Zimbabwe Travel Safety
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Travel Safety in Zimbabwe
General travel safety in Zimbabwe on a scale of 1 to 4 — where 1 is safe and 4 is dangerous. Data compiled on the basis of Canadian Department of Foreign Affairs.
Country
Zimbabwe
Updates
Updated: 24 Sep 2024 • Still current at: 13 Oct 2024
Status
LEVEL 2 - Exercise a high degree of caution
There are more or higher risks than what you would typically find at locations with level 1. You should do your research and take extra precautions. The level may reflect a weak law-and-order system, where violent crime is common. The destination may lack some key public services, such as a responsive police force. In some cases, there may be a risk that the security environment could change with little warning. This level may also reflect a passing event, such as political unrest or a short-term increase in a location's domestic terrorism level.
Safety and Security Tips
Women's safety
Based on the crime situation of the Zimbabwe, women should be vigilant all the time and aware of the surroundings. Females should be cautious while dealing with strangers and acquaintances. Avoid flash of money or valuables in public. Exercise a high degree of precaution during travel.
Update 1 November 2020Emergency Calls
- Police999 or 995 or 112
- Fire999 or 993 or 112
- Ambulance999 or 994 or 112
Embassy of us
American Embassy in Harare
Address172, Herbert Chitepo Avenue
(+263) 4 250 594
Local Law and Culture
LGBT
Conservative attitudes towards same-sex relations, especially between men, prevail in Zimbabwe. Sex between men is considered to be "sexual deviancy" and an "unnatural sexual act" under local law, which are illegal. Same-sex marriage is explicitly prohibited by the 2013 constitution. However, there is a small but active underground gay scene in Harare and prosecutions are rare. Public displays of affection may cause offence, regardless of gender or sexuality.
Illegal or restricted activities
Demonstrations and assemblies, even for private meetings, are illegal in Zimbabwe if not pre-approved by the government. Authorities have taken bystanders into custody at such events. The penalties for possession and trafficking of illegal drugs include arrest, detention and prosecution. Photography of the the State House, government offices, airports, military establishments, official residences and embassies is strictly prohibited is prohibited unless permission is granted from the Zimbabwe Ministry of Information. Observe all restrictions, as authorities strictly enforce them. If in doubt, do not take a picture. It is a criminal offence in Zimbabwe to make derogatory or insulting comments about the president or the Zimbabwean government. Any person making such comments is liable to arrest and prosecution. Possession or importation of pornographic material is forbidden. Please clear your browser history to be on the safe side.
Driving
Traffic drives on the left. Using a cellular telephone without a hands-free device while driving is illegal and may result in a fine. You should carry an International Driving Permit.
Update 1 November 2020Vaccinations and Medications
A doctor's consultation is required prior to any vaccinations being administered. This section is for informational purposes and does not exhaust all issues related to vaccination. Please contact your doctor for complete information on this subject.
Stay Healthy and Safe
Act in advance of to prevent. Check the vaccines and medicines list and visit your doctor at least 4-8 weeks before your trip to get vaccines or medicines you may need.
All travelers
You should be up to date on routine vaccinations while traveling to any destination. Some vaccinations may also be required in Zimbabwe.
Before each trip, it is worth making sure that we are up to date with the routine vaccinations. These include vaccinations against measles, mumps and rubella, diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, chickenpox, polio and flu.
Prevention
- Get vaccinated
- Reduce your exposure to germs
Most travelers
Get travel vaccines and medicines because there is a risk of these diseases in the country you are visiting.
Hepatitis A is a digestive disease caused by the hepatitis A virus and is closely related to a lack of good hygiene.
It can be asymptomatic, moderate, or very severe.
Prevention
- Get vaccinated
- Eat and drink safely
Malaria is a life-threatening parasitic disease transmitted by mosquitoes.
Prevention
- Take antimalarial meds
- Prevent bug bites
Estimated relative risk of malaria in Zimbabwe
Umiarkowane
Areas with malaria
All
Typhoid fever is an acute, systemic infectious disease caused by Salmonella typhi.
The source of the infection may include dirty water, raw fruits, vegetables, dairy products, as well as dirt containing bacteria.
Prevention
- Get vaccinated
- Eat and drink safely
Some travelers
Vaccinations and medications that may be recommended under certain conditions, depending on where you will be, the length of your stay and the nature of your stay.
Hepatitis B is a disease caused by the hepatitis B virus.
Infection occurs through contact of injured skin or mucous membranes with virus-infected blood or other secretions (e.g. during sexual contact, through contaminated needles or as a result of medical procedures).
Prevention
- Get vaccinated
- Avoid sharing body fluids
- Avoid non-sterile medical or cosmetic equipment
Rabies is an acute infectious disease caused by neurotrophic viruses from the rhabdovirus family.
The infection is most often caused by biting a sick animal or other contact of its saliva with mucous membranes, conjunctiva or damaged skin.
Prevention
- Get vaccinated
- Keep away from animals
Yellow fever is an acute viral disease which is transmitted by virus-infected mosquitoes.
Prevention
- Get vaccinated
- Prevent bug bites
Vaccination requirements
Required if traveling from a country with risk of YFV transmission and ≥9 months of age, including transit >12 hours in an airport located in a country with risk of YFV transmission.
We have made every effort to ensure that the information presented reliably reflects the general safety situation in a given place. However, the data is provided for informational purposes only and we do not take responsibility for any damages or losses resulting from incorrect risk assessment. Before each trip, we recommend checking the current situation in the country of destination on the websites of the relevant Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
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