Harare –(New Ziana) – The number of cross border travellers in the first quarter rose 14 percent compared to the same period last year, latest data from the Department of Immigration show.

Between January and March, a total of 2.1 million travellers crossed the country’s borders, comprising 1.1 million entries and one million exits.

This marks a rise from 1.9 million travellers registered in the first quarter of 2024, which included 800,000 entries and an equal number of exits.

“Border posts in the southern part of the country, especially Beitbridge, accounted for the largest share of this activity, with more than 900,000 travellers passing through.

“Western border crossings, such as those near Victoria Falls, processed in excess of 250,000 people,” said the department.

In the capital, Harare’s aviation hubs — Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport and Charles Prince Airport — registered a combined traffic of over 200,000 travellers during the same period.

The Immigration Department added that the majority of entries through Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport were business-related, whereas the Victoria Falls area predominantly welcomed tourists. Looking ahead, the Department forecasts that overall traveller numbers could reach around 4.5 million by mid-year.

New Ziana