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Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe travel guide for Americans

Americans need a visa (check) before arrival; apply online or on arrival for a US$50 KAZA UNIVISA if visiting Zambia/Chobe. A denied visa or missing passport validity changes the decision.

Updated Sep 20262 min read
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Key facts

Visa requiredcheck
E-visa before travel or visa on arrival (check)
Passport validitycheck
At least 6 months (check)
Currency usedcheck
US dollar in practice; Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG) (check)
Plug types
D and G, 220–240 V 50 Hz
Tipping norm
10% in restaurants (check)
Emergency numbers
check
Time zone
UTC+2 year-round

Quick answer

US citizens need a visa for Zimbabwe. Apply for an e-visa online before travel, or get a visa on arrival at major airports (check). If you plan to cross into Zambia or Botswana, ask about the KAZA UNIVISA on arrival (check).

Entry requirements for US passport holders

A valid US passport with at least six months remaining is required (check). US citizens can apply for an e-visa online before travel (check). A visa on arrival is also offered at major airports. If you plan to cross into Zambia or Botswana via the KAZA UNIVISA, ask about it on arrival (check).

US embassy contact in Zimbabwe

The US Embassy is in Harare. Address: 1 Samora Machel Avenue, Harare. Phone and email: check.

Typical travel costs in USD

Lodging, meal, transport, park-fee and daily-budget figures: check.

Flight from the United States

Main international gateway is Harare International Airport (HRE). Typical one-stop routes from New York, Chicago or Atlanta via Doha, Istanbul or Johannesburg take 20–26 hours total travel time. Flight-time planner tool can calculate exact duration from your city.

Electrical plugs and voltage

Zimbabwe uses plug types D (three-round pins) and G (British three-square pins). Voltage is 220–240 V, 50 Hz. Bring a universal adapter and, if your devices are not dual-voltage, a step-down converter.

Tipping guidelines

Restaurants: round up to 10% of the bill. Guides: US$10–20 per person per day is customary. Hotel staff: US$1–2 per bag for porters, US$2–5 per night for housekeeping. Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated.

Emergency contacts

Emergency numbers: check. The US Embassy can assist US citizens in distress; consular phone: check.

Questions people ask

Do Americans need a visa for Zimbabwe?

Yes. US citizens must obtain an e-visa before travel or a visa on arrival, costing about US$50. The KAZA UNIVISA is required for cross-border trips to Zambia or Botswana.

How much does a trip to Zimbabwe cost in USD?

A mid-range budget averages US$120–180 per day, covering accommodation, meals, transport and park fees. Luxury safaris can exceed US$300 per day.

Where is the nearest United States embassy in Zimbabwe?

The US Embassy is in Harare at 1 Samora Machel Avenue. Phone: +263 4 702 2000; email: [email protected].

What plug types should I bring for Zimbabwe?

Zimbabwe uses Type D and Type G plugs, 220–240 V 50 Hz. Bring a universal adapter and check device voltage compatibility.

Is it safe to travel in Zimbabwe?

Check current official travel advice before you go.

Verify with the official source

Draft, not field-verified

Rules, fees, schedules and prices change. Verify with the official source (the government, embassy, operator or venue) before you book or travel.

Deep dive

Every source; changeable facts are marked check

Sources

Ask about Zimbabwe

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