Zimbabwe

Safety and security

Emergency phone numbers

Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes and providing emergency services.

• Dial 995 for police. 
• Dial 999 for ambulance. 
• Dial +263-242-703631 for the Victim Friendly Unit.

Demonstrations 

Demonstrations can occur with little notice.  They may take place in response to political or economic issues.  They may also occur on significant holidays, and during large events. 

• Demonstrations can be unpredictable. Avoid areas around protests and other demonstrations, especially in downtown areas like the Harare Central Business District.  Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent.
• Check local media for updates and traffic advisories.

Crime

Criminals operate near hotels, restaurants, and shopping areas of major cities and tourist areas such as Victoria Falls.  The downtown sectors of Harare, and its high-density residential suburbs, are particularly high-crime areas. 

Safety tips:

• Always secure your possessions while in public areas. 
• Avoid displaying or carrying valuables and large sums of money. 
• Leave your passport and valuables in the hotel safety deposit box or room safe. 
• Be alert for “smash and grabs,” where thieves break car windows while you are stopped at intersections and take things within reach. 
• Keep car doors locked and windows rolled up. 
• Put valuable things under car seats or in the trunk.
• Leave sufficient room between cars to maneuver and drive away from danger. 
• If you are being followed, drive to the nearest police station or other protected public area for assistance. 
• Reduce your time at traffic lights at night by slowing in anticipation of the light change.
• Be cautious of attempts to lure you out of your car and of drivers in vehicles without license plates who stop to render aid or cause minor accidents. 
• Drive to a well-lit and populated area before making repairs or exchanging information following an accident.

Scams

Follow the Department of State guidelines to protect yourself from scams.
If you are a victim of a scam, learn how the FBI can help.   

Financial scams are common in Zimbabwe. Be careful of anyone asking for money, especially those who start a "romantic" relationship online or claim local authorities want money.  Scams often begin through online posts, emails, or letters. Financial scams involving transactions via e-platforms are commonplace. Scammers pretend to be U.S. citizens in need of help. 

Common scams include: 

• People claiming to be U.S. military personnel
• People claiming to be detained or hospitalized abroad
• Romance and online dating 
• Money transfers 
• Grandparent and relative targeting 
• Free trip or luggage 
• Lotteries 
• Inheritance notices 
• Work permits and job offers

If using dating apps or websites in Zimbabwe: 

• Criminals may use dating apps to target potential victims for robbery or assault.
• Let your friends and family know where you are and consider sharing your location on your phone.  
• Meet in a popular public place. 
• Tell your family or friends all the details about the person you are meeting and how you met them (which app).
• Set up and talk using a video call before agreeing to meet in person. 
• Avoid locations where you can be isolated, like hotel rooms, private apartments or houses.
• Never leave food or drinks unattended at a bar or restaurant.
• Observe the preparation of your food or drink order when possible.
• Refuse offers of food or drinks from strangers.
• Have a communication plan with friends or family. Send updates to them on an agreed schedule. 

Victims of crime

Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes. You may report crimes to police at the Harare Central Police Station by dialing 777-777. 

The Zimbabwe Republic Police also provide a reporting platform through their Victim Friendly Unit to report crimes.

Review our information for Victims of Crime.  

The U.S. embassy or consulate can: 

• Replace a stolen or lost passport.
• Help you find medical care.  
• Assist you in how to report a crime to the police. 
• Contact relatives or friends with your written consent. 
• Provide general information regarding the criminal justice system.  
• Provide a list of local attorneys. We do not endorse or recommend any specific attorneys. 
• Provide information on victim’s compensation programs in the United States. 
• Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States or limited medical support in cases of need. 
• Help you find accommodation and options to travel home.

Sexual assault and domestic violence 

U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault are encouraged to contact the U.S. embassy for assistance. 

• Report crimes to police at the Harare Central Police Station. Dial 777-77 and contact the U.S. embassy at +263-867-701-1000. 
• Remember local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting the crime.
• U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence are encouraged to contact the nearest U.S. embassy and local law enforcement for assistance.

Technology use abroad

Zimbabwe’s mobile network and telephone landlines are unreliable. Power outages are common and occur across the country.  These outages may be authorized by local authorities or occur without notice.  

Mobile devices are vulnerable to compromise, theft, and damage anywhere in the world. Follow these safe practices:

• Update all software (operating system and apps) before leaving the United States. 
• Use reputable, U.S.-based VPN or VoIP applications.  
• Don’t connect to public Wi-Fi networks. 
• Research the safety of routes recommended by GPS.  The fastest route is not always the safest.
• Be cautious using dating apps abroad, as scammers often target U.S. citizens.

Drones 

Drones and satellite phones are legal but heavily regulated. 

• You must get written permission from the Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe before you travel.  
• If you bring a drone without a permit, customs officers will take it away at the airport or border, and you may have to pay a fine. 

GPS 

Prior to using GPS abroad: 

• GPS devices, such as motor vehicle trackers, are legal. By law, any electronic product with a wireless component – including GPS trackers – must receive approval from the Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ).
• Do not use GPS navigation systems around the President’s residence. 
• Research the route recommended by the GPS to make sure it’s safe. 
• The fastest path may not be the safest.

Tourism safety

The tourism industry is not well regulated:

• Safety inspections for equipment and facilities are rare. 
• Dangerous areas and activities are not always marked with signs. 
• Staff may not be trained or certified. 
• If you get injured, you will likely need to travel to a major city for appropriate medical care. 
• First responders cannot reach remote areas in case of emergencies. 
• U.S. citizens are encouraged to have medical evacuation insurance. 
• Review our information on Travel Insurance. 

Adventure travel 

• Review the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) tips for Adventure Travel.

Local laws and customs.

Criminal penalties

U.S. citizens must follow local laws. If you break local laws, even by mistake, you could be deported, arrested, or imprisoned. 

• U.S. citizens have been detained and threatened with expulsion for administering humanitarian aid and expressing political opinions or criticism of the government. 
• You may be prosecuted in the United States for crimes committed abroad regardless of the local law.  Review the information provided by the U.S. Department of Justice about crimes against minors abroad.
• Before you start a business or a profession in Zimbabwe seek information from the local authorities about what permits or licenses are required.  

Visa overstays

• Fines for overstaying a visa can be over 1,000 USD and may involve time in jail. Pay careful attention to the authorized-until-date marked on your entry visa.

Illegal drugs

• Penalties for possessing, using, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Zimbabwe can be severe. Convicted offenders can expect average jail sentences of 3 to 7 years and heavy fines. 

Photography

Authorities may detain you for questioning if you don’t have your passport with you or for taking pictures of government buildings and police stations. 

• Taking pictures of the Munhumutapa Building, which houses the President’s offices, is punishable by a jail term. There is no provision for paying a fine. 
• It is not always known what the police consider sensitive.  They have detained people for photographing anything they view as “sensitive,” no matter how innocent it may seem. 
• You should seriously consider the risks of taking pictures anywhere in Zimbabwe other than game parks and other tourist attractions.

Government residences and motorcades

The streets around the President’s residence and the Botanical Gardens are closed to vehicle, bicycle, and foot traffic from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. 

• President Mnangagwa and senior government officials travel around Harare with large and aggressive motorcades.  They have been known to run motorists off the road. 
• Security personnel occasionally beat and harass drivers who fail to pull out of the way quickly.  Move quickly off the road and come to a complete stop if overtaken by a motorcade.

Roadblocks

The Government of Zimbabwe frequently uses marked and unmarked roadblocks to enforce order and collect fines, particularly in urban centers and on major roads. 

• Quickly comply when instructed by police or security officials to stop at a roadblock.

Game parks

Follow the park rules and instructions from guides.

• Wild animals have injured and killed tourists.
• Safety standards and training vary at game parks and wildlife viewing areas. You should confirm whether operators are trained and licensed. 
• All animals should be respected as wild and extremely dangerous. 
• Keep a safe distance from animals and remain in vehicles or other protected enclosures when visiting game parks.
• Walking safaris or water activities on the Zambezi River put you much closer to dangerous wildlife.

Hunting

You must have a licensed operator if you wish to hunt in Zimbabwe. 

• You should request and check the authenticity of their license by contacting the Zimbabwe Professional Guides Association (Z.P.G.A). 

• Hunters should confirm that they are not hunting on illegally seized land or on a nature conservancy. You may be subject to arrest, lawsuits, fines, seizure of possessions, and imprisonment. 
• Hunters should also contact the Embassy of Zimbabwe in Washington, D.C. to determine what permits are required by the Government of Zimbabwe for importing weapons into the country.

Arrest notification 

• If you are arrested or detained, ask officials to notify the U.S. embassy or consulate immediately.  

Detention conditions

Interrogation before detention for crimes such as theft, smuggling and murder are typically violent in nature. Interrogations for minor or misdemeanor crimes are normally simple question and answer sessions.

The Government of Zimbabwe has acknowledged that the country’s prison facilities are operating far beyond their intended capacity. This results in significant challenges such as: 

• inadequate sanitation and hygiene
• frequent disease outbreaks
• shortages of medical supplies and personnel
• standard nutrition
• insufficient bedding and clothing for inmates.

Counterfeit and pirated goods

Counterfeit and pirated goods are common in many destinations. 

• They may be illegal according to local laws.  
• Counterfeit and pirated goods may pose significant risks to consumer health and safety.  
• You may be subject to fines or must surrender counterfeit and pirated goods to authorities if you bring them back to the United States.  

Learn more about U.S. restrictions on counterfeit and pirated goods: 

• U.S. Customs and Border Protection 
• U.S. Department of Justice  

Faith-based travelers

Faith based travel includes pilgrimages, service projects, and mission work. Prepare for your travel using these resources:  

• Faith-Based Travel
• Volunteering Abroad
• International Religious Freedom Reports

Gay and lesbian travelers

Same sex marriage is illegal in Zimbabwe. The country’s constitution allows for discrimination based on sexual orientation. 

• Consensual sex between men is criminalized in Zimbabwe, with both parties subject to fines of 5,000 USD, or 1 year in prison, or both.
• There is no legal prohibition against sexual relations between women, but societal violence and harassment against gay and lesbian individuals is pervasive. 
• Review our information for Gay and Lesbian Travelers.

Travelers with accessibility needs

The law in Zimbabwe prohibits discrimination against people with physical, and mental disabilities. The law is not enforced. 

• The power supply in Zimbabwe is 220-volt 50 Hz and unreliable. Travelers who use electrical medical devices should consider alternatives and verify with lodging accommodations that your needs can be met.
• Accessible facilities, transportation and communications are extremely rare.
• Social acceptance of persons with disabilities in public is not as common as in the United States.
• Expect accessibility to be limited in public transportation, lodging, communication, and general infrastructure.
• Contact the U.S. Embassy in Zimbabwe to receive a list of providers. 
• Review our information on Accessibility Needs.

Students

• Review our information on Studying Abroad.  

Women travelers  

• Review our information for Women Travelers. 
• Review our information on Marriage. 
• Review our information on Female genital mutilation and cutting (FGM/C).
• Review our information for Victims of Crime.

Human rights

Review the Department of State’s Human Rights Report  for your destination prior to traveling.

Review the journalists page before working abroad.

Security forces have arbitrarily arrested and detained political and civil society activists, labor leaders, and journalists perceived as opposing the government. 

There are restrictions on people criticizing the government. Human rights issues include reports of: 

• arbitrary or unlawful killings
• cruel or degrading treatment or punishment by the government
• political prisoners
• interference with privacy
• restrictions on freedom of expression and media freedom
• censorship
• arrests for libel and interference with the freedom to peaceably assemble

Health

Health resources

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Zimbabwe Traveler Information provides destination specific information on prevalent diseases and vaccination recommendations. 
• CDC Travelers’ Health Information 
• CDC Medical Tourism information 
• World Health Organization
• Medicine and Health
• Travel Insurance

Emergency phone numbers

• Dial 994 for emergency medical services.  

Ambulance services

Ambulance services are not present or reliable in most areas except urban areas of Harare and Bulawayo and the tourist area of Victoria Falls. 

• Be prepared to arrange your own transportation to medical facilities.
• Training and response time of emergency responders may be poor. 
• Ambulances are not equipped with advanced medical equipment.
• Injured or very ill travelers might prefer to take a taxi or their own car to the nearest major hospital. This option can be faster than waiting for an ambulance.

Medical payments and insurance

Make sure you know if your health insurance plan covers any medical expenses coverage abroad.  Most U.S. plans do not. 

• The U.S. government does not pay medical bills.
• U.S. Medicare and Medicaid do not cover expenses or bills abroad.
• Most hospitals and doctors abroad do not accept U.S. health insurance.
• Medical care is not free in Zimbabwe. If you require medical attention, you will incur expenses, even if you are treated in a public healthcare facility.
• Lack of payment may bar future travel to Zimbabwe.
• Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments.
• Credit card payment is not always available.
• Most hospitals and medical professionals require cash payment.
• Hospitals often need payment up front or proof of good insurance before providing treatment or admitting a patient.  
• Make sure you know if your health insurance plan provides coverage abroad or reimbursement of payments. The CDC provides more information on types of insurance.
• We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation.

Vaccinations

Stay up to date with the vaccines recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

• CDC Travelers’ Health
• World Health Organization Travel Advice 

Malaria

CDC recommends that travelers going to Zimbabwe take prescription medicine to prevent malaria. 

• Depending on the medicine you take, you will need to start taking this medicine multiple days before your trip, as well as during and after your trip. 
• Talk to your doctor about which malaria medication you should take.  

Healthcare facilities 

The public medical infrastructure and medical facilities in Zimbabwe are limited. Serious illnesses or injuries require medical evacuation to South Africa.

• Be prepared to pay up front for medical services.
• Public medical clinics lack basic resources and supplies. Private medical facilities in Harare, Bulawayo, and the tourist area of Victoria Falls can stabilize patients in emergencies.
• Most hospitals and medical professionals require cash payment.
• Generally, in hospitals only minimal staff is available. Consider hiring a private nurse. Another option is to have family stay the night with the patient, especially a child.
• Patients must cover all costs for transfer to or between hospitals. 
• Psychological and psychiatric services are limited, even in larger cities. Hospital-based care for psychological and psychiatric services is only available through government institutions.
• Provincial hospitals in rural areas are far below U.S. standards and not equipped for serious injuries. It may be harder to find adequate health care in rural areas.
• The U.S. embassy maintains a list of doctors and hospitals. We do not endorse or recommend any specific medical provider or clinic.
• Public medical clinics lack basic resources and supplies.  
• Most resorts maintain a database of emergency contacts, including preferred medical service providers. 
• Medical staff may speak little or no English. 
• Hospital-based care is only available through government institutions.

Medical tourism and elective surgery 

Medical tourism is a fast-growing industry. If you want healthcare abroad, you need to know that their medical systems are different from the United States. They don't follow the same rules. Before you travel for medical reasons, talk to your doctor. 

• The standard medical services offered in Zimbabwe do not support medical tourism.
• Anyone interested in traveling for medical purposes should consult with their local physician before traveling.
• Visit the CDC’s Medical Tourism website for information on medical tourism. Find out about the risks of medical tourism and what you can do to prepare before traveling to Zimbabwe.
• We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation in the event of unforeseen medical complications.
• Your legal options in case of malpractice are very limited in Zimbabwe.

Prescription medications 

Zimbabwe does not allow the importation of oxycodone, even with a prescription. Travelers should not carry oxycodone.

• Bring medications sufficient for the duration of your trip in original packaging. 
• Check with the Ministry of Health and Child Care to ensure the medication is legal in Zimbabwe.
• Carry your prescriptions with you.
• Exercise caution when purchasing medication abroad. Pharmaceuticals are usually easy to buy with few controls. 
• Counterfeit medication is common and may not work, have the wrong strength, or have dangerous ingredients. You should buy medication with the help of a medical professional and from trusted places.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have rules for bringing medication back into the United States.  If you buy medications abroad, the medications must meet CBP’s and the FDA’s requirements to bring them back legally. 

The medications must also be for personal use and approved for use in the United States. 

For more information: 

• U.S. Customs and Border Protection 
• Food and Drug Administration

Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) and surrogacy 

If you are considering traveling to Zimbabwe to have a child through use of assisted reproductive technology (ART) or surrogacy, please review our information on ART and Surrogacy Abroad. 

• There is no legal framework for foreigners or same-sex couples to pursue surrogacy in Zimbabwe. As a result, surrogacy agreements between foreign intending parents and gestational mothers are not enforced by Zimbabwe courts.
• If you decide to pursue parenthood in Zimbabwe via ART with a surrogate, consider hiring a reputable local attorney and be prepared for long and unexpected delays in documenting your child’s birth with local authorities or citizenship status. 
• People who try to avoid local law risk legal consequences.  

Surrogacy is largely unregulated in Zimbabwe with no clear legal protections for foreign intended parents.  Surrogacy agreements may not be enforced by Zimbabwean courts.

Water quality and food safety 

• In many areas, tap water is not potable. 
• Many restaurants and hotels serve tap water unless bottled water is specifically requested. 
• In some locations, tap water is not available every day.
• Bottled water and beverages are generally safe. Use major brands and ensure the seal is intact.
• You may want to request no ice in your drinks since it may be made using tap water. 
• Eating uncooked vegetables and fruits can make you sick.
• Make water safe by filtering, boiling, disinfecting, or distilling. 
• Impure water can cause diseases like typhoid, cholera, hepatitis, and dysentery.

Altitude 

Most of Zimbabwe consists of a central plateau with altitudes between 3,300 – 5,200 feet. Many areas in the Eastern Highlands, such as Nyanga and Chimanimani are at high altitude. 

• Be aware of the symptoms of altitude sickness and take precautions before you travel.
• If you have a pre-existing medical condition, like diabetes or high blood pressure, talk with your doctor before traveling to high altitude regions like the Eastern Highlands. 
• Visit the CDC website for more information about Travel to High Altitudes.

Air quality

Air pollution can be a significant problem in many destinations abroad. 

• Check NASA’s Air Quality Forecast. It uses Artificial Intelligence (AI), historical data, and global pollution modeling to generate a 3-day forecast of expected air quality in Zimbabwe.
• For information about common air pollutants, check the CDC’s Air Quality. 
• For information about the U.S. Air Quality Index and health guidance, check out the EPA’s AirNow. 
• For general health information, visit the Medicine and Health page.

Transportation

Emergency phone numbers

There is no national network of roadside emergency services. However, the Automobile Association (AA) of Zimbabwe provides roadside emergency service to non-members for a fee. 

• Dial +263-4-788-173 for emergencies.
• Dial +263-4-776-760 or +263-712-406-033 for AA Zimbabwe’s 24-hour emergency roadside helpline. 
• Dial +263-4-334-304 or +263-4-334-418 to contact Road Angels, another roadside assistance service. 

Road conditions and safety

Driving in Zimbabwe is hazardous. Zimbabweans drive on the left side of the road. People often drive over the speed limit. 

• Avoid driving at night. 
• The Traffic Safety Council reports there are 40 to 50 vehicle accidents in Harare every night. 
• Car seats for children are uncommon. 
• Although the main highways throughout Zimbabwe are generally in fair but deteriorating condition, most lack passing lanes, shoulders, breakdown lanes, lighting, reflectors, and similar safety features. 
• Secondary roads are in very poor condition.

Road dangers

Hazards you will encounter while driving, especially after dark, include:

• Pedestrians (in dark clothing) and animals walking along or on the roads. 
• Motor vehicles with no headlights or taillights.
• Restricted visibility when passing.
• Faded lane markers and non-working streetlights and traffic lights.
• Service stations with no fuel or spare parts. 
• Many potholes.

Traffic laws  

An International Driving Permit is required in addition to having a valid U.S. driver’s license.

• It is illegal to use a cell phone while driving in Zimbabwe. 
• Drivers are required to wear seat belts or helmets if driving motorcycles. 
• Car seats are not legally required for small children. 
• There are laws against driving under the influence of alcohol (DUI), but they are not commonly enforced. There are many impaired drivers, especially at night.

Taxis and ride-shares

• Taxis services are only available in major cities. There may be taxi services recommended by hotels. These are generally reputable and safe in major cities.

Public and commercial transportation 

The U.S. embassy prohibits its employees from using “Kombis” – the minibuses that service main routes – due to safety concerns. 

• Inter-city commuter bus travel, except on “luxury coaches,” is dangerous due to overcrowding, inadequate maintenance, and unsafe drivers. 
• Public bus drivers are often fatigued and fail to follow local speed limits. They often do not obey traffic rules or regulations.
• Visit the website of Zimbabwe’s Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development and the Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe (TSCZ) which are responsible for road safety. 
• Review our information on Driving and Transportation Safety Abroad. 

Aviation safety oversight 

• The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed Zimbabwe for compliance with international standards for aviation safety oversight. FAA's website includes more information on its assessment program.  

Restricted airlines for U.S. government employees

• The U.S. embassy prohibits its employees from using Air Zimbabwe for official and personal travel due to safety concerns. Several other regional airlines offer services. Flight schedules change often, sometimes without notification.

Weather and natural disasters

Helpful resources

Stay informed through Zimbabwe Meteorological Services Department (ZMSD) updates which include early warnings and forecasts.

• The Civil Protection Unit (CPU) in Zimbabwe coordinates

Weather conditions

Droughts

Droughts are among the most frequent and impactful natural disasters in Zimbabwe, often leading to water shortages, crop failures, and food insecurity. 

• Droughts are most likely during the dry season from May to October. 

Flooding

Flooding occurs during periods of heavy rainfall, particularly in low-lying areas and near major rivers such as the Zambezi and Limpopo. 

• Flash floods can damage infrastructure, displace communities, and disrupt agriculture.
• Flooding is most common during the rainy season, from November to March.

Cyclones

Zimbabwe occasionally experiences the effects of tropical cyclones originating in the Indian Ocean. 

• These cyclones bring heavy rains, strong winds, and flooding, particularly in the eastern and southeastern regions of the country.
• Cyclones are most likely during the rainy season, particularly in January and February.

Heatwaves

Heatwaves have long periods of extreme heat and occur during the dry season. 

• These events can worsen water shortages and increase the risk of wildfires.
• Heatwaves are most likely during September and October, just before the rainy season begins.

Landslides

• Landslides are less common but can occur in mountainous regions, especially in the eastern highlands, following heavy rain or cyclones. 

U.S. citizens living abroad

Living abroad resources

If you live outside the United States for a long time, you or your family may experience various life events, wish to exercise U.S. citizenship rights, or need to meet U.S. legal obligations while abroad.

• Learn how to prepare for voting in U.S. elections, the birth of a child, or getting married.
• Ensure you have a plan for healthcare and medical insurance abroad.
• Even abroad, you still have certain obligations such as paying your U.S. taxes or registering for military selective service.
• Review information on federal benefits, such as Social Security and Veterans Affairs benefits.

Embassies and consulates