Ask a COVID-19 Question
Last updated: [01/27/21]
*** Effective January 26, all airline passengers to the United States ages two years and older must provide a negative COVID-19 viral test taken within three calendar days of travel. Alternatively, travelers to the U.S. may provide documentation from a licensed health care provider of having recovered from COVID-19 in the 90 days preceding travel. Check the CDC website for additional information and Frequently Asked Questions.
Country-Specific Information
- Zimbabwe has 32,004 confirmed coronavirus (COVID-19) cases and 1103 deaths as of January 24, 2021.
- In response to increased COVID infections, the government instituted a new nationwide lockdown on January 5. Curfew is in effect from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. International air travel is still permitted, subject to testing requirements as outlined below. International land travel and inter-provincial/inter-city travel are largely prohibited. Masks and social distancing are mandatory. People must wear face masks in public.
- Only essential businesses are open from 8am-3pm. Restaurants and bars are closed unless serving hotel guests. Schools remain closed.
COVID-19 Testing
- Are PCR and/or antigen tests available for U.S. citizens in Zimbabwe? Yes
- If so, are test results reliably available within 72 hours? Yes
- The Government of Zimbabwe has authorized the following list of labs to provide official COVID-19 testing. U.S. citizens will need to pay for tests, which cost on average $65-$75.
- Private Laboratories
- Lancet laboratories
- PSMI Harare Branch
- Cimas Harare laboratory
- Diagnopath laboratory Harare
- Klosad Laboratory Harare
- Mater Dei Hospital Laboratory (DLS)
- Multi Tech
- Flow Cytometry
- Haematology Centre
- Bioexpress Laboartory
- Genau Laboratory
- Pathology Laboratory
- Unki Mine Laboratory
- Government Laboratories
- National Microbiology Reference Laboratories
- National TB Reference Laboratory
- Plumtree District Hospital
- Gwanda Provincial Hospital
- Beitbridge District Hospital
- St Luke’s Mission Hospital
- Victoria Falls Hospital
- Gutu Mission Hospital
- Masvingo Provincial Hospital
- Gweru Provincial Hospital
- Chinhoyi Provincial Hospital
- Kadoma General Hospital
- Marondera Provincial Hospital
- St Alberts Mission Hospital
- Bindura Provincial Hospital
- Rusape General Hospital
- Mutare Provincial Hospital
- Chipinge District Hospital
- Sally Mugabe Central Hospital
- Parirenyatwa Central Hospital
- National Virology Reference Laboratory
- Chitungwiza Central Hospital
- Chikurubi Maximum Prison
- Thorngrove Hospital Laboratory
- Beatrice Road Infectious Diseases Hospital
- Josiah Tongogara Magama
- Research and Non-Governmental Organizations
- Population Service International (PSI)
- Biomedical Research and Training Institute (BRTI)
- African Institute of Biomedical Sciences and Technology (AIBST)
- Collection Points authorized
- Lancet
- Genau
- Test results are most commonly returned by text message or email, but some labs will provide a physical copy upon request.
COVID-19 Vaccine Information:
- Has the government of Zimbabwe approved a COVID-19 vaccine for use? No
- The United States Government does not plan to provide COVID-19 vaccinations to private U.S. citizens overseas. Please follow host country developments and guidelines for COVID-19 vaccination.
- Information from the CDC regarding COVID-19 vaccination.
Entry and Exit Requirements
- Are U.S. citizens permitted to enter? Yes
- Is a negative COVID-19 test (PCR and/or serology) required for entry? Yes
- As of December 1, the Government of Zimbabwe requires all new arrivals to the country to present a negative COVID-19 test result issued within the previous 48 hours.
- The Government of Zimbabwe requires returning residents to either have a negative COVID-19 PCR test result taken within the previous 48 hours -or- to get tested upon arrival and remain in a government holding facility while awaiting the results.
- Are health screening procedures in place at airports and other ports of entry? No
- U.S. citizens can obtain information about renewing or extending visas at the Department of Immigration Control website.
Movement Restrictions
- Is a curfew in place? Yes
- Are there restrictions on intercity or interstate travel? Yes
Quarantine Information
- Are U.S. citizens required to quarantine?
Returning residents, regardless of citizenship, are required to quarantine after arrival in Zimbabwe, though the law does not state a duration. Visitors to Zimbabwe, regardless of citizenship, are not required to quarantine after arrival.- More information about Government of Zimbabwe COVID-related policies is available here.
Transportation Options
- Are commercial flights operating? Yes
- Is public transportation operating? Yes
Fines for Non-Compliance (if applicable)
- Individuals found violating curfew may be subject to fines and/or arrest.
Consular Operations
- The Consular Section continues to provide services to American Citizens. Please email consularharare@state.gov for an appointment.
- The Consular Section is providing limited visa services at this time. More information is available here.
Local Resources:
- http://www.mohcc.gov.zw/
- Other links:
- COVID-19 Traveler Information page on travel.state.gov
- CDC page on COVID-19
- state.gov Country Information and Travel Advisory page
