Zimbabwe

Carry a copy of your passport’s photo page and your visa at all times. Leave your original passport somewhere safe. If you lose your UK passport, get a police report. You may need to show this to immigration to explain why you have no proof of entry when you depart.

Zimbabwean residents must carry their residence card.

Illegal drugs, including cannabis, carry severe penalties. You should expect a long jail sentence and heavy fines for possessing, using or smuggling illegal drugs, including when transiting through the airport.

Airports in Zimbabwe have excellent technology and security for detecting illegal items. This is also used to scan the baggage of transiting passengers.

Zimbabwe’s economy is unpredictable. Monetary policy can change at short notice.

Zimbabwe has a multi-currency system. You can use US dollars for most transactions. In April 2024, Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG) was introduced as a new currency to replace the Zimbabwean dollar. The US dollar remains legal tender.

It is illegal to exchange foreign currency anywhere other than at officially licensed dealers such as banks or bureaux de change. Bureaux de change will accept and change foreign currency, particularly US dollars.

There is a shortage of physical US dollar cash, so it’s not always possible to make withdrawals using an international debit or credit card. Change is rarely available, so carry small denomination notes. Do not accept torn or damaged notes in change as shops and restaurants are likely to refuse them. 

Check in advance what payment methods a restaurant, hotel or tour operator will accept. Some businesses, including some medical providers, may not accept credit or debit cards. Most suppliers prefer US dollars in cash.

International money transfers from outside Zimbabwe are not always successful.

It is illegal to take photographs of government offices, airports, military establishments, political party offices, official residences, embassies and other sensitive locations without special permission from the Ministry of Information. It is also illegal to photograph police and armed forces personnel, demonstrations and protests. The police strictly enforce these laws. You should exercise caution and avoid taking photos or videos that might accidentally include sensitive buildings or personnel.

Armed members of the Presidential Guard patrol the area around State House in Harare (the President’s official residence). They do not allow loitering by motorists, cyclists or pedestrians, and it is illegal to take photographs. The roads in this area are closed from 6pm to 6am. Do not use GPS navigation systems around the President’s residence and, if possible, avoid the area altogether.

The Zimbabwean government uses a broad definition of journalism. This may include any form of interview, filming or photography. Journalism is illegal without accreditation. See Entry requirements. Consider carefully the risks of any social media activities, including posting comments, blogging or sharing photographs, which can be seen as journalism.

Zimbabwe’s position on dual nationality has been inconsistent. The Constitutional Court has ruled that some categories of dual nationality are legal, and that Zimbabwean citizens by birth may hold dual nationality. However, Zimbabwean law prohibits dual citizenship for those who acquire Zimbabwean citizenship by descent or registration. The authorities may obstruct, detain or even seek to prosecute someone they consider an offender.  

If you are a British national considering acquiring Zimbabwean citizenship, you should take legal advice.

It is illegal to buy, sell, kill or capture any protected wild animal or trade its parts without a licence. Buying or trafficking such items risks prosecution and a prison sentence of up to 9 years.

It is illegal for civilians to wear any form of clothing made from camouflage material.

Sex between men and same-sex marriage are illegal in Zimbabwe. Zimbabwean society remains conservative towards same-sex relations, especially between men. However, there is a small but active underground LGBT+ scene in Harare and prosecutions are rare. Be aware that showing affection in public could result in unwanted attention.

Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers. You can also find more local information from the GALZ Association.

There is currently heavy rainfall and flooding across Southern Africa, including in areas of Zimbabwe. The rainy season runs from November to April. Heavy rainfall can damage roads, or make them impassable in some areas.