Sub Saharan Africa

No restrictions in this travel advice

Avoid all but essential travel to part(s) of country

Avoid all but essential travel to whole country

Avoid all travel to part(s) of country

Avoid all travel to whole country

• Travel Summary
• Safety and security
• Local laws and customs
• Entry requirements

• Health
• General
 

 

• Typhoid has been reported in several of Harare’s western suburbs with over 3,772 cases identified  Two suspected typhoid deaths have recently been recorded since the outbreak in October 2011. If you live in or are visiting Harare you should ensure that your typhoid vaccination is up to date. Taking food and water safety precautions reduces the risk of contracting typhoid. Symptoms of typhoid include the sudden onset of sustained fever, severe headache and nausea. More information on Typhoid can be found here.
  
  

• Air Zimbabwe is currently not operating any flights. You should contact the airline or your travel company for the latest information.
  
  
• Although the economic outlook in Zimbabwe has improved, political tensions remain, particularly in light of a potential constitutional referendum and elections in 2012/2013. See Safety and Security - Political Situation.
  
  
• We advise against travel by journalists intending to carry out any reporting or official photography without the proper accreditation. The process for accreditation has been eased. See Safety and Security - Political Situation.
  
  
• If you are resident in Zimbabwe, continue to review your security arrangements, ensure your travel documents are up to date and readily available and have a contingency plan in place in case you need to leave at short notice. See Safety and Security - Political Situation and General - Living in, or travelling to, Zimbabwe.
  
  
• 28 British nationals required consular assistance in Zimbabwe in the period 01 April 2010 - 31 March 2011. See General - Consular Assistance Statistics.
  
  
• There is a low threat from terrorism. But you should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks, which could be in public areas, including those frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.
  
  
• You should take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. Your policy should cover you for all the activities you want to undertake. See General - Insurance.
  

Safety and Security - Terrorism
There is a low threat from terrorism.  But you should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks, which could be in public areas, including those frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.

See our Terrorism Abroad page.

Safety and Security - Crime
There is a moderate level of crime, including occasional armed robberies targeting foreign residents. You should ensure that your place of accommodation is secure at all times. Mugging, pick pocketing and jewellery theft are also common in city centres, especially after dark. You should be particularly cautious when leaving banks and cash points and at Harare airport. You should avoid travelling alone.

Carry your Zimbabwean Resident ID or photocopies of your passport, although banks will not accept photocopies for monetary transactions.  If your passport is lost or stolen, immediately inform the police and the British Embassy in Harare. Be aware that a passport renewal could take up to four weeks.

For advice specifically on rural areas please see below.

Safety and Security - Car Crime
There have been recorded cases of thefts and smash-and-grab robberies from vehicles, especially at main intersections along the route to Harare Airport.  We are aware of reports of a number of robberies on the Masvingo-Beitbridge road. You should be particularly vigilant when using these routes.  Drivers should keep their vehicle doors locked and windows closed and be cautious when travelling, particularly at night and at filling stations. If possible, you should not leave vehicles unattended in unguarded areas in the towns.

See our Victims of Crime Abroad page.

Safety and Security - Local Travel
Zimbabwe has many safari lodges and game reserves. However, safety standards and training vary, and you should check whether operators are trained and licensed. We are aware of a number of incidents in which animals have attacked visitors resulting in injuries and, in some cases, deaths. Some activities, such as walking or canoe safaris, could pose risks to personal safety as animals in the game parks and reserves are wild. You should treat them with caution and respect, and keep a safe distance from them at all times.

Flash flooding during the rainy season (November to February) can make some roads impassable.

Safety and Security - Local Travel - Rural Areas
Most of Zimbabwe’s commercial farms have been occupied or taken over by members of the National War Veterans' Association and others. Farm invasions continue, often accompanied by violence and looting of property. Exercise caution when visiting farming areas that you are not familiar with. The diamond mining area in Marange is a restricted area. If you are stopped and told that you may not access a particular area, we advise you not to proceed.

Safety and Security - Local Travel - Road Travel
You are permitted to drive in Zimbabwe on production of a full UK driving licence although British nationals resident in Zimbabwe are advised to also obtain a Zimbabwean license to minimise the potential for problems at road blocks. You must obey police signals, stop at roadblocks and toll-gates and produce identification if asked to do so. Travel carefully on inter-city roads, always wear seatbelts, lock car doors, carry a comprehensive medical kit and avoid travelling after dark. If you are driving, think carefully before setting out on long distance journeys, and either carry extra fuel or keep your tank topped up as much as possible. Take up-to-date advice from local contacts about any places that you plan to visit.

Traffic accidents are a common cause of death and injury. There are often large and deep potholes in the roads, which can be dangerous.  Increasingly traffic lights are out of action and cause numerous accidents. Avoid driving outside the main towns at night, as vehicles are often poorly lit and roads badly marked.  Abandoned unlit heavy goods vehicles, cyclists without lights, pedestrians and stray livestock are particularly dangerous hazards. Emergency services can provide only limited help in the event of an accident and ambulances are often severely delayed by a lack of fuel. Be careful about stopping in lay-bys, particularly in the Beitbridge area, as there have been incidents of cars being robbed and occupants attacked (see the Crime section of this advice).

It is an offence to continue driving when the President's motorcade goes past, no matter which side of the road you are on. If you see the motorcade, pull off the road or onto the side of the road if this is not possible. There have been a number of incidents where people have been assaulted by the security forces for stopping in the wrong place or for not stopping soon enough.

See our Driving Abroad page.

Safety and Security - Local Travel - Public Transport
Public transport and services, including internal and external flights with Air Zimbabwe, are unreliable and may be cancelled or not run on schedule. Buses (mainly privately run minibuses) are overcrowded, inadequately maintained, frequently not insured, and the drivers often reckless. They are not recommended for travel.  There have been incidents of assault on tourists hitch hiking and travelling in unlicensed buses. 

Level crossings are poorly marked. Each year there are a number of fatal accidents.

Safety and Security - Local Travel - Rail Travel
The rail system is underdeveloped and very poorly maintained, resulting in numerous accidents. Rail travel is a dangerous option. There have been a number of fatal train crashes. 

Safety and Security - Local Travel - Air Travel
Air Zimbabwe is currently not operating any flights. You should contact the airline or your travel company for the latest information.

The EU has published a list of air carriers that are subject to an operating ban or restrictions within the European Community.  You should check the following link to see whether this will affect your travel - European Commission Transport - Air.

We are not able to make a formal assessment of all airlines in Zimbabwe.  It is not known whether safety procedures on all aircraft used for internal and regional flights meet international standards.  Take this into consideration before using internal or regional flights. Air Zimbabwe route-share with some other African airlines and use airports in countries who have no direct commercial air service to the UK, and whom the UK Civil Aviation Authority has therefore not been in a position to check for compliance with International Civil Aviation Organisation safety standards: bear this in mind when making travel plans.

Like the rest of the country, Zimbabwe’s airports suffer from a lack of electricity. Harare International Airport is reliant on a generator during power cuts. This has an impact on the airport’s ability to light the runway and provide air traffic control facilities. It also results in considerable delays, especially at night, to disembarkation, immigration and luggage collection. Take this into consideration when booking flights, which arrive or depart outside of daylight hours.

See Airline Security.

Safety and Security - Political Situation
Zimbabwe Country Profile

The formation of a cross-party inclusive government in February 2009 led to a reduction in the level of political violence and human rights abuses from the high points during the election period of March - June 2008. The abandonment of the Zimbabwe dollar in favour of foreign currency has also removed hyper-inflation and brought relative economic stability to Zimbabwe. However, there remain political tensions between the parties in government, notably over failure to implement fully the arrangements underpinning the coalition - the Global Political Agreement - and state-sponsored harassment of MDC-Tsvangirai Ministers and supporters. Both President Mugabe and Prime Minister Tsvangirai have described the government as dysfunctional. Public consultations on a new constitution have now ended and a referendum is expected in the New Year, which may be followed by elections in 2012/2013. The situation remains unpredictable and incidences of indiscriminate looting and violence, including in the central business district in Harare increased in 2011.

The European Union has had a travel ban and an assets freeze in place against certain individuals and companies since 2002. Although these measures only affect 163 individuals involved in human rights abuses and repression, and 31 companies that support them, the issue remains highly charged politically. On 2 March 2011, ZANU(PF) launched a nationwide “Anti-Sanctions” campaign and petition. President Mugabe has also spoken of seizing British and European companies in retaliation. Although there have been no such moves as yet, the situation could deteriorate without warning.

You are advised to monitor local media for developments and avoid areas where demonstrations or rallies may be held, or where there are large gatherings of people. If a disturbance occurs, leave the area as quickly as possible. Do not stay to watch or attempt to photograph it, even from a distance, or use a mobile phone. In the past the authorities have used force to suppress demonstrations and when carrying out other police duties. These policing methods mean large gatherings can quickly develop into violent situations. The police cannot be relied upon to assist victims and have told some British nationals that they will not respond to politically motivated crime.

During the election campaign of 2008 and its aftermath, there were numerous politically motivated attacks across Zimbabwe, including abductions, and the assault, torture and murder of opposition supporters, NGO workers, lawyers and those perceived to be against President Mugabe and his ZANU(PF) party.

Avoid engaging in overtly partisan political activity, or in activities which could be construed as such, including political discussions in public places, or criticism of the President. It is an offence to make derogatory or insulting comments about President Mugabe or to carry material considered to be offensive to the President’s office. Be aware that an open hand is the political symbol of the former opposition, now the party of the Prime Minister, MDC-Tsvangirai and a friendly wave may therefore be misinterpreted. Wearing T-shirts with political slogans, can provoke a hostile reaction.

Always carry your identity documentation or copy of your passport.

Photography of government offices, airports, military establishments, official residences and embassies, in addition to other sensitive facilities, is illegal without special permission from the Ministry of Information. Taking photographs of members of the security services (police and armed forces personnel) and of demonstrations and protests is not permitted. Laws are strictly enforced. The area around State House in Harare (the President's official residence) is patrolled by armed members of the Presidential Guard. They do not allow loitering, by motorists, cyclists or pedestrians, and photography is strictly prohibited. Use of GPS navigation systems around the President’s Residence is not advised. If possible, avoid this area.

The simultaneous holding of Zimbabwean and a foreign passport is prohibited. The Zimbabwean authorities may prosecute people found to be in possession of both a Zimbabwean and a British passport. The British Embassy is not in a position to provide the full range of services to people with dual British and Zimbabwean nationality. See our When Things Go Wrong page.

There are laws against indecency, which effectively make homosexuality illegal in Zimbabwe.

Penalties for possession, use or trafficking in illegal drugs are strict and offenders can expect heavy fines or jail sentences.

Do not carry any precious or semi-precious stones without the appropriate paperwork.

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

See our Your Trip page.

Entry Requirements - Visas
You should ensure that you are travelling with the correct documentation as individuals working without the correct permissions risk potential arrest and deportation. NGO workers are particularly encouraged to double-check that they are entering with correct visas.

You will need a visa to visit Zimbabwe. This can be obtained from the Zimbabwean Embassy in London or on arrival in Zimbabwe. The current charge for a single entry visit visa issued on arrival in Zimbabwe is £35.00 or US$55.00, although this could change.  If you have not obtained a visa before travelling, bring enough cash with you to pay for your visa on arrival.  Ensure you have small notes as immigration officers may not be able to provide change.

Holiday and business visas are available at the port of entry. You should confine your activities to the type of visa endorsed in your passport. You are prohibited from conducting business, working or seeking employment on a holiday/visitor’s visa. Should you choose to do so, this immigration offence attracts severe penalties including imprisonment.

Visitors are currently being given entry permission for anything up to 90 days but check that the number of days given at the port of entry covers your intended period of stay, although you can apply to have this period renewed and extended if required. It is illegal to give a false statement in support of a visa or to work in Zimbabwe without the correct visa or work permit. A number of people found to be working without the correct permissions have been arrested and deported.

Before you travel first check current entry requirements with the Zimbabwean Embassy in London.  Anyone intending to carry out journalistic activity needs to arrange prior accreditation through the Zimbabwean Embassy in London. We advise against travel by journalists intending to carry out any reporting or official photography without the proper accreditation as there is a risk of arrest, detention in difficult conditions, and a possible fine, plus a period of further detention or deportation. The Zimbabwean government has made clear that they will penalise any journalists found to be working in Zimbabwe without accreditation.

Entry Requirements - Passport validity
You must hold a valid passport to enter Zimbabwe. Your passport must be valid for a minimum period of six months  and have three blank pages left in it to enable you to enter Zimbabwe and exit via one of the neighbouring countries, if leaving at short notice becomes necessary. Applications for passport renewals should be submitted at the British Embassy Harare at least a month before you intend to travel.

Entry Requirements - Travelling with children
For information on exactly what will be required at immigration please contact the Zimbabwean Embassy in London.

Entry Requirements - General
You may be subject to personal questioning and baggage searches by security/immigration officials when entering and leaving Zimbabwe through Harare airport.

Contact your GP around eight weeks before your trip to check whether you need any vaccinations or other preventive measures. Country specific information and advice is published by the National Travel Health Network and Centre, and useful information about healthcare abroad, including a country-by-country guide of reciprocal health care agreements with the UK, is available from NHS Choices.

Basic services are improving but remain fragile and health services are patchy. The provision of health care is unreliable. There is a shortage of drugs and trained medical staff in hospitals, making it difficult for hospitals to treat certain illnesses including accidents and trauma cases. Private clinics will not treat patients until they pay and often require large amounts of cash before they will admit even emergency cases. Even if payment is available some of the best hospitals are often too full to admit patients. Medical costs, particularly for evacuation, can be high. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation. The shortage of fuel has reduced emergency response capabilities. If you are on medication, bring sufficient supplies of your medication to cover the period of your stay. Pharmacies may not be able to provide you with the appropriate drug prescribed by your doctor.

An outbreak of typhoid in the Dzivaresekwa area of Harare, which began in October 2011 continues with over 3,000 cases identified.

In the 2010 Report on the Global AIDS Epidemic the UNAIDS/WHO Working Group estimated that around 1,000,000 adults aged 15 or over in Zimbabwe were living with HIV; the prevalence percentage was estimated at around  14.3 of the adult population compared to the prevalence percentage rate in adults in the UK of around 0.2%. You should exercise normal precautions to avoid exposure to HIV/AIDS. For more general information on how to do this see HIV and AIDS.

If you need emergency medical assistance during your trip, dial 999 and ask for an ambulance. You should contact your insurance/medical assistance company promptly if you are referred to a medical facility for treatment.

Our Travel Health pages offer further advice on how to stay healthy when overseas.

General - Insurance
You should take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling.  Your policy should include cover for medical evacuation by air ambulance and cover for any adventure sports you may participate in. You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake. See our Travel Insurance page.

If things do go wrong when you are overseas then see our When Things Go Wrong page.

General - Living in, or travelling to, Zimbabwe
Register with our LOCATE service to tell us when and where you are travelling abroad or where you live abroad so our consular and crisis staff can provide better assistance to you in an emergency. 

If you live in or travel to Zimbabwe we advise you to:

• Register with the British Embassy in Harare.  This can be done on-line at UK in Zimbabwe (click on 'services' at the top left and then 'on-line registration').
• Check this travel advice regularly and subscribe to automatic updates at subscribe.
• Ensure that your travel documents are readily available.  Ensure that your passport and Zimbabwe immigration and residency permissions are up to date.  Your passport should have at least six months validity and three blank pages left in it.  Failure to do so could impede your exit.
• Ensure you have your own contingency plan for how you would leave at short notice and regularly review its viability in the light of changing circumstances.
  
• Ensure that you are content with your own and your family's security arrangements and keep yourself up to date with developments, and have sufficient supplies to sustain you and your family if you are unable to leave the house for several days.

The British Embassy is currently maintaining a full range of consular services. However, in the event of a significant deterioration in the security situation, the consular services we will be able to provide will be severely limited.

General - Economic effects
Severe economic decline from 1997 to 2008 and hyper-inflation  led to a significant deterioration in the provision of basic services.  Although there have been improvements since the formation of the Inclusive Government in 2009, there are still frequent  power cuts that affect the whole country, sometimes for days at a time, as well as sporadic fuel and water shortages. The Zimbabwean mobile phone network  and land lines are unreliable. Some business people have been targeted for arrest for economic gain.

General - EU arms embargo
There is an EU arms embargo on Zimbabwe.  It is an offence in UK law to take firearms into Zimbabwe at the current time, even if you intend to bring them back to the UK at the end of your visit. 

General - Money
The Zimbabwean dollar has been taken out of circulation indefinitely. The most widely used currencies are the US dollar and the South African rand. It is inadvisable to carry large amounts of cash.  However, credit and debit cards are not widely accepted. Although it is possible to withdraw cash from some ATMs, it is not advisable to rely on this service being available throughout Zimbabwe.  It is illegal to exchange foreign currency in Zimbabwe anywhere other than at officially licensed dealers (e.g. banks), who may not have sufficient currency to accommodate your request.  It is advisable to have small denomination notes, as change is rarely available.

General - Consular Assistance Statistics
28 British nationals required consular assistance in Zimbabwe in the period 01 April 2010 - 31 March 2011 for the following types of incident: 17 deaths; two hospitalisations; and one arrest.