Zimbabwe’s new Online Border Management System: How it changes how you apply for Visas and Immigration management

Gone are the days where most of the processes and procedures were done manually, now almost everything you can think of is now automated with the use of systems and AI. While Zimbabwe maybe be considerably late to the party, we eventually get there one way or the other with the latest sector seeing the shift in technology is the border and customs. Zimbabwe’s Online Border Management System (OBMS) is now fully operational, kicking off an era of digitised immigration services that allows travellers to apply for visas and complete border procedures online.

So what really is an OBMS?

An OBMS is an Online Boarder Management System which digitalizes the border control procedures using Software as a Service (SaaS). An OBMS facilitates online visa applications and supports automated clearance at electronic gates (e-gates). Just like any other system, this system was brought to tackle some problems chief among them be slow service times and unexpected delays. Early signs shows that the system is working as intended drastically reducing waiting times and improved travel experiences. Due to quick and efficient services.

The role of the OBMS
Launched in January by the Department of Immigration, the OBMS is designed to streamline immigration processes and reduce congestion at ports of entry. It facilitates online visa applications and enables faster clearance through newly-installed electronic gates (e-gates), allowing travellers to move through immigration in mere seconds.

The introduction of the Online Border Management System certainly marks a significant change in the country’s travel and tourism modernization agenda, with this update which was way long overdue. It’s a start and i would like to think we are finally moving in the right direction with this mordenisation which would definitely boost and make our tourists have a pleasant experience with streamlined customer service done in a timely manner.

Some travelers who have already used the system are praising the innovation for its efficiency, ease of use but more importantly the speed in which the services are now rendered. Long queues and slow service had been the norm but this system now eliminates all that by significantly reducing the time you had to wait for service. For a while Zimbabwe had been skeptical of embracing technology but with the advantages of using this OBMS laid bare for all to see, i hope this would convince the masses to keep a more open mind towards technology.

Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Minister, Honourable Kazembe Kazembe, confirmed the system’s national rollout and its operational readiness at major points of entry including one or the busiest entry points which is Beitbridge where you could wait for hours before getting service.

“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,” said Kazembe. “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.”

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Kazembe also highlighted the dramatic improvement in processing time.

“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.”
The OBMS has been rolled out at Zimbabwe’s busiest ports of entry, including the one i mentioned earlier - Beitbridge border post, Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport, Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo International Airport, and Victoria Falls International Airport.

The system’s implementation underscores the country’s commitment to leveraging digital tools to modernise travel infrastructure and boost tourism something that had been somewhat slow in progress. With global travellers increasingly seeking convenience and speed, the OBMS positions Zimbabwe as a more attractive and competitive destination on the international tourism map.

At the time of writing, The Online Border Management System (OBMS) is now fully operational, enabling travellers to apply for visas and clear immigration processes. The system now facilitates online visa applications and supports automated clearance at electronic gates (e-gates).

If you are a traveler you will come across it and make sure to give us your review to see how this system has changed the process first hand.

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