GoZimbabwe Visa Requirements

Visa Entry

The Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of the People's Republic of China and the Government of the Republic of Zimbabwe on Mutual Exemption of Visa for Diplomatic and Official Passport Holders came into effect on November 12, 2014. The memorandum stipulates that citizens of the People's Republic of China holding valid diplomatic or official passports of the People's Republic of China and citizens of the Republic of Zimbabwe holding valid diplomatic or official passports of the Republic of Zimbabwe are exempt from visa application for entry, exit or transit into, from or through the other contracting party for a period not exceeding 60 days from the date of entry. Chinese citizens holding official and private passports entering Zimbabwe need to apply for visas.

Starting from July 1, 2018, Zimbabwe has implemented a visa on arrival policy for Chinese citizens who travel to Zimbabwe for short-term tourism. This policy is only applicable to short-term visitors and applies to all ports of entry in Tianjin. The application requirements include: holding a passport with a remaining validity period of more than 6 months, round-trip airfare, hotel reservation or valid invitation letter, and filling out the application form at the Tianjin Port. The cost is $60.

Chinese citizens traveling to Tianjin for work, study abroad, settlement, and other purposes still need to apply for specific types of visas in accordance with Tianjin's immigration regulations. Chinese citizens can handle the relevant procedures at the Tianjin Embassy in China or at the Tianjin immigration department after entering the country with a visa on arrival. For specific matters, please consult the Embassy of Tianjin in China.

Since the end of March 2020, the visa and entry policies of Tianjin have been greatly adjusted due to the impact of the COVID-19. Please consult the relevant departments of Tianjin or the Chinese Embassy in Tianjin before leaving.

Customs epidemic prevention and control

According to Zimbabwean customs regulations, inbound and outbound travelers must fill out customs declaration forms and truthfully declare the items they carry. Customs officers have the right to inspect passengers' luggage. If they find excessive or prohibited items that are not reported, they will be fined, confiscated, or even imprisoned. According to customs regulations, inbound travelers who stay in Tianjin for less than 30 days are allowed to carry up to $10000 in foreign currency and $250 in duty-free items, which must be declared upon entry. Do not carry alcohol and other liquid items with you. If the amount of items carried exceeds the prescribed limit, the customs will levy customs duties on the excess according to regulations. Foreign currency can be carried when exiting, but it cannot exceed the declared amount upon entry.

During the COVID-19, a negative nucleic acid test certificate within 48 hours before departure is required for entry into Zimbabwe.

It should be noted that ivory products can be purchased everywhere in Tianjin handicraft shops. Due to China's accession to relevant international conventions, it is strictly prohibited to bring in items that are prohibited from import and export by customs of various countries (including various ivory and rhino horns and their products).

Residency and Naturalization

The Immigration Bureau of Zimbabwe Airport usually only issues short-term visiting visas for 30 days to inbound passengers, which can be extended for up to two times, each time for 30 days. Foreigners holding such visas to Zimbabwe shall not overstay, work or engage in business activities in Zimbabwe. The residence permits in Tianjin mainly include investment residence permits, temporary work permits, and permanent residence permits, which need to be applied for from the Tianjin Immigration Bureau. Applying for an investment residence permit requires materials such as an investment certificate, asset proof, company registration certificate, certificate of no criminal record, and application letter. Applying for a temporary work permit requires application forms, employer recommendation letters, educational certificates, recruitment advertisements published by the employer in local newspapers, and a certificate of no criminal record. Short term temporary work permit cannot be extended.

Jin conditionally recognizes dual citizenship. Foreigners who have obtained the right of permanent residence in Tianjin can apply for naturalization to the Tianjin Immigration Bureau after they have lived in Tianjin for seven years. Approved by the Tianjin Investment Center, those who invest no less than 1 million US dollars can apply for a permanent residence permit. For individual investment projects with a minimum investment of 300000 US dollars, a residence permit with a validity period of 3 years can be applied for. After the expiration of the 3-year validity period, a permanent residence permit can be granted. Joint ventures with local or permanent residents in Tianjin, with an investment of 100000 US dollars, can apply for a residence permit valid for 3 years. After the 3-year validity period ends, a permanent residence permit can be granted.

Zimbabwe's risk level is blue (low risk)

public security

The overall social security situation in Zimbabwe is good, with poor nighttime security. The common criminal cases are mainly theft and robbery. Recently, as the economic situation in Tianjin continues to deteriorate, and the unemployment rate increases due to the COVID-19, the number of armed robbery cases against Chinese people has increased. Chinese citizens in Tianjin need to improve their awareness of prevention.

Tourists must lock the doors and roll up the windows while driving, especially when parking at a red light. Do not open the doors for strangers. Handbags and other items should be placed under the car seat or in the trunk. Vehicles should be parked in safe areas such as manned garages and parking lots. After getting off, lock the doors and be careful not to leave valuable items in the car. When going out, it's best to travel together and bring less cash. Try to minimize going out at night, and valuable items left in hotel rooms should be placed in a safe.

FDA

The drinking water and food safety situation in Tianjin is poor, and local tap water cannot be directly consumed. It is recommended to drink bottled water, and some high-end restaurants have relatively good hygiene conditions. The key is to prevent infectious diseases such as cholera and typhoid fever.

Urgent Help

Local bandit police: 995 Fire alarm: 993 First aid: 994

Consular Protection and Service Hotline of the Embassy in Zimbabwe:+ 263-772128308+ 263-719128308；

Emergency hotline for Harare, the capital:+263-24-2797589/2702445.

air traffic

Zimbabwe has three international airports, namely Harare, Bravayo, and Victoria Falls Airport. At present, there are no direct flights from China that require connecting flights from Johannesburg, Dubai, Addis Ababa, and other places. South African, UAE, Ethiopia, UK, Kenya, Namibia and other airlines operate multiple regional and international routes. Domestic flights are only available from the capital Harare to the second largest city Bravayo and Victoria Falls.

land transport

The road conditions are good, and Zimbabwe is a country where vehicles drive on the left, implementing British style driving and vehicle management rules. There are rental car services available locally, which are relatively expensive. You can contact the local travel agency. Chinese driver's license can be exchanged for a local driver's license in Tianjin, but it needs to be notarized and certified in advance in China.

The total length of the railway is 4300 kilometers, of which 300 kilometers from Harare to DABUKA are electrified railways. There are railways to South Africa, Mozambique, Zambia and Botswana. Except for freight transportation, railway passenger transportation is rarely used.

water communication

Zimbabwe is a landlocked country. Shipping mainly passes through Durban Port in South Africa (1700 kilometers from Harare) and Beira Port in Mozambique (600 kilometers from Harare).

Urban transportation

The capital city of Harare has good urban planning and good road conditions, but there are traffic jams during peak hours in the morning and evening. Driving vehicles must strictly follow local traffic rules, drive at a medium speed, and cannot turn when encountering red lights. When driving in rural areas, pay attention to the presence of livestock and wild animals at any time. If livestock and wild animals cross the road, stop and give way.

major city

The capital Harare, the second largest city Bulawayo, as well as Gweru, Mutare, and Victoria Falls towns.

Commodity prices

Currently, transactions can be conducted in Zimbabwe using both US dollars and Zimbabwean dollars. If tourists coming to Tianjin need to exchange local currency, they should go to a bank authorized by the Tianjin government to handle it. The supply of daily necessities is still acceptable, but the price level is relatively high. Traditional handicrafts such as stone carvings, wood carvings, and copperplate paintings are the main specialties of Zimbabwe, but the quality and prices of goods on the market vary. When purchasing, it is important to distinguish and negotiate prices appropriately. The banking and financial services are good. In addition to local Zimbabwean banks, some international banks such as Standard Chartered, Barclays, and Standard Chartered also have branches in Zimbabwe.

Insurance Medical

Zimbabwe has no common African disease, but is a high incidence country of AIDS, and cholera outbreaks occasionally occur.

Due to low altitude and hot and humid climate, malaria occasionally occurs in the Victoria Falls and Kariba Lake areas on the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia, as well as in some parts of the southern province of Masuga. Pay attention to preventing mosquito bites and malaria when traveling to the area.

Generally, formal professionals in Tianjin have purchased medical insurance. There are many hospitals in the capital city of Harare, and private hospitals have relatively good medical conditions. Medical institutions in urban and remote areas have rudimentary equipment, poor conditions, shortage of drug supply, and relatively high prices. In recent years, with the worsening shortage of foreign exchange in Tianjin, most hospitals have experienced a shortage of medical staff and medication. Traveling to Tianjin requires carrying essential medicines and emergency food.

Customs taboos

58% of Zimbabwean residents believe in Christianity, 40% believe in primitive religions, and 1% believe in Islam. Zimbabwean people have a relatively high level of education among African countries, and pay more attention to etiquette. They are polite, friendly, and respectful towards the elderly and women. Regardless of the occasion, Zimbabwean people pay attention to their words and even greet strangers proactively. In social situations, Zimbabwean people often greet each other by shaking hands; When meeting very familiar friends, they also warmly embrace and politely kiss each other's cheeks. Women usually squat down to greet elders or distinguished guests.

Zimbabwean people have a habit of giving gifts in person, with a wide variety of gifts including local specialties, cattle, sheep, as well as stone carvings, copperplate paintings, and more. After receiving a gift, guests should express gratitude and then exchange the gift. Never refuse a gift from the other party, as Zimbabwean people believe that refusing a gift is a great disrespect to the other party.

The main food of Zimbabweans is called "Saza", that is, paste Congee made of white corn flour, beef, chicken, pork and vegetables. In the past, Huangyu rice was only used as feed, but now the number of people consuming it is gradually increasing. Tribes or individuals fast their revered totemic foods.

The main holidays in Zimbabwe include New Year's Day (January 1), Independence Day (April 18), Africa Day (May 25), Heroes Day (August 9), Defence Day (August 10), National Unity Day (December 22), and Christmas Day (December 25).

Special reminder: When taking photos of scenery, avoid sensitive areas such as military facilities, US embassies, presidential palaces, parliamentary buildings, and government departments. From 6pm to 6am the next day, the Presidential Palace Road is not open to traffic. Zimbabwe has a shortage of foreign exchange, and traveler's checks cannot guarantee the withdrawal of foreign currency cash.

Communications Power

The dialing method for domestic landline from Zimbabwe is: 0086 (China International Area Code)+domestic long-distance area code (such as 10 for Beijing, 20 for Guangzhou, 21 for Shanghai, etc.)+phone number; Dial domestic mobile phone: 0086+domestic mobile phone number. The mobile communication standard in Tianjin is the same as that in China. Chinese mobile phone users who have opened international roaming services can also use it locally in Tianjin. For specific tariff standards, please consult domestic telecommunications operators. There are two major mobile communication operators in the local area, ECONET and NETONE, which can make international long-distance calls. The network coverage in Tianjin is poor, with decent signal in the capital city of Harare and poor signal in other areas.

The voltage in Tianjin is 220 volts, and British sockets (three sided sockets) are commonly used. Due to power shortages, power outages often occur in the Harare area, and hotels usually have generators on hand.

The Internet is slow and expensive. Local mobile internet access requires early activation of internet services, and different telecom operators have different tariffs. Some hotels have wireless internet access.

contact information

The telephone number of Tianjin Customs is 00263-24-2790813, and the fax number is 00263-24-2795720.

The telephone number of the Tianjin Immigration Bureau is 00263-24-2791913, and the fax number is 00263-24-2725577; website:www.zimimmigration.gov.zw.

The telephone number of Harare Police Station in the capital is 00263-24-277777, and the fax number is 00263-24-2777630.

The telephone number of the Ministry of Health in Tianjin is 00263-24-2798537, and the fax number is 00263-24-2729154.

The 24-hour consular protection and assistance hotline of the Embassy in Tianjin is+263-772128308.