Entry Requirements and Visas
Zimbabwe's visa requirements depend on your nationality. Before traveling, check which category applies to you to understand what documentation you'll need.
No visa required: If you hold a passport from Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Aruba, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Botswana, Cayman Islands, Cyprus, DR Congo, Eswatini, Fiji, Ghana, Grenada, Hong Kong, Jamaica, Kenya, Kiribati, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malaysia, Malawi, Maldives, Malta, Mauritius, Montserrat, Mozambique, Namibia, Nauru, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, Seychelles, Singapore, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Tanzania, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Turks and Caicos Islands, Tuvalu, Uganda, Vanuatu, or Zambia, you can enter visa-free for up to 3 months (note that Mozambique, Hong Kong, and some others have shorter or longer periods).
Visa on arrival: Citizens of many countries including Australia, Canada, United States, United Kingdom, France, Germany, Japan, New Zealand, and others can obtain a visa upon arrival. You'll need a valid passport, travel itinerary, and proof of return or onward travel. Standard fees as of July 2019 are US$30 (single entry), US$45 (double entry), or US$55 (multiple entry). However, Canadian citizens pay US$75 for single entry visas. British citizens pay US$55 for single entry and US$70 for double entry, while Irish citizens pay standard rates. Payment is cash only.
Visa before arrival: If your country doesn't fall into the first two categories, apply for a visa before you travel. You can apply online through Zimbabwe's e-Visa system, which typically takes about two working days. Alternatively, apply at a Zimbabwean embassy or consulate. Fees vary by nationality, ranging from US$30 to US$180.
KAZA Visa: If visiting both Zimbabwe and Zambia, and you are a citizen of an eligible country, consider the KAZA universal visa. It is available at the following border crossings: in Zambia at Livingstone Airport, Lusaka Airport, Kazungula Land Border, and Victoria Falls Land Border; in Zimbabwe at Victoria Falls Airport, Harare Airport, Kazungula Land Border, and Victoria Falls Land Border. It costs US$50 and is valid for 30 days in both countries. Eligible countries include Andorra, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Brunei, Burundi, Canada, Cape Verde, Comoros, Croatia, Cuba, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Haiti, Hungary, Iceland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Marshall Islands, Moldova, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Russia, Rwanda, Samoa, Sao Tome and Principe, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States, and Uruguay.
Currency and Money
Zimbabwe's official currency is the Dollar (ZWL). When planning your budget, be aware that the currency situation has been variable, and many transactions—particularly for visitor services and imports—are quoted in US dollars. Having US dollars in cash is practical, as ATMs may be unreliable and not all establishments accept cards.
Fuel prices are quoted in US dollars and tend to be higher than in neighboring countries since fuel must be imported from Mozambique or South Africa. Budget accordingly if you're planning to rent a car. General costs for food, accommodation, and activities are relatively modest compared to many African destinations, though prices vary significantly between budget guesthouses and upmarket establishments.
Health
Consult your doctor or a travel health clinic at least 4-6 weeks before your trip to discuss vaccinations and preventive measures appropriate for Zimbabwe. Water and electricity supplies are frequently disrupted in parts of the country, so be prepared for these interruptions if traveling outside major cities. Carry extra water supplies with you.
Staying Safe and Emergency Contacts
Zimbabwe generally has a lower crime rate than some neighboring countries, and Zimbabweans are known for their hospitality. Most crime that occurs is opportunistic, so exercise common sense: keep valuables secure, don't display expensive items openly, and follow local advice about which areas to visit.
Roads vary significantly in condition—from newly tarred surfaces to dilapidated or untarred routes. Exercise extra caution when driving, especially at night and during holiday seasons when traffic increases. Potholes are common, so always drive defensively. If you're unsure about road conditions in an area, ask locals for guidance.
Shortages of fuel and water can occur in parts of the country, so carry extra supplies. For emergencies, keep contact numbers for your embassy or consulate, your accommodation, and local police readily available. The international dialing code for Zimbabwe is +263.
Staying Connected
Mobile networks operate in Zimbabwe's main cities and along major routes. Upon arrival at the airport or at shops in town, you can purchase a local SIM card to use your own phone. This is typically more economical than international roaming with your home provider. Major towns have internet access through mobile networks or internet cafes, though speeds and reliability vary. In rural areas and smaller towns, connectivity may be limited or unavailable.
Local Customs and Etiquette
Zimbabweans are known for their warmth and hospitality. English is widely spoken alongside Shona and Ndebele, the most common local languages, so you'll generally be able to communicate easily. A few simple courtesies go a long way: greet people politely, ask permission before photographing individuals, and respect local customs around sacred sites or cultural events. When visiting rural areas or community-based tourism initiatives, showing genuine interest in local culture and traditions is appreciated. Dress modestly, particularly when visiting villages or attending cultural events. Tipping is not obligatory but is appreciated in restaurants and for tour guides.