From: owner-travel-advisories Subject: NEW TRAVEL INFO -- Zimbabwe Newsgroups: wstd.travel.advisories Date: Mon, 20 Jul 1998 19:27:53 GMT Organization: The World @ Software Tool & Die Xref: world wstd.travel.advisories:1832 Path: world!bzs Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii Message-ID: <199807201530_MC2-53A4-C2F1@compuserve.com> Content-Disposition: inline Precedence: bulk Sender: "U.S. Department of State" <76702.1202@compuserve.com> Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Mime-Version: 1.0 Distribution: wstd Approved: usenet@world.std.com X-List-Info: LN=travel-advisories WHOM=76702.1202@compuserve.com Lines: 149 STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Zimbabwe ============================================================ Zimbabwe - Consular Information Sheet July 17, 1998 Country Description: Zimbabwe is a landlocked country in southern Africa. Facilities for tourism are available. Entry Requirements: A passport, return ticket, and adequate funds are required. There is an airport departure tax. Travelers should obtain the 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 Zimbabwean 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 1-888-232-3228 or the toll-free CDC autofax at 1-888-232-3229 or via the Internet at http://www.cdc.gov. Areas of Instability: Land mines along the Mozambique border, which is outside the main tourist areas, make travel to that border area potentially hazardous. Information on Crime: Muggings, purse snatchings, break-ins, and carjackings are increasing problems throughout Zimbabwe. Thieves often operate in downtown areas, especially in crowded areas and on public transportation. American travelers have been victims of muggings and assaults, including in the vicinity of their hotels. Travelers in automobiles have had their possessions stolen after stopping on roads, particularly those leading from Harare's airport, to check on flat tires which were punctured by thieves. 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, via the Internet at http://www.access.gpo.gov/su_docs, or via the Bureau of Consular Affairs home page at http://travel.state.gov. Road Safety/Automobile Travel: 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: Good The main roads in Zimbabwe are generally well-maintained. Service stations are available along main roads. Intercity bus travel, except by "luxury coaches", can be dangerous due to overloading, inadequate maintenance, and careless drivers. Extreme caution should be exercised if driving at night because of poorly lit roads, pedestrians and animals on roads, plus vehicles without lights. When driving in cities it is prudent to keep windows rolled up and doors locked. In the event of a flat tire, travelers should drive to a service station or a residential area. Travelers who suspect that their vehicles are being followed should drive to the nearest police station. For specific information concerning Zimbabwe driver's permits, vehicle inspection, road tax and mandatory insurance, contact the Zimbabwe National Tourist Office in New York, (212) 332-1090. For information on international driving permits, contact the American Automobile Association or the American Automobile Tour Alliance. 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. 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 in Zimbabwe are strict, and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and fines. Aviation Safety Oversight: The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the Government of Zimbabwe's civil aviation authority as category 3 -- not in compliance with international aviation safety standards for oversight of Zimbabwe's air carrier operations. Flights to the U.S. by Zimbabwean air carriers are not permitted unless they arrange to have the flights conducted by a 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 Internet website at http://www.faa.gov/avr/iasa.htm. The U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) does not permit its personnel to use air carriers from Category 3 countries for official business. For information regarding the DOD policy on specific carriers, travelers may contact the Pentagon at (703) 697-7288. Other Information: Travelers on nature and rafting outings 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 which may pose great risks to personal safety. Possession of firearms and ammunition by travelers must be declared to customs officials, and firearms must be registered with Zimbabwean authorities. U.S. Consular Officers are not always informed promptly about or granted quick access to Americans detained by Zimbabwean police. The Government of Zimbabwe has stated that it is not a party to the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations. Nevertheless, if arrested an American should ask to communicate with the American Embassy. 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 obtain updated information on travel and security in Zimbabwe. The mailing address is P.O. Box 3340, Harare. The telephone number is (263-4) 794-521. No. 98-105 This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated May 23, 1997, to update Information on Crime and Road Safety. ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- 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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