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- STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Zimbabwe
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- Zimbabwe - Consular Information Sheet
- January 20, 1995
-
- 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. U.S. medical
- insurance is not always valid outside the United States. The
- Medicare/Medicaid program does not provide for payment of medical
- services outside the United States. In some cases, supplemental
- medical insurance with specific overseas and medical evacuation
- coverage has proven useful. 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.
-
- 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: Travelers to Zimbabwe are required to pay
- for all lodging with foreign currency or credit cards. Zimbabwe
- currency, even if obtained by exchanging foreign cash or travelers'
- checks in Zimbabwe, will not be accepted for payment of hotel bills.
-
-
- 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.
- 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 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 Embassy.
-
- No. 95-006
-
- This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated October 18,
- 1993, to revise information concerning medical facilities and
- currency regulations.
-
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