Zimbabwe Travel

Page Updated: Apr 2020

Zimbabwe Travel - Zimbabwe is a landlocked country in south-central Africa. The country has land borders with Mozambique in the north and east, South Africa in the South, Botswana in the south-west and Zambia in the north and north-west.

Zimbabwe Travel Facts

• Formerly: Southern Rhodesia
• Capital: Harare
• Area: 390,580 km2
• Population: 11,376,676
• Language: English and many local languages

Zimbabwe Money

• The local currency was the Zimbabwean dollar (ZWD) but since 2009 it is no longer. Most transactions will be conducted in US$ or in South African Rand (ZAR).
• It is illegal to exchange foreign currency anywhere other than at officially licensed dealers and banks.
• Carry small denomination notes as change is rarely available in smaller businesses.
• Credit and Debit cards are still not commonly accepted by hotels or shops anywhere except in Harare or Victoria Falls.
• Locations of Visa ATMs in Harare.
• Locations of Cirrus/Mastercard/Maestro ATMs in Zimbabwe.
• ATMs are common in Harare and they dispense US dollars but don't rely on this service being available throughout Zimbabwe. Read more on money in Africa
• There is a Visa ATM only at Harare airport.

Zimbabwe Foreign Currency Restrictions

• There is no limit to the amount of foreign currency that a visitor can bring into Zimbabwe.
• On arrival in Zimbabwe, a Currency Declaration Form must be completed to state how much currency you are bringing into Zimbabwe.
• You must retain a copy of the Currency Declaration Form and show it on departure from Zimbabwe.
• If no official declaration of the funds was made upon entry into the country, only up to US$1000 will be allowed to be exported on departure. The money may also be confiscated and/or a court appearance may be necessary which would delay departure.
• It is a serious offence to leave the country with foreign currency exceeding US$5000, or equivalent.

Electricity In Zimbabwe

There are 2 plug configurations in Zimbabwe.

Voltage: 220 V | Frequency: 50 Hz | Power sockets: Type D & E

Zimbabwe Map

Getting To Zimbabwe

No flights from Europe direct to Zimbabwe. Use South African, East African Or Middle East hubs.

British Airways

• Non-Stop from Heathrow, London to OR Tambo, Johannesburg with onward connection to Harare with Comair or Kalula

NOTE Comair is a franchise partner with British Airways and, as of March 2013, will not carry firearms. Kalula has an interline agreemant with BA Comair and will also not carry firearms.

South African Airways

• Non-Stop from Johannesburg to Harare, Zimbabwe
• Non-Stop from Johannesburg to Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

Emirates

• Non-Stop from Dubai, UAE to Harare, Zimbabwe

South African Airlink

• Non-Stop from Johannesburg to Harare, Zimbabwe

Air Namibia

• Non-Stop from Windhoek to Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
• Non-Stop from Windhoek to Harare, Zimbabwe

Ethiopian

• Non-Stop Addis Ababa to Harare, Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe Travel Health

Vaccinations/boosters are strongly recommended for:

• Diphtheria
• Hepatitis A
• Tetanus
• Rabies
• Typhoid

Malaria In Zimbabwe

Prophylaxis is recommended for all areas, except the cities of Harare and Bulawayo. Malaria risk exists from November through June in areas below 1200m and year-round in the Zambezi valley.

Other Health Hazards In Zimbabwe

• All hepatitis strains are present.
• Bilharzia is present in fresh water.
• Outbreaks of Meningitis may occur.
• Food and drink contamination. Take rigorous precautions against diarrhoeal disease such as cholera and E-Coli.

Getting A Visa For Zimbabwe

As a Category B country, US & UK citizens are not required to apply for a visa before travelling, but may pay for and obtain a visa on entry in Zimbabwe.

If you are a passport holder from a Category C country, you need to get your visa in advance of travel and make your application at the Zimbabwean Embassy.

If you are a passport holder from a listed eligible country, you may apply online for an e-visa for Zimbabwe.

Zimbabwe Embassy Websites

• Zimbabwe Embassy In US
• Zimbabwe Embassy In UK
• US Embassy In Zimbabwe
• UK Embassy In Zimbabwe Website

Zimbabwe Travel Recommended Reading

The Bradt Travel Guide to Zimbabwe offers in-depth information on the facilities, advice on itinerary planning as well as how to select a safari. Accommodation is covered with up-to-date information on everything from luxury safari camps to budget stays.

Zimbabwe Travel Resources

• Firearm Import Regulations for Zimbabwe
• Hunting Zimbabwe
• US Travel Advisory on Zimbabwe
• The Smart Traveller Enrollment Program is a free service for US travellers which enables those travelling abroad to notify the nearest US Embassy or Consulate of their trip. This enables you to receive travel warnings, travel alerts and any emergency notifications from your family.
• UK Foreign & Commonwealth Travel Advisory on Zimbabwe

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