Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport (HRE) Guide 2026
Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport (IATA: HRE, ICAO: FVHA) is Zimbabwe's main international gateway, located 15 km south of Harare city centre. Formerly known as Harare International Airport, it is the country's busiest airport and the hub for Air Zimbabwe and other regional carriers. The airport serves as the primary entry point for visitors to Zimbabwe's capital and provides connections to Victoria Falls, the Eastern Highlands, and game reserves.
Airport Overview
| IATA Code | HRE |
| Location | South of Harare |
| Distance to City Centre | 15 km |
| Terminals | 2 (International and Domestic) |
| Annual Passengers | ~1.5 million |
| Runways | 2 (4,725m and 2,286m) |
| Operator | Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe (CAAZ) |
| Elevation | 1,490 metres (4,887 ft) |
Getting There & Away
| Transport | Destination | Cost (USD) | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Airport Taxi | Harare CBD | $20-30 | 20-30 min | Use registered taxi desk |
| Airport Taxi | Borrowdale / Sam Levy | $25-35 | 25-35 min | Popular shopping/dining area |
| Hotel Transfer | Various | Free-$30 | Varies | Most hotels offer pickups |
| Car Hire | Self-drive | $40-80/day | N/A | Avis, Europcar, local operators |
Transport Note: Uber and Bolt have very limited availability in Harare. Pre-arrange your transfer through your hotel or use the registered taxi desk in the arrivals hall. Taxis should be negotiated in USD.
Terminal Facilities
International Terminal
- Lounges: VIP lounge available
- Food & Drink: Restaurant, cafe, and bar in departures and arrivals
- Shopping: Duty-free shop, Zimbabwean crafts, stone sculptures, books
- WiFi: Available but unreliable; use mobile data
- ATMs: CBZ, Stanbic, FBC Bank (dispense USD and ZiG)
- Currency Exchange: Forex bureau in arrivals
Domestic Terminal
- Serves domestic flights to Victoria Falls, Bulawayo, Kariba
- Basic facilities; food and drinks available
Immigration & Visa on Arrival
Zimbabwe offers visa on arrival for many nationalities:
- Single Entry: $30
- Double Entry: $45
- KAZA UniVisa: $50 (covers Zimbabwe + Zambia, valid 30 days)
- Visa-Free: SADC countries, some Commonwealth countries
Required documents:
- Valid passport (6+ months validity)
- Return or onward ticket
- Proof of accommodation
- Sufficient funds for your stay
- Yellow fever certificate (if arriving from endemic area)
Queue Times: Immigration at Harare is generally efficient (15-30 minutes). Pay visa fees in USD cash for fastest processing.
Customs & Declaration
- Currency: Up to $10,000 without declaration
- Alcohol: 5 litres (max 2 litres spirits)
- Tobacco: 200 cigarettes or equivalent
- Gifts: Items up to $200 in value
- Prohibited: Narcotics, firearms without permit, ivory, wildlife products
Currency Exchange & SIM Cards
Currency
- Primary Currency: US Dollar (USD) — widely used and preferred
- Local Currency: Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG) — used for some local transactions
- ATMs: CBZ, Stanbic, FBC — dispense USD and ZiG
- Cards: Visa and Mastercard accepted at major hotels and restaurants
- Tip: Carry small USD denominations ($1, $5, $10) for tips and small purchases
SIM Cards
| Operator | SIM Cost | 1GB Data | Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Econet | $1 | $1-2 | Best nationwide coverage |
| NetOne | $1 | $1-2 | Good in cities |
| Telecel | $1 | $1-2 | Limited coverage |
Recommendation: Get an Econet SIM — best coverage including rural and game reserve areas. EcoCash (mobile money) is widely used for payments. Register at the airport kiosk with your passport.
Airlines at Harare
| Airline | Destinations | Terminal |
|---|---|---|
| Emirates | Dubai | International |
| Ethiopian Airlines | Addis Ababa | International |
| Kenya Airways | Nairobi | International |
| South African Airways | Johannesburg | International |
| RwandAir | Kigali | International |
| Airlink | Johannesburg, Cape Town | International |
| fastjet | Johannesburg, Victoria Falls | Both |
| Air Zimbabwe | Victoria Falls, Bulawayo | Domestic |
Accommodation Near the Airport
Near Airport / City
- Rainbow Towers Hotel — CBD, Harare's main conference hotel ($80-150/night)
- Meikles Hotel — CBD, colonial-era luxury, recently refurbished ($120-220/night)
- Cresta Lodge — Msasa, 10 km from airport, convenient ($60-100/night)
Borrowdale (20 km)
- Bronte Hotel — Boutique, garden setting, restaurant ($70-130/night)
- N1 Hotel Harare — Sam Levy's Village, modern ($50-80/night)
- It's a Small World Backpackers — Budget, garden, pool ($10-25/night)
Tips for Travellers
Arrival Tips
- Bring USD cash for visa on arrival and initial expenses
- Pre-arrange hotel transfer as Uber/Bolt are unreliable in Harare
- Harare is at 1,490m elevation — pleasant climate (15-28°C)
- Get an Econet SIM with EcoCash for mobile payments
Departure Tips
- Arrive 2-3 hours before international flights
- Buy Zimbabwean stone sculptures and crafts at duty-free
- USD coins are not available — prices are often rounded
Transit Tips
- Most visitors connect from Harare to Victoria Falls (1.5-hour flight or 14-hour drive)
- Domestic flights to Victoria Falls on Air Zimbabwe and fastjet
- Road to Victoria Falls via Bulawayo is well-maintained
Frequently Asked Questions
Airport taxis cost $20-30 (20-30 minutes). Hotels often offer free or affordable transfers. Pre-arrange your pickup as ride-hailing apps are unreliable in Harare.
Many nationalities can get visa on arrival: $30 single entry, $45 double entry. The KAZA UniVisa ($50) covers Zimbabwe and Zambia. SADC citizens may be visa-free. Check our visa page.
The US Dollar (USD) is the primary currency and widely accepted. The Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG) is the local currency. Bring clean USD bills in small denominations ($1, $5, $10) for tips and daily expenses.
WiFi is available but can be unreliable. Buy an Econet SIM card with data at the arrivals hall for better connectivity. 1GB of data costs about $1-2.
Yes, the airport is safe and well-managed. Use registered taxis or hotel transfers. Avoid unofficial transport. Keep valuables secure and do not display large amounts of cash.