Getting In and Around

Visas: To enter Zimbabwe most foreigners require a visa, which can be obtained in advance from an embassy or a consulate or, in some cases, at the airport. All foreigners must have proof of vaccination against yellow fever and cholera. For complete visa details and requirements, check the website of the Embassy of Zimbabwe in Washington, D.C.

Transportation: There are a number of international flights to Harare International Airport, but in recent years many big airline companies have been cutting service to Zimbabwe. It is best to fly to a neighboring country and catch a connecting flight. Several domestic flights run between many of Zimbabwe’s larger cities and to Victoria Falls.

The most common form of transportation in Zimbabwe is car. A number of bus companies within Zimbabwe service domestic destinations, as do buses that enter the country from neighboring nations. Local buses tend to depart when full and do not operate on a particular timetable, whereas express buses operate on a schedule. Express buses usually offer the fastest way to reach your destination, but they are more expensive.

Safety and Security

Zimbabwe has experienced significant political, social and economic instability in the past three decades, and visitors should be aware that the situation there is unpredictable and can deteriorate at any time. That said, foreigners can and do visit Zimbabwe without incident all the time. Before planning your trip to Zimbabwe, check the U.S. Department of State’s consular website for detailed current travel warnings.

The Mo Ibrahim Foundation has created a security ratings system called the Ibrahim Index, according to scores based on each country’s quality of government. Before traveling to Zimbabwe or anywhere on the continent, check the index and do your research.