Zimbabwe Holidays
Victoria Falls' spray, Lake Kariba's shores, and safari-meets-water adventures. Get flights, travel tips, and essential info for Zimbabwe.
Today
Weather in Zimbabwe
Sat
Sun
Mon
SPF level in Zimbabwe
Autumn
SPF 50+
Spring
SPF 50+
Summer
SPF 50+ (extreme)
Winter
SPF 50+
Entry requirements for Zimbabwe
You must have a visa to visit Zimbabwe and most visitors get their visa on arrival, which is usually granted for 30 days.
To enter Zimbabwe, your passport must have an 'expiry date' at least 6 months after your arrival date and 3 blank pages.
Take enough US dollars with you in small notes to pay for your visa on arrival.
It is possible to apply for an e-visa before you travel, with options for single or double entry visas.
You can also use the KAZA Univisa, valid for 30 days for travel between Zimbabwe and Zambia and for day trips into Botswana, available at certain airports and land borders for 50 US dollars.
Good to know:
Declare cash or travellers cheques if the value is 10,000 US dollars or more, and you cannot leave Zimbabwe with cash worth more than 2,000 US dollars.
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.
Safety in Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe is tourist-friendly but has some key cultural and legal rules:
Keep valuables hidden, avoid walking alone after dark, and secure your accommodation.
Carry passport photo-page and visa copies; keep your original passport secure.
Use only licensed currency dealers and carry small, undamaged US dollar notes.
On safari, keep your distance from wildlife and use trained, licensed operators.
Use hotel-recommended taxis and avoid overcrowded commuter buses where possible.
Bonus tips:
Never carry illegal drugs, as possession can mean heavy fines and long prison terms.
If driving, lock doors, wear seatbelts, avoid night travel, and stop at roadblocks.
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Driving in Zimbabwe
A valid UK driving license is accepted. An International Driving Permit is recommended, especially if staying long-term.
Side of the road
Left
Motorway speed limit
120 km/h
Urban speed limit
60 km/h
Alcohol limit
0.08%
Remember: Zimbabwe drives on the left. Take extra care at junctions if you normally drive on the right.
Health in Zimbabwe
Make sure you have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical expenses, including repatriation. Check that your insurance covers the activities you plan to do. You may need to pay upfront for medical treatment, so ensure you have access to funds.
No vaccinations required
Consult your doctor or travel clinic well in advance of your trip to discuss necessary vaccinations and malaria prevention. Zimbabwe has a risk of malaria, so take appropriate precautions, including mosquito repellent, mosquito nets, and antimalarial medication as prescribed by your doctor. Waterborne diseases are a risk, so drink bottled or purified water. Be aware of bilharzia, a parasitic infection, in lakes and rivers. Avoid swimming or wading in fresh water. HIV/AIDS is prevalent; take precautions. GHIC/EHIC is not applicable in Zimbabwe.
Cards & payments
Limited, mainly in larger cities and tourist establishments. It's advisable to carry cash, especially when visiting smaller towns and rural areas.
Visa
Medium
Mastercard
Medium
American Express
Low
Lost card? Call Visa: +1 303 967 1096
Tipping in Zimbabwe
Tipping is customary in Zimbabwe for good service, but not obligatory. A service charge may already be included in restaurant bills, so check first.
Restaurant
10-15% of the bill
Bar/Café
10% of the bill or rounding up
Taxi
Rounding up the fare
Hotel Porter
USD 1-2 per bag
Hotel Housekeeper
USD 1-2 per night
Tour Guide
USD 5-10 per day
Mobile & roaming
Roaming in Zimbabwe can be expensive. Check with your UK mobile provider for international roaming rates. EU roaming regulations no longer apply post-Brexit.
Local SIM
5 GB for USD 20 (~£16)
Network coverage
2G, 3G, 4G
Electrical in Zimbabwe
Voltage
220V / 50Hz
Plug types
Type D, Type G
UK adapter needed
WiFi & internet
Limited, mostly found in hotels, lodges, and cafes in urban areas.
Average speed
5 Mbps
WiFi is available, but can be unreliable and slow. Consider purchasing a local SIM card for more reliable data access.
Emergency numbers
Universal emergency
999
Police
995
Ambulance
994
Fire
993
Save 999 in your phone before travelling.
Calling Zimbabwe
Country code
263
To call Zimbabwe from abroad, dial 263 followed by the local number.
UK Embassy
Corner House, Samora Machel Avenue/Leopold Takawira Street, Harare
Phone
+263 242 855200
Website
Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport
Victoria Falls Airport
Bulawayo Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo International Airport
Kariba Airport
Hwange National Park Airport
Buffalo Range Airport
Recent updates
Safety
Air Zimbabwe will now resume direct flights between London and Harare, operated by Spanish airline Plus Ultra Líneas Aéreas.
This route is now confirmed as eligible under UK air safety regulations.
Travel Disruption
Air Zimbabwe now operates direct flights between London and Harare, using Spanish carrier Plus Ultra Líneas Aéreas.
The route is eligible under UK air safety regulations because Plus Ultra is the operating carrier and holds the necessary UK approvals.
Beaches in Zimbabwe
No beaches listed for Zimbabwe yet.
Frequently asked Questions
While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, AtoBeach cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies. We recommend verifying details with official sources before travelling.