Zimbabwe
East Africa • ZWE
Last updated: June 4, 2026
Zimbabwe is a breathtaking Southern African destination renowned for its majestic landscapes, including the iconic Victoria Falls and diverse wildlife in vast national parks. Visitors can expect a blend of rich cultural history, warm hospitality, and unparalleled opportunities for adventurous safaris.
Visa Requirements
Most tourists from Western countries can obtain a visa on arrival at major ports of entry or apply for an e-visa prior to travel.
Typically Required Documents
- Passport valid for at least six months
- Proof of onward or return flight
- Proof of accommodation
- Visa processing fee in cash
- Yellow fever vaccination certificate if arriving from an endemic area
Popular Attractions
Victoria Falls is one of the world's most spectacular waterfalls and a UNESCO World Heritage site offering incredible views and adrenaline-pumping activities.
Hwange National Park is Zimbabwe's largest game reserve, famous for its massive elephant population and incredible variety of wildlife.
Mana Pools National Park offers a unique wilderness experience along the Zambezi River where walking safaris allow for close encounters with nature.
Great Zimbabwe Ruins are the sprawling remains of an ancient city built by the ancestors of the Shona people between the 11th and 15th centuries.
Matobo National Park features unique balancing rock formations and is home to a significant population of endangered rhinos and ancient San rock art.
Local Customs & Etiquette
Always greet elders or superiors with a polite handshake using your right hand, while supporting your right forearm with your left hand as a sign of respect.
It is customary to ask for permission before taking photographs of local people, especially in rural areas or at religious sites.
Dress modestly when visiting rural villages or religious sites to show respect for local traditions and conservative values.
Tipping is appreciated in restaurants and for safari guides, usually around 10 percent of the total bill.
Remove your shoes when entering someone's home, as this is a common sign of respect in many Zimbabwean households.
Safety Tips
Avoid carrying large amounts of cash and keep your valuables secure in a hotel safe rather than carrying them on your person.
Stick to main roads and avoid traveling at night between cities, as wildlife and road conditions can pose significant hazards.
Only drink bottled or purified water and avoid consuming ice or raw produce from street vendors to prevent illness.
Stay informed about the current political and social climate by checking government travel advisories before and during your trip.
Always use reputable tour operators for safari activities and follow all safety instructions provided by your guides regarding wildlife encounters.
Ensure your routine vaccinations are up to date and consult a medical professional about malaria prophylaxis before departure.
AI-generated content. Visa requirements vary by nationality — verify with the official embassy before travel.
Yellow Fever
Source: CDC
Not required when traveling directly from non-risk countries.
View sourceYellow Fever
Source: CDC
A Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is required for entry.
View sourceYellow fever
Source: WHO
Proof of vaccination is required for travelers arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission.
View sourceYellow Fever
Source: Canada_Travel
Proof of vaccination is required if you are coming from or have transited through an airport of a country where yellow fever occurs.
View sourceYellow Fever
Source: CDC
Travelers arriving from countries with risk for YF virus transmission are required to have a Yellow Fever vaccination.
View sourceMeasles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)
Source: CDC
All international travelers should be fully vaccinated against measles with the MMR vaccine, according to CDC's measles vaccination recommendations for international travel.
View sourceYellow fever
Source: ECDC
Proof of vaccination may be required for entry into Zimbabwe.
View sourceCore Vaccines
Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis)
Source: CDC
Routine vaccination is recommended for all travelers.
View sourceMMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella)
Source: CDC
Routine vaccination is recommended for all travelers.
View sourceMalaria chemoprophylaxis
Source: WHO
Recommended for travelers visiting areas with malaria risk to prevent infection.
Malaria is prevalent in certain regions; consult a healthcare provider for appropriate prophylaxis.
View sourcePolio vaccination
Source: Canada_Travel
Ensure polio vaccinations are up to date before travelling.
The World Health Organization (WHO), at the time of their last report, identified this country as no longer poliovirus-infected, but as having been previously infected within the last 24 months.
View sourceRabies vaccination
Source: Canada_Travel
Discuss rabies vaccination with a health care professional if at high risk.
In this destination, rabies is commonly carried by dogs and some wildlife, including bats. Rabies is a deadly disease that spreads to humans primarily through bites or scratches from an infected animal. While travelling, take precautions, including keeping your distance from animals (including free-roaming dogs), and closely supervising children.
View sourceMalaria prevention measures
Source: Canada_Travel
Protect yourself from mosquito bites at all times.
Malaria is a serious and sometimes fatal disease that is caused by parasites spread through the bites of mosquitoes. There is a risk of malaria in certain areas and/or during a certain time of year in this destination. Antimalarial medication may be recommended depending on your itinerary and the time of year you are travelling. Consult a health care professional or visit a travel health clinic before travelling to discuss your options.
View sourceInfluenza vaccine
Source: Canada_Travel
Get vaccinated every year to protect against seasonal influenza.
The best way to protect yourself from seasonal influenza (flu) is to get vaccinated every year. Get the flu shot at least 2 weeks before travelling.
View sourceCOVID-19 vaccination
Source: Canada_Travel
Vaccination is one of the most important ways to protect yourself from developing serious complications from COVID-19.
COVID-19 is an infectious viral disease. Most of the time, it spreads when people are in close contact with others who are infected with the virus. It spreads through respiratory particles, or through an infected surface or object.
View sourceHepatitis B vaccine
Source: Canada_Travel
Recommended for all travellers.
Hepatitis B is a risk in every destination. It is a viral liver disease that is easily transmitted from one person to another through exposure to blood and body fluids containing the hepatitis B virus. Travellers who may be exposed to blood or other bodily fluids (e.g., through sexual contact, medical treatment, sharing needles, tattooing, acupuncture or occupational exposure) are at higher risk of getting hepatitis B.
View sourceMeasles vaccine
Source: Canada_Travel
Ensure measles vaccination is up-to-date before travelling.
Measles is a serious viral infection that spreads easily. It spreads through the air, and can stay in the air for up to 2 hours. You can also get measles by direct contact with an infected person or by touching a surface with the virus on it and then touching your eyes, nose, or mouth before washing your hands.
View sourceHepatitis A vaccine
Source: Canada_Travel
Recommended for all travellers to areas where hepatitis A is present.
There is a risk of hepatitis A in this destination. It is a disease of the liver. People can get hepatitis A if they ingest contaminated food or water, eat foods prepared by an infectious person, or if they have close physical contact (such as oral-anal sex) with an infectious person, although casual contact among people does not spread the virus.
View sourceTyphoid vaccination
Source: CDC
Recommended for most travelers, especially those staying with friends or relatives or visiting smaller cities or rural areas.
Typhoid fever vaccines licensed in the U.S.
View sourceHepatitis B vaccination
Source: CDC
Recommended for unvaccinated travelers of all ages traveling to Zimbabwe.
Travelers allergic to a vaccine component should receive a single dose of immune globulin.
View sourceHepatitis A vaccination
Source: CDC
Recommended for unvaccinated travelers one year old or older going to Zimbabwe.
Infants 6 to 11 months old should also be vaccinated against Hepatitis A.
View sourceCholera vaccination
Source: CDC
Vaccination may be considered for children and adults who are traveling to areas of active cholera transmission.
Active cholera transmission is widespread in Zimbabwe.
View sourceRoutine vaccines: MMR, Tdap, varicella, polio
Source: CDC
Ensure you are up-to-date on routine vaccines before any trip.
View sourceFor Most Travelers
COVID-19 vaccination
Source: CDC
Strongly recommended for all travelers before international travel.
View sourceInsect Bite Prevention
Source: CDC
To prevent mosquito-borne diseases such as malaria and dengue.
Use insect repellent, wear long sleeves, and sleep under a mosquito net.
View sourceTyphoid
Source: CDC
Recommended for those traveling to areas with food and water safety concerns.
View sourceHepatitis A
Source: CDC
Recommended due to potential exposure through food and water.
View sourceItinerary-Specific
Malaria Preventive Medications
Source: CDC
If visiting areas with malaria risk, take prophylaxis as per zone recommendations.
Consult a healthcare provider for specific drug recommendations.
View sourceMalaria prophylaxis (e.g., Atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline)
Source: CDC
Considered in areas with malaria risk, particularly during the rainy season.
View sourceRisk Area: No malaria risk
View sourceRisk Area: Malaria-endemic regions in Zimbabwe
Chemoprophylaxis: Recommended
Seasonality: Year-round
View source