Victoria Falls Airport (VFA) Guide 2026
Victoria Falls Airport (IATA: VFA, ICAO: FVFA) is the gateway to one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Located 18 km south of Victoria Falls town, the airport was significantly expanded in 2016 with a new international terminal. It serves as the main arrival point for tourists visiting the Zimbabwe side of Victoria Falls, widely considered to offer the best views of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Airport Overview
| IATA Code | VFA |
| Location | 18 km south of Victoria Falls town |
| Distance to Falls | 20 km to falls entrance |
| Terminals | 1 (expanded 2016) |
| Annual Passengers | ~500,000 (growing) |
| Runways | 1 (4,600m — one of Africa's longest) |
| Operator | Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe (CAAZ) |
| Elevation | 1,062 metres (3,484 ft) |
Getting There & Away
| Transport | Destination | Cost (USD) | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Airport Taxi | Victoria Falls Town | $25-35 | 20 min | Fixed rate from taxi desk |
| Hotel Transfer | Victoria Falls hotels | Free-$20 | 15-25 min | Most hotels include transfers |
| Airport Taxi | Victoria Falls entrance | $30-40 | 25 min | Direct to rainforest walk |
| Safari Lodge | Zambezi NP lodges | Included | 30-60 min | Lodge vehicles meet arrivals |
Tip: Most Victoria Falls hotels include airport transfers. Check with your hotel before booking separate transport. Victoria Falls town is small and walkable once you arrive.
Terminal Facilities
- Design: Modern terminal (2016) with African-inspired architecture
- Lounges: VIP lounge available
- Food & Drink: Restaurant and bar in departures
- Shopping: Duty-free, Zimbabwean crafts, stone sculptures, wildlife art
- WiFi: Available (basic)
- ATMs: CBZ Bank, Stanbic Bank (USD and ZiG)
- Currency Exchange: Forex desk in arrivals
- Tour Desks: Activity booking desks for helicopter flights, rafting, bungee
Immigration & KAZA UniVisa
Victoria Falls Airport offers both regular Zimbabwe visas and the KAZA UniVisa:
Visa Options
| Visa Type | Cost | Coverage | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single Entry | $30 | Zimbabwe only | 90 days |
| Double Entry | $45 | Zimbabwe only | 90 days |
| KAZA UniVisa | $50 | Zimbabwe + Zambia | 30 days |
KAZA UniVisa Recommended: If you plan to visit both sides of Victoria Falls (highly recommended), get the KAZA UniVisa ($50). It allows unlimited crossings between Zimbabwe and Zambia for 30 days via the Victoria Falls border post.
SADC citizens and some Commonwealth nationals may be visa-free. Check our visa requirements page.
Currency & Practical Info
- Currency: USD is the primary currency in Victoria Falls — everything is priced in dollars
- ATMs: Available at airport and in town (USD withdrawal)
- Cards: Visa/Mastercard accepted at most hotels and tour operators
- Cash: Bring small USD denominations for tips, market purchases, and National Parks entry ($50 for Victoria Falls)
Airlines at Victoria Falls
| Airline | Destinations | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Ethiopian Airlines | Addis Ababa | International |
| Airlink | Johannesburg, Cape Town | International |
| Kenya Airways | Nairobi (via Harare) | International |
| fastjet | Harare, Johannesburg | Regional |
| Air Zimbabwe | Harare, Bulawayo | Domestic |
Note: Victoria Falls can also be reached via Livingstone Airport (LVI) on the Zambia side, which has its own set of international connections.
Accommodation Near the Airport
Luxury
- Victoria Falls Hotel — Historic 5-star, gorge views, colonial elegance ($200-600/night)
- Victoria Falls Safari Lodge — Overlooking Zambezi NP, waterhole views ($180-400/night)
- The Elephant Camp — Exclusive tented suites with falls views ($300-700/night)
Mid-Range
- Ilala Lodge — Closest hotel to the falls, hear the thunder ($100-200/night)
- Cresta Sprayview — Walking distance to town, pool ($60-120/night)
- Bayete Guest Lodge — Boutique, African decor ($80-150/night)
Budget
- Shoestrings Backpackers — Popular, camping and dorms ($10-25/night)
- Victoria Falls Backpackers — Pool, bar, social ($15-30/night)
Tips for Travellers
Arrival Tips
- Get the KAZA UniVisa ($50) to visit both sides of Victoria Falls
- Bring USD cash for visa, activities, and tips
- Most hotels include airport transfers — confirm before arrival
- Victoria Falls town is small and safe to walk around
- Book activities (helicopter, bungee, rafting) before arrival during peak season
Departure Tips
- Arrive 2 hours before international flights
- Buy Zimbabwean crafts and stone sculptures at duty-free
- Last-minute currency exchange available at the airport
Victoria Falls Tips
- Visit the falls early morning for the best light and fewer crowds
- Bring a waterproof jacket/bag — the spray is intense (March-May peak flow)
- The Zimbabwe side offers 75% of the views from 16 viewpoints
- See our complete Victoria Falls guide for activities and planning