel by digitising key border processes.
The system now facilitates online visa applications and supports automated clearance at electronic gates (e-gates). Early adopters of the system are already praising its impact, noting reduced waiting times and a vastly improved travel experience.
“In the blink of an eye, I am cleared, this is fantastic. The new system is super quick. Travelling is now enjoyable because we spend more time exploring, not waiting. This is a groundbreaking initiative that should be replicated globally. This makes the destination Zimbabwe more attractive. As travellers, we do not want to waste time queuing. The process is fast and reliable, we are loving it,” one of the travellers said.
The government is equally enthusiastic about OBMS.
“I’m glad to inform the citizenry that through this OBMS we have deployed, people can now fill in their arrival forms from the comfort of their homes even before booking their flights. With online applications now enabled, our website is live and fully functional. You can even complete the process mid-air if you have Wi-Fi access. Last time we checked, it took about 40 seconds to clear one person.
“I asked the service provider to reduce that time and now, I am proud to say clearance through the e-gate takes just 22 seconds. That means three people can be processed per minute something not possible with manual systems,” Minister of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage, Honourable Kazembe Kazembe.
The OBMS is now operational at major ports of entry including Beitbridge border post, Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport, Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo International Airport and Victoria Falls International Airport.
This implementation underscores Zimbabwe’s commitment to modernising its tourism infrastructure and enhancing the overall travel experience.
