--- title: Fake Border, Airport, or Fast-Track Assistance Fee — Zimbabwe Scam… description: Active scam alert: Fake Border, Airport, or Fast-Track Assistance Fee is targeting immigrants in Zimbabwe. How it works, red flags, and how to protect yourself. image: https://migrantiq.com/og/default.png --- Skip to content Advertisement728 × 90AdSense zone 🇿🇼 FAKE BORDER, AIRPORT, OR FAST-TRACK ASSISTANCE FEE MediumArrival FraudPublisher: MigrantIQ Safety3 min read4 reported cases Editorially reviewedLast updated 2026-10-04Reviewed by MigrantIQ Editorial TeamOfficial reporting channel ↗ [https://www.evisa.gov.zw/] Safety guidance, not emergency support If you are in immediate danger or have already lost money, contact local emergency services, your bank, and the official fraud reporting channel in the destination country. MigrantIQ provides general safety guidance. Terms [/terms/]Privacy [/privacy/]Report an issue [/contact/] HOW THIS SCAM WORKS In Zimbabwe, a common scam involves individuals impersonating airport staff, immigration officials, or travel agents, claiming that newcomers must pay a special fee to enter the country. Often targeting tourists, first-time travelers, workers, and students, these scammers may insist that the payment is necessary to avoid questioning, release documents, or expedite border crossing. This scam can occur at international airports or border posts, where individuals may approach you with fabricated urgency. They often present themselves as being affiliated with official bodies and use high-pressure tactics to secure payment. WHAT SHOULD I KNOW ABOUT AIRPORT SCAMS IN ZIMBABWE? You should understand that legitimate border officials do not request fees outside of official channels. Scammers might offer services that sound appealing, such as fast-tracking your entry, but these promises are deceitful. Be wary of their tactics, as they often create a sense of panic or urgency to push you into making hasty decisions. HOW CAN I PROTECT MYSELF FROM THESE SCAMS? To avoid falling victim to these scams, always make sure to use official fee schedules and recognized payment channels when dealing with immigration. If approached at an airport or border, speak only to uniformed officials at official counters. Request a printed receipt for any payments made and ensure that you have clarity about what the fee is for. If you are unsure, take the time to verify with reliable sources. WHO CAN I REPORT SCAMS TO IN ZIMBABWE? If you encounter this scam, you can report it to local authorities such as the Zimbabwe Republic Police or the Department of Immigration. They are responsible for ensuring that immigration and border procedures are conducted lawfully and can assist victims of scams. By remaining vigilant and informed, you can better protect yourself from fraudulent practices in Zimbabwe. RED FLAGS * Payment requested by phone or chat before arrival * Claims that refusal to pay will cause detention * No official invoice or government payment portal * Person cannot show official identification or office location * Pressure to pay immediately to avoid delays HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF Always verify information regarding fees through official government sources. Use the official eVisa website or consult uniformed officers at airports or borders for accurate guidance. Never pay any fees before arrival or outside of official payment portals. Be cautious of anyone asking for money in informal settings or without proper identification. WHAT TO DO IF TARGETED * - Stop communication and do not send more money or documents * - Save messages, receipts, contracts, profile links, and phone numbers * - Contact your bank or payment provider if money was sent * - Report through official fraud, police, or immigration channels Official reporting channel → [https://www.evisa.gov.zw/] PREVENTION TIPS * - Only pay government fees through official portals * - Do not trust guaranteed visa approvals or secret appointment slots * - Verify employer, school, agent, or landlord identities independently * - Avoid personal-account transfers and pressure tactics EMERGENCY & REPORTING CONTACTS If there is immediate danger, contact local emergency services. If money was sent, contact your bank/payment provider and official fraud reporting channels. SOURCES & REFERENCES * MigrantIQ scam alert record Published 2026-05-07. * Zimbabwe official reporting channels [https://www.evisa.gov.zw/] Use official reporting channels if you were targeted or lost money. WHO IS TARGETED touristsfirst-time travellersworkersstudents Feedback Was this guide helpful? Your answer helps us improve guides and update priority. YesNo Summarize this page with AI Opens your assistant with a pre-filled prompt (ChatGPT, Perplexity, Claude). Gemini uses Google AI Mode. Ask AI ↗ Not affiliated with any AI platform. Always verify immigration rules on official government sites. SCAM SAFETY FAQ SHOULD I PAY ANY FEE BEFORE MY VISA IS APPROVED? Legitimate government fees are paid through official channels with receipts. Never wire cash to personal accounts for a “guaranteed” outcome. HOW DO I REPORT A SUSPICIOUS OFFER? Collect evidence (messages, contracts), then report through your destination country’s fraud or immigration reporting channels and warn your community. Advertisement300 × 250AdSense zone MORE ALERTS * Document Translation, Notary, or Apostille Overcharge [/scam-alerts/zimbabwe/document-translation-notary-overcharge/] * Fake University or Scholarship Letter [/scam-alerts/zimbabwe/fake-university-or-scholarship-letter/] * Rental Deposit Before Viewing or Contract [/scam-alerts/zimbabwe/rental-deposit-before-viewing/] * Fake Job Offer and Work Permit Fee [/scam-alerts/zimbabwe/fake-job-offer-work-permit-fee/] CONTINUE * All Zimbabwe alerts [/scam-alerts/zimbabwe/] * Global hub [/scam-alerts/] Plan smarter Save countries, compare destinations, track visa checklists, and sync your migration plan across devices. Open My Plan [/plan/]Account Dashboard [/account/] Free resources TOOLS & GUIDES Full sitemap → [/sitemap/] PLAN YOUR MOVE * Eligibility quiz [/tools/eligibility/] * Tax calculator [/tools/tax-calculator/] * Tax compare [/tools/tax-compare/] * Tax guides [/tools/tax-guides/] * Points calculator [/tools/points-calculator/] * Cost calculator [/calculator/] * Move planner [/tools/planner/] * Best country [/tools/best-country/] * Pathway finder [/tools/pathway-finder/] * Corridor fit [/tools/corridor-fit/] * Compare 3 countries [/tools/compare-three/] * Job → visa matcher [/tools/job-visa-match/] * Scam checker [/tools/scam-check/] * All tools [/tools/] GUIDES & SAFETY * Visa guides [/visas/] * Scholarships [/scholarships/] * Government jobs [/government-jobs/] * Immigration updates [/countries/canada/immigration-updates/] * Embassies [/embassies/] * Laws [/laws/] * Scam alerts [/scam-alerts/] * Checklists [/checklist/] * Country profiles [/countries/] COMMUNITY * Q&A [/qa/] * People stories [/stories/] * Blog [/blog/] * Android app (Google Play) [https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.migrantiq.app&hl=en] * Write for us [/write-for-us/] * Experts [/experts/] * Apply for expert listing [/experts/apply/] * Documentation [/documentation/] * Employers (HR) [/employers/] ```json {"@context":"https://schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https://migrantiq.com/#organization","name":"MigrantIQ","url":"https://migrantiq.com","logo":"https://migrantiq.com/logo.png","description":"MigrantIQ publishes free migration guides covering visas, laws, costs, culture, banking, healthcare, scam alerts, and moving checklists for 220 countries.","knowsAbout":["immigration","visa requirements","moving abroad","cost of living","immigrant laws","scam protection","arrival checklists"],"sameAs":["https://www.facebook.com/migrantiq/","https://x.com/MigrantIQ","https://www.instagram.com/migrantiqorg/","https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.migrantiq.app&hl=en"],"contactPoint":[{"@type":"ContactPoint","contactType":"customer support","email":"Info@MigrantIQ.com","url":"https://migrantiq.com/contact/","availableLanguage":["English"]}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https://migrantiq.com/#website","name":"MigrantIQ","url":"https://migrantiq.com","publisher":{"@id":"https://migrantiq.com/#organization"},"inLanguage":"en","potentialAction":{"@type":"SearchAction","target":"https://migrantiq.com/search/?q={search_term_string}","query-input":"required name=search_term_string"}}]} {"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https://migrantiq.com/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Scam Alerts","item":"https://migrantiq.com/scam-alerts/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"Zimbabwe","item":"https://migrantiq.com/scam-alerts/zimbabwe/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":4,"name":"Fake Border, Airport, or Fast-Track Assistance Fee","item":"https://migrantiq.com/scam-alerts/zimbabwe/fake-border-airport-assistance-fee/"}]} {"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"Article","@id":"https://migrantiq.com/scam-alerts/zimbabwe/fake-border-airport-assistance-fee/#article","headline":"Fake Border, Airport, or Fast-Track Assistance Fee in Zimbabwe: How to Spot and Avoid It","description":"In Zimbabwe, a common scam involves individuals impersonating airport staff, immigration officials, or travel agents, claiming that newcomers must pay a special fee to enter the country. Often targeting tourists, first-time travelers, workers, and students, these scammers may insist that the payment is necessary to avoid questioning, release documents, or expedite border crossing. This scam can occur at international airports or border posts, where individuals may approach you with fabricated urgency. They often present themselves as being affiliated with official bodies and use high-pressure tactics to secure payment.\n\n## What should I know about airport scams in Zimbabwe?\n\nYou should understand that legitimate border officials do not request fees outside of official channels. Scammers might offer services that sound appealing, such as fast-tracking your entry, but these promises are deceitful. Be wary of their tactics, as they often create a sense of panic or urgency to push you into making hasty decisions.\n\n## How can I protect myself from these scams?\n\nTo avoid falling victim to these scams, always make sure to use official fee schedules and recognized payment channels when dealing with immigration. If approached at an airport or border, speak only to uniformed officials at official counters. Request a printed receipt for any payments made and ensure that you have clarity about what the fee is for. If you are unsure, take the time to verify with reliable sources.\n\n## Who can I report scams to in Zimbabwe?\n\nIf you encounter this scam, you can report it to local authorities such as the Zimbabwe Republic Police or the Department of Immigration. 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