Xref: world wstd.travel.advisories:654 Newsgroups: wstd.travel.advisories Path: world!daemon From: Wally Doerge <76702.1202@compuserve.com> Subject: NEW TRAVEL INFO -- Zimbabwe Message-ID: <950123141535_76702.1202_CHN52-1@CompuServe.COM> Precedence: bulk Sender: daemon@world.std.com (daemons) Organization: The World @ Software Tool & Die Distribution: wstd Date: Mon, 23 Jan 1995 14:15:36 GMT Approved: usenet@world.std.com Lines: 101 STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Zimbabwe ============================================================ 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. ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- The "travel-advisories@stolaf.edu" mailing list is the official Internet and BITNET distribution point for the U.S. State Department Travel Warnings and Consular Information Sheets. To unsubscribe, send a message containing the word "unsubscribe" to: travel-advisories-request@stolaf.edu Archives of past "travel-advisories" postings are available at the URL: "http://www.stolaf.edu/network/travel-advisories.html" or via Gopher: gopher.stolaf.edu, Internet Resources/US-State-Department-Travel-Advisories