Zimbabwe
Summary
Before you travel, check the ‘Entry requirements’ section for Zimbabwe’s current entry restrictions and requirements. These may change with little warning. Monitor this advice for the latest updates and stay in contact with your travel provider.
If you plan to pass through another country to return to the UK, check the travel advice for the country you’re transiting.
It is more important than ever to get travel insurance and check your cover. See the FCDO’s guidance on foreign travel insurance.
ZimbabwePolling willday holdfor itsZimbabwe’s general election was on 23 August 2023. YouElectoral shouldprocesses avoidare anystill ongoing. Avoid any political gatherings or demonstrations. For more information see Political situation
Ensure you carry identification, so that you can produce it if required to do so by the security forces. Taking photographs of police, armed forces personnel, government buildings and of demonstrations and protests is not permitted. Always carry identity documentation or a copy of your passport. See Local laws and customs
Zimbabwe’s economic situation remains unpredictable. Both the Zimbabwe Dollar and US Dollar are currently used. This may change without notice. There is a shortage of physical cash so it is not always possible to make cash withdrawals using an international bank card. If attempting to use an international bank card for payment in supermarkets, shops and restaurants, ensure you state that you are using an international card to avoid overcharging on your account. You should check with your tour operator or hotel what payment methods will be accepted. See Money
Zimbabwe is currently experiencing electricity shortages resulting in extended periods without power. During blackouts, you should exercise a high degree of caution when driving as traffic lights may not be operational. Water rationing is being experienced in certain parts of the country. Contact your tour operator or hotel for latest updates.
Availability of fuel can be unreliable. Payment is usually made in cash; most filling stations do not accept international cards. See Road travel
There is a moderate level of crime in Zimbabwe. Remain vigilant, especially after dark, and make sure accommodation and vehicles are secure. See Safety and security
Holiday and business visas are available at the port of entry. Violations of visa conditions can lead to arrest. See Visas
Dual British-Zimbabwean nationals who travel to Zimbabwe must have a valid travel document to re-enter the United Kingdom. It’s not possible to re-enter the UK using a Zimbabwean passport or a Zimbabwe Temporary Travel document without a visa or entry clearance endorsed. See Dual nationals
The UK Air Safety List (ASL) lists all known airlines in Zimbabwe that do not meet international safety standards and are banned from operating commercial air services to, from, and within the UK. Check the UK Air Safety List when considering which airlines to fly with. The list is maintained by the Department for Transport, based on advice from the UK Civil Aviation Authority. British government employees travelling to and within Zimbabwe have been advised to use carriers that are not on the UK ASL. See Air travel
Although there’s no recent history of terrorism in Zimbabwe, attacks can’t be ruled out. See Terrorism
If you’re abroad and you need emergency help from the UK government, contact the nearest British embassy, consulate or high commission.
Before you travel, check the ‘Entry requirements’ section for Zimbabwe’s current entry restrictions and requirements. These may change with little warning. Monitor this advice for the latest updates and stay in contact with your travel provider.
If you plan to pass through another country to return to the UK, check the travel advice for the country you’re transiting.
It is more important than ever to get travel insurance and check your cover. See the FCDO’s guidance on foreign travel insurance.
ZimbabwePolling willday holdfor itsZimbabwe’s general election was on 23 August 2023. YouElectoral shouldprocesses avoidare anystill ongoing. Avoid any political gatherings or demonstrations. For more information see Political situation
Ensure you carry identification, so that you can produce it if required to do so by the security forces. Taking photographs of police, armed forces personnel, government buildings and of demonstrations and protests is not permitted. Always carry identity documentation or a copy of your passport. See Local laws and customs
Zimbabwe’s economic situation remains unpredictable. Both the Zimbabwe Dollar and US Dollar are currently used. This may change without notice. There is a shortage of physical cash so it is not always possible to make cash withdrawals using an international bank card. If attempting to use an international bank card for payment in supermarkets, shops and restaurants, ensure you state that you are using an international card to avoid overcharging on your account. You should check with your tour operator or hotel what payment methods will be accepted. See Money
Zimbabwe is currently experiencing electricity shortages resulting in extended periods without power. During blackouts, you should exercise a high degree of caution when driving as traffic lights may not be operational. Water rationing is being experienced in certain parts of the country. Contact your tour operator or hotel for latest updates.
Availability of fuel can be unreliable. Payment is usually made in cash; most filling stations do not accept international cards. See Road travel
There is a moderate level of crime in Zimbabwe. Remain vigilant, especially after dark, and make sure accommodation and vehicles are secure. See Safety and security
Holiday and business visas are available at the port of entry. Violations of visa conditions can lead to arrest. See Visas
Dual British-Zimbabwean nationals who travel to Zimbabwe must have a valid travel document to re-enter the United Kingdom. It’s not possible to re-enter the UK using a Zimbabwean passport or a Zimbabwe Temporary Travel document without a visa or entry clearance endorsed. See Dual nationals
The UK Air Safety List (ASL) lists all known airlines in Zimbabwe that do not meet international safety standards and are banned from operating commercial air services to, from, and within the UK. Check the UK Air Safety List when considering which airlines to fly with. The list is maintained by the Department for Transport, based on advice from the UK Civil Aviation Authority. British government employees travelling to and within Zimbabwe have been advised to use carriers that are not on the UK ASL. See Air travel
Although there’s no recent history of terrorism in Zimbabwe, attacks can’t be ruled out. See Terrorism
If you’re abroad and you need emergency help from the UK government, contact the nearest British embassy, consulate or high commission.
Update history
2025-04-01 12:51
Removal of information on possible demonstrations on 31 March (‘Safety and security’ page).
2025-03-28 11:35
Update with information on possible demonstrations on 31 March (‘Safety and security’ page).
2025-02-03 16:49
Updated information on the Zimbabwe-Mozambique border (‘Warnings and insurance’ page).
2025-01-13 16:56
Addition of information on possible disruption to travel, including delays or closures at the border with Mozambique, at short notice (‘Warnings and insurance’ page).
2024-10-07 11:42
Updated information about taking money into and out of Zimbabwe (‘Entry requirements’ page)
2024-09-13 12:10
This travel advice was reviewed for style and accuracy.
2024-08-27 11:18
Removal of information to anticipate increased security measures before and during the Southern African Development Community Summit on 17 August (‘Safety and security’ page).
2024-08-02 12:16
Addition of information to anticipate increased security measures before and during the Southern African Development Community Summit on 17 August (‘Safety and security’ page).
2024-04-10 16:50
New information on the introduction of a new currency in Zimbabwe (ZiG) which has replaced the Zimbabwe Dollar (‘Safety and security’ page).
2024-04-03 12:40
Updated information on COVID-19 measures, taking photographs in secure areas and road travel (‘Entry requirements’ and ‘Safety and security’ pages).
2023-11-20 09:34
Information on Cholera and Polio outbreaks in Zimbabwe (‘Health’ page).
2023-10-19 12:59
This travel advice has been rewritten to make it easier to read and understand.
2023-08-26 23:48
Information on avoiding political gatherings or demonstrations following Zimbabwe’s general elections
2023-08-24 11:43
Information on avoiding political gatherings or demonstrations following Zimbabwe’s general elections (‘Summary’ and ‘Safety and security’ pages).
2023-06-27 10:56
Information on Zimbabwe’s upcoming general elections (‘Summary’ and ‘Safety and security’ pages).
2023-06-22 12:23
Information about the global terrorism risks to British nationals abroad on all FCDO travel advice pages.
2023-06-22 11:55
Information about the global terrorism risks to British nationals abroad on all FCDO travel advice pages.
2023-06-15 16:36
Information on the removal of COVID-19 measures at points of entry and of the requirement to wear masks at public gatherings (‘Coronavirus’ and ‘Entry requirements’ pages).
2023-06-13 10:08
New information on the airlines in Zimbabwe that do not meet international safety standards (‘Summary’ and ‘Safety and security’ pages)
2023-03-06 11:12
Removed information on high winds and heavy rainfall, in southern and eastern areas of Zimbabwe (‘Summary’ and ‘Natural disasters’ pages).
2023-02-27 15:18
Updated information on high winds and heavy rainfall, in southern and eastern areas of Zimbabwe (‘Summary’ and ‘Natural disasters’ pages).
2023-02-23 15:06
Information on Cyclone Freddy bringing high winds, heavy rainfall, and flash floods to southern and eastern areas of Zimbabwe (‘Summary’ and ‘Natural disasters’ pages).
2023-02-15 14:52
Updated information on visas, health and money (‘Entry requirements’, ‘Health’ and ‘Money’ pages).
2022-10-17 15:32
Updated information on using international bank cards and COVID-19 measures (‘Summary’ and ‘Coronavirus’ page).
2022-08-26 14:44
Updated information on current measles outbreak in Zimbabwe (’Health’ page)
2022-07-13 16:22
Updated information on COVID-19 measures for Zimbabwe residents and entry requirements for children (‘Entry requirements’ page)
2022-06-28 15:26
Update to information on exiting Zimbabwe and returning to the UK (‘Coronavirus’ page)
2022-04-29 11:12
Update to information on exiting Zimbabwe and returning to the UK (‘Coronavirus’ and ‘Entry requirements’ pages)
2022-04-04 16:26
Update to information on entering and transiting Zimbabwe with proof of vaccination (‘Entry requirements’ page)
2022-03-17 09:48
Clarification on information on requirements for travellers leaving Zimbabwe (‘Coronavirus’ and Entry requirements’ pages)
2022-03-03 17:03
Updated information on entry requirements and restrictions for public places and services (‘Coronavirus’ and ‘Entry requirements’ pages). Additional advice on carrying photographic identity documentation when out and about in Zimbabwe (‘Safety and security’ and ‘Local laws and customs’ pages)