Is it safe to travel to Zimbabwe right now?

This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of Zimbabwe’s current rules 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.

Passport validity requirements

To enter Zimbabwe, your passport must have:

• an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the date you arrive
• 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 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.

Dual nationals

When returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. See Dual citizenship.

Visa requirements

You must have a visa to visit Zimbabwe. Most visitors get their visa on arrival.

Applying for a visa

The visa on arrival is usually granted for 30 days. Take enough US dollars with you in small notes to pay for your visa. See information on visa fees from the Zimbabwean Embassy.

It is possible to apply for an e-visa before you travel, with options for single entry or double entry visas at different prices.

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

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

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

To stay longer or to work or study, or for business travel, you must meet the Zimbabwean government’s entry requirements. 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.

Vaccine requirements

To enter Zimbabwe, you must have a certificate to prove you’ve had a yellow fever vaccination if you’re coming from a country listed as a transmission risk.

For full details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Zimbabwe guide.

Customs rules

There are strict rules about goods that you can take into or 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.

Gemstones

Do not carry any precious or semi-precious stones without the correct paperwork.

Pornographic material

It is illegal to carry or import pornographic material.

Taking money into and out of Zimbabwe

Declare cash or travellers cheques if the value is 10,000 US dollars or more. You will get a certified declaration to show you brought it in with you. It is illegal to leave Zimbabwe with cash worth more than 2,000 US dollars.

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 risk arrest, detention in difficult conditions, a fine and deportation.

Some countries have imposed measures in response to the Ebola disease outbreak. These can include restrictions on entry and health screening measures for travellers having recently visited an affected country. If you are suspected of having symptoms, you may be subject to isolation, quarantine and/or travel restrictions. Contact the authorities of the country you are travelling to for more details.

The authorities of a country or territory decide who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.

We have obtained the information on this page from local authorities. It can, however, change at any time.

Verify this information with the Foreign Representatives in Canada.

Passport

Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you're travelling with.

Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country's entry rules.

Regular Canadian passport

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date you expect to leave Zimbabwe and have at least 2 blank pages.

Passport for official travel

Different entry rules may apply.

Official travel

Passport with “X” gender identifier

While the Government of Canada issues passports with an “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier. Before you leave, verify this information with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

You should also be aware that current systems used by some countries and travel companies may not recognize the “X” gender identifier. You may still be asked to provide your sex/gender information as either male or female when travelling.

Other travel documents

Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, verify this information with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Useful links

• Travel and your sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics
• Foreign Representatives in Canada
• Canadian passports and other travel documents

Visas

Tourist visa: required
Business visa: required
Student visa: required
Work permit: required
Residential visa: required

Tourist visa

You can obtain a single-entry tourist visa, valid for 30 days, at a port of entry into Zimbabwe or at a Zimbabwean embassy.

You can apply for 2 consecutive extensions (for a total of 90 days) at any Zimbabwean Department of Immigration office.

Useful links

• Zimbabwe Department of Immigration
• Apply for an eVisa - Government of Zimbabwe eVisa Website

Business visa and work permit

If you enter Zimbabwe with a business visa or work permit, you cannot extend it from within the country.

You will need to exit the country and either:

• re-enter as a visitor
• or apply for a new business visa or work permit and wait for its delivery before re-entering

Working or living in Zimbabwe

It’s very difficult to arrange a work permit or residential visa after arriving in Zimbabwe.

If you plan on working or living in Zimbabwe, you should contact the nearest Zimbabwean diplomatic office before your arrival.

Volunteering and missionary activities are considered work. You will require a business visa to engage in these activities.

Journalists

Foreign media organizations must obtain prior accreditation for their journalists visiting or working in Zimbabwe.

Journalists attempting to enter the country without proper advance accreditation may be denied entry or deported. Journalists working in Zimbabwe without accreditation risk arrest and prosecution.

If you are seeking registration to enter Zimbabwe as a journalist, contact the nearest Zimbabwean diplomatic office well ahead of your planned departure.

Foreign diplomatic missions and consulates in Canada

Children and travel

Learn about travelling with children.

Yellow fever

Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).