Sub Saharan Africa

You should 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. Since the March 2008 elections a number of people have been arrested on suspicion of journalism for taking pictures of sensitive places. You should note that 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, you should 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. For more general information see How We Can Help.

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.

You should 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.

For more general information for different types of travellers see Your Trip.