Last updated: 21 Oct 2025
Zimbabwe
About
| Zimbabwe boasts some amazing natural sites. The Victoria Falls are without a doubt one of the world’s grandest natural spectacles and every viewpoint reveals something new. Running from northeast to southwest down the centre of the country, and connecting its two largest cities, is the Highveld, a chain of low mountains and Zimbabwe’s most populous area. Hwange National Park is one of Zimbabwe’s largest parks, in the variety of animals and birds that may be seen. Hwange is one of the last of the great elephant sanctuaries in Africa, with over 40,000 living in the national park. Situated in the northwest of the country on the Zambian border is Lake Kariba, where game can be viewed from the comfort of various safari camps, or from well-appointed cruise vessels and self-contained safari-craft. Located close to Bulawayo, Zimbabwe’s second major city, Matobo National Park is noted for its spectacular granite rock formations and its wealth of ancient rock paintings. Cecil Rhodes’ tomb can be visited at Malindidzimu. There are around 40 golf clubs, most of which have 18-hole courses. The Eastern Highlands have the highest concentration of courses. |
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| Capital: | Harare (HRE) |
| Currency: | Multi-currency scheme: the US Dollar and South African Rand can be used (a few other currencies can also be used) |
| Language: | English, Shona, Ndebele |
| Dialling code from SA: | + 263 |
| Time Zones: | UTC/GMT +2 (Same time zone as South Africa) |
| Side of the Road: | Left. South African drivers' licences are recognised in SADC countries (Angola, Botswana, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Swaziland, United Republic of Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe). It is recommended that a letter of verification be obtained from the South African Department of Transport. |
| Best Time to go: | May to October, the dry season |
| Best For: | The Victoria Falls and Great Zimbabwe Ruins |
| Plugs: | 220 volts AC, 50Hz. South African-style round three-pin and British-style square three-pin plugs are used |
| Drinking Water: | All water should be regarded as being a potential health risk. Bottled water is available. |
| Health: | There may be drug shortages in public hospitals. Private clinics expect cash payment or health insurance. It is advisable to carry basic medical supplies. Comprehensive health insurance is recommended and it should include emergency air evacuation coverage. |
| Customs: | Normal social courtesies apply. |
| Local Offences / Laws: | It is an offence to make derogatory comments about President Robert Mugabe. An open hand is the symbol for the main opposition party, so be cautious if waving. A permit is required to take pictures of military or official buildings, and care should be taken in general when taking photographs – taking photographs of demonstrations, roadblocks or seized farms can lead to arrest. Homosexuality is illegal. Civilians are not allowed to wear camouflage clothing. |
| Travel Warnings / Tips: | Check the local political situation before finalising travel plans. |
| Duty Free: | The following items may be imported into Zimbabwe by travellers aged 18 and over without incurring customs duty: • 5L of alcoholic beverages (of which up to 2L may be spirits). • Goods up to the value of US$300. |
| Prohibited Imports: | Prohibited items include pornographic or obscene literature, flick knives, lockable knives, skin lightening creams containing hydroquinone and mercury, counterfeit money, prison-made goods, alcoholic drinks containing noxious chemicals, and anything deemed to threaten the morals of Zimbabweans. Restricted items include drugs, firearms and ammunition, wildlife and wildlife products, agricultural produce, plants and plant products, soil, cultural relics and monuments, and local and foreign currency. |
| Prohibited Exports: | All banned and restricted imports and also banned or restricted from being exported. |
Issuing Authorities
Consulate of Zimbabwe, Johannesburg
20 Ernest Oppenheimer Avenue, Bruma, Johannesburg
Tel: 011 615 5879
Email: admin@zimbabweconsulate.co.za
Web: www.zimbabweconsulate.co.za
Office hours: Mon,Tue,Thur & Fri 08:30-12:00.
Consulate of Zimbabwe, Cape Town
55 Kuper Street, Zonnebloem, 7925
Tel: 021 461 1994 / 5
Email: zimcapetown@zimfa.gov.zw
Web: www.zimconsulatecpt.co.za
Visits by appointment only.
Visa Applications: www.evisa.gov.zw
Public Holidays 2025: Jan 1; Feb 21; Apr 18-19, 21; May 1, 25-26; Aug 11-12; Dec 22, 25-26
Public Holidays 2026: Jan 1; Feb 21; Apr 3-4, 6, 18; May 1, 25; Aug 10-11; Dec 22, 25-26
Visa Requirements
No visas are required by SA passport holders.
SA passport is to be valid for a minimum of 6 months.
SA Representative
SA Embassy
7 Elcombe Street, Belgravia, Harare
Tel: + 263 242 251 843
E-mail: harare.consular@dirco.gov.za
Travel Health
| Compulsory: | Yellow Fever (Dependant on Country of Origin/Stopover) |
| Recommended: | Hepatitis A & B, Rabies, Typhoid, Tetanus, Polio |
| Malaria Risk |
