Travel Facts
US State Dept Travel Advisory
The US Department of State currently recommends US citizens exercise increased caution in Zimbabwe due to crime. Consult its website via the link below for updates to travel advisories and statements on safety, security, local laws, and special circumstances in this country.
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html
Passport/Visa Requirements
US citizens should make sure their passport will not expire for at least 6 months after they enter the country even if they do not intend to stay that long. They should also make sure they have at least 2 blank pages in their passport for each entry stamp/visa that will be required. A visa is required, to be obtained at port of entry.
US Embassy/Consulate
+(263) (0) 867-701-1000; US Embassy Harare, 2 Lorraine Drive, Bluffhill, Harare, Zimbabwe; consularharare@state.gov; https://zw.usembassy.gov/
Telephone Code
263
Local Emergency Phone
Ambulance: 994, 999; Fire: 993, 999; Police: 995, 999
Vaccinations
An International Certificate of Vaccination for yellow fever is required for travelers arriving from countries with a risk of yellow fever transmission and for travelers having transited through the airport of a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. See WHO recommendations.
http://www.who.int/
Climate
Tropical; moderated by altitude; rainy season (November to March)
Currency (Code)
Zimbabwean dollars (ZWD)
Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s)
240 V / 50 Hz / plug types(s): D, G
Major Languages
Shona, Ndebele , English, 13 minority languages
Major Religions
Protestant 74.8% (includes Apostolic, Pentecostal, other), Roman Catholic 7.3%, other Christian 5.3%, traditional 1.5%, Muslim 0.5%, other 0.1%, none 10.5%
Time Difference
UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
Potable Water
Opt for bottled water
International Driving Permit
Suggested
Road Driving Side
Left
Tourist Destinations
Harare; Chinhoyi Caves; Bulawayo; Great Zimbabwe Ruins; Hwange National Park; Mana Pools National Park; Lake Kariba; Victoria Falls, Matobo National Park
Major Sports
Soccer, cricket, tennis, handball
Cultural Practices
Speaking to someone with your hands in your pockets is considered impolite.
Tipping Guidelines
At restaurants, the tipping standard is usually 10% of the bill. Tip safari guides at the end of a tour $10-15 (USD) per person per day.
Souvenirs
Copper-, wood-, and soapstone-carved items; local fabrics; basketwork; pottery; leather goods
Traditional Cuisine
Sadza — cornmeal mixed with water until it becomes a stiff dumpling-like porridge which is then boiled; typically served hot as a side dish for meat or vegetable stews
Please visit the following links to find further information about your desired destination.
World Health Organization (WHO) - To learn what vaccines and health precautions to take while visiting your destination.
US State Dept Travel Information - Overall information about foreign travel for US citizens.
To obtain an international driving permit (IDP). Only two organizations in the US issue IDPs:
American Automobile Association (AAA) and American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA)
How to get help in an emergency?
Contact the nearest US embassy or consulate, or call one of these numbers:
from the US or Canada - 1-888-407-4747 or from Overseas - +1 202-501-4444
Page last updated: Wednesday, October 05, 2022
