Zimbabwe

 

1. Zimbabwe was ranked 172nd out of 185 economies in Doing Business 2013. Zimbabwe’s overall score declined by 2 points this year, reflecting lower scores for six indicators. The most drastic decrease occurred in the Resolving Insolvency indicator, where it dropped 14 points.
2. In the World Bank’s Worldwide Governance Indicators (2010), Zimbabwe ranked well below the 10th percentile in each indicator, with the only exception of the Political Stability indicator, where it rates at about the 15th percentile.
3. Zimbabwe’s economic freedom score is 26.3, making its economy the 178th freest in the 2012 Index. Its score has increased by 4.2 points from last year, reflecting gains in half of the 10 economic freedoms. Zimbabwe is ranked last out of 46 countries in the Sub-Saharan Africa region and is the second least free country ranked in the 2012 Index.

 Source: World Bank

With a few exceptions, visas are required by nationals of all countries. They can be obtained at your point of entry. Single-entry/double-entry visas cost US$30/45 (and can be issued upon arrival) and multiple-entry visas (valid for six months) cost US$55, but are only issued at Zimbabwean diplomatic missions. The following neighbouring countries have Zimbabwean representation: Botswana, Malawi, Mozambique, South Africa and Zambia. British citizens pay US$55/70 for single/double entry. A good website for checking changes in requirements and other immigration news is Safe Migration Zimbabwe 

 

Visa extensions

All tourist visas can be extended by one month, but only three times. Extensions cost US$30 and can be obtained at any office of the Department of Immigration Control, but you’re more likely to be successful at the Department of Immigration Control (04-791913; Liquenda House, Nelson Mandela Ave) in Harare.

 

Visas for onward travel

Harare is one of the best places in southern Africa to pick up visas for regional countries. Requirements constantly change, but nearly all require a fee (most in US dollars) and two passport-sized photos.

 

Visas for Zambia, Namibia, Malawi, South Africa and Botswana are easy to obtain on arrival in those countries for most visitors, so there is no need to obtain them in advance. In theory, South Africa is easy, too, though the daily queues at the South African embassy are so long that it’s best to get that one in advance.

 

For Mozambique, transit visas/single-entry visas/multiple-entry visas cost US$20/30/40. Visas are usually ready in 24 hours. Everyone needs a visa in advance for Mozambique, even if they’re heading straight to Malawi. A ‘border tax’ of US$5 (hard currency only) is also payable.

 

Apart from Irish passport holders, most travellers need a visa for Zambia. Single-/double-/multiple-entry visas cost US$25/40/80. For British citizens they cost US$65/80/80.