Zimbabwe
Last update 14 January 2025Diplomatic missions
Risk index
Level 3: Avoid non-essiential travel (Do not travel in certain areas of the country unless necessary)
3
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Republic of Zimbabwe
The Republic of Bulgaria does not have an embassy in Harare. Bulgarian citizens residing in Zimbabwe on a short or long-term basis may address consular matters to the Embassy of the Republic of Bulgaria in Pretoria, Republic of South Africa. Information on the restrictive measures related to COVID-19 can be found on the Embassy's website.
Embassy of the Republic of Bulgaria in Pretoria
Address: 1071 Church street, 0083 Hatfield, Pretoria, Republic of South Africa
Telephone: +27 12 342 37 20; +27 12342 79 41
Fax: +27 12 342 37 21
Mobile telephone: +27 79 893 7336 (in case of emergencies and urgent cases in out-of-hours, holidays and weekends).
Working hours: 08:00 – 16:30
Opening hours: 09:00 – 12:00
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.mfa.bg/embassies/southafrica
There is no Zimbabwean embassy accredited to Bulgaria in a third country. The Embassy of Zimbabwe in Vienna serves Bulgarian citizens wishing to visit this country.
Embassy of Zimbabwe in Berlin
Address: Dannenwalder Weg 91, 13439 Berlin, Germany
Tel: +49 30 98318740
Email: [email protected]
General information
Security level:
There is a high security risk in Zimbabwe. We recommend that before you decide to travel to Zimbabwe, you seek up-to-date information on the security situation in the country. For visits to tourist sites outside the capital you need an off-road vehicle, driving should be done only during the day!
Healthcare:
It is advisable to have health insurance in advance. Medical care in hospitals, including private ones, does not meet European standards. There is a particularly large number of HIV-positive cases! Almost 25% of the population is affected by the disease. The cholera outbreak in Zimbabwe in 2008/2009 makes it imperative to seek medical attention at the first sign of symptoms. Malaria prevention is mandatory at altitudes below 1,200 meters.
Travellers to Zimbabwe should familiarise themselves in advance with the malaria map of the country produced by the Zimbabwe Ministry of Health, as prevention for visiting malaria areas should start 1—2 weeks in advance.
It is absolutely forbidden to bathe in all open ponds, rivers, lakes, dams, etc., because of the danger of bilharzia. Only allowed in swimming pools where the water is chlorinated.
Recommended vaccines and personal hygiene advice:
It is advisable to get vaccinated against yellow fever. Strict personal hygiene is recommended. Particular care should be taken when consuming fresh fruit and vegetables. Water should be boiled or you should buy bottled water.
Specifics of the local legislation:
As in most African countries, in Zimbabwe homosexuality is treated as immoral and punished severely under local law. Photography of public buildings is strictly prohibited. Visitors to Zimbabwe should refrain from critical political etc. comments in public places.
Customs requirements:
Declaring the currency on entry is not mandatory, but on exit you are not allowed to export more than USD 2,000 if you do not have a customs declaration or have lost it. There are no restrictions on currency imports.
The possession of ivory tusks is strictly prohibited and the export of ivory souvenirs and other game products is only allowed against a certificate of origin. The import of ivory products into the EU is prohibited.
The import of hunting weapons for safari purposes, together with their associated ammunition, is permitted. In this case, you need a Temporary Import Permit (TIP) for hunting weapons, which you can obtain at any international airport in Zimbabwe.
Road traffic:
The road traffic in the Zimbabwe is in the left lane. The main streets in the capital, with few exceptions, have good asphalt pavement. This does not apply to side streets. Safety when travelling on intercity buses and trains is not guaranteed. Border insurance is mandatory when entering the country by car.
Attention! When approached by a motorcade escorting the President, stop your vehicle immediately!
Practical advice:
Everywhere in Zimbabwe be wary of pickpockets. Always bring a photocopy of your passport, and leave the original and other important documents at the hotel. Avoid travelling or walking in the dark. When travelling by car, lock the doors and windows from the inside. Be especially cautious when travelling outside the capital. Stay away from places with large crowds. Pay particular attention to the prohibition of possession of rough gemstones and metals. If you carry processed ones, you must also have proof of acquisition. Strict personal hygiene is recommended. Particular care should be taken when consuming fresh fruit and vegetables. Water should be boiled or you should buy bottled water.
Local currency:
Zimbabwe dollar (ZWL). Since 2009, the Zimbabwean dollar has been the local currency in Zimbabwe. In rare cases, convertible currencies such as the US dollar, euro and Botswana Pula continue to be used.
Travel papers and visas
An international passport that is valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry into Zimbabwe.
It is advisable to get vaccinated against yellow fever.
For up-to-date information on mandatory and/or recommended vaccines you may contact the Regional Health Inspectorates in the country. Yellow fever vaccine is administered at the following regional health inspectorates: Sofia Regional Health Inspectorate; Varna RHI; Burgas RHI; Pleven RHI; Plovdiv RHI; Blagoevgrad RHI and Ruse RHI.
Bulgarian citizens travelling to Zimbabwe (holders of regular, official and diplomatic passports) need a visa which they can obtain at the Embassy of Zimbabwe in Vienna.
Obtaining a visa on arrival is officially allowed in Harare, Bulawayo and Victoria airports, as well as at Zimbabwe's land border posts. Nevertheless, we recommend that you check this information before travelling. More information can be found here: https://www.evisa.gov.zw/home .
Attention!
Your passport must have at least one completely blank page so that the entry visa can be affixed to it. There should be no other visa stamps on the back of this page other than the border control stamps.
Consular service
Certifications and legalizations
In order to be valid in Bulgaria and to be able to serve before the Bulgarian institutions, all documents issued by the authorities in Zimbabwe to Bulgarian citizens must bear the stamp of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Zimbabwe. Then, they need to be certified by the Embassy of Zimbabwe in Vienna. The signature and certifications of the Embassy of Zimbabwe in Vienna are certified by the Consular Office of the Embassy of Bulgaria in the Austrian capital.
Once the documents have been so prepared, they must be translated into Bulgarian by an authorized company in Bulgaria and certified by the Department of Certifications and Legalizations with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Bulgaria.
European Emergency Travel Document:
In extreme situations — in case of damage, loss or theft of a passport, Bulgarian citizens can apply for an Emergency Travel Document at an Embassy of an EU Member State in Harare.