Is Zimbabwe Open for Tourists? – Latest Travel Restrictions

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Zimbabwe reopened to international tourism on October 1, 2020. It is one of the countries that are open for tourism that has begun to lift its lockdown measures, so there are plenty of things for tourists to do if they visit right now.

Is Zimbabwe open for tourists? – Latest Zimbabwe travel restrictions

In terms of entry requirements, all travelers must have a medical certificate for a negative PCR test that was obtained within 48 hours departure. The negative test result must be verified through the Trusted Travel Initiative.

Travelers from countries that are considered COVID-19 hotspots must quarantine for 10 days from their arrival in Zimbabwe. They must also undergo COVID-19 testing within 48 hours of arrival in Zimbabwe, and on days 3, 5, and 10 of their quarantine period. The government of Zimbabwe has not yet declared which countries it considers COVID-19 hotspots.

Travelers must also present a negative PCR test result that was obtained within 48 hours of departure in order to leave Zimbabwe.

Can I travel to Zimbabwe right now?

You can travel to Zimbabwe from any country right now. Below is a map of all the countries that can visit Zimbabwe at the moment.

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Zimbabwe COVID-19 travel restrictions and entry requirements

Zimbabwe has several main entry requirements for travelers.

Zimbabwe COVID-19 travel restrictions and entry requirements

All travelers must have proof of a negative PCR test result that was obtained within 48 hours of their departure for Zimbabwe.  This test result must be verified through the Trusted Travel Initiative. Travelers from countries with authorized Trusted Travel Initiative laboratories will receive a code from the laboratory where they get tested and must create an account at panabios.org, where they will upload their result.

Travelers from countries that do not have Trusted Travel Initiative laboratories must make an account on globalhaven.org and upload their negative test result, which will give them a Travel Code.

Travelers that arrive from or transit through countries that are considered COVID-19 hotspots must quarantine at a hotel or other designated quarantine location at their own expense for 10 days from their arrival in Zimbabwe. They must also undergo COVID-19 testing within 48 hours of arrival in Zimbabwe, and on the third, fifth, and tenth days of their quarantine period. The government of Zimbabwe has not yet declared which countries it considers COVID-19 hotspots.

Travelers must also take a PCR test within 48 hours of departure in order to leave Zimbabwe. That test result must also be verified with the Trusted Travel Initiative.

COVID-19 vaccine to travel to Zimbabwe

Only customers who can present proof of full vaccination can dine in at restaurants in Zimbabwe. Unvaccinated customers can only order takeout.  Additionally, some attractions only admit fully vaccinated travelers.

COVID-19 vaccine to travel to Zimbabwe

If you’re going to get the COVID-19 vaccine before traveling to Zimbabwe or you’ve already been vaccinated, I recommend taking a copy of a vaccination record or certificate with you so that you can easily eat at restaurants and visit attractions in Zimbabwe.

Is PCR testing mandatory to travel to Zimbabwe?

All travelers must have a medical certificate for a negative PCR test that was obtained within 48 hours of their departure for Zimbabwe.

The negative test result must be verified with the Trusted Travel Initiative. Travelers from countries with authorized Trusted Travel Initiative laboratories will receive a code from the laboratory where they get tested and must create an account at panabios.org, where they will upload their result.

Travelers from countries that do not have Trusted Travel Initiative laboratories must make an account on globalhaven.org and upload their negative test result, which will give them a Travel Code.

Travelers who do not have a valid negative PCR test result will not be allowed to enter Zimbabwe. Citizens and residents of Zimbabwe who do not have a valid test result must quarantine for 10 days from their arrival at a hotel or other designated quarantine location.

Travelers that arrive from or transit through countries that are considered COVID-19 hotspots must undergo testing within 48 hours after their arrival. They must also undergo testing on days 3, 5, and 10 of their 10-day quarantine period.

In order to leave Zimbabwe, travelers must have proof of a negative PCR test result that was obtained within 48 hours of departure. This test result must also be verified through the Trusted Travel Initiative.

Is there a mandatory quarantine upon arrival in Zimbabwe?

Citizens and residents of Zimbabwe and all travelers arriving from or transiting through COVID-19 hotspots must quarantine for 10 days from their arrival in Zimbabwe.

Is there a mandatory quarantine upon arrival in Zimbabwe?

Citizens and residents of Zimbabwe who have a valid negative PCR test result must self-quarantine at home. Zimbabwean citizens and residents who do not have a valid test result must quarantine at a hotel or other designated quarantine location at their own expense.

Any travelers who have come from or transited through COVID-19 hotspots, including Zimbabwean citizens and residents, must quarantine at a hotel or designated quarantine location at their own expense. They must undergo testing within 48 hours of arrival in Zimbabwe, and on days 3, 5, and 10 of their quarantine period.

Travel insurance with COVID-19 coverage to visit Zimbabwe

You are not required to have travel insurance with COVID-19 coverage to visit Zimbabwe, but you really shouldn’t travel without it, especially if you want to stay safe as you travel.

A great option for travel insurance with COVID-19 coverage is Heymondo. We’ve compared many different types of travel insurance with COVID-19 coverage and Heymondo stood out as the best choice because their policies offer extensive coverage for COVID-19 testing and treatment abroad at a reasonable price. If you want to save money when you buy Heymondo insurance, you can even get 5% off just for being our reader with the link below.

Other travel restrictions for Zimbabwe during COVID-19

Zimbabwe has a few other travel restrictions in place:

• All travelers have to provide track and trace information when they arrive in Zimbabwe.

• Face masks are required in all public areas.

• Social distancing rules must be observed.

• You may need a tourist visa to visit Zimbabwe. Check if you need one below.

What’s open in Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe has begun easing lockdown restrictions, so travelers who visit right now should be able to make the most of their trip. Hotels, restaurants, airports, attractions, and tours are all open, meaning there’s plenty to see and do in Zimbabwe right now.

Hotels that are open in Zimbabwe

Hotels in Zimbabwe are currently open, so it shouldn’t be too difficult for visitors to find a great place to stay. If you need a little help choosing an accommodation, these are our favorite places to stay in Zimbabwe:

• Victoria Falls River Lodge
• Victoria Falls Safari Suites
• Victoria Falls Safari Club
• Victoria Falls Safari Lodge
• The Tree Lodge at Sikumi

Guests must wear masks in all public areas and abide by social distancing rules.

More information on hotel regulations can be found here.

Attractions that are open and tours that are operating in Zimbabwe

As lockdown restrictions are beginning to ease, attractions are opening up and tours are operating in Zimbabwe. You can go bungee jumping, take a helicopter ride, go on a game drive, take a boat trip, and more. Because there is so much to see and do, we’ve narrowed it down to a few of our favorites:

• Victoria Falls Helicopter Flights
• Zambezi Half-Day Rafting
• Chobe Day Trip from Victoria Falls
• Victoria Falls Airport Hotel Transfer

Guests must wear masks in all public areas and abide by social distancing rules. Attraction/tour premises, vehicles, and vessels will be disinfected twice a day.

Attractions can open between 8 AM and 7 PM. Art galleries, cinemas, theatres, and health spas are only open to clients that are fully vaccinated.

More details on attraction and tour regulations can be found here and here.

Restaurants that are open in Zimbabwe

With the lockdown beginning to lift, restaurants are now open in Zimbabwe.

Restaurants that are open in Zimbabwe

Restaurants can only be open from 8 AM to 10 PM. Dining in is only allowed for customers who present proof of full vaccination. Other customers will only be able to order takeout and cannot sit down at the restaurant.

Customers must wear masks at all times, except when they are eating or drinking. They must also sanitize their hands when entering and exiting the restaurant and abide by social distancing rules.

More information on restaurant regulations can be found here and here.

Airports that are open in Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe’s international airports are open and international flights are operating. The main international airports are Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport, Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo International Airport, and Victoria Falls International Airport, all three of which are open.

All travelers must wear masks and abide by social distancing rules.

Curfew in Zimbabwe

As part of the current national lockdown, there is a daily curfew from 10 PM to 5:30 AM.

Where to get a PCR test in Zimbabwe – COVID-19 testing in Zimbabwe

You must have proof of a negative PCR test that was obtained within 48 hours of boarding your departing flight in order to exit Zimbabwe. More information on PCR testing in Zimbabwe is available here.

Zimbabwe reopening its borders to tourists – F.A.Q.

Check out these FAQs related to Zimbabwe reopening for tourists and let us know if you have any other questions in the comments below.

Sources

We will update this guide on Zimbabwe reopening to tourism with any new developments. If you need more information on travel to Zimbabwe, you can check these official sources:

• US Embassy Updates on COVID-19 in Zimbabwe
• CDC Travel Recommendations for Zimbabwe
• General Zimbabwe Travel Advisory
• Zimbabwe’s Current Regulations for the Country
• Current Entry Requirements
• Government of Zimbabwe’s COVID-19 Laws and Information
• Government of Zimbabwe’s Ministry of Health and Child Care COVID-19 Page
• Zimbabwe’s Air Travel Regulations