Foreign travel advice

Zimbabwe

Entry requirements

This advice reflects the UK government’s understanding of current rules for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK, for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in Zimbabwe set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Zimbabwean Embassy in the UK.

COVID-19 rules

There are no COVID-19 testing or vaccination requirements for travellers entering Zimbabwe.

You may be asked to complete an arrival form, including the addresses of where you are staying. 

Travel within Zimbabwe

There are some COVID-19 measures in place, including the requirement to:

  • wear face masks on public transport, inside workplaces and in public inside spaces
  • socially distance
  • sanitise hands in some settings

Enforcement is inconsistent.

There is an official curfew between midnight and 5:30am.

Passport validity requirements

To enter Zimbabwe, your passport must:

  • be valid for at least 6 months from the date of your arrival
  • have 3 blank pages, in case you need to enter Zimbabwe and exit through one of the neighbouring countries or if you need to leave at short notice

Check with your travel provider that your passport and any other travel documents meet their requirements. Renew your passport if you need to. 

You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen. 

Visa requirements

You must have a visa to visit Zimbabwe.

Applying for a visa

Most visitors apply for a visa on arrival in Zimbabwe. Take enough US dollars with you in small notes to pay for your visa – see information on visa fees from the Zimbabwean Embassy.

You can also apply for an e-visa before you travel.

It is no longer possible to get a visa from the Zimbabwean Embassy in London.

Zimbabwe usually grants 30-day visas. Check the number of days on your visa covers your intended period of stay.

To extend or renew visas or permits, go in person to the Government of Zimbabwe Immigration Department

To stay longer (to work or study, for business travel or for other reasons), you must meet the Zimbabwe government’s entry requirements. Check which type of visa or work permit you need with the Official Government of Zimbabwe web portal

You must have a temporary work permit if you’re volunteering or doing missionary work.

Zimbabwean temporary travel documents

Zimbabwean temporary travel documents (TTDs) are not valid for re-entry to the UK. You could be stranded in Zimbabwe if you travel using this document.

KAZA Univisa

The KAZA Univisa is valid for travel between Zimbabwe and Zambia and day trips into Botswana. It’s available at Harare, Bulawayo and Victoria Falls airports and at the land borders at Victoria Falls (Zambian border) and Kazungula (Botswana border). It costs 50 US dollars and is valid for 30 days.

Vaccination requirements

At least 8 weeks before your trip, check the vaccinations and certificates you need in TravelHealthPro’s Zimbabwe guide.

Depending on your circumstances, this may include a yellow fever certificate.

Customs rules

There are strict rules about goods that can be brought into and taken out of Zimbabwe. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.

Arms embargo

There is a UK arms embargo against Zimbabwe. It is an offence in UK law to take firearms into Zimbabwe, even if you plan to bring them back to the UK.

Taking money into and out of Zimbabwe

It is illegal to leave Zimbabwe with more than 10,000 US dollars cash (or the same amount in other currencies), unless it is left over from funds you brought with you and declared on arrival. Keep the proof of declaration to avoid problems with officials when you leave.

Journalists

If you’re working as a journalist (for example, as a reporter or news photographer), you must get accreditation before you travel from the Zimbabwean Embassy in the UK. If you do not have proper accreditation, you are at risk of arrest, detention in difficult conditions, a fine and deportation.

The Zimbabwe government uses a broad definition of journalism. This may include any form of interview, filming or photography. Consider carefully the risks associated with engaging in social media activities such as posting comments, blogging or sharing photographs, which can be seen as journalism.