Risk level

Safety and security

Marange mining area

Security forces restrict the access to the Marange diamond mining fields in Chiadzwa, Mutare.

Don’t attempt to enter the area.

Crime

Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, occurs regularly. Crime also includes incidents such as:

• muggings
• house robberies
• passport theft
• carjacking

Highway robberies are common, particularly at night. Robberies from vehicles have occurred on the road to and from the Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport and when travelling through the Beitbridge area. There is also an increased risk of crime near the border with Mozambique.

In addition, you should particularly cautious:

• in large cities such as Harare and Bulawayo
• at tourist sites such as Victoria Falls and Honde Valley waterfalls, including Mterazi Falls and Pungwe Falls
• at popular safari camps in the Hwange and Mana Pools national parks

Criminals target both foreigners and residents.

Local police are often unable to travel to the site of a reported crime. The police are likely to ask you to travel to a local police station to file a report, or to make arrangements to transport police officers to your location.

• Be vigilant and avoid travelling alone at all times
• Avoid walking after dark
• Be particularly cautious when leaving banks and after using ATMs
• Drive to the nearest police station if you suspect that you are being followed by an unknown driver
• Drive with your doors locked and windows up at all times
• Park in a guarded parking lot overnight
• Ensure that your personal belongings are secure at all times

Demonstrations and civil unrest

Demonstrations and civil unrest may occur. They usually take place in the central business district and high density suburbs of major cities such as Harare and Bulawayo. They have led to violence in the past.

Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time. They can also lead to disruptions to traffic and public transportation.

• Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place
• Don’t attempt to cross roadblocks, even if they appear unattended
• Follow the instructions of local authorities
• Always carry photo identification, such as your passport, with you
• Monitor local media for information on ongoing demonstrations

More about mass gatherings (large-scale events)

Fraud

Credit card and ATM fraud occurs. When using debit or credit cards:

• pay careful attention when your cards are being handled by others
• use ATMs located in well-lit public areas or inside a bank or business
• avoid using card readers with an irregular or unusual feature
• cover the keypad with one hand when entering your PIN
• check for any unauthorized transactions on your account statements

There have also been fraud attempts through emails.

Carefully scrutinize any unsolicited business proposal.

More about overseas fraud

Outages and shortages

Power outages are common. Many regions, including the city of Harare, regularly experience long and frequent interruptions to the electrical and water supplies. Outages may be scheduled by local authorities or occur without notice. This can affect telecommunications networks.

Food and fuel shortages also occur.

Keep supplies of food, water and fuel on hand in the event of lengthy disruptions.

Wildlife viewing

Wildlife viewing can be risky, particularly if you are on foot or at close range.

• Always keep a safe distance when watching wildlife
• Leave a vehicle only when a professional guide or warden says it’s safe to do so
• Use only reputable and professional guides or tour operators
• Closely follow park regulations and wardens’ instructions

Road safety

Road conditions and road safety are poor throughout the country.

Road conditions

Most roads don’t have street lights. Potholes are common and cause many road accidents. Highways are often narrow and have sharp downhill stretches. Pedestrians often walk on the roads, even at night. Domestic and wild animals roam major roads, also posing a risk.

Avoid driving after dark.

Road safety

Drivers are reckless and don’t respect traffic laws. Traffic lights are frequently broken, and drivers don’t treat non-functioning lights as four-way stops.  They instead use hazard lights when entering these intersections. This often results in accidents.

Vehicles are often poorly maintained. Drivers may not have functioning lights on their cars, which makes driving at night even more dangerous. Pay close attention before proceeding through an intersection.

Roadblocks

Security forces may erect roadblocks anywhere without notice. They use them to enforce order and collect fines, particularly in urban centers and on major roads.

Security forces can search you and your vehicle any time, as well as any person travelling with you. They can seize any items they deem suspicious during a search. Police officers may ask you to accompany them to the police station or to pay a fine on the spot.

• Drive carefully and always cooperate if you are stopped
• Don’t go through roadblocks without stopping, even if they appear unattended
• Ask for a ticket to be issued if you are fined by local authorities, as fines on-the-spot are illegal

Public transportation

Public transport is very limited and services are not reliable.

Bus

Commuter buses or “combis” are often overcrowded, uninsured and poorly maintained. Drivers are reckless.

Avoid using intercity bus services.

Trains

The rail system is underdeveloped and poorly maintained, resulting in numerous accidents.

Avoid using rail services.

Taxis

Taxi service is only available in major cities. Taxis will normally not take you more than 20 km outside the city limits.

Major hotels usually have their own taxis, which are safe for intra-city travel.

Taxis recommended by hotels are normally reliable and in good condition.

• Only use a reputable taxi company
• Book taxis through your hotel or an authorized taxi centre

Air travel

We do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.

General information about foreign domestic airlines

Entry and exit requirements

Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.

We have obtained the information on this page from the Zimbabwean authorities. It can, however, change at any time.

Verify this information with the Foreign Representatives in Canada.

Passport

Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you use for travel.

Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country’s entry rules.

Regular Canadian passport

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date you expect to leave Zimbabwe.

Passport for official travel

Different entry rules may apply.

Official travel

Passport with “X” gender identifier

While the Government of Canada issues passports with an “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Other travel documents

Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Useful links

• Foreign Representatives in Canada
• Canadian passports

Visas

Tourist visa: required
Business visa: required
Student visa: required
Work permit: required
Residential visa: required

Tourist visa

You can obtain a single-entry tourist visa, valid for 30 days, at a port of entry into Zimbabwe or at a Zimbabwean embassy.

You can apply for 2 consecutive extensions (for a total of 90 days) at any Zimbabwean Department of Immigration office.

Zimbabwe Department of Immigration

Apply for an eVisa - Government of Zimbabwe eVisa Website

Business visa and work permit

If you enter Zimbabwe with a business visa or work permit, you cannot extend it from within the country.

You will need to exit the country and either:

• re-enter as a visitor
• or apply for a new business visa or work permit and wait for its delivery before re-entering

Working or living in Zimbabwe

It’s very difficult to arrange a work permit or residential visa after arriving in Zimbabwe.

If you plan on working or living in Zimbabwe, you should contact the nearest Zimbabwean diplomatic office before your arrival.

Volunteering and missionary activities are considered work. You will require a business visa to engage in these activities.

Journalists

Foreign media organizations must obtain prior accreditation for their journalists visiting or working in Zimbabwe.

Journalists attempting to enter the country without proper advance accreditation may be denied entry or deported. Journalists working in Zimbabwe without accreditation risk arrest and prosecution.

If you are seeking registration to enter Zimbabwe as a journalist, contact the nearest Zimbabwean diplomatic office well ahead of your planned departure.

Foreign diplomatic missions and consulates in Canada

Yellow fever

Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).

Children and travel

Learn about travel with children.

Health

Routine Vaccines

Be sure that your routine vaccines, as per your province or territory, are up-to-date regardless of your travel destination.

Some of these vaccines include: measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, varicella (chickenpox), influenza and others.

Pre-travel vaccines and medications

You may be at risk for preventable diseases while travelling in this destination. Talk to a travel health professional about which medications or vaccines are right for you.

Food and Water-borne Diseases

Travellers to any destination in the world can develop travellers' diarrhea from consuming contaminated water or food.

In some areas in Southern Africa, food and water can also carry diseases like cholera, hepatitis A, schistosomiasis and typhoid. Practise safe food and water precautions while travelling in Southern Africa. Remember: Boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it!

Insects and Illness

In some areas in Southern Africa, certain insects carry and spread diseases like African trypanosomiasis (sleeping sickness), Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever, chikungunya, malaria, Rift Valley fever, and West Nile virus.

Travellers are advised to take precautions against bites.

Animals and Illness

Travellers are cautioned to avoid contact with animals, including dogs, monkeys, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats. Some infections found in Southern Africa, like rabies, can be shared between humans and animals.

Person-to-Person Infections

Crowded conditions can increase your risk of certain illnesses. Remember to wash your hands often and practice proper cough and sneeze etiquette to avoid colds, the flu and other illnesses.

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV are spread through blood and bodily fluids; practise safer sex.

Medical services and facilities

Good health care is limited in Zimbabwe. Quality of care varies greatly throughout the country.

Medical facilities and medical supplies are limited, especially outside of the major cities. The best hospitals are often at full capacity and cannot admit further patients. Trained medical staff are scarce. You will likely need medical evacuation in case of serious illness or injury.

Overseas medical insurance payments may not be accepted. You will likely have to provide upfront payment in cash to obtain medical services, such as:

• doctor visits
• hospitals visits
• air ambulance
• medical evacuation

Medication

There is a significant shortage of prescription medication.

If you take prescription medication, you’re responsible for determining their legality in Zimbabwe.

• Bring sufficient quantities of your medication with you
• Always keep your medication in the original container
• Pack them in your carry-on luggage
• Carry a copy of your prescriptions

Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.

Travel health and safety

Keep in Mind...

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety.

Be prepared. Do not expect medical services to be the same as in Canada. Pack a travel health kit, especially if you will be travelling away from major city centres.

Laws and culture

You must abide by local laws.

Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad.

Drugs

There are severe penalties for the possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs. If you are convicted, you can expect to be arrested, detained and prosecuted.

• Alcohol, drugs and travel
• Cannabis and international travel

Demonstrations and civil unrest

Demonstrations and assemblies, even for private meetings, are illegal in Zimbabwe if not pre-approved by the government. Local authorities have taken bystanders into custody at such events.

Making political commentary or discussing the President or the President’s office is also illegal.

• Avoid political activities and discussions
• Don’t post or react to online content criticizing the government
• Limit your social media footprint

Photography

Photography of the following is prohibited unless permission is granted from the Zimbabwe Ministry of Information:

• the State House
• government offices
• airports
• military establishments
• official residences and embassies
• police officers
• armed forces members
• demonstrators

You may need a special permit for other photography. Local authorities strictly enforce all restrictions. Observe all restrictions. When in doubt, don’t take a picture.

Identification

Local authorities may ask you to show identification at any time.

You must carry your passport, visa and other travel documents with you at all times. Failure to produce these documents upon request may subject you to detention or arrest.

Keep a photocopy of your passport in a safe place, in case the original is lost or confiscated.

Pornographic material

Possession or importation of pornographic material is forbidden.

Military clothing

It’s illegal for civilians to wear any form of clothing made from camouflage material.

Precious stones

Carrying precious or semi-precious stones (rough or uncut) without the correct paperwork or permit is prohibited.

LGBTQ2 travellers

Zimbabwean law prohibits sexual acts between individuals of the same sex.

Those convicted can face imprisonment and heavy fines. LGBTQ2 travellers could also be discriminated against or detained based on their sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression or sex characteristics.

LGBTQ2 travellers should carefully consider the risks of travelling to Zimbabwe.

Travel and your sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics

Dual citizenship

Dual citizenship is legally recognized in Zimbabwe.

If you are a Canadian citizen, but also a citizen of Zimbabwe, our ability to offer you consular services may be limited while you're there. You may also be subject to different entry/exit requirements.

General information for travellers with dual citizenship

International Child Abduction

The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is an international treaty. It can help parents with the return of children who have been removed to or retained in certain countries in violation of custody rights. The convention applies between Canada and Zimbabwe.

If your child was wrongfully taken to, or is being held in Zimbabwe, and if the applicable conditions are met, you may apply for the return of your child to the Zimbabwean court.

If you are in this situation:

• act as quickly as you can
• contact the Central Authority for your province or territory of residence for information on starting an application under The Hague Convention
• consult a lawyer in Canada and in Zimbabwe to explore all the legal options for the return of your child
• report the situation to the nearest Canadian government office abroad or to the Vulnerable Children’s Consular Unit at Global Affairs Canada by calling the Emergency Watch and Response Centre

If your child was removed from a country other than Canada, consult a lawyer to determine if The Hague Convention applies.

Be aware that Canadian consular officials cannot interfere in private legal matters or in another country’s judicial affairs.

Useful links

• List of Canadian Central Authorities for the Hague Convention
• International Child Abduction: A Guidebook for Left-Behind Parents
• Travelling with children
• The Hague Convention - Hague Conference on Private International Law
• Canadian embassies and consulates by destination
• Emergency Watch and Response Centre

Driving

Traffic drives on the left.

You must have a copy of your vehicle clearance certificate with you when driving.

You should carry an International Driving Permit.

Fines

On-the-spot fines are illegal in Zimbabwe.

You can pay a fine at the nearest police station. Police officers may ask you to accompany them there.

If you receive a fine:

• ask for a ticket to be issued
• don’t pay the ticket on-the-spot

Money

The currency in Zimbabwe is the Zimbabwe dollar (ZWL). This refers to government-issued bond notes, bond coins and mobile money known as real-time gross settlement (RTGS) systems. However, it has no monetary value outside of the country.

Most transactions in Zimbabwe are made in US dollars. Foreign credit cards are not always accepted.

The country is currently experiencing a severe local currency shortage. It’s impossible to withdraw money from ATMs or banks using an international bank card.  Counterfeit banknotes are in circulation.

You can bring in any amount of cash into Zimbabwe. However, you can only leave the country with a maximum of US$2,000 in cash, or the equivalent in other foreign currencies, unless you completed a blue Baggage Declaration form upon entry at the airport.

• Plan accordingly
• Bring sufficient US dollars to cover your stay
• Check with your tour operator or hotel which payment methods will be accepted
• Change currency at registered currency exchange offices only

Importation and exportation of currency by travellers - Zimbabwe Revenue Authority

Natural disasters and climate

Rainy season and cyclones

The rainy season extends from November to March. Seasonal flooding can hamper overland travel and reduce the provision of essential services. Roads may become impassable and bridges damaged.

During this season, cyclones also occur.

If you travel to Zimbabwe during this time:

• stay informed of the latest regional weather forecasts
• carry emergency contact information for your airline or tour operator
• follow the advice and instructions of local authorities

Useful links

• Hurricanes, typhoons, cyclones and monsoons 
• Large-scale emergencies abroad

Bushfires

Veld (bush) fires are common during the dry season (April to October). They are very unpredictable and extremely dangerous. They can spread very quickly and travel at speeds of 60 km/h or more, due to high winds.

• Stay clear of active fires
• Always verify local conditions with relevant authorities before going on bush walks, particularly during the dry season