Zimbabwe has confirmed a change to the application of Value Added Tax (VAT) that will impact tourism activities and transfers effective 1 January 2026, following confirmation of new legislation signed into law.
In addition to the previously announced VAT increase, VAT will now be applied to all tourism activities and transfers that were previously zero rated. Despite efforts by the tourism industry to seek a deferment, the revised VAT application will take effect from the beginning of 2026.
As a result, a 15.5 percent VAT increase will apply to activities and transfers operated within Zimbabwe. Tourism operators, including Bushtracks, have confirmed that revised rates will be introduced to reflect the statutory change.
For Bushtracks-owned and operated tours and transfers, revised 2026 rates will apply from 1 January 2026 for Zimbabwe-based products or itineraries that include services operated within Zimbabwe. For third-party products, rate adjustments will be applied in line with each supplier’s approach, with updated pricing to be shared once confirmed.
Existing bookings that are fully paid will be honoured at the original confirmed rate. For agents operating on credit facilities, confirmed and invoiced bookings travelling in January 2026 will be honoured at existing rates, while bookings travelling from February 2026 onwards will be re-invoiced at the revised rates. Any bookings not yet paid in full will be subject to the updated pricing.
Updated rates will be shared in due course and made available via supplier agent portals. Trade partners are encouraged to contact their supplier directly for clarification on individual bookings or quotes currently on hold.
Operators have emphasized that the VAT adjustment is a statutory change affecting the industry broadly and that efforts are underway to manage the transition as smoothly as possible for trade partners and clients.
