World Country Guide

Travel - International

Note
Visitors to Zimbabwe should exercise caution at all times and remain aware of recent developments in the country. It is recommended that visitors to the country travel only with organised tour operators to well-established destinations. There has been an increase in violent crime at political destinations but main tourist areas remain largely unaffected. High-density suburbs have been the target of particularly fierce political clashes and should therefore be avoided.

Air
Zimbabwe’s national airline is Air Zimbabwe (UM) (tel: (4) 575 021; website: www.airzim.co.zw). Other airlines serving Zimbabwe include Aeroflot, Air Botswana, British Airways, Egyptair, KLM, Lufthansa, Majestic Air, South African Airlines and Zambia Airways.
Approximate flight times: From Harare to London is nine hours 50 minutes. There are direct flights connecting London with Victoria Falls. Connections from the capital to Bulawayo take approximately one hour.

International airports
Harare (HRE) is 14km (9 miles) southeast of the city. Coaches run at regular intervals to the city (travel time – 20 minutes). Taxis are available. Airport facilities include post office, restaurant, duty free shop and bank/bureau de change.
Bulawayo (BUQ) is 24km (15 miles) from the city. Limited bus and taxi services are available.
Victoria Falls (VFA) is 22km (13 miles) from the town. Bus and taxi services are available.

Departure tax
US$20 (non-residents); US$20 or equivalent in local currency (residents). Children under two years and transit passengers are exempt.

Rail
There are train connections from South Africa through Botswana to Bulawayo. There is a link to Zambia via Victoria Falls.

Road
There are roads from Botswana, Malawi, Mozambique, South Africa, Tanzania and Zambia. Off the main routes (Beitbridge and Victoria Falls), travel conditions are often difficult during heavy rains. Border posts are generally open from 0600-1800, although the more popular routes through Beitbridge, Plumtree and Victoria Falls are open from 0600-2000. For details, contact the Embassy or High Commission (see Contact Addresses section).