Visitor information for Zimbabwe

Before visiting Zimbabwe, please note:

Entry requirements: All visitors are required to carry a passport that is valid for six months beyond the intended length of stay. There should be sufficient blank pages for entry stamps upon arrival.
Nationals of the following countries will be issued a visa on payment at port of entry:
Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Brunei, Cook Islands, Denmark, Dominica Republic, Egypt, Finland, France, Germany, Ghana (no charge), Greece, Hong Kong, Iceland, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Kuwait, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Monaco, Netherlands, Norway, Palau Island, Papua New Guinea, Poland, Portugal, Puerto Rico (USA), Seychelles, South Africa (no charge), Spain, State of Palestine, Sweden, Switzerland, United Arab Emirates, USA, UK, Uruguay, Vatican and Virgin islands (USA).
 
Currency: The Zimbabwean unit of currency is the Zimbabwean dollar (Z$), although the United States dollar (US$) is now commonly in use and accepted throughout Zimbabwe. Most retail outlets accept the US$ as primary currency for trading, but take several small bills (US$1) as there is no smaller denomination in operation. You may receive change in South African Rands (ZAR).
 
Documents: Remember to obtain an international driver’s license/permit before arrival.
 
Money: All major credit cards are accepted at hotels, shops and restaurants. However, please note that certain lodges and restaurants do not accept payment by Diners Club or American Express. Credit cards are not accepted at petrol filling stations.
 
Health: It is crucial that you obtain malaria prophylactics before entering Zimbabwe. When purchasing these, please tell your doctor or pharmacist which areas in Zimbabwe you intend visiting. Start your course at least 24 hours before entering Zimbabwe and continue taking the pills for 6 weeks after leaving the country. If you suffer from side-effects, try taking your malaria prophylactics after dinner, as this usually minimises the effect of the symptoms. Precautionary measures that you can take to prevent contact with mosquitoes are: sleeping under a bed net or in a room/tent with mosquito proofing (remember to keep the flaps zipped at all times); spraying your accommodation with insecticide; making use of a mosquito-repelling lotion or stick; and wearing long-sleeved clothing, long trousers and socks when outside at night. Any person entering Zimbabwe from, or via, a yellow fever or cholera infected area must be in possession of a valid International Certificate of Vaccination against Yellow Fever and/or cholera.
 
Language: English is the official language of Zimbabwe although it is only the first language of about 2% of the population. Other indigenous languages spoken include Shona and Ndebele.
 
When to go: Zimbabwe is a year-round destination. However there are seasons that special interest groups should note:
- For high adventure enthusiasts, white water rafting is most exciting when the Zambezi waters are low, generally from August to December.
- The best time to visit the Vumba Botanical Gardens is from December to May, when the vegetation is lush and green and most plants are in flower.
 
IMPORTANT: Travellers should have all documents in form of a photocopies with themselves at all times!