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- #CARD:Zimbabwe:Travel\Consular Information
- Zimbabwe - Consular Information Sheet
- October 18, 1993
-
- Country Description: Zimbabwe is a landlocked southern African country with
- extensive tourist facilities.
-
- Entry Requirements: A passport is required. Although no visa is required
- to enter Zimbabwe, immigration authorities require a firm itinerary,
- sufficient funds to support the visit, and a return ticket to the United
- States. Onward tickets to non-U.S. destinations may not suffice. If these
- requirements are not met, immigration authorities may order departure by the
- next available flight. Departing air travelers must pay a $20 departure
- tax. Travelers may obtain further information regarding entry requirements
- by contacting the Embassy of Zimbabwe, 1608 New Hampshire Avenue, N.W.,
- Washington, D.C. 20009, telephone (202) 332-7100.
-
- Areas of Instability: Land mines along the Mozambique border, which is
- outside the main tourist areas, make travel to the border area potentially
- hazardous.
-
- Medical Facilities: Medical facilities in Zimbabwe are limited. Some
- medicine is in short supply. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate
- cash payment for health services. Not all U.S. medical insurance is valid
- outside the United States. Travelers have found supplemental medical
- insurance with specific overseas coverage to be of use. Zimbabwe is
- suffering greatly from the AIDS pandemic. Information on health matters can
- be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control's international travelers
- hotline, telephone (404) 332-4559.
-
- Information on Crime: Muggings, purse snatchings and break-ins are an
- increasing problem in Harare and Bulawayo. Thieves often operate in
- downtown Harare, especially in crowded areas, and on public transportation.
- 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 protecting personal security while traveling abroad
- and on travel in the region in general. Both are available from the
- Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington,
- D.C. 20402.
-
- Shortages: Nationwide electrical blackouts can last hours at a time.
-
- In-Country Travel: Intercity bus travel can be dangerous due to overloaded
- buses, inadequate maintenance, unskilled drivers and occasional cases of
- drivers operating buses while intoxicated. When driving in cities,
- individuals generally keep windows rolled up and doors locked. Scheduled
- air travel is available to several cities and tourist destinations
- throughout Zimbabwe.
-
- Currency Regulations: Currency transactions are strictly regulated.
- Tourists must declare to Zimbabwe customs all currency and travelers checks
- with which they enter the country. Failure to declare all currency and
- travelers checks can mean confiscation of the currency or checks, as well as
- a fine.
-
- Restrictions on Photography: Zimbabwean authorities are extremely sensitive
- about photographing certain locations and buildings, including government
- offices, airports, military installations, official residences and embassies.
-
- Arrest or Detention: U.S. consular officials are not always granted quick
- access to Americans detained by Zimbabwean police. U.S. Embassy protests to
- the Government of Zimbabwe have not improved this situation.
-
- Drug Penalties: U.S. citizens are subject to the laws of the country in
- which they are traveling. Penalties for possession, use or trafficking in
- illegal drugs are strict, and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences
- and fines.
-
- Registration: U.S. citizens who register at the U.S. Embassy may obtain
- updated information on travel and security in Zimbabwe.
-
- Embassy Location: The U.S. Embassy is located at 172 Herbert Chitepo
- Avenue, P.O. Box 3340, in the capital city of Harare. The telephone number
- is (263-4) 794-521. In emergency situations during non-working hours, a
- duty officer can be contacted through the Marine Security Guard on duty at
- the U.S. Embassy.
-
- No. 93-297
-
- This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated December 24, 1992, to
- reflect that the Gonarezhou National Park is no longer closed to the public.
-
- #ENDCARD
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