COVID-19 Precautionary Measures in Zimbabwe (9 April Update)

Can a resident enter the country?

• Yes

• Citizens and residents are allowed to enter.

Can a foreigner enter the country?

• Yes

• Foreigners are allowed entry. Zimbabwe is open for tourism.

Is transit allowed through the country?

• Yes

• Citizens and residents of the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) member states are allowed to transit through Zimbabwe’s land borders. They must produce a negative COVID-19 PCR test certificate issued within the past seven days.

Is a test required on arrival?

• No with exceptions

• Travellers arriving without a negative test certificate must have a COVID-19 test performed on arrival. Anyone who tests positive will then be required to go into local isolation for 10 days if they have no symptoms, or 13 days if they are symptomatic. Isolation is at the traveller's own expense.

• Travellers with symptoms of COVID-19 may be required to have a COVID-19 test at their own expense.

• Arriving travellers may undergo temperature screening. Anyone recording a temperature equal to or higher than 38°C will be tested for COVID-19.

Test certificate required?

• Yes

• All arriving travellers must have a negative COVID-19 PCR test certificate from an approved facility issued within 48 hours prior to boarding. The travellers who do not have a negative test certificate may be denied entry.

• Returning residents may take a COVID-19 test on arrival if they do not have a negative test certificate issued within the last 48 hours.

• Departing passengers must show a negative COVID-19 PCR test certificate issued not more than 48 hours before departure.

Is quarantine required on arrival?

• Yes with exceptions

• All Non-resident Zimbabwe visitors, regardless of citizenship, are not required to quarantine after arrival.

• Returning Zimbabwe residents regardless of citizenship, are required to undergo isolation for 14 days on the following basis:

• a) Returning Zimbabwe residents who arrive with a negative COVID-19 PCR test performed within 48 hours of arrival may proceed to their homes where they must remain in self-isolation for 14 days.

• b) Returning Zimbabwe residents who tested positive for COVID-19 upon arrival will be required to quarantine at a government-appointed facility for 14 days.

• Based on the above restriction, all incoming travellers will be subjected to 14 days of quarantine in the best-case scenario and 14 days of quarantine in the worst-case scenario.

Is a vaccination required?

• No

• A COVID-19 vaccination is not required to enter Zimbabwe.

Insurance required?

• No

• Proof of insurance coverage for COVID-19 expenses is not required to enter the country.

Entry form required?

• Yes

• Travellers will be asked to complete a health declaration form while on board their flight.

Airline restrictions

• Moderate

• International commercial flights are operating.

• Zimbabwe's international airports are open to international travellers.

• Domestic flights are operating.

• Entry visas may be obtained on arrival.

Border restrictions

• Moderate

• Land borders are closed, except for transportation of goods and returning residents.

• Foreign nationals may exit Zimbabwe. However, departing travellers will need to show a negative COVID-19 PCR test certificate issued within the last 48-hours prior to their departure from Zimbabwe.

Curfew restrictions

• Moderate

• A nationwide curfew is in place from 22:00 to 05:30 (local time)

Social distancing restrictions

• Moderate

• Gatherings at weddings, churches, bars, off-licenses gyms, and restaurants remain banned.

• Gatherings at funerals are limited to 30 people.

Internal travel restrictions

• Moderate

• Masks are mandatory.

• Travelling by air or road within Zimbabwe's borders is now permitted. Proof of reason for travel is no longer required as of March 2021.

Non-essential shops open?

• Yes

• All businesses are allowed to reopen.

Accommodations open?

• Yes with exceptions

• Hotels are open, however, travellers should be aware that hotels may close with short notice.

Restaurants open?

• Yes with exceptions

• Restaurants are allowed to operate at reduced capacity.

Bars and cafes open?

• No

• Bars remained closed.

Beaches and tourism sites open?

• Yes

• The tourism sector has opened. National parks are open, and hunting operations and local safaris are permitted.

• Victoria Falls National Park is still open for visitors to see the waterfall.

Masks required in public?

• Yes

• Face masks are mandatory for all people while in public places.

Other

• Schools are closed until further notice.

• Gyms, and clubs are closed.

The COVID-19 epidemic is constantly changing worldwide. Travel and border restrictions may change with little or no notice. Airlines may have their own requirements for testing, masking, and distancing. It is recommended that travellers carry a supply of face masks since the requirement can vary by location. It is recommended that travellers practice social distancing and maintain a 6-foot distance other individuals and avoid crowded areas. Check with your airline, booking agent, or country's embassy for information on your specific travel plans.