Safety in Zimbabwe: what overland travellers should know

Our summary of the country advice published by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Viaggiare Sicuri) on 15 February 2026.

Safety

Police checkpoints — If you travel in your own vehicle, expect frequent police checkpoints that cause sudden queues of traffic. Stick to the speed limits, carry every document local law requires in order, radio licence included, and go over the mechanics, the electrics, the emergency kit and the wear on brakes and tyres before setting off. The ministry warns you can otherwise collect fines, several of them on the same stretch of road.
Crime — The economic crisis and very high unemployment have pushed up protests and petty crime, including theft from parked vehicles, bag-snatching and break-ins. Foreigners draw attention from criminals around hotels, restaurants, shopping centres and tourist areas. A police unit exists to protect foreigners, but it barely functions.
Do not photograph — Do not photograph airports, police officers, checkpoints, or government buildings and installations. The State House and the President's official residence count as sensitive sites and are heavily guarded.
Where to be careful — Be cautious in the central areas of Harare and Bulawayo, and avoid little-used roads even in smaller towns such as Gweru and Mutare. Avoid crowds and street demonstrations, and do not walk around at night or travel alone if you can help it.
Cyclones and floods — In the south-east, cyclones during the December-to-April rainy season cause flooding that can destroy the road links of entire villages. Manicaland, Mashonaland East, Masvingo and the Midlands are the regions affected.

Before you rely on this

This is our summary of advice written by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs for Italian travellers, published on 15 February 2026. We summarise in good faith, but we cannot guarantee it is accurate, current or complete, and we take no responsibility for decisions made on the basis of it. Rules change without notice and are applied by officials at the border, not by websites. Always read the original source and the travel advice your own government publishes for Zimbabwe before you travel. GuideMeet has no way of checking whether an individual guide meets any standard mentioned here — ask them directly.

Source: Viaggiare Sicuri — Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, updated 15 February 2026. Last checked by GuideMeet on 2026-09-20.