ZIMBABWE VISA & FIREARM REGULATIONS

Most safaris in Zimbabwe start from either the airport at Harare, Bulawayo or Victoria Falls.  Visas and gun permits are issued at your arrival airport.  The main complicating factors will be transiting through other countries en route to Zimbabwe.  If transiting through South Africa, it is best to remain in transit prior to boarding a plane for Zimbabwe.  If you must overnight in South Africa, then you will need to comply with South Africa’s Firearm importation procedures.  The best routes through Europe to minimize your firearm hassles are with KLM through Amsterdam or with Swissair through Zurich.  Both of these airlines fly to Johannesburg, where you can catch a flight to your destination in Zimbabwe.

Upon Arriving in Zimbabwe, you will first purchase an Entry Visa Stamp for $20 US.  Then you get your passport stamped.  You will collect your luggage and then fill out your firearms permit.  You will need your firearm serial numbers for this, so keep them handy.  They may look over your firearms and ammunition, but you should be on your way shortly.  When leaving, you will be charged a $20 exit fee, but this is normally included in the airfare ticket costs.

Due to cash shortages in Zimbabwe, the Zimbabwe government is prohibiting visitors from exiting the country with more than $1,000 unless they can prove that they brought the cash with them legally into the country. Cash in excess of this amount without the proper receipts will be confiscated. When you are entering Zimbabwe, you should declare your cash and make sure you get a blue receipt showing that your cash was declared upon entering.  Do not lose this blue receipt, as it will be required when exiting the country with more than $1,000.