Zimbabwe Travel Guide

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Passports and Visas

All visitors require tickets and documents for return or onward journeys, as well as sufficient funds for their duration of stay. Visa fees, where applicable, are payable in US dollars. It is highly recommended that passports have at least six months validity remaining after your intended date of departure from your travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.

Americans

US passport holders must have a passport valid for at least the period of stay in the country. A visa is required; on arrival a 30-day holiday visa or 30-day business visa can be obtained at the point of entry for a fee of US$30 for single entry or US$45 for multiple entry visa

UK Nationals

UK passport holders must have a passport valid for at least the period of stay in the country. A visa is required; on arrival a 30-day holiday visa or 30-day business visa can be obtained at the point of entry for a fee of US$55 for a single entry and US$70 for a double entry visa.

Canadians

Canadian passport holders must have a passport valid for at least the period of stay in the country. A visa is required; on arrival a 30-day holiday visa or 30-day business visa can be obtained at the point of entry for a fee of US$75. Canadians cannot get a double entry visa at the point of entry.

Australians

Australian passport holders must have a passport valid for at least the period of stay in the country. A visa is required; on arrival a 30-day holiday visa or 30-day business visa can be obtained at the point of entry for a fee of US$30 for single entry or US$45 for multiple entry visa.

South Africans

South Africans must have a passport valid for at least the period of stay in the country. A visa is required; on arrival a 30-day holiday visa or 30-day business visa can be obtained free of charge.

Irish Nationals

Irish nationals require a passport valid for at least the period of intended stay. A visa is required; on arrival a 30-day holiday visa or 30-day business visa can be obtained for a fee of US$55 for a single entry and US$70 for a double entry visa.

New Zealanders

New Zealand nationals require a passport that should be valid for the period of intended stay. A visa is required; on arrival a 30-day holiday visa or 30-day business visa can be obtained for a fee of US$30 for a single entry or US$45 for a double entry visa.

Healthcare

Travelers to Zimbabwe who are coming from infected countries require a yellow fever vaccination certificate. Precautions against Hepatitis A, and rabies are also recommended. Other risks include typhoid, polio and bilharzia; a high prevalence of AIDS/HIV exists. There is a risk of malaria all year in most of the country, particularly in the Zambezi Valley, Victoria Falls, Hwange National Park and in the Eastern Highlands; the risk is very small in Harare and Bulawayo. Mosquitoes are chloroquine resistant. Precautions against mosquito bites should be taken to avoid any number of mosquito-borne diseases. Cholera outbreaks occur usually during the rainy season when flooding and contamination of water sources takes place. Rapidly declining health standards are also responsible for the world's lowest life expectancy according to WHO, and a breakdown in the water distribution system, especially in Harare. Visitors are advised to take food and hygiene precautions. The standard of tap water in urban areas is considered low, and bottled water is available. The current economic instability has led to shortages of medication in public hospitals, and many staff are on strike; it is advisable to bring a supply of personal medication. Medical insurance is essential. Private clinics expect cash payment and medical costs can be high.

Safety

Safety in Zimbabwe remains unstable due to political and social unrest, heightened by an economic crisis which has resulted in high rates of unemployment and inflation, nationwide fuel shortages, power cuts and serious shortages of basic foodstuffs. Many hotels and restaurants are having difficulty finding food supplies, and fuel shortages are causing delays and cancellations for public transport and flights. There has been a dramatic increase in criminal activity and opportunistic theft, particularly from foreigners in Harare and in the main tourist centers, such as Victoria Falls, and it is not advised to travel outside of those areas unaccompanied. Tourists are advised to avoid displays of wealth and valuables and passports should be kept out of sight or preferably left in a hotel safe.