23 March 2021
There's a ban on overseas travel from Australia. You can’t leave Australia unless you have an exemption from the Department of Home Affairs, or are travelling to a destination that is exempt from the ban.
Our global travel advice remains at 'Do not travel' due to the health risks from the COVID-19 pandemic and the significant disruptions to global travel. Some destinations were already set at Do Not Travel prior to COVID-19 due to the extreme risk to your safety.
If you’re overseas and wish to return to Australia, be prepared for delays and read our advice on trying to get home.
When you arrive in Australia you must quarantine for 14 days at designated facilities in your port of arrival, unless you have an exemption or are travelling on a quarantine-free flight from a green zone destination. At this time, vaccination against COVID-19 does not change this quarantine requirement. You may be required to pay for the costs of your quarantine. View State and Territory Government COVID-19 information for information about quarantine and domestic borders.
If you're staying overseas, make plans to stay for an extended period. Follow the advice of local authorities and minimise your risk of exposure to COVID-19. Stay in touch with family and friends so they know you're safe.
Our network of embassies and consular posts around the world will provide you with up-to-date local advice and support throughout this difficult period. Be aware consular services may be limited due to local measures.
For the latest information, read and subscribe to our news and travel advice. Also see our COVID-19 information pages.
Call 999.
Call 999 or go to a hospital.
Call 999 or Harare Central Police Station on 777 777 or visit the nearest police station.
Do not travel to Zimbabwe.
Do not travel overseas due to the health risks from the COVID-19 pandemic and the significant disruptions to global travel.
Full travel advice: Safety
Full travel advice: Health
Full travel advice: Local laws
Full travel advice: Travel
Full travel advice: Local contacts
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:
In some areas of Zimbabwe, issues causing unrest include:
Avoid political activity and any activities that could be seen as political, such as:
Public protests and events that draw large groups of people can turn violent.
During periods of unrest:
More information:
There's a high risk of theft and other crime.
Petty crime is common, especially in urban and tourist areas. Dangers include:
Violent crime, such as armed robbery and assault, also occurs.
The risk of crime increases:
Robberies may happen during the day, particularly in crowded urban areas.
To protect yourself from violent crime:
Get immediate medical help if you're a victim of violent crime, especially sexual assault. The risk of HIV/AIDS is high.
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:
If travelling by car:
Commercial fraud, money transfer and employment scams are increasing.
More information:
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.
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:
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:
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:
Get comprehensive travel insurance before you leave. A ban on overseas travel from Australia remains in place. You can’t leave Australia unless you get an exemption from the Department of Home Affairs.
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. Consider whether you may be in a vulnerable category for COVID-19.
See your doctor or travel clinic to:
Do this at least 8 weeks before you leave.
More information:
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:
More information:
COVID-19 remains a risk in Zimbabwe.
You should consult your local health professional for advice on vaccine options, including assistance that may be available locally. The Australian Government cannot provide advice on the safety, quality and efficacy of vaccines that have been approved for use outside of Australia's regulatory process.
More information:
Malaria is a risk everywhere except in Harare and Bulawayo.
Mosquitoes also spread other diseases, including filariasis.
To protect yourself from disease:
Get medical advice if you have a fever, muscle pain, rash or severe headache.
More information:
The rate of HIV/AIDS infection is high.
Take precautions if you engage in activities that put you at risk of infection.
Serious outbreaks of other waterborne, foodborne and infectious diseases sometimes occur, including:
Serious outbreaks sometimes occur.
In September 2018, people died from a cholera outbreak in Harare.
To protect yourself from illness:
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:
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:
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.
Penalties are severe for carrying, making or dealing in illegal drugs, including marijuana.
You may face lengthy prison sentences and heavy fines.
More information:
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:
Juvenile offenders may get corporal punishment.
In Zimbabwe, it's illegal to:
Same-sex relationships are illegal.
You need permission from the Ministry of Information to photograph:
By law, you can't take part in political activities, or activities that authorities could interpret as political.
You can't:
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:
Some Australian criminal laws still apply when you're overseas. If you break these laws, you may face prosecution in Australia.
More information:
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:
The Department of Immigration is partially open for processing of short-term investor work and student permits, and the issuing of visas at ports of entry. Tourist visas are being issued on arrival.
Tourist visas were automatically extended during the lockdown but if your visa has expired you are now required to renew it.
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:
You can get a KAZA UniVisa at:
A KAZA UniVisa can't be extended. Its availability can change at short notice.
You must apply for a permit, before arriving in Zimbabwe, to:
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:
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.
To enter Zimbabwe you must have a negative PCR test conducted within 48 hours of travel. If you arrive without a negative PCR test you will be required to enter quarantine for 10 days at designated hotels at your own cost. If you arrive with a valid negative PCR test you will be required to self-quarantine at home or in a hotel for 10 days.
Domestic and international flights are operating, although options remain limited, including to Australia. If you're entering Zimbabwe you'll need a negative COVID-19 (PCR) test conducted 48 hours before travel. You may be required to quarantine at home, but timeframes remain fluid. Some airlines also require a negative PCR test. Check with airlines regarding their individual requirements.
A nationwide lockdown remains in place, though restrictions are easing. Essential businesses are open from 8am to 7pm. A curfew is in place from 10pm to 5.30am. Letters for essential travel are no longer required.
Businesses may open with strict adherence to COVID-19 health protocols. Social gatherings must not exceed 50 people. Funerals cannot exceed 30 people. Restaurants can open for takeaway or delivery only. Face masks, temperature checks and hand washing or the use of hand sanitiser remains mandatory. Inter-city travel is allowed.
Conditions remain fluid, so contact your nearest Zimbabwean embassy or airline for details of the latest requirements. Follow the advice of local authorities.
You need a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate if you're arriving from a country with yellow fever.
More information:
When you arrive, check you get a legible entry stamp in your passport. Immigration officials will ask to see it when you leave.
If you're using an emergency travel document, you may need to show a police report to prove your passport was lost or stolen.
You must have proper accreditation to work as a journalist. Without this, you can be arrested and detained, or even deported.
Strict rules apply to a child aged under 18 years travelling through South Africa. Check our travel advice for South Africa.
More information:
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.
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:
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:
Cuts to power and water are common and can last for weeks. These disruptions also happen in cities. Mobile phone reception is also unreliable.
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.
To drive in Zimbabwe , you need both:
Get your IDP before leaving Australia.
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:
Flash flooding during the rainy season, from November to March, can make roads impassable.
All vehicles must carry:
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.
Fuel shortages can occur. Keep your tank topped up and carry sufficient fuel for long journeys.
If you plan to drive:
If you hire a vehicle, make sure it's equipped with all compulsory safety equipment.
While driving:
If you plan to drive to Mozambique:
More information:
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.
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.
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.
Use only registered taxis and limousines. If possible, book them through your accommodation.
Avoid using public transport, including trains and buses.
It can be dangerous due to overcrowding, poor maintenance and reckless driving.
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.
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:
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:
Call 999.
Call 999 or go to a hospital.
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. The Australian Embassy in Harare is not open to the public due to the prevailing circumstances and risks, but continues to provide services by appointment.
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.
In a consular emergency, if you can't contact an embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:
Be the first to know official government advice when travelling.