(Last updated October 2018)

Here are some frequently asked questions and answers for visitors to Zimbabwe. I’ll try to keep this information up-to-date as I hear of changes. Please note that I am neither a government official nor a doctor, so please contact your GP or nearest embassy for official health and consular information. Zimbabwe is roughly double the size of the United Kingdom, similar in area to Italy, so it is a varied place with a huge amount to offer visitors. Let’s get started! Click on the links below to jump to the answers.

Zimbabwe FAQs:



1. Do I need a visa for Zimbabwe?

2. What currency is used in Zimbabwe?

3. What language is spoken in Zimbabwe?

4. What health precautions do I need to take when visiting Zimbabwe?

5. Is it safe in Zimbabwe?

6. What’s the weather like in Zimbabwe?

7. Which airlines fly into Zimbabwe?

8. What transport should I use in Zimbabwe? / How do I travel around Zimbabwe?

9. What do I need to pack for Zimbabwe?

10. What time zone is Zimbabwe in?

11. Is Internet access/Wifi easily available?

12. What’s the international telephone dialling code?

13. Do people usually give tips?

14. Is it ethical to visit Zimbabwe?

Answers are below … But first, a map! Just in case you wonder about the difference between South Africa and Zimbabwe (as many people seem to do). Confusingly, “South Africa” is the name of a country, not a region. South Africa and Zimbabwe are different countries.



Do I need a visa for Zimbabwe?

There is a full article dedicated to this question in my post Visa requirements for Zimbabwe, but here is a summary:

1. For most visitors, the good news is that the visa process is fairly simple and doesn’t require much planning. There are three categories of nationalities which have different visa requirements. You can check what category you fall into by checking the official Zimbabwe visa website www.evisa.gov.zw but here is a quick rundown:

Category A: Citizens of SADC countries as well as Hong Kong and Singapore do not need a visa or pay a fee to enter Zimbabwe on holiday. When you show your passport upon arrival, you will be allowed to enter Zimbabwe.

Citizens of SADC countries as well as Hong Kong and Singapore or pay a fee to enter Zimbabwe on holiday. When you show your passport upon arrival, you will be allowed to enter Zimbabwe. Category B: Citizens of the countries in this category need a visa upon arrival in Zimbabwe . This is doesn’t require much planning: It is done when you land or cross the border into Zimbabwe. You will be given a form to complete upon arrival and you will need to pay the visa fee in cash (US Dollars or Bond Notes). Countries in this category include Britain, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Germany, Ireland and USA. You can choose to apply for the visa at your local embassy before you go, but in my experience it is much easier to do it when you arrive in Zimbabwe. Fees: For most Cat B countries: Single Entry US$ 30; Double Entry US$ 45. Payable in cash.

Fee exceptions: Britain (UK) and Ireland: Single Entry US$ 55; Double Entry US$ 70.

Canada: Single Entry US$ 75 – Canadian Passport holders can ONLY get a Single entry Zimbabwe Visa at the port of Entry.

Citizens of the countries in this category need a visa . This is doesn’t require much planning: It is done when you land or cross the border into Zimbabwe. You will be given a form to complete upon arrival and you will need to pay the visa fee in cash (US Dollars or Bond Notes). Countries in this category include Britain, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Germany, Ireland and USA. You can choose to apply for the visa at your local embassy before you go, but in my experience it is much easier to do it when you arrive in Zimbabwe. Category C: Citizens of some countries, such as India and Mexico, need to apply for a visa in their home country before travelling . Contact the Zimbabwe High Commission in your country to do this, or apply online at www.evisa.gov.zw. More details can be found in the article Zimbabwe visa requirements. Fees: Single Entry US$65 to US$100. Category C nationals can only get a single entry Zimbabwe visa.

Citizens of some countries, such as India and Mexico, need to apply for a visa in their home country . Contact the Zimbabwe High Commission in your country to do this, or apply online at www.evisa.gov.zw. More details can be found in the article Zimbabwe visa requirements.

See: Zimbabwe Ministry of Foreign Affairs visa website. Also see: Zimbabwe Embassy in UK website and Zimbabwe Embassy in USA website. [Back to top]

What currency is used in Zimbabwe?

2. As of October 2018: So guys, only Zimbabwe Dollars are legal tender in Zimbabwe. I hope to write a longer post all about this, but for now, the golden rule is: Pay for as much of your holiday BEFORE you get to Zimbabwe. Pay for your accommodation, activities, transfers etc before you travel. That way, you won’t need much cash when you get there. Keep some US Dollars with you and you can change them for Zimbabwe Dollars at an official bureau de change in Zimbabwe.

International debit cards are more widely received than credit cards although it may be difficult using any sort of international card at a swipe machine in Zimbabwe. Email the businesses in advance to check that they can accept your specified card.

Talk to your hotel or tour company about paying for most of your accommodation before you arrive, so that you don’t have to carry as much cash with you. If you plan to pay the remainder of your fee by card, check with them first about their credit card policy. Read more details on paying in Zimbabwe in the article 8 tips for visitors to Zimbabwe during the “cash crisis”.

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What language is spoken in Zimbabwe?

3. English is an official main language of Zimbabwe. It is used in business, education and many areas of life. Most people are bilingual in both English their local language, even in rural areas.

The two dominant local languages are Shona in the north and Ndebele in the south, but there are officially 16 languages spoken in Zimbabwe.

Read about specific parts of Zimbabwe: Harare | Bulawayo | Great Zimbabwe | Victoria Falls. [Back to top]



What health precautions do I need to take when visiting Zimbabwe?

4. Malaria and sunstroke are the biggest health factors for tourists to consider.

Read more how to stay safe in Zimbabwe in the Health information post.

Ebola is not currently a threat in Zimbabwe because the country is situated so far away from West Africa: around 9000 km or 6000 miles! [Back to top]



Is it safe in Zimbabwe?

5. Zimbabwe is one of the safest African countries, as long as you’re aware of your surroundings. The people of Zimbabwe have a reputation for being among the most easy-going and hospitable in Africa (and, in my biased opinion, the world).

Read more in this article dedicated to the topic: Safety in Zimbabwe.

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What’s the weather like in Zimbabwe?

6. It’s usually sunny and warm! The best time to visit Zimbabwe is between April and September. Rain usually only falls between November and March, in the summer. The hottest months are September and October. In June and July (winter), it gets frosty at night but stays mild and warm during the day.

Zimbabwe is a year-round destination but some times are better than others if you have something specific to do in mind.

See my detailed climate and weather post for more information on this.

Read about specific parts of Zimbabwe: Harare | Bulawayo | Great Zimbabwe | Victoria Falls. [Back to top]



Which airlines fly into Zimbabwe?

7. The number of airlines flying into Zimbabwe is increasing again, which means that you have a number of options.

See a full list of airlines as well as information about Zimbabwe airports here: Flights to Zimbabwe.

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What transport should I use in Zimbabwe? / How do I travel around Zimbabwe?

8. All-inclusive trips will usually organise all transport for you. You could choose to self-drive, fly, go by bus or shuttle service.

See full details in my post on Transport within Zimbabwe.

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What do I need to pack for Zimbabwe?

9. See my post on What to pack for a Zimbabwe holiday.

Note that Zimbabwe sockets are mainly square 3-pins (type G), but check with your accommodation first. [Back to top]

More below the picture, keep reading …



What time zone is Zimbabwe in?

10. Zimbabwe is 2 hours ahead of GMT. It’s in the CAT (Central African Time) zone; same as South Africa. This means that depending on the time of year, it’s 1-2 hours ahead of London and 6-7 hours ahead of New York. [Back to top]



Is Internet access/Wifi easily available?

11. Many hotels and guesthouses in Victoria Falls, Harare and Bulawayo will have internet of some form. If you have a laptop, many coffee shops have Wifi, although you may need to buy prepaid top-up cards from the venue to do so. Note that Zimbabwe sockets are mainly square 3-pins (type G), but check with your accommodation first.

If you’re going outside of the cities into the countryside, the likelihood is that there won’t be internet – but that will be the last thing on your mind when you’re in the bush, believe me.

Zimbabwean websites usually end in the domain extension ‘co.zw’, but some use the South African ‘co.za’. [Back to top]



What’s the international telephone dialling code?

12. The international dialling code for Zimbabwe is +263. This is the number people from outside the country need to dial to phone Zimbabwe. They will also drop the first ‘0’ of the telephone number.

You can buy a SIM card in Zimbabwe and use a cell phone if necessary – but the phone needs to be unlocked. You can buy a cheap basic unlocked phone like this Samsung E1050 if your phone is locked to your country. Most of Zimbabwe has cell signal, except in remote areas of the National Parks.

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Do people give tips at restaurants?

13. Yes, people usually tip about 10%. At hotels and safari lodges, tips after included meals are usually not required, but if you feel the service has been particularly good, an extra tip would be appropriate.

At the end of a stay in a hotel or lodge, you may wish to tip the guides or other members of staff if you feel they have done a good job. [Back to top]



Is it ethical to visit Zimbabwe?

14. I have so much to say on this one! There has been a lot of media debate about the role of tourists in Zimbabwe’s politics. Some say that tourists should avoid visiting Zimbabwe to make a statement against Zimbabwe’s president, Robert Mugabe. I don’t think this avoidance solves Zimbabwe’s current problems. My opinion is that Zimbabwe needs tourists, so that local businesses can grow, and so that the wildlife and their habitats can be financially supported.

Find out more about my thoughts on this question in my post about the ethics of visiting Zimbabwe.

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Read about specific locations and topics about Zimbabwe:

For more in-depth information, read the 2013 edition of Bradt’s Zimbabwe travel guide by Paul Murray.