From: Wally Doerge <76702.1202@compuserve.com> Subject: NEW TRAVEL INFO -- Zimbabwe Newsgroups: wstd.travel.advisories Date: Wed, 28 Feb 1996 20:12:07 GMT Organization: The World @ Software Tool & Die Xref: world wstd.travel.advisories:980 Path: world!root Message-ID: <960228201207_76702.1202_CHN62-1@CompuServe.COM> Precedence: bulk Sender: root@world.std.com (daemons) Distribution: wstd Approved: usenet@world.std.com Lines: 110 STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Zimbabwe ============================================================ Zimbabwe - Consular Information Sheet February 26, 1996 Country Description: Zimbabwe is a landlocked South African country with extensive tourist facilities. Entry Requirements: There is an airport departure tax. Travelers should obtain latest information and details from the Embassy of Zimbabwe, 1608 New Hampshire, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20009, telephone (202) 332-7100. Overseas inquiries should be made to the nearest Zimbabwe embassy or consulate. Medical Facilities: Medical facilities outside Harare 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 service outside the United States. Travelers have found that supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas and medical evacuation coverage has proven useful. For additional health information, travelers can contact the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's international travelers hotline, telephone (404) 332-4559. Areas of Instability: Land mines along the Mozambique border, which is outside the main tourist areas, make travel to the border area potentially hazardous. Information on Crime: Muggings, purse snatchings and break-ins are increasing problems in Harare and Bulawayo. Thieves often operate in downtown Harare, especially in crowded areas and on public transportation. The loss or theft of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to the 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. Road Safety/Automobile Travel: The main roads in Zimbabwe are generally well-maintained. Service stations are available along main roads. 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, it is prudent to keep windows rolled up and doors locked. Currency Regulations: Travelers to Zimbabwe are required to pay for all lodging with credit cards or internationally convertible currency such as U.S. dollars or British pounds. Zimbabwe currency, even if obtained by exchanging foreign cash or travelers checks in Zimbabwe, will not be accepted for payment of hotel bills. Photography Restrictions: Zimbabwean authorities are extremely sensitive about photographing certain locations and buildings, including government offices, airports, military installations, official residences and embassies. 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. Aviation Oversight: As a result of an assessment conducted by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in November 1994, the FAA has found the government of Zimbabwe's civil aviation authority to not be in compliance with international aviation safety standards for oversight of Zimbabwe's air carrier operations. Operations to the U.S. by Zimbabwe's air carriers are not permitted unless they arrange to have their flights conducted by a carrier from a country meeting international aviation safety standards. For further information, travelers may contact the Department of Transportation at 1-800-322-7873. Other Information: Travelers on nature and rafting outings in Zimbabwe should be aware that even when with an organized tour group, safety standards are not as strict as in the United States. Tourists are often allowed to participate in activities which may pose great risks to personal safety. Possession of firearms by travelers must be declared to customs officials and firearms must be registered with the Zimbabwean authorities. U.S. consular officers are not always informed promptly about or granted quick access to Americans detained by Zimbabwean police. Registration/Embassy Location: U.S. citizens are encouraged to register with the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Harare at 172 Herbert Chitepo Avenue, and to obtain updated information on travel and security in Zimbabwe. The mailing address is P.O. Box 3340. The telephone number is (263-4) 794-521. No. 96-052 This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated February 9, 1996, to add information on aviation oversight. ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- 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. 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