Risk level(s)

Safety and security

Border with Mozambique

Do not stray from the main tourist areas near the border with Mozambique, since landmines and unexploded munitions still present a danger in this region.

Crime

Crime, exacerbated by a very difficult economic situation, remains a serious problem for foreign visitors and residents alike.

Street crime, such as muggings, house robberies, passport theft, carjacking, pickpocketing and bag snatching is common. Ensure that your personal belongings and travel documents are secure, particularly in crowded places, and carry a photocopy of your passport. You should be particularly cautious when leaving banks and automated banking machines (ABMs).

Remain vigilant, avoid travelling alone at all times and avoid walking after dark, including in the larger cities such as Harare and Bulawayo, as well as at tourist sites such as Victoria Falls, Pungwe Falls, Mterazi Falls, and the Honde Falls.

Exercise a high degree of caution when travelling to rural areas where violence over forced farm redistribution may occur. Central and local authorities in some rural areas occasionally respond to outsiders with suspicion and hostility.

Demonstrations and civil unrest

Demonstrations occur and have the potential to suddenly turn violent. Demonstrations in and around the city of Harare and at the border with South Africa have increased since June 2016, leading to rioting and violent clashes between protestors and police. Harare’s Central Business District is usually the area most affected by these demonstrations. Protestors have blocked roads for extended periods of time and border crossings may close without notice. The security situation could deteriorate suddenly. Avoid all demonstrations and public gatherings, follow the advice of local authorities and monitor local media and social media.

Road safety

Roads are not lit so driving after dark is not advised. Due to power outages, traffic lights frequently do not work.  In this case, the traffic does not behave as a four-way stop so pay close attention before proceeding through an intersection. Potholes are common and have caused many road accidents. Poorly serviced vehicles and dangerous driving habits also contribute to accidents. Cars may not have adequate lights at night.

Pedestrians often walk on the roads, even at night. Domestic and wild animals roam major roads, also posing a risk. In the event of a flat tire, drive to a service station or residential area before stopping to make repairs, if possible.

If you suspect that your vehicle is being followed, drive to the nearest police station. Do not leave personal belongings or travel documents unattended in vehicles.

Drive with your doors locked and windows up at all times, and park in a guarded parking lot overnight.

Remain vigilant at all times when travelling through the Beitbridge area as highway robberies are common, particularly at night.

Consult the Mozambique Travel Advice page if you intend to drive to the ocean through Mozambique.

Roadblocks

As roadblocks can be erected anywhere without notice, drive carefully and be very cooperative at all times. You could be subject of arbitrary detention or arrest and should have your travel documents, such as passport, visas and vehicle police clearance certificate with you at all times. You and your vehicle may be searched at any time, as well as any person travelling with you. Whatever items are deemed suspicious during a search could be seized. You may be asked to pay a fine on the spot or to accompany a police officer to the police station. On-the-spot fines are illegal in Zimbabwe and you should ask for a ticket to be issued. You can then pay the ticket at the nearest police station.

Public transportation

Intercity bus and rail travel are dangerous and not recommended. Buses are overcrowded and inadequately maintained, and the drivers are often reckless. The rail system is underdeveloped and poorly maintained, resulting in numerous accidents. Major hotels usually have their own taxis, which can be used safely for intra-city travel. Taxis recommended by hotels are normally reliable and in good condition.  Taxi service is only available within major cities and taxis will normally not take you more than 20 km outside the city limits.

Air travel

The Government of Canada does not assess foreign domestic airlines’ compliance with international aviation safety standards. See Foreign domestic airlines for more information.

Safaris and organized tours

There are inherent risks to viewing wildlife (both marine and terrestrial), particularly on foot or at close range. Always maintain a safe distance when observing wildlife and avoid exiting the vehicle unless professional guides or wardens say it is safe to do so. Only use reputable and professional guides or tour operators and closely follow park regulations and wardens’ advice.

Fraud

There have been fraud attempts through emails originating from Zimbabwe. Any unsolicited business proposal should be carefully scrutinized. See our Overseas Fraud page for more information on scams abroad.

General safety situation

Interruptions to the supply of water and electricity are frequent and lengthy in many areas, resulting in considerable hardship.

Food shortages remain a serious problem in rural areas. Keep stores of food, water, fuel and emergency supplies on hand in case disruptions were to strand you in your home for a few days.

Entry/exit requirements

It is the sole prerogative of every country or territory to determine who is allowed to enter or exit. Canadian consular officials cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet entry or exit requirements. The following information has been obtained from the Zimbabwean authorities and is subject to change at any time. The country- or territory-specific entry/exit requirements are provided on this page for information purposes only. While every effort is made to provide accurate information, information contained here is provided on an "as is" basis without warranty of any kind, express or implied. The Government of Canada assumes no responsibility, and shall not be liable for any damages in connection to the information provided. It is your responsibility to check with the Embassy of the Republic of Zimbabwe for up-to-date information.

Official (special and diplomatic) passport holders must consult the Official Travel page, as they may be subject to different entry requirements.

Passport

Canadians must present a passport to visit Zimbabwe, which must be valid for at least for at least six months beyond the date of expected departure from that country months beyond the date of expected departure from that country. Prior to travelling, ask your transportation company about its requirements related to passport validity, which may be more stringent than the country's entry rules.

Temporary passport holders may be subject to different entry requirements. Check with diplomatic representatives for up-to-date information.

Visas

Canadians must also be in possession of a visa.

A single entry visa may be obtained at a port of entry into Zimbabwe or at a Zimbabwe Embassy abroad. A multiple entry visa can be obtained from the Zimbabwe Department of Immigration in any of the immigration Offices. Tourists can apply for an extension at the nearest immigration office, but renewal is not automatic.

Business visas cannot be extended from within Zimbabwe. Travellers on a Zimbabwe business visa will need to exit the country and re-enter as a visitor or apply for a new business visa/work permit and wait for its issuance outside the country.

A Canadian wishing to work or live in Zimbabwe must contact the Zimbabwe Embassy in Ottawa before arriving, as it is very difficult to arrange a work permit or residential visa after arriving in Zimbabwe.  Volunteering and missionary activities are considered work and a business visa is required for a Canadian citizen to engage in these activities while in Zimbabwe.

Tourist visa: Required
Business visa: Required
Student visa: Required

Journalists

Under Zimbabwean law, foreign media organizations are required to obtain prior accreditation for their journalists visiting or working in Zimbabwe. Canadians seeking registration as journalists in Zimbabwe should contact the Zimbabwean Ministry of Information and Publicity at 263 (4) 706891/2/3/4 or 263 (4) 707210; fax: 263 (4) 708557) for further information on fees and other requirements. Journalists attempting to enter the country without proper advance accreditation may be denied admission or deported. Journalists working in Zimbabwe without accreditation risk arrest and prosecution.

Children and travel

Children need special documentation to visit certain countries. See Children for more information.

Consult the South Africa Travel Advice page if you are transiting by road through South Africa with children under the age of 18.

Yellow fever

See Health to obtain information on this country’s vaccination requirements.

Health

Medical services and facilities

Medical facilities in Zimbabwe, as well as medical supplies, are very limited.

Travellers requiring medical assistance calling for a blood transfusion, or who suffer any serious illness, or who are involved in an accident may require medical evacuation to South Africa. Ensure that you have adequate travel insurance, including medical air evacuation, for the duration of your stay, and be sure to verify which circumstances and activities are excluded from your policy.

There is a significant shortage of prescription medication, so ensure that you bring your own supplies.

Almost all medical services, such as doctors, hospitals and air ambulance medical evacuation, must be paid for immediately in cash, as overseas medical insurance payments are rarely accepted.

Keep in Mind...

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety.

Be prepared. Do not expect medical services to be the same as in Canada. Pack a travel health kit, especially if you will be travelling away from major city centres.

Laws & culture

You are subject to local laws. See Arrest and detention for more information.

Driving

Traffic drives on the left. An International Driving Permit is recommended.

Illegal and restricted activities

Demonstrations and assemblies, even for private meetings, are illegal in Zimbabwe if not pre-approved by the Government.  Bystanders have been known to be taken into custody at such events.  Police officers may request to attend meetings.  Avoid large crowds or gatherings, particularly political meetings or rallies. 

Photography of government offices, airports, military establishments, official residences and embassies, in addition to other sensitive facilities, is prohibited unless permission is granted from the Zimbabwe Ministry of Information. Special permits may be needed for other photography. Laws are strictly enforced, and all restrictions should be observed. If in doubt, do not take a picture.

It is a criminal offence in Zimbabwe to make derogatory or insulting comments about President Mugabe, a member of his government, or the Zimbabwean government itself. Any person making such comments is liable to arrest and prosecution. Avoid participating in political discussions in public places or engaging in political activity. Note that an open hand is the symbol of the main opposition political party, and that therefore a friendly wave could be misinterpreted as a provocative gesture. Avoid carrying books by banned authors, and in rural areas, do not carry copies of the main independent newspapers, such as the Financial Gazette, the Independent and the Standard.

The use of a cellular telephone without using a hands-free device while driving is illegal and may result in a fine.

Possession or importation of pornographic material is forbidden.

LGBTQ2 travellers

The laws of Zimbabwe prohibit sexual acts between individuals of the same sex. LGBTQ2 travellers should carefully consider the risks of travelling to Zimbabwe.

See Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and two-spirit Canadians abroad for more information.

Dual citizenship

Dual citizenship is not legally recognized in Zimbabwe. If local authorities consider you a Zimbabwean citizen, they may refuse to grant you access to Canadian consular services, thereby preventing Canadian consular officials from providing you with those services. In fact, persons over the age of 18 are not permitted to hold both a Zimbabwean passport and a second nationality passport. Doing so could result in heavy penalties, such as a fine, revocation of Zimbabwean citizenship or even incarceration. You should travel using your Canadian passport and present yourself as Canadian to foreign authorities at all times to minimize this risk. Citizenship is determined solely by national laws, and the decision to recognize dual citizenship rests completely with the country in which you are located when seeking consular assistance. See Travelling as a dual citizen for more information.

Money

The U.S. dollar, British pound, South African rand, Botswana pula, government-issued bond notes and several other currencies are legal tender in Zimbabwe, but the US dollar is the most widely used and accepted currency. Other currencies are rarely accepted for the purchase of goods and services.

Zimbabwe is currently experiencing a severe currency shortage. It is nearly impossible to withdraw money from ABMs. When they are stocked, you can only withdraw small amounts of cash using an international credit card and service is sporadic at best. Bring sufficient funds in cash for the duration of your stay. However, note that you can only leave the country with a maximum of US$1,000 in cash, or the equivalent in other foreign currencies, unless you completed a blue Baggage Declaration form upon entry. These forms, which are available in the baggage claim area at the airport, allow you to leave the country with as much money as you declared upon entry.

Government-issued bond notes have no monetary value outside of Zimbabwe, and exchange bureaus and vendors don’t usually exchange them for foreign currencies. You should spend your bond notes before leaving Zimbabwe.

Debit cards and credit are not widely accepted for payments, but some large vendors, such as supermarkets, may accept payment by credit card.

Remain cautious, as counterfeit notes can be found in circulation. For safety reasons, do not attempt to change currency at unregistered currency exchange offices or outlets.

Natural disasters & climate

The rainy season extends from November to March. Keep informed of regional weather forecasts and plan accordingly.

Assistance

Local services

Consular assistance

For emergency assistance after hours, call the Embassy of Canada in Harare and follow the instructions. You may also call the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa at 613-996-8885.