|
Zimbabwe - Consular Information Sheet
August 1, 2001
COUNTRY DESCRIPTION: Zimbabwe is a developing landlocked
country in southern Africa. The capital city is Harare. Facilities
for tourism are available in various price ranges and levels of
quality.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS: A passport, return ticket, and adequate
funds are required. U.S. citizens traveling to Zimbabwe for tourism,
business and transit can obtain a visa at the airports and border
points of entry or in advance by contacting the Embassy of Zimbabwe
in Washington, D.C. U.S. citizens who intend to work in Zimbabwe
as journalists must apply for accreditation at least one month
in advance of planned travel with the Zimbabwean Embassy. It is
no longer possible to seek accreditation within Zimbabwe at the
Ministry of Information. Journalists attempting to enter Zimbabwe
without proper advance accreditation may be denied admission or
deported.
There is an airport departure tax of 20 U.S. dollars which all
U.S. citizens must pay, including holders of official and diplomatic
passports. Travelers should obtain the latest travel and visa
information from the Embassy of Zimbabwe, 1608 New Hampshire,
NW, Washington, D.C. 20009, telephone (202) 332-7100. Overseas
inquiries should be made to the nearest Zimbabwean Embassy or
Consulate. Upon arrival in Zimbabwe, travelers should keep all
travel documents readily available, as well as a list of residences
or hotels where they will be staying while in Zimbabwe.
In an effort to prevent international child abduction, many governments
have initiated procedures at entry/exit points. These often include
requiring documentary evidence of relationship and permission
for the child's travel from the parent(s) or legal guardian not
present. Having such documentation on hand, even if not required,
may facilitate entry/departure.
SAFETY AND SECURITY: Land mines along the Mozambique border,
situated beyond the main tourist areas, make travel to that border
area potentially hazardous.
U.S. citizens residing in or traveling to Zimbabwe should be
aware of continuing conditions in the country that could affect
their safety. These conditions include the outbreak of sporadic
demonstrations driven by deteriorating economic conditions. Demonstrations
occur in both urban and rural areas. Clashes between police and
demonstrators have sometimes resulted in injuries to demonstrators
as well as innocent bystanders. Political activity in the country
can also result in serious violence, and U.S. citizens are urged
to avoid political rallies and exercise caution prior to and during
elections.
Other ongoing conditions include the occupation of commercial
farms by the National War Veterans' Association and others, fuel
shortages and increased street crime and carjackings. The war
veterans have also briefly occupied or otherwise disrupted operations
at numerous factories and businesses in Harare and other urban
areas. U.S.-owned businesses and farms have been affected by these
activities.
The war veterans have not specifically targeted U.S. citizens
for violence; however, American visitors and residents should
stay away from any occupied commercial farm. In addition, travelers
are advised to re-confirm their lodging immediately prior to departure
for Zimbabwe, as numerous game reserves and lodges around the
country have closed due to the presence of war veterans on or
near their properties, or they have suffered bankruptcy.
Zimbabwe has been experiencing serious nationwide fuel shortages,
especially diesel, since January 2000, and most service stations
around the country still have limited supplies. Travelers should
carefully assess the fuel situation before setting out on long-distance
journeys, and should keep their tanks topped off as much as possible.
U.S. citizens participating in nature and rafting excursions
in Zimbabwe should be aware that even with an organized tour group,
safety standards are not as strict as in the United States. Tourists
are often allowed to participate in activities that may pose great
risks to personal safety.
CRIME INFORMATION: Carjacking, street crime, rape and
credit card fraud are on the increase due to high rates of unemployment
and deteriorating economic conditions. Americans and other foreigners
are perceived to be wealthy and therefore could be targeted by
criminals who operate in the vicinity of hotels, restaurants and
shopping malls in Harare and in the major tourist areas, such
as Victoria Falls. Visitors should be watchful of their luggage
at airports, railway and bus stations, and when making calls from
public phones. Visitors may wish to take the preventive measure
of leaving all valuables such as passports, money, jewelry and
credit cards in the hotel safety deposit boxes when not being
used. Safes located in hotel rooms can be easily compromised and
are not considered secure for the storage of valuables. Travelers
should not carry large sums of money or multiple credit cards
while shopping. Visitors should also be cautious when leaving
banks and Automatic Teller Machines.
Travelers who suspect that their vehicle is being followed should
drive to the nearest police or service station, or some other
public area for assistance. Drivers should also be alert to "smash
and grabs," in which thieves break car windows at stop lights
and grab items from the car seats. These incidents are becoming
more common in the greater Harare metropolitan area. Car doors
should be kept locked and windows rolled up at all times. Handbags,
wallets and other items should be stored on the floor of the vehicle,
or in the trunk. In the event of a flat tire, drive to a service
station for assistance. Drivers should be cautious of anyone offering
to assist in the changing of a flat tire, as it may have been
deliberately punctured.
Travelers are also encouraged to make two photocopies of the
biographic page of their passport; leave one copy at home with
friends or relatives and carry the second copy for identification
and sightseeing purposes.
The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported
immediately to local police and to the nearest U.S. Embassy or
Consulate. The pamphlets A
Safe Trip Abroad and Tips
for Travelers to Sub-Saharan Africa provide useful information
on personal security while traveling abroad and on travel in the
region in general. Both are available by mail from
the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government printing office,
Washington, D.C. 20402, via the Internet at http://www.access.gpo.gov/su_docs,
.
MEDICAL FACILITIES: Medical facilities outside of Harare
and Bulawayo are limited and some types of medicine are in short
supply.
MEDICAL INSURANCE: The Department of State strongly urges
Americans to consult with their medical insurance company prior
to traveling abroad to confirm whether their policy applies overseas
and whether it will cover emergency expenses such as a medical
evacuation. U.S. medical insurance plans seldom cover health costs
incurred outside the United States unless supplemental coverage
is purchased. Further, U.S. Medicare and Medicaid programs do
not provide payment for medical services outside the United States.
However, many travel agents and private companies offer insurance
plans that will cover health care expenses incurred overseas including
emergency services such as medical evacuations.
When making a decision regarding health insurance, Americans
should consider that many foreign doctors and hospitals require
payment in cash prior to providing service and that a medical
evacuation to the U.S. may cost well in excess of $50,000. Uninsured
travelers who require medical care overseas often face extreme
difficulties. When consulting with your insurer prior to your
trip, ascertain whether payment will be made to the overseas healthcare
provider or whether you will be reimbursed later for expenses
you incur. Some insurance policies also include coverage for psychiatric
treatment and for disposition of remains in the event of death.
Useful information on medical emergencies abroad, including overseas
insurance programs, is provided in the Department of State's Bureau
of Consular Affairs brochure, Medical
Information for Americans Traveling Abroad, available
via the Bureau of Consular Affairs home page or autofax: (202)
647-3000.
OTHER HEALTH INFORMATION: Information on vaccinations
and other health precautions may be obtained from the Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention's International Travelers Hotline
at 1-877-FYI-TRIP (877-394-8747), fax: 1-888-CDC-FAXX (1-888-232-3299),
or via CDC's Internet
site at http://www.cdc.gov.
TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS: While in a foreign
country, U.S. citizens may encounter road conditions, which differ
significantly from those in the United States. The information
below concerning Zimbabwe is provided for general reference only,
and may not be totally accurate in a particular location or circumstance.
Safety of Public Transportation: Poor
Urban Road Conditions/Maintenance: Good
Rural Road Conditions/Maintenance: Fair
Availability of Roadside Assistance: Fair
The main roads throughout Zimbabwe are generally well-maintained
and access to service stations is good. Inter-city commuter bus
travel, except by "luxury coaches," is dangerous due
to overcrowding, inadequate maintenance and drivers who fail to
adhere to local speed limits or obey traffic rules or regulations.
The drivers are frequently fatigued after driving for long periods
of time without mandatory rest stops. Travelers should exercise
caution when driving at night as there are pedestrians (in dark
clothing) and animals walking in the roads, which are poorly lit.
Motor vehicles on the road at night often have no headlights or
taillights. Traffic moves on the left, and most persons drive
over the speed limits. The passing lanes are not always clearly
marked, and road visibility at times can be restricted. Few roads
outside the urban areas have shoulders or a breakdown lane. Drivers
are not required to wear seat belts or helmets if driving motorcycles,
and car seats are not required for small children. Provincial
hospitals in rural areas are not equipped to provide medical care
in case of a serious accident. Travelers should consider packing
several pairs of latex gloves should they wish to help victims
of a road accident involving serious injuries or bleeding, as
Zimbabwe has one of the highest rates of HIV/AIDS infection in
southern Africa.
The Ministry of Transport is the government authority responsible
for road safety in Zimbabwe. There is no national established
network of roadside emergency service. However, the Automobile
Association of Zimbabwe, similar to the American Automobile Association,
is willing to provide roadside emergency service to non-members
for a fee. Travelers interested in contacting the service during
their stay in Zimbabwe may contact AA Zimbabwe at 263-4-752-779.
AA Zimbabwe's 24-hour emergency roadside helpline is 263-4-707-959.
For
additional general information about road safety, including links
to foreign government sites, see the Department of State,
Bureau of Consular Affairs home page at http://travel.state.gov/road_safety.html.
AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT: The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration
(FAA) has assessed the Government of Zimbabwe's Civil Aviation
Authority as Category 2--not in compliance with international
aviation safety standards for oversight of Zimbabwe's air carrier
operations. While consultations to correct the deficiencies are
ongoing, any of Zimbabwe's air carriers with existing routes to
the U.S. will be permitted to conduct limited operations to the
U.S. subject to heightened FAA surveillance. No additional flights
or new service to the U.S. by Zimbabwe's air carriers will be
permitted unless they arrange to have the flights conducted by
an air carrier from a country meeting international safety standards.
For further information, travelers may contact the Department
of Transportation within the U.S. at
1-800-322-7873, or visit the
FAA's Internet website at http://www.faa.gov/avr/iasa. The
U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) separately assesses some foreign
air carriers for suitability as official providers of air services.
In addition, DOD does not permit its personnel to use air carriers
from Category 2 countries for official business except for flights
originating from or terminating in the U.S. For information regarding
the DOD policy on specific carriers, travelers may contact the
DOD at 1-618-229-4801.
FIREARMS AND PENALTIES: U.S. citizens who are bringing
weapons and ammunition into Zimbabwe for purposes of hunting should
contact the Embassy of Zimbabwe in Washington, D.C. to find out
what permits are required. (Please check the Entry Requirements
section for the address and telephone number for the Embassy of
Zimbabwe.) Some Americans traveling in Zimbabwe have come under
added scrutiny from immigration and police officials in the wake
of the March 1999 arrest of three American citizens at Harare
International Airport, who were allegedly in possession of undeclared
assault weapons. Travelers are advised to make sure that all of
the necessary documentation is in order before departing the United
States. The weapons also must be cleared through U.S. Customs
to ensure their expeditious re-entry into the United States at
the conclusion of one's trip.
CURRENCY REGULATIONS: Travelers to Zimbabwe are usually
required to pay for all lodging with credit cards or internationally
convertible currency such as U.S. dollars or British pounds. Zimbabwean
currency, even if obtained by exchanging foreign cash or travelers
checks in Zimbabwe, may not be accepted for payment of hotel bills.
It is illegal to exchange foreign currency for local currency
with anyone other than a Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe-approved authorized
currency dealer. Government-authorized currency dealers are generally
the major banks, such as Standard Chartered and Barclays, and
Exchange Bureaus de Change, such as Thomas Cook and FX Money Corporation.
Street vendors and private individuals may also offer this service,
but should be avoided. Travelers engaged in illegal money transactions
and observed by the police will be immediately arrested and jailed
pending a hearing before a Magistrate Court.
PHOTOGRAPHY RESTRICTIONS: Zimbabwean authorities are extremely
sensitive about the photographing of certain locations and buildings,
including government offices, airports, military installations,
official residences and embassies. Prior written permission must
be obtained from the appropriate government office.
CRIMINAL PENALTIES: While in a foreign country, a U.S.
citizen is subject to that country's laws and regulations, which
sometimes differ significantly from those in the United States
and may not afford the protections available to the individual
under U.S. law. Penalties for breaking the law can be more severe
than in the United States for similar offenses. Persons violating
Zimbabwean law, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested or
imprisoned. Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal
drugs in Zimbabwe are strict, and convicted offenders can expect
jail sentences and heavy fines.
CONSULAR ACCESS: The U.S. Embassy does not always receive
timely notification of the arrest of American citizens by the
Zimbabwean police. U.S. citizens are encouraged to carry a copy
of their U.S. passports with them at all times, so that, if questioned
by local officials, proof of identity and U.S. citizenship are
readily available. If arrested, American citizens should ask to
be allowed to contact the American Embassy. (Please see the REGISTRATION/EMBASSY
LOCATION section below for the American Embassy's telephone numbers.)
CHILDREN'S ISSUES: For
information on international adoption of children and international
parental child abduction, please refer to our Internet site
at http://travel.state.gov/children's_issues.html or telephone
(202) 736-7000.
REGISTRATION/EMBASSY LOCATION: Americans living in or
visiting Zimbabwe are encouraged to register at the Consular Section
of the U.S. Embassy in Zimbabwe and obtain updated information
on travel and security within Zimbabwe. The U.S. Embassy is located
at 172 Herbert Chitepo Avenue, Harare, telephone (263-4) 250-593/4,
after hours telephone (263-4) 250-595, fax (263-4) 722-618 and
796-488. The mailing address is P.O. Box 3340, Harare.
*******
This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated February 13,
2001, to update the sections on Entry Requirements, Safety and
Security, and Crime Information.
|
