Zimbabwe Travel Guide

Zimbabwe — Passport and Visa Information

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Passports

Country	Passport Required	Visa Required	Return Ticket Required
Other EU	Yes	1	Yes
USA	Yes	1	Yes
Canadian	Yes	1	Yes
Australian	Yes	1	Yes
British	Yes	1	Yes

Passport valid for at least six months beyond date of departure required by all nationals referred to in the chart above. Two blank pages are needed.

Passport Notes

All visitors to Zimbabwe must be in possession of return tickets (or funds in lieu) and sufficient funds to support themselves. The granting of a visa is not a guarantee of entry.

Visas

Required by all nationals referred to in the chart above except the following:
(a) passengers continuing their journey to a third country within 6 hours by the same or connecting flight, provided holding tickets with reserved seats and documents for onward travel and not leaving the transit area.

1. Nationals of the following countries may obtain visas valid for up to 90 days on arrival in Zimbabwe, provided holding tickets and documents for return or onward travel and sufficient funds for their stay: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Cyprus, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Malta, The Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, UK and USA.

Note: Nationals not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements.

Types of Visa and Cost

Visa at port of entry: cost dependent on nationality, British nationals £40 (single-entry) or £50 (double-entry) from an embassy or £35 (single-entry) or £45 (double-entry) when bought at the port of entry; contact consular section at embassy for further details.

Validity

Six months from date of issue.

Applications to:

Embassy; see Contact Addresses. For multiple-entry visas, travelers must apply direct to the Chief Immigration Officer in Harare, Zimbabwe.

Working Days Required

Seven.

Travel Warnings

There is a low threat from terrorism.

You should avoid areas where War Veterans are active or where incidents of violence are taking place. There have been a number of serious and violent incidents in rural areas and it is dangerous for farmers or agricultural workers to visit former properties or other agricultural areas. We advise against travel by journalists intending to carry out any reporting or official photography without the proper accreditation. The situation remains unpredictable and could deteriorate without warning.

Despite the formation of a cross-party inclusive government in 2008, there continues to be a degree of political uncertainty, and there are pockets of violence. The situation remains unpredictable and could deteriorate without warning.

There is a risk of arbitrary detention or arrest and a significant increase in the number of roadblocks, including those manned by armed officers, making road travel more dangerous.

There has been a general increase in the level of violent crime and a serious deterioration in the economy and infrastructure, making basic services, including utilities and health services, very unreliable. Many foods are now difficult to find. The Zimbabwe authorities restricted the use of fuel coupons from 1 August 2007. This is having a further impact on current fuel shortages. The country is in the grip of hyperinflation, with exponential rates of price increase, and many resulting shortages of basic goods and services.

Travelers should avoid engaging in overtly partisan political activity, or in activities that could be construed as such. Over 200 people participating in peaceful demonstrations in Harare and other cities on 25 July 2007 were arrested and beaten up by the police.

It is an offense to make derogatory or insulting comments about President Mugabe.

It is against the law for civilians to wear any form of clothing made from camouflage material.

It is recommended to travel with organized tour operators to well-established destinations. It is strongly advised against independent travel, particularly backpacking.

Travelers should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks, which could be against civilian targets, including places frequented by foreigners.

The simultaneous holding of Zimbabwean and a foreign passport is prohibited.

This advice is based on information provided by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in the UK. It is correct at time of publishing. As the situation can change rapidly, visitors are advised to contact the following organizations for the latest travel advice:

British Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Tel: 0845 850 2829.
Website: www.fco.gov.uk

US Department of State
Website: http://travel.state.gov/travel

Health Care

Medical facilities are good in the major towns and there are well-equipped clinics in most outlying areas, although medical costs can be high. There may be drugs shortages in public hospitals. Health insurance is essential; adequate medical provision is often only provided privately, especially in urban areas. Private hospitals may require health insurance or a cash payment before admission.