This is an annual report produced in conjunction with the Regional Security Office at the U.S. Embassy in Harare. OSAC encourages travelers to use this report to gain baseline knowledge of security conditions in Zimbabwe. For more in-depth information, review OSAC’s Zimbabwe country page for original OSAC reporting, consular messages, and contact information, some of which may be available only to private-sector representatives with an OSAC password.

Travel Advisory

The current U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory at the date of this report’s publication assesses Zimbabwe at Level 2, indicating travelers should exercise increased caution due to crime and civil unrest. Review OSAC’s report, Understanding the Consular Travel Advisory System.

Overall Crime and Safety Situation 

Crime Threats 

The U.S. Department of State has assessed Harare as being a HIGH-threat location for crime directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests. 

Crime increased 10-20% across most sectors in the past few years. Zimbabwe primarily relies on an electronic currency called the “Real Time Gross Settlement (RTGS) dollar” and physical bills called “bond notes.”  Neither currency is recognized by international markets. The thirst for genuine U.S. Dollars for export or exchange on the international markets is the motivation behind the constant criminal threat to targets of opportunity. Criminal methods commonly include robbery, petty theft, vehicle burglary, home invasion, and smash-and-grab vehicle break-ins. These smash-and-grab incidents can include theft from unattended vehicles, and attacks at intersections at night (usually at intersections with inoperable traffic lights).  Review OSAC’s reports, All That You Should Leave Behind.

Due to the negative political and economic conditions, the U.S. Embassy continues to advise strongly against walking alone in the main city centers of Harare or Bulawayo after dark. Those who make Harare their home should take increased physical (i.e., residential) security precautions, such as installing anti-forced entry devices (solid doors/grilles) and robust perimeter fencing at least nine feet high, or fencing topped by razor and/or electric wire to reach a total height of nine feet. Review OSAC’s reports, Hotels: The Inns and Outs and Considerations for Hotel Security.

An automatic or manned vehicular gate control mechanism is also highly recommended. Any system that sounds an audible alarm (including “panic buttons”) is very useful and strongly recommended. Strongly consider using private security companies with response capability, as the police neither routinely patrol residential neighborhoods nor quickly respond to reported crimes. Residential crime reports indicate that suspects flee in most cases when an alarm sounds and/or they encounter other robust security devices. Several U.S. Embassy homes have experienced attempted burglaries and trespassing incidents in recent years. Burglars typically only find success when security measures are either not installed or not in use.  

Criminals have specifically targeted businesses and residences known to house or store large sums of cash. Such crimes can include victimizing staff at the target business/residence. Employee or “inside jobs” are the catalyst for many such crimes. 

Due to chronic economic challenges, crimes of opportunity that involve a low risk of arrest combined with a high chance of obtaining U.S. Dollars remain a key tactic of criminals. Harare currently has few working ATMs. When ATMs were more common, there were multiple reports of ATM skimming in Harare, as well as “spotting” incidents, where criminals followed victims who had just used an ATM and attacked them upon arrival at a residence. Use extreme caution and only patronize ATMs at reputable banks, preferably those that employ uniformed guards to protect customers using ATM services. 

Credit card theft/fraud occurs periodically. Relatively recently, the U.S. Embassy received information of a far-reaching credit card/identity theft scheme operating in Harare that victimized dozens of persons in the U.S.  Review OSAC’s reports, The Overseas Traveler’s Guide to ATM Skimmers & Fraud and Taking Credit. 

Cybersecurity Issues 

Review OSAC’s reports, Cybersecurity Basics, Best Practices for Maximizing Security on Public Wi-Fi, Traveling with Mobile Devices: Trends & Best Practices, and Satellite Phones: Critical or Contraband?

Transportation-Safety Situation 

Road Safety and Road Conditions  

Zimbabweans drive on the left side of the road.  The greatest danger to a person’s physical wellbeing in Zimbabwe is being involved in a serious road accident. The Traffic Safety Council reports there are 40-50 vehicle accidents in Harare every night. Large overloaded trucks ply the main roads.  Highways are often narrow and have abrupt step-downs off the asphalt onto the shoulders. Motorists routinely disregard traffic laws and norms, including ignoring traffic signals (if they are working), driving against the direction of traffic, exceeding the speed limit, etc. Most roads lack passing lanes, shoulders, lighting, reflectors, and other safety features. Large potholes are frequent in cities and on the highways, causing drivers to swerve at high speeds. At highway speeds, potholes can be very dangerous, and are difficult to see due to poor lighting. Other hazards that motorists will encounter, especially at night, include pedestrians in dark clothing walking along or on the roads; motor vehicles with no lights; restricted visibility when passing; faded lane markers and non-functioning street/traffic lights; and service stations lacking fuel and spare parts.  

Nighttime travel is substantially more dangerous; avoid driving at night if possible.  

The government keeps streets around the President’s residence and the Botanical Gardens closed to vehicle, bicycle, and foot traffic from 0600 to 1800 daily. The President and senior government officials travel around Harare with large and aggressive motorcades that have been known to run motorists off the road. Security personnel occasionally beat and harass drivers who fail to pull out of the way quickly. Move quickly off the road and come to a complete stop if overtaken by a motorcade.  Do not use electronic devices while the motorcade passes; security may interpret this as taking photos of the motorcade. 

With little maintenance and frequent power outages, traffic lights are often either non-functional or have one light working per intersection (often clustered amongst several inoperable lights). It is customary for local drivers to use hazard lights when entering these intersections. Use due care in crossing any intersection not clearly marked by lights.  

Police personnel have routinely stopped motorists at high-profile roadblocks, claiming traffic infractions. In the past, police officers have levied “spot-fines” on motorists and demanded cash payment. This practice appears to have been outlawed. Although this practice was technically legal, with a maximum spot fine of US$20 per infraction, officers often used it to extort higher amounts from unwitting motorists. Government officials have publicly announced the increased enforcement of traffic violations (such as radar speed traps and other moving violations) in an attempt to stem the high number of traffic deaths due to unsafe speed, poor driving, unsafe vehicles, and aggressive driving. The number of roadblocks has significantly reduced under the new administration. However, the government still uses marked and unmarked roadblocks to enforce order and collect fines, particularly in urban centers and on major roads. 

It is illegal to use a cell phone while driving in Zimbabwe. Drivers must wear seat belts or helmets if driving motorcycles. Car seats are not mandatory for small children. Driving under the influence of alcohol (DUI) enforcement does not generally exist, resulting in high rates of impaired drivers, especially at night.

There is no national network of roadside emergency service. However, the Automobile Association (AA) of Zimbabwe provides roadside emergency service to nonmembers for a fee. Tel: +263-4-752-779, +263-4-707-959. Road Angels is another roadside assistance service. Tel: +263-4-334-304, +263-4-334-418.

Review OSAC’s reports, Road Safety Abroad, Driving Overseas: Best Practices, and Evasive Driving Techniques; and read the State Department’s webpage on driving and road safety abroad.

Public Transportation Conditions  

Public transportation is dominated by second-hand minivan kombis. These vans are unregulated, inadequately maintained, and frequently in disrepair. Kombi drivers are often unlicensed and rarely follow the regulations of the road. Kombis usually fill beyond capacity, which compounds other safety deficiencies. Kombis are either directly involved or are a contributing factor in most vehicle accidents involving U.S. Embassy personnel.   

There are a few registered taxi companies in Harare. If you are staying at a reputable hotel, the front desk will likely have a preferred taxi company or driver recommendations. Shuttle Direct, Avondale Taxi, and G-Taxi are some examples of reputable companies. 

Air traffic controllers at Harare’s Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport (HRE) have staged several recent “slow-downs” and work stoppages. These incidents are typically brief, but they have caused flight delays and occasional flight cancellations.  

As there is no direct commercial air service to the United States by carriers registered in Zimbabwe, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed the government of Zimbabwe’s Civil Aviation Authority for compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards. 

Air Zimbabwe, the national carrier, is a failing business and is ineligible for international travel to the EU. The U.S. Embassy prohibits its personnel from flying with Air Zimbabwe due to the airline’s lack of an automated system for tracking the completion of safety checks.  Air Zimbabwe flights have been subject to unannounced schedule changes and may continue to be unreliable. This is particularly true for domestic flights to/from Harare (HRE), Bulawayo (BUQ), and Victoria Falls (VFA). To avoid possible inconvenience, consider traveling by road between Harare and Bulawayo.

Review OSAC’s report, Security In Transit: Airplanes, Public Transport, and Overnights.

Terrorism Threat 

The U.S. Department of State has assessed Harare as being a LOW-threat location for terrorism directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests. There were no terrorist groups claiming a presence or an incident in Zimbabwe in 2019. While the government of Zimbabwe attempts to exercise strong control within its borders and over its population, there are very few acts of extremism in the country. Due to the lack of budget, equipment, and technical capability of the authorities, it is possible that there is a growing number of nefarious individuals transiting or residing in Zimbabwe. There are also multiple crossing points and a lack of overhead monitoring.  

Political, Economic, Religious, and Ethnic Violence 

The U.S. Department of State has assessed Harare as being a HIGH-threat location for political violence directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.

Civil Unrest  

The Zimbabwean government continues to restrict large gatherings of people, and will generally issue permits for demonstrations only if the demonstration is clearly in favor of the government or a cause that the government supports. The police and/or military have violently dispersed multiple small, peaceful demonstrations. However, if the government supports a demonstration, a considerable number of riot police would accompany the demonstrators. In October 2019, for instance, the government established a national holiday for “Anti-Sanctions Day” and permitted several large, peaceful demonstrations in the streets of Harare and Bulawayo, all of which featured Zimbabwe Defense Forces (ZDF) protection. Review OSAC’s report, Surviving a Protest.

Anti-U.S./Anti-Western Sentiment 

There is anti-U.S., and to a certain extent, anti-Western sentiment in Zimbabwe, especially from the Government of Zimbabwe. The Government of Zimbabwe has made little progress implementing promised political and economic reforms to strengthen democracy and improve the investment climate. As Zimbabwe’s economic crisis has worsened, the government has increasingly blamed the crisis on U.S. and other Western nations’ economic sanctions, and organized (poorly attended) rallies nationwide calling for the removal of sanctions. 

Religious/Ethnic Violence  

Although there are rivalries between the Shona majority and Ndebele minority, religious/ethnic violence is rare. Political infighting among certain tribes continues, occasionally resulting in violence and intimidation. Shona dominate Harare, while Ndebele dominate Bulawayo.  

Post-specific Concerns  

Critical Infrastructure Concerns 

Zimbabwe has old, inadequate infrastructure. There are concerns related to water availability, safety, and delivery; and sewage disposal. There are also concerns regarding the supply of consistent and adequate power to businesses and residents, and the upkeep of transportation systems, to include highways and trains. 

Economic Espionage/Intellectual Property Theft Concerns

The Central bank continues to attempt to tackle the economic crisis, including a shortage of foreign exchange reserves, shortages of imported goods, and rising prices, by allowing its currency to depreciate. Due to a shortage of hard currency, it is not currently possible to withdraw cash with an international bank card at an airport or in popular tourist areas such as Victoria Falls. Bring sufficient funds in USD for your entire stay in the country. 

Carefully review the U.S. sanctions program currently in place prior to engaging in the purchase/sale or transfer of money and other assets with a Zimbabwean citizen or entity. U.S. citizens should consult the Department of Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) for up-to-date sanctions information.  

Intellectual property theft centers on the piracy of music, movies, and computer software. Read the State Department’s webpage on customs and import restrictions for information on what you cannot take into or out of other countries.

Personal Identity Concerns 

The constitution of Zimbabwe outlaws marriage between people of the same gender, and allows for discrimination based on sexual orientation. Consensual sex between men is illegal in Zimbabwe, with both parties subject to a fine of USD $5,000 and/or one year of imprisonment. While there is no explicit legal prohibition against sexual relations between women, societal violence and harassment against LGBTI+ individuals is pervasive. Review the State Department’s webpage on security for LGBTI+ travelers.

The Zimbabwe constitution and law prohibit discrimination against persons with disabilities in employment, access to public places, and the provision of services. However, the law is not widely known, poorly implemented, and rarely enforced. Persons with disabilities face harsh societal discrimination and widespread physical barriers. Many public buildings do not have wheelchair ramps, operational elevators, or suitable restroom facilities. Public transportation does not include lifts or access by wheelchair. Road crossing aids for the disabled are nonexistent and sidewalks in urban areas are in disrepair and cluttered with obstacles. Review the State Department’s webpage on security for travelers with disabilities.

Review the State Department’s webpage on security for female travelers.

Review OSAC’s report, Freedom to Practice, and the State Department’s webpage on security for faith-based travelers.

Other Issues

Photographing the Munhumutapa Building, which houses the President’s offices, is punishable by a jail term; there is no provision for paying a fine. It is not always apparent what the police deem sensitive. Police have detained people for photographing anything they view as sensitive, no matter how innocuous it may seem. Seriously consider the risks of taking pictures anywhere in Zimbabwe other than game parks and other obvious tourist attractions. Review OSAC’s report, Picture This: Dos and Don’ts for Photography.

Police Response 

The emergency line in Zimbabwe is 999. Download the State Department’s Crime Victims Assistance brochure.

The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) are lack proper funding and training. Officers may find it difficult to respond to a call for mobile assistance. Often, a complainant must go to the nearest police station and pick up an officer to assist. The level of competence varies. For vehicle accidents, be patient; they will come, but it may take an extended period. 

Police contact information: 

Harare Central Police Station: +263-(0) 242-777 777 

Inez Terrace: +263-(0) 242-748 836  

Remand Prison: +263-(0) 242 793 894 

Medical Emergencies 

The public medical infrastructure in Zimbabwe is subpar and medical facilities are limited. Provincial hospitals in rural areas are rudimentary and not equipped to care for serious injuries. Serious illnesses or injuries require medical evacuation to South Africa. Be prepared to arrange your own transportation to medical facilities. Find contact information for available medical services and available air ambulance services on the U.S. Embassy website.

If traveling with prescription medication, check with the government of Zimbabwe to ensure the medication is legal in Zimbabwe. Always, carry your prescription medication in original packaging with your doctor’s prescription. Review OSAC’s report, Traveling with Medication.

Be prepared to pay up front for medical services. The U.S. Department of State strongly recommends purchasing international health insurance before traveling internationally. Review the State Departments webpage on insurance overseas.

Tuberculosis is present in Zimbabwe. The CDC has been tracking several cases of cholera and typhoid in recent months and will issue Travel Notices should they become a significant concern. The CDC offers additional information on vaccines and health guidance for Zimbabwe.

Review OSAC’s reports, The Healthy Way, I’m Drinking What in My Water?, Shaken: The Don’ts of Alcohol Abroad, Health 101: How to Prepare for Travel, and Fire Safety Abroad.

 OSAC Country Council Information  

 Harare has an active Country Council. Contact OSAC’s Africa team for more information or to join.

U.S. Embassy Contact Information  

2 Lorraine Drive, Bluffhill, Harare

Tel: +263-867-701-1000

Website: https://zw.usembassy.gov/

Helpful Information

Before you travel, consider the following resources:

OSAC Risk Matrix

OSAC Travelers Toolkit

State Department Traveler’s Checklist

Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)