Africa • Updated August 2026

Country Risk Report

Zimbabwe

Overall Risk Rating

Low

Capital

Harare

Languages

English, Shona and Ndebele among 16 official languages

Currency

Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG) and US dollars widely used

Executive Summary

Zimbabwe is classified as a LOW risk destination from a personal-safety standpoint, with a well-established tourism sector centred on Victoria Falls, Hwange and the safari circuit. Violent crime against tourists is uncommon in the main areas, so the everyday risks are petty and opportunistic crime, economic instability, road safety and periodic political tension rather than security threats. The country faces persistent economic difficulty, with currency instability, high inflation and shortages of fuel and services at times, which shapes daily life and can drive opportunistic crime and occasional protests. Petty crime, including theft, pickpocketing and some robbery, is the main issue in Harare and urban areas, particularly after dark, and there is occasional political tension around elections and demonstrations, which the authorities police firmly. The main tourism areas, Victoria Falls, Hwange and the safari lodges, are generally safe and well organised. Two practical points warrant attention: road safety is poor, with police roadblocks and vehicle checks common, and the eastern border with Mozambique contains some of the densest landmine contamination in the world, a legacy of the liberation war that is still being cleared.

Risk Matrix

Category	Risk Rating	Commentary
Armed Conflict	Low	No armed conflict.
Terrorism	Low	No significant terrorism threat.
Kidnapping	Low	Kidnapping of travellers is rare.
Crime	Moderate	Petty and opportunistic crime; some robbery, worse after dark in cities.
Civil Unrest	Moderate	Periodic political tension and protests, firmly policed.
Health & Medical	Moderate	Limited care, worse amid economic strain; serious cases need evacuation.
Internal Travel	Moderate	Poor road safety, roadblocks, fuel shortages and eastern-border minefields.
Digital / Cyber	Moderate	Scams and monitoring; internet disruption around unrest.

Essential Precautions

1Guard against petty and opportunistic crime, including theft and robbery in Harare and urban areas after dark.

2Respect eastern border minefield warnings, near the Mozambique border, which has dense landmine contamination.

3Prepare for economic instability, including currency issues and occasional fuel and service shortages.

4Carry US dollars in small denominations, as they are widely used alongside local currency.

5Take care at police roadblocks, which are common; carry documents and cooperate calmly.

6Avoid protests and political gatherings, particularly around elections, which are policed firmly.

7Take malaria and health precautions, particularly in the Zambezi Valley and low-lying areas.

8Hold comprehensive medical and evacuation cover, given limited care outside the main cities.

Security Situation

Low

Zimbabwe is generally safe for tourists from a personal-safety standpoint, with uncommon violent crime in the main areas. The everyday risks are petty and opportunistic crime, economic instability, road safety and periodic political tension rather than security threats.

Harare and the Centre

Moderate

Harare and the centre function with petty crime, economic strain and occasional political tension the main concerns.

Bulawayo and the South

Low

Bulawayo and the south are calmer urban and rural areas with standard precautions.

Victoria Falls and the West

Low

Victoria Falls and the west are the tourism heartland, generally safe and well organised.

The Eastern Highlands and Borders

Moderate

The Eastern Highlands and borders are scenic but include the heavily mined Mozambique border areas.

Detailed Risk Assessment

Armed Conflict

Low

Zimbabwe is not in armed conflict. The main instability is economic and, at times, political rather than any insurgency or military threat.

Terrorism

Low

There is no significant terrorism threat in Zimbabwe. Standard vigilance is sufficient.

Kidnapping and Crime

Moderate

Kidnapping of travellers is rare. The main issue is petty and opportunistic crime, including theft, pickpocketing and some robbery, particularly in Harare and after dark, with economic strain a contributing factor.

Internal Travel

Moderate

Poor road safety, common police roadblocks, fuel shortages and the eastern-border minefields are the main travel concerns. The tourism circuit is well organised, and domestic flights serve the main destinations.

Health and Disease

Moderate

Healthcare is limited and has been strained by economic difficulty, with shortages of supplies, and serious cases require evacuation, often to South Africa. Malaria is present in low-lying areas, and travellers should hold comprehensive cover and carry their own supplies.

Cultural and Religious Sensitivities

Moderate

Zimbabwe is diverse and generally welcoming, but politically sensitive, and criticism of the government and political discussion can carry risk. Respect for local customs, sensitivity around politics, and caution with photography of officials and government sites are advisable.

LGBT Travellers

High

Same-sex activity is criminalised and faces strong official and social hostility. LGBT travellers face risk and should exercise discretion, including over digital content.

Diplomatic and Government Situation

Moderate

Zimbabwe is governed by ZANU-PF under President Mnangagwa, with contested elections, restricted political space and significant economic challenges. Consular support is available in Harare.

Landmines and Unexploded Ordnance

Moderate

Zimbabwe's eastern border with Mozambique contains some of the densest landmine contamination in the world, a legacy of the liberation war, which is still being cleared. The risk is concentrated in marked border areas, and travellers must stay on established routes and heed all warnings.

Digital and Cyber Threats

Moderate

Online scams occur, and the authorities monitor communications and have restricted the internet during unrest. Travellers should guard financial data and avoid sensitive posts.

Vaccinations & Health Hazards

Strongly Recommended

Hepatitis A and Typhoid
Recommended due to contaminated food and water.
Hepatitis B and Tetanus
Recommended for many travellers.
Rabies
Consider for safari, rural or long stays.
Yellow Fever
Required if arriving from an endemic area; carry certification.

Other Health Hazards

Malaria: Risk in low-lying areas including the Zambezi Valley. Take prophylaxis and bite-avoidance measures.
Supplies: Medical supplies can be short; carry your own medicines.
Road safety: Poor road safety and roadblocks; use reputable transport.
Remote evacuation: Serious cases require evacuation, often to South Africa; hold comprehensive cover.

Choosing the Right Insurance

Cover for Zimbabwe is available on a specialist basis, with the eastern border minefield areas addressed on referral. The main tourist and business areas are manageable with standard precautions, and cover should include medical care and comprehensive evacuation given limited local care.

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Annex A - Key Risk Dynamics

Checkpoints and Detention Triggers

Roadblocks and vehicle checks are common; carry documents and cooperate calmly. Carry ID and a clear travel purpose. Heed minefield warnings near the Mozambique border. Do not photograph government, military or the president's residences.

Kidnapping and Detention Dynamics

Kidnapping of travellers is rare. Theft and after-dark robbery are the main issues. Some roadblocks involve solicitation; stay calm and correct. The eastern border is a physical hazard.

High-Risk Travellers

Urban night travellers face opportunistic crime. Eastern-border travellers face minefield risk. Protest-period travellers face political tension. Remote travellers face limited medical care.

Annex B - Key Preparation & Checklists

Essential Preparation and Medical

Zimbabwe is low risk for tourists; guard against petty crime. Carry US dollars and prepare for shortages. Hold comprehensive medical and evacuation cover. Stay on established routes near the eastern border.

Digital Security and Checkpoints

Avoid sensitive political posts. Guard against scams and card issues. Connectivity is functional in main areas. Limit public location sharing.

Movement and Operational Security

Use reputable transport and expect roadblocks. Stay on established routes near the Mozambique border. Use organised operators for safaris. Avoid gatherings, especially around elections.

Conduct and Legal Compliance

Respect customs and be sensitive on politics. Keep valuables out of sight. Never photograph government or military sites.

This report is provided for information only and does not constitute travel or security advice. Ratings are indicative and subject to change without notice. Confirm current conditions with Hotspot Cover before any deployment.