Arrival & Practical Information Guide

To help make your trip to Harare as smooth and enjoyable as possible, please review the following practical information before travelling. This section brings together essential information on entry requirements, arrival at the airport, health and safety, transportation, and local services.

Before You Travel

Passport & Visa Requirements

Visa requirements vary according to nationality and the passport you are travelling with. Please check the requirements applicable to you with your nearest Zimbabwean Embassy or Consulate before travelling.

Your passport must:

  • Be valid for at least six months beyond your intended departure date.
  • Have sufficient blank pages for entry and exit stamps.
  • Be in good condition, with no damage to the cover, binding, or pages.

Eligible nationalities may obtain a visa on arrival at Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport (HRE). Visa fees are payable in US dollars in cash. Requirements and fees may change, so please verify the latest information before departure.

If you require a visa in advance, please allow sufficient time for the application process: https://zimbabwetourism.net/visas-and-immigration/

Health & Travel Insurance

Please consult your healthcare professional before travelling regarding any recommended vaccinations and health precautions.

A Yellow Fever Certificate may be required if you are arriving from a yellow-fever-endemic country or have transited for more than 12 hours through one. Please check the requirements applicable to your itinerary.

We also recommend travelling with adequate medical and travel insurance.

If you take prescription medication:

  • Bring it in its original packaging.
  • Carry a copy of your prescription or a letter from your doctor.
  • Keep medication in your hand luggage where possible.

For your stay in Harare, we recommend drinking sealed bottled or properly filtered water and using bottled water when brushing your teeth. Malaria risk in Harare is considered low, but mosquito protection is recommended, particularly for outdoor activities and the post-conference tour.

Arriving in Harare

  • Airport: All international flights arrive at Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport (HRE).

  • Welcome Desk: CIMAM representatives and volunteers ("CIMAM Angels") will be stationed in the arrivals area with CIMAM-branded signage to welcome and guide you.

  • Immigration Checkpoint: Keep your hotel reservation details and return/onward flight itinerary easily accessible for border control.

  • Airport Transfers: Please arrange airport pick-up directly through your designated hotel prior to arrival.

  • Flight Disruptions: If your flight is delayed, canceled, or changed, please inform the CIMAM team immediately via the emergency contacts listed in this document.

Health & Wellness Recommendations

  • Water Safety: Drink sealed bottled or properly filtered water throughout your stay. Avoid drinking tap water, and use bottled water when brushing your teeth.

  • Medications: Bring any prescribed medication in its original packaging, accompanied by a copy of your doctor's prescription. Bring a small supply of familiar essentials such as pain relief, an antihistamine, oral rehydration salts and an anti-diarrhoea treatment. Please check with your doctor or pharmacist before travelling if you are unsure which medicines are suitable for you.

  • Medical Advice & Insurance: Consult your healthcare professional regarding any recommended vaccinations or malaria precautions before traveling. Ensure you travel with adequate medical and travel insurance.

  • Mosquito Protection: Pack insect repellent, particularly for outdoor evening activities. Malaria risk in Harare is considered very low, but participants should still take precautions against mosquito bites (especially if joining the post-conference tour).

  • Packing Essentials: Carry sunscreen, comfortable walking shoes, a hat, and a light rain jacket or travel umbrella.

Getting Around Harare

  • Official Conference Transport: Bus shuttles will be provided for all scheduled CIMAM activities, including transfers between designated partner hotels, conference venues, studio visits, and evening functions. Please arrive at pickup locations 5–10 minutes early, as buses will operate strictly according to a fixed schedule.

  • Personal Travel: For personal travel outside the conference program, participants are encouraged to use transport arranged through their hotel or a trusted transfer provider. Avoid hailing unmarked street vehicles and confirm the fare before commencing any private journey.

  • Ride-Hailing Apps (InDrive): If you need a cab, InDrive is the recommended public transport platform (it works similarly to Uber). You can download the app before arriving or ask the CIMAM/hotel team for assistance. For your safety, only ride with registered InDrive drivers and verify their vehicle details before getting in.

  • Payment Note: InDrive fares are paid in USD cash only. Please carry small-denomination notes ($1, $2, or $5).

  • Traffic Alert: Traffic can be busy during morning and afternoon peak periods, so please allow additional traveling time.

  • Walking: Walking is recommended in the Central Business District (CBD) area; however, please keep in groups of no less than 3 for safety.

Useful Local Information

Currency & Payments

Zimbabwe operates a multicurrency system. US dollars (USD) are widely used alongside the local Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG).

We recommend carrying small-denomination US dollar notes ($1, $2, $5, $10 and $20) for small purchases, transportation and gratuities.

Please note that:

  • US dollar notes should be clean and in good condition, as torn or heavily marked notes may not be accepted.
  • Visa and Mastercard are accepted at many hotels, restaurants and established shops, but card facilities may occasionally be unavailable.
  • It is therefore advisable to carry some cash as a backup.

Connectivity

Local SIM cards and mobile data are available in Harare. Wi-Fi will also be available at the conference hotel and venues.

We recommend ensuring that your phone is unlocked and ready to use with a local SIM or roaming service before travelling.

Weather & What to Pack

November is generally warm in Harare, with the possibility of afternoon or evening rain.

We recommend packing:

  • Lightweight, comfortable clothing
  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • A hat and sunscreen
  • Insect repellent
  • A light rain jacket or travel umbrella
  • A suitable travel adapter

Electricity

Zimbabwe uses Type D and Type G plugs, with a 220–240V electricity supply. Please bring a suitable travel adapter.

Safety

As in any major city, please take reasonable precautions during your stay:

  • Keep valuables secure and avoid displaying large amounts of cash.
  • Be particularly vigilant in crowded areas.
  • Avoid unsolicited offers from street touts or unofficial service providers.
  • Use official immigration counters and recognised transportation providers.
  • Keep your original passport and other important travel documents securely stored in your hotel safe when they are not needed.
  • Carry a printed or digital copy of your passport photo page and visa when going out.

Food and Drinking Water

We recommend eating at established restaurants and venues, and choosing food that is freshly cooked and served hot. Please do not buy food from street stalls, as food hygiene and storage conditions may be difficult to verify. Drink water from bottles with intact seals, and avoid tap water and ice unless you can confirm they were made with safe water. Wash or sanitise your hands before eating.

Medical Facilities

  • HealthPoint Hospital: 15 Lanark Road, Belgravia, Harare. Emergency: +263 787 033 834 | Reception: +263 242 700 666 / 667 / 668

  • Trauma Centre Borrowdale: 1 Borrowdale Lane, Borrowdale, Harare. 24-hour casualty: +263 780 049 421 | 24-hour ambulance: +263 783 482 265

  • The Avenues Clinic: Corner of Mazowe Street and Baines Avenue, Harare. Main line: +263 8677 006175

Emergency Contacts

Please save the following numbers to your phone before arrival:

  • General Emergency (Police, Ambulance, Fire): 999
  • Mobile Phone Emergency Line: 112
  • National Gallery Contact – Livingstone: +263 77 396 5648

Logistics Support (Elysian Event Productions):

  • Petronella: +263 77 627 0725
  • Noku: +263 78 430 7484

Useful links: