Zimbabwe

The security situation is volatile. Unemployment is high and the economy is unstable.

Sometimes there are shortages of medical supplies, basic goods and food.

Services such as power, water and transport are unreliable.

The worsening economy has caused:

• widespread disruption

• street blockades

• violent protests, including in Harare and Bulawayo

In some areas of Zimbabwe, issues causing unrest include:

• land confiscation

• people forced off their land

• crop looting

• cattle theft

• wildlife poaching 

• violence against farmers, their families and workers

Avoid political activity and any activities that could be seen as political, such as:

• political discussion or commentary in public places

• political protests

• large public gatherings

Public protests and events that draw large groups of people can turn violent.

During periods of unrest:

• monitor the media for planned or possible unrest

• avoid affected areas

• follow advice from local authorities

More information:

• Demonstrations and civil unrest

There's a high risk of theft and other crime.

Petty crime is common, especially in urban and tourist areas. Dangers include:

• mugging

• bag-snatching

• carjacking

• pickpocketing

Violent crime, such as armed robbery and assault, also occurs.

The risk of crime increases:

• at night

• on city streets and in city centres

• near bridges

• around parks

• in open fields

Robberies may happen during the day, particularly in crowded urban areas.

To protect yourself from violent crime:

• avoid carrying bags that are easy to snatch

• always lock doors, windows and gates at your accommodation

• travel with other people, or preferably a tour group

• avoid walking around after dark

Get immediate medical help if you're a victim of violent crime, especially sexual assault. The risk of HIV/AIDS is high.

Other crime

Theft from vehicles is common.

Thieves target cars stopped at intersections. In Harare, remain alert on the way to the airport and along Churchill, Borrowdale, and Masvingo-Beitbridge roads.

Thieves also slash the tyres of cars parked or stopped in traffic. When someone stops to change their tyre, thieves rob them.

Travellers have been robbed while visiting national parks. Safari operators may ask you to show proof of indemnity insurance.

Get updates on the security situation before you visit:

• national parks

• farms, game farms, lodges and hunting areas

If travelling by car:

• keep your doors locked, windows up and valuables hidden, even when moving

• be aware of people near your vehicle

• stop as little as possible — approach red lights slowly and plan ahead when you approach residential gates

• leave road space in front of your car, in case you need to move away quickly

Scams and fraud

Commercial fraud, money transfer and employment scams are increasing.

More information:

• Scams

Limited police services

Police have limited resources, including vehicles and fuel. They may ask to be driven from a police station to a crime scene.

Police processes can be slow and complicated when recovering property or prosecuting offenders.

Terrorism is a threat worldwide.

More information:

• Terrorism

Transport and tour operators don't always follow safety and maintenance standards. This is important for adventure activities, such as rafting, bungee jumping and other adventure sports.

If you plan to do an adventure activity:

• check if your travel insurance policy covers it

• see if your operator is registered

• ask about and insist on minimum safety requirements

• always use available safety gear, such as life jackets or seatbelts

If proper safety equipment isn't available, use another provider.

If you visit Victoria Falls, carry your passport in a waterproof bag. Authorities may not accept a damaged passport.

Swimming in lakes and rivers is unsafe.

You risk:

• attacks by wildlife

• catching waterborne diseases, such as bilharzia (schistosomiasis). See Health

Zimbabwe experiences severe weather.

The rainy season is from November to April. Flooding can occur.

In March 2019, Cyclone Idai caused flooding and mudslides in eastern Zimbabwe.

Many roads and bridges in these areas still can't be used.

The cyclone has affected electricity, water and telecommunications.

If you're travelling to affected areas, take extra care. Monitor weather updates.

If there's a natural disaster:

• secure your passport in a safe, waterproof location

• monitor local media and other sources

• register with the Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System to receive alerts

• do what local authorities say

• keep in touch with your friends and family

Get comprehensive travel insurance before you leave. Your policy needs to cover all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation. The Australian Government won't pay for these costs.

If you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. This applies to everyone, no matter how healthy and fit you are.

If you're not insured, you may have to pay many 1000s of dollars up-front for medical care.

Confirm:

• what activities and care your policy covers

• that your insurance covers you for the whole time you'll be away

Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition.

See your doctor or travel clinic to:

• have a basic health check-up

• ask if your travel plans may affect your health

• plan any vaccinations you need

Do this at least 8 weeks before you leave.

More information:

• General health advice

• International travel and health

Not all medication available over the counter or by prescription in Australia is available in other countries. Some may even be considered illegal or a controlled substance, even if prescribed by an Australian doctor.

If you plan to bring medication, check if it's legal in Zimbabwe. Take enough legal medicine for your trip.

Carry a copy of your prescription or a letter from your doctor stating:

• what the medicine is

• how much you'll take

• that it's for personal use

More information:

• Medicine

Insect-borne diseases

Malaria is a risk everywhere except in Harare and Bulawayo.

Mosquitoes also spread other diseases, including filariasis.

To protect yourself from disease:

• make sure your accommodation is insect-proof

• use insect repellent

• wear long, loose, light-coloured clothing

• consider taking medicine to prevent malaria

Get medical advice if you have a fever, muscle pain, rash or severe headache.

More information:

• Infectious diseases

HIV/AIDS

The rate of HIV/AIDS infection is high.

Take precautions if you engage in activities that put you at risk of infection.

Other health risks

Serious outbreaks of other waterborne, foodborne and infectious diseases sometimes occur, including:

• bilharzia (schistosomiasis)

• typhoid

• hepatitis

• tuberculosis

• measles

• rabies

Serious outbreaks sometimes occur.

In September 2018, people died from a cholera outbreak in Harare.

To protect yourself from illness:

• keep your vaccinations up to date

• drink boiled water or bottled water with sealed lids

• avoid ice cubes

• avoid raw and undercooked food, such as salads

• avoid contact with dogs and other mammals

If you're bitten or scratched by an animal, get medical help straight away.

Don't swim in fresh water to avoid waterborne diseases.

Get medical help if you have a fever or diarrhoea.

More information:

• Infectious diseases

Medical facilities

Health services are poor.

Medical facilities are generally of a poor standard. Outside of Harare and Bulawayo facilities are even more limited. Some medical supplies and prescription medicine may not be available.

Public hospitals in Harare and in other towns have shortages of:

• staff

• water

• power

• medicine

• equipment

They may not treat patients with certain illnesses. They may not be able to help in an accident or emergency.

You will need to pay up-front before receiving treatment, even in an emergency.

If you become seriously ill or injured, you may need to be evacuated. Medical evacuation can be very expensive.

You're subject to all local laws and penalties, including those that may appear harsh by Australian standards. Research local laws before travelling.

If you're arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you under our Consular Services Charter. But we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.

Drugs

Penalties are severe for carrying, making or dealing in illegal drugs, including marijuana.

You may face lengthy prison sentences and heavy fines.

More information:

• Carrying or using drugs

Other laws

By law, you must always carry ID, such as a copy of your passport.

You may have to show these documents if you're stopped by police or immigration officials.

You face the death penalty for:

• murder

• treason

• banditry

• sabotage

• terrorism

Juvenile offenders may get corporal punishment.

In Zimbabwe, it's illegal to:

• kill, capture or trade a protected animal, or its parts, without a licence

• wear clothing with camouflage designs if you're a civilian  

• have or trade counterfeit or pirated goods, or pornographic material

• have precious or semi-precious stones without paperwork

Same-sex relationships are illegal. 

You need permission from the Ministry of Information to photograph:

• airports

• military establishments

• government offices

• the President's residence

• security forces

By law, you can't take part in political activities, or activities that authorities could interpret as political.

You can't:

• discuss politics in public places

• make derogatory or insulting comments about the President

• carry material that attacks the President's office

• display or distribute banned books

• display political loyalty such as slogans or images from Zimbabwean political parties

• continue driving when the President's motorcade goes past. See Travel

An open hand is the symbol of a main political party in Zimbabwe. Authorities could think a friendly wave is a deliberate political activity.

The President's official residence is at State House, Chancellor Avenue, The Avenues, Harare. The roads around the residence are closed between 6pm and 6am. Security is strict. Don't look through the gates or hang around outside the walls.

If you plan to do business in Zimbabwe, research local laws and regulations, including for land and business ownership.

More information:

• Advice for LGBTI people

• Doing business

Some Australian criminal laws still apply when you're overseas. If you break these laws, you may face prosecution in Australia.

More information:

• Staying within the law and and respecting customs

Zimbabwe doesn't have a clear policy regarding dual nationals.

Australian-Zimbabwean dual citizens who are arrested or detained may not get consular help from Australian officials.

More information:

• Dual nationals

Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders.

Make sure you meet all entry and exit conditions. If you don't, the Australian Government can't help you.

Visitor visas and permits

You need a visa to enter Zimbabwe.

Most travellers, including tourists, can get either a 30-day visa on arrival or a KAZA UniVisa.

To extend a visa on arrival, apply online through the Department of Immigration or in person at its office. Allow enough time for an extension review.

You can also apply for a double-entry tourist visa, which is valid for 30 days from each date of entry.

A KAZA UniVisa allows multiple entries in a 30-day period:

• between Zimbabwe and Zambia

• to Botswana for day trips

You can get a KAZA UniVisa at:

• Harare, Bulawayo and Victoria Falls airports

• Victoria Falls land border (Zambia)

• Kazungula land border (Zambia/Botswana)

A KAZA UniVisa can't be extended. Its availability can change at short notice.

Other visas and permits

You must apply for a permit, before arriving in Zimbabwe, to:

• live

• work

• study

• invest

• do business

The Zimbabwe Chief Immigration Officer must approve the permit.

Be careful using local migration agents. It's better to get visas and work permits yourself.

To arrange a visa or work permit, apply:

• on the Department of Immigration website

• through your sponsor

• at your nearest Zimbabwean Department of Immigration office

Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. Contact an embassy or consulate of Zimbabwe for details about visas, currency, customs and quarantine rules.

You could be jailed if you overstay your visa.

Your options for leaving Zimbabwe may be limited if security deteriorates quickly. Keep your documents up to date. You'll need a valid passport, visa, and vehicle police clearance if leaving via a land border.

Yellow fever vaccination

You need a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate if you're arriving from a country with yellow fever.

More information:

• Countries with a risk of yellow fever (PDF)

Entry stamp

When you arrive, check you get a legible entry stamp in your passport. Immigration officials will ask to see it when you leave.

Travel with an emergency travel document

If you're using an emergency travel document, you may need to show a police report to prove your passport was lost or stolen.

Working as a journalist

You must have proper accreditation to work as a journalist. Without this, you can be arrested and detained, or even deported.

Travel with children

Strict rules apply to a child aged under 18 years travelling through South Africa. Check our travel advice for South Africa.

More information:

• Advice for people travelling with children

Validity

Some countries won't let you enter unless your passport is valid for 6 months after you plan to leave that country. This can apply even if you're just transiting or stopping over.

Some foreign governments and airlines apply the rule inconsistently. Travellers can receive conflicting advice from different sources.

You can end up stranded if your passport isn't valid for more than 6 months.

The Australian Government does not set these rules. Check your passport's expiry date before you travel. If you're not sure it'll be valid for long enough, consider getting a new passport.

Lost or stolen passport

Your passport is a valuable document. It's attractive to people who may try to use your identity to commit crimes.

Some people may try to trick you into giving them your passport. Always keep it in a safe place.

If your passport is lost or stolen, tell the Australian Government as soon as possible:

• In Australia, contact the Australian Passport Information Service.

• If you're overseas, contact the nearest Australian embassy or consulate.

With effect from June 24, 2019, the only legal tender in Zimbabwe is the 'Zimbabwe Dollar (ZWL)'.  This refers to government-issued ‘bond’ notes, bond coins and electronic money known as the real-time gross settlement (RTGS) dollar. These have no monetary value outside of Zimbabwe.  US Dollars will only be accepted in specific  circumstances.

Before you pay for anything, check what currency a price is quoted in and the exchange rate. US dollars and RTGS dollars both use the same currency sign ($).

Zimbabwe is experiencing a cash crisis. Authorities have introduced restrictions. You can't withdraw cash from an ATM with an international debit card.

Take enough cash to cover your stay. It is illegal to change money anywhere other than officially licensed banks and bureaux de change.

Check if your hotels and other providers will accept cards, especially outside of Harare.

It's illegal to leave Zimbabwe with more than USD2,000 in cash or the same amount in a different currency. The amount can change with little or no notice.

More information:

• Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe

Essential services

Cuts to power and water are common and can last for weeks. These disruptions also happen in cities. Mobile phone reception is also unreliable.

Landmines

Parts of the country have unexploded landmines, mainly in:

• the border area with Mozambique

• the Lupane District in Matabeleland North Province

The Zimbabwe Government has a national program to locate and remove landmines.

Stick to main roads and paths in areas where landmines could exist.

Driving permit

To drive in Zimbabwe , you need both:

• a valid Australian driver licence

• an International Driving Permit (IDP)

Get your IDP before leaving Australia.

Road travel

You're 6 times more likely to die in a motor vehicle accident in Zimbabwe than in Australia. Traffic lights rarely function, leaving drivers to navigate intersections and road crossings by themselves.

Hazards include:

• dangerous driving habits

• poorly maintained urban and rural roads full of potholes

• poor street lighting

• unlit vehicles at night

• animals on roads

Flash flooding during the rainy season, from November to March, can make roads impassable.

Driving laws

All vehicles must carry:

• a fire extinguisher

• 2 metallic emergency triangles with white reflective stickers on the front, and red reflective stickers on the back

• a spare wheel

• wheel spanner

• a jack

If your vehicle isn't fully equipped, authorities could fine you.

It's illegal to use a phone without a hands-free device when driving.

Short-term foreign drivers must pay a vehicle charge. It includes a carbon tax, parking fees, road tolls and increased border tolls.

Local driving

Fuel shortages can occur. Keep your tank topped up and carry sufficient fuel for long journeys.

If you plan to drive:

• check your insurance covers you and your vehicle

• learn local traffic laws and practices

• ask about fuel availability and road conditions, such as security risks and road closures

If you hire a vehicle, make sure it's equipped with all compulsory safety equipment.

While driving:

• take a mobile phone or another communication device with you

• always be alert to possible hazards

• avoid travelling on roads outside of major centres at night, due to limited lighting and poor road conditions

• avoid rural roads at night

• do what local authorities say, including at roadblocks

If you plan to drive to Mozambique:

• read our travel advice for Mozambique

• ask locally about the security situation in provinces close to Zimbabwe

More information:

• Driving or riding

Motorcades

By law, all vehicles must stop when the President's motorcade goes past. You must stop even if you're on the opposite side of the road on a dual carriageway.

Motorcades usually begin with a single police motorcycle with flashing lights. Security forces sometimes intimidate or assault motorists who don't stop in time.

Roadblocks

Police roadblocks can appear with little warning. If asked, you must show police your identification documents, car registration and ownership papers.

Police may also ask to see your car safety equipment.

Police may ask drivers to pay on-the-spot fines or a bribe. If you pay a bribe, they could demand more.

Motorcycles

Check if your travel insurance policy covers you for the vehicle you intend to ride. You might need extra cover for an accident on a motorbike, quad bike or similar vehicle.

Always wear a helmet.

Taxis

Use only registered taxis and limousines. If possible, book them through your accommodation.

Public transport

Avoid using public transport, including trains and buses.

It can be dangerous due to overcrowding, poor maintenance and reckless driving.

Boat travel

Accidents have occurred on passenger ferries and boats.

Use transport providers with a good reputation.

Always wear a life jacket, even if others don't.

Air travel

You must pay a departure tax for domestic flights. Pay in cash to the Civil Aviation Authority at the airport. Keep your receipt.

Airlines can change or cancel flights at short notice. You can book charter flights through private companies.

The European Union (EU) has banned Air Zimbabwe flights to the EU. Australian Embassy staff are not permitted use Air Zimbabwe for official travel except in exceptional circumstances.

DFAT doesn't provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths.

Check Zimbabwe's air safety profile with the Aviation Safety Network.

More information:

• Air travel

Hunting

Zimbabwe has hunting rules.

Risks include landmines in some areas.

If you plan to do guided hunting, engage an operator with a good reputation and a valid hunting licence.

Before you hunt, research the rules and requirements of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES).

Depending on what you need, contact your:

• family and friends

• travel agent

• insurance provider

• employer

• airline

Fire and rescue services

Call 999.

Medical emergencies

Call 999 or go to a hospital.

Police

Call 999 or Harare Central Police Station on 777 777 or visit the nearest police station.

Always get a police report when you report a crime.

Your insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.

Contact your provider with any complaints about tourist services or products.

Read the Consular Services Charter for what the Australian Government can and can't do to help you overseas.

For consular assistance, contact the Australian Embassy in Harare.

Australian Embassy, Harare

1 Green Close

Borrowdale, Harare, Zimbabwe

Phone: (+263 024) 2 853 235 55

Fax: (+263 024) 2 870 566

Email: zimbabwe.embassy@dfat.gov.au

Website: zimbabwe.embassy.gov.au

Facebook: Australian Embassy, Zimbabwe

Twitter: @AusEmbZim

Check the Embassy website for details about opening hours and any temporary closures.

24-hour Consular Emergency Centre

In a consular emergency, if you can't contact an embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:

• +61 2 6261 3305 from overseas

• 1300 555 135 in Australia