The importation and exportation of currency in and out of Zimbabwe is governed by the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) in terms of the Exchange Control Act [Chapter 22:05] as read with Exchange Control Regulations Statutory Instrument 109 of 1996 as read with Statutory Instrument 20A of 2023.
IMPORTATION
The importation of any currency into Zimbabwe by travellers is not restricted. This implies that any person can bring in any amount of currency into Zimbabwe. Travellers are urged to complete an original Customs declaration (form 47) showing the amount of currency imported at the time of entry into the country.
The processed declaration form maybe used:
- To support re-export of any balance of currency (for non-residents) at the end of the visit to Zimbabwe should it exceed the allowed export thresholds which is currently ten thousand united states dollars or its equivalent in any other currency.
- For Acquittal of C.D.1 forms in the case of exporters of goods
- As proof of the source of funds in some instances where proof is required
EXPORTATION
Statutory Instrument 109 of 1996 section 20 states that: no person shall export or cause to be exported from Zimbabwe any currency whose value exceeds such amount as may be prescribed.
Statutory Instrument 20A of 2023 section 3 reads:
- (1) The amount of Zimbabwean currency that a person who is about to leave Zimbabwe may possess, without authorisation in terms of section 22 of the Exchange Control Regulations, 1996, Statutory Instrument 109 of 1996, in the departure or transit lounge of an airport or other port of entry or exit, shall be an equivalent of one thousand United States dollars, at the prevailing interbank exchange rate, in the case of notes and coins in circulation, and not more than 100 pieces of each denomination, in the case of demonetised notes and coins.
(2) The amount of foreign currency that a person who is about to leave Zimbabwe may possess, without authorisation in terms of section 22 of the Exchange Control Regulations, 1996, Statutory Instrument 109 of 1996, in the departure or transit lounge of an airport or other port of entry or exit, shall be a total of ten thousand United States dollars or its equivalent in any other currency or combination of currencies, or gold coins worth ten thousand United States dollars or other currencies amounting to a total of ten thousand United States dollars.”.
Please note that the amount of currency that a person who is about to leave Zimbabwe may possess, without authorisation in the departure lounge of an airport or any other port is a total of USD$10,000 in any currency or combination of currencies or gold coins.
There is no general exemption in respect of the exportation of any foreign currency from Zimbabwe. However, permission for the exportation of foreign currency more than the prescribed limit may be granted by the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ).
- By Non-Zimbabwean Residents
Non-Zimbabwean residents who have currencies above allowable threshold may be allowed to export the amount equal to or the balance of declared currencies upon arrival. Any excess currency found in possession of travellers without authority shall be seized and may be forfeited to the State.
- By Zimbabwean Residents
Zimbabwean residents who have currencies above allowable threshold may be allowed to export currency only with the authorization from The Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe. In the event that the traveller does not have such an authorisation, no exportation maybe allowed regardless of the fact the currency was declared upon arrival.
All travellers leaving Zimbabwe are urged to strictly adhere to the limits. Any excess currency found in possession of travellers without authority shall be seized and may be forfeited to the State.