Exercise Increased Caution
“Exercise increased cautionin Zimbabwe due to crime and official harassment of U.S. citizens.”
Updated Tue, 27 Jun 2023
Full advisory →Is Zimbabwe safe? 🇿🇼
Africa · Updated
As of September 2026, Zimbabwe scores 49/100 on the IsMyTripSafe safety index — verdict: mostly — take normal precautions. The U.S. State Department rates Zimbabwe Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution. Of the 3 Zimbabwe destinations assessed, Victoria Falls scores highest (56/100), while Harare scores lowest (52/100).
Safety Report
IsMyTripSafe.com
Zimbabwe 🇿🇼
Zimbabwe · Assessed 30 September 2026
49
/ 100
Mostly — take normal precautions
Safer than ~39% of countries
What drives this score
Crime46/100CautionCrime index 61.2 / 100
Sentiment65/100FairMostly positive
Advisories72Good
Stability53Caution
Health58Fair
01 · Official Guidance
Advisories
Good
No advisory against travel
“Before you travel No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide.”
Updated 2026-08-25T15:16:33Z
Full advisory →Exercise a high degree of caution
“Canada's official risk level for Zimbabwe: exercise a high degree of caution.”
Updated 2026-09-24T08:53:35.8038216-04:00
Full advisory →02 · Evidence Signals
Crime
Caution
Homicide rate
6.8 / 100kHomicide rate · per 100kJapan0.2Switzerland0.6World avg5.2United States5.8Zimbabwe6.8Brazil19.3South Africa43.7
58
Robbery / mugging
ModerateArmed robbery occurs in urban areas and along major routes; visitors should avoid isolated areas and night travel, particularly in Harare and Bulawayo.
Pickpocketing
ModeratePickpocketing and bag-snatching are common in crowded places such as markets, bus stations, and tourist hubs like Victoria Falls.
▸ 3 more indicators▾ Hide extra indicators
03 · Environment
Health & Air
Fair
04 · Institutions
Stability
Caution
05 · Field Research
Current Situation
Moderate
Traveller sentiment score
Mostly positive
65/100
Reported feel60Mostly positive
Robbery risk62Moderate risk
Pickpocket risk78Moderate risk
Recent traveler reports indicate that visitors generally feel safe in Zimbabwe, especially on organized safaris and in well-monitored tourist zones, though urban centers raise concerns due to petty crime and occasional harassment.
Yes — Zimbabwe is generally safe for tourists who exercise caution, particularly in major tourist areas like Victoria Falls and Hwange National Park, while urban centers such as Harare and Bulawayo require heightened vigilance against petty crime.
Zimbabwe's safety profile reflects moderate risks driven by crime and governance challenges, though tourist hubs remain relatively secure due to targeted security and infrastructure investment. Violent crime against tourists is rare, but opportunistic theft and scams occur in cities, especially after dark. Travelers should prioritize guided tours, avoid isolated areas at night, and safeguard valuables in crowded places.
Recent developments
- Jul 2026Police released a picture of a mother and two children found dead in a home, with the father suspected of killing them and on the run— Sky News
- Jun 2026ACLED data highlighted ongoing political violence and protest activity in Zimbabwe before and after the November 2017 transition period— acleddata.com
- Apr 2026HRW reported a crackdown on student protesters intensifying across Zimbabwe— hrw.org
- Jul 2026Constitutional changes in Zimbabwe raised tensions, contributing to a more volatile political environment— Courthouse News
Common scams
- Fake accommodation listings requiring upfront payment
- Impersonation of airport or immigration officials demanding fees for expedited processing
- Overcharging or unsolicited 'guide' services at tourist sites like Victoria Falls
Full briefing
Zimbabwe remains a viable destination for travelers who prioritize safety through awareness and preparation. While the country faces ongoing challenges related to crime, governance, and occasional political unrest, the primary tourist circuits — including Victoria Falls, Hwange National Park, and Mana Pools — continue to operate safely due to strong local tourism infrastructure and visitor-focused security. Government advisories from the U.S., UK, and Canada uniformly urge increased caution, mainly citing crime and the risk of official harassment, particularly in urban centers like Harare and Bulawayo. The UK FCDO notes no formal travel ban but stresses that safety cannot be guaranteed, while Canada advises a high degree of caution as of late September 2026.
Recent reporting underscores that violent crime against tourists is uncommon, but opportunistic offenses such as pickpocketing, smash-and-grabs, and muggings are frequently reported in crowded urban areas, markets, and transport hubs, especially after dark. Incidents like the July 2026 domestic violence case highlighted by Sky News and documented protests and crackdowns on dissent from HRW and ACLED reflect broader societal tensions that, while not typically directed at foreigners, contribute to an environment requiring situational awareness. Travelers are advised to avoid walking alone at night in cities, refrain from displaying valuables, and use pre-booked transport rather than public options after dark.
Scams targeting visitors remain a persistent concern, including fake accommodation offers, impostors posing as airport or immigration officials demanding unauthorized fees, and unsolicited guides at major attractions who may overcharge or lead tourists into risky situations. To mitigate these risks, travelers should book through reputable operators, verify official fees through trusted sources, and keep valuables secured. Emergency services in Zimbabwe can be reached via 999 (police), 994 (fire), and 993 (ambulance). By sticking to well-traveled routes, using licensed guides, and maintaining a low profile, visitors can safely experience Zimbabwe’s renowned wildlife, cultural sites, and natural wonders.
06 · Destinations
Zimbabwe destinations by safety score
#1🇿🇼Victoria FallsModerate · updated 28 July 202656#2🇿🇼BulawayoModerate · updated 29 July 202654#3🇿🇼HarareModerate · updated 18 August 202652
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07 · Questions
Zimbabwe safety FAQ
Is Zimbabwe safe to visit right now?
The U.S. State Department currently rates Zimbabwe Level 2 of 4 — Exercise Increased Caution. On our composite index Zimbabwe scores 49/100. See the destination reports above for city-level detail. (Updated 30 September 2026.)
What is the safest place to visit in Zimbabwe?
Of the destinations we've assessed, Victoria Falls currently scores highest at 56/100 (Moderate). Harare scores lowest at 52/100.
Where does this Zimbabwe safety data come from?
Directly from public sources: US, UK and Canadian government advisories, World Bank and UNODC crime statistics, WHO health data, live air-quality, disaster and earthquake feeds — plus AI field research over current local reporting. Read the full methodology.