Zimbabwe Travel Status

WATCH

Travel to Zimbabwe is operating normally overall, including international flights, airports and land-border crossings. Travellers should nevertheless be aware of current crime and security advice, frequent electricity and water outages and the possibility of demonstrations or localized disruption.

Crime

Current official travel advice highlights opportunistic crime including pickpocketing, theft and theft from vehicles. Violent crime such as robbery, carjacking and home invasion can also occur.

Victoria Falls

Victoria Falls remains accessible to tourists and there is no current significant travel disruption affecting the destination. The security situation can differ from conditions in major urban areas.

Harare and Bulawayo

Demonstrations and civil unrest can occur, particularly in central business districts and densely populated areas of Harare and Bulawayo. Travellers should avoid demonstrations and large political gatherings.

Electricity and water

Power outages remain common and can last for extended periods. Water interruptions also occur and outages can affect telecommunications, accommodation and other services.

Visa requirements

Visa requirements depend on nationality. Many visitors can obtain a visa on arrival, usually for a stay of up to 30 days, while an eVisa is also available.

KAZA Univisa

Eligible travellers visiting both Zimbabwe and Zambia can use the KAZA Univisa. It also permits day trips into Botswana through the applicable crossing.

Passport requirements

Travellers should generally have a passport valid for at least six months after arrival. Current UK guidance recommends having at least three blank passport pages.

Yellow fever

A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required if arriving from a country where yellow fever transmission is considered a risk.

Cash and payments

Zimbabwe operates a multi-currency system. US dollars are widely used, alongside Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG). Travellers should not assume that cards or ATMs will always be available or reliable.

Road travel

Road conditions vary considerably, particularly outside major cities. Poor lighting, potholes, animals and vehicles without adequate lights can make driving after dark more dangerous.

International travel operating normally

No significant current nationwide flight, airport or border disruption has been identified. Zimbabwe remains open to international travellers.

Direct London-Harare flights

Current UK travel guidance was updated in July with information about direct flights operating between London and Harare.

Security advice remains elevated

The current U.S. advisory remains Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution because of crime, unrest and other risks.

Infrastructure problems continue

Frequent electricity and water outages continue to affect parts of Zimbabwe, including Harare. Travellers should choose accommodation with backup power and water where possible.

Tourist destinations remain accessible

There are currently no reported security tensions significantly disrupting tourism in major destinations such as Victoria Falls.

Check your airline, passport and Zimbabwean visa requirements before departure.

If travelling overland, confirm the opening hours and immigration requirements of your intended border crossing.

Consider accommodation with backup electricity and water, particularly if staying in Harare or other areas affected by frequent utility outages.

Carry some US dollars in smaller denominations rather than relying entirely on cards and ATMs.

Avoid demonstrations and large political gatherings and monitor local information if unrest develops.

If travelling to Victoria Falls and continuing into Zambia or Botswana, check whether the KAZA Univisa is suitable for your itinerary.

Travel Status is designed to highlight significant changes that could affect a trip. It is not a replacement for official immigration, airline or government advice.