Zimbabwe

Country Information

  Airport taxes

  Security

• Zimbabwe is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime such as pickpocketing and bag-snatching can occur in crowded areas, markets, and transport hubs.
• Violent crime is less common but can happen in urban centres like Harare and Bulawayo; avoid walking alone at night and use trusted transport options.
• Keep valuables in hotel safes and avoid carrying large amounts of cash or expensive items when out.
• Be alert when using ATMs and monitor credit card transactions for fraud.
• Do not leave luggage unattended at airports or bus terminals.
• Road conditions vary; rural roads can be poorly maintained. Avoid driving at night outside major towns.
• Wildlife areas are generally safe, but obey park rules and stay in designated areas.
• Demonstrations can occur and may turn violent; avoid large gatherings and monitor local news.
• Emergency services are limited; the general emergency number is 999, but response times can be slow in remote areas.
• Drug offences carry severe penalties, including long prison sentences.

Note to LGBT travellers: Same-sex relations are criminalised and can lead to severe penalties. Social attitudes are conservative; discretion is essential.

Note to women travellers: Harassment can occur, especially in crowded areas and nightlife settings. Dress modestly, avoid walking alone at night, and use trusted transport options.

  Health Precautions

Vaccinations

Compulsory:
None

Recommended:
• Routine vaccines (including MMR and diphtheria–tetanus–polio)
• Hepatitis A
• Hepatitis B
• Typhoid
• Influenza (seasonal)
• COVID‑19 (up to date)
• Rabies (consider for long stays, rural travel, or potential animal exposure)
• Cholera (consider for high‑risk areas or during outbreaks)

Additional Health Considerations
• Yellow fever: A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required only for travellers arriving from, or transiting through, any country with risk of yellow fever transmission. Zimbabwe is not a yellow‑fever‑risk country, but travellers returning to South Africa must still comply with yellow fever entry rules only if they transited through or travelled from a yellow‑fever‑risk country en route.
• Malaria: Present in many regions, including Victoria Falls, Hwange, and low‑lying rural areas; antimalarial medication and strict mosquito‑bite precautions are essential.
• Dengue: Possible; apply mosquito‑bite avoidance measures.
• Gastrointestinal diseases: Moderate to high risk; maintain strict food and water hygiene.
• Water‑borne diseases: Occasional cholera and typhoid outbreaks; treat drinking water and avoid unsafe sources.
• Healthcare quality: Limited outside major cities; medical evacuation insurance is strongly recommended.
• Medication availability: Bring essential prescriptions; availability is variable in rural areas.
• Extreme weather: Heat and seasonal rains may affect travel and access to services.

  Currency

  Language

  Electricity

  Telecoms/Internet

  Public Holidays

  Customs

Visas:

• South Africans do not require a visa to enter Zimbabwe.

Duty-free allowances:

• Free import of goods, new or used, up to a total of USD200 per person including:
  • tobacco and tobacco articles (if in open packages and for personal use) no quantity restriction
  • alcoholic beverages limited to 5 litres of which not more than 2 litres may be spirits

Prohibited goods:

• Drugs
• Honey
• Obscene material
• Toy firearms
• Flick and lockable blade knives

Special notes:

• Only travellers over 18 years of age may bring in alcohol and there is no age restriction on tobacco or tobacco articles.
• Duty-free allowance may not be claimed more than once in 30 days or if departing and returning to Zimbabwe on the same day.
• Wild fauna and flora: The import of certain endangered species of plant, live animals and their products is prohibited or restricted under CITES (www.cites.org).
• Agricultural products, seeds, bulbs, fresh meat, medication: import licence required.
• Arms and ammunition regulations: Permits are issued by Customs Officers on arrival.
• Export regulations: Free export of goods up to a value of ZWR5 000 per person
• Crew members regulations: Operating crew are permitted to import goods up to USD20. Non-operating crew are permitted to import goods up to USD200 on their first trip.
• Pet regulations: Cats and dogs need a permit (issued by the Director of Veterinary Services, PO Box 8012, Causeway, Harare), as well as a health certificate. Pets may enter as passengers’ checked baggage or as cargo but not in the cabin.
• Currency import regulations: Local currency (ZWD no longer in circulation) – USD widely in use. GBP, EUR and ZAR also accepted). Foreign currencies unlimited. However, amounts of USD10 000 (or equivalent) must be declared.
• Currency export regulations: Local currency (ZWD no longer in circulation) – USD widely in use. GBP, EUR and ZAR also accepted). Foreign currencies for nationals and residents of Zimbabwe: maximum of USD10 000 (or equivalent) and amounts over USD5 000 (or equivalent) require exchange control approval. Foreign currencies for non-residents limited to the amount imported and amounts over USD10 000 (or equivalent) must be declared.
• Global liquid ban regulations apply. See below.

NB! This is only a brief overview of Customs requirements. If you need additional information, please contact the Zimbabwe Consulate on (011) 037 3400.

GLOBAL LIQUID BAN REGULATIONS
Global security guidelines have been issued by the International Civil Aviation Organisation implementing restrictions on liquids, gels, pastes and aerosols that passengers will be allowed to carry in their hand luggage.

The following rules will apply throughout most airports world-wide:
Passengers may only carry small quantities (max. 100 ml per container) of liquids, gels, pastes and aerosols in their hand baggage. The packaging of these products must also meet specific requirements.

The new rules apply for liquids such as water, drinks, cream, lotion, oil, perfume, spray, hair gel, bath gel, various types of foam, toothpaste, deodorant, lip gloss or any product of similar substance. Exceptions will be made for baby milk, special dietary foods and medication, for which prescriptions are required.

The following rules apply for liquids in hand baggage:
– Passengers are only allowed to carry liquids and gels in containers with a volume of 100 ml or less.
– These containers may only be carried in a transparent plastic bag.
– Each passenger may only carry one such transparent plastic bag.
– The volume of the transparent plastic bag may not exceed 1 litre.
– The transparent plastic bag must be re-sealable.
– You may bring a transparent plastic bag from home.

Liquids and gels that you purchase after passing through passport control or aboard the aircraft will be packed and sealed for you in the shop or on board, if necessary. The package seal will remain valid for 24 hours. If you have to catch a connecting flight, you will not be allowed to break the seal until you have reached your final destination.

Note: Please consult relevant airline for hand baggage rules regarding liquid ban.

  Doing business

  Getting around

• Driving is on the left-hand side; road conditions vary, with good roads in cities and deteriorated surfaces in rural areas.
• An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended and may be required alongside your national license.
• Public transport includes buses and shared minibuses (kombis); service can be informal and crowded.
• Domestic flights connect Harare, Bulawayo, Victoria Falls, and other regional hubs.
• No internal ferries are commonly used, though boat transport is available on Lake Kariba and the Zambezi River.
• Taxis are available in urban areas; fares are usually negotiated in advance, as meters are uncommon.
• Ride-hailing apps are limited but may operate in Harare and other major cities.
• Car hire is available in cities and airports; self-driving is common for visiting national parks and tourist areas.
• Women travellers are generally safe; modest dress is advisable, especially in rural communities.
• Police checkpoints are frequent; carry ID and vehicle documents at all times.

  Accommodation

• The Zimbabwe Tourism Authority is responsible for the grading system. All accommodation should be graded by this authority. Check the star-grading before committing to accommodation.
• There are many hotel and guesthouse options ranging from five- to three-star in the major centres.
• Lodges and tented camps range from luxury to self-catering.

  Useful tips

• If you are driving to Zimbabwe from SA, Beitbridge border post is open 24 hours Monday to Friday and 06:00 to 22:30 Saturday and Sunday.
• Tip about 10% to 15% if a service charge has not been added to restaurant and hotel bills. Tip about 10%-15% in taxis and give porters a tip. Tip game drive guides.
• Visitors need to pay for entry to Victoria Falls and many national parks. It is advisable to have small denomination notes, as change is sometimes unavailable. ZimParks has increased daily conservation and park entrance fees. The biggest change affects entry to the Victoria Falls Rainforest and to enter Victoria Falls; SADC residents nowpay USD35 (ZAR560). For some Safari parks, SADC residents will now be charged USD18 (ZAR290).

  Disability awareness