From: 76702.1202@CompuServe.COM (Charlie Smith)
Newsgroups: rec.travel
Subject: *NEW* TRAVEL INFORMATION -- Zimbabwe
Date: 7 Jan 1993 17:56:22 -0600
Organization: UTexas Mail-to-News Gateway
NNTP-Posting-Host: cs.utexas.edu

STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Zimbabwe
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Zimbabwe - Consular Information Sheet
 December 24, 1992

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.

Country Description:  Zimbabwe is a land-locked southern African 
country with extensive tourist facilities.

Entry Requirements:  A passport is required.  Although no visa is 
required to enter Zimbabwe, immigration authorities require the 
following:  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 can order departure by the next 
available flight.  Travelers can obtain further information 
regarding entry requirements by contacting the Embassy of Zimbabwe, 
1608 New Hampshire Avenue, N.W., Washington, DC  20009; telephone 
(202) 332-7100.  

Areas of Instability:  Security conditions are uncertain along the 
Mozambique border, because of long-running conflict in that country. 
 Travel outside main tourist areas near the eastern border of 
Zimbabwe is therefore potentially hazardous.  The Gonarezhou 
National Park in southeast Zimbabwe remains closed to the public.

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 geatly 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.  Useful information on safeguarding valuables and 
protecting personal security while traveling abroad is provided in 
the pamphlet, "A Safe Trip Abroad", available from the 
Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, 
Washington, D.C. 20402.

Shortages:  The worst southern African drought in this century has 
seriously affected the availability of some basic foodstuffs for the 
general population.  There have not yet been any reported shortages 
of food at hotels or other tourist destinations, however.  
Occasional disturbances have been reported among crowds waiting for 
deliveries of basic commodities to shops which have run out of 
supplies.  Reduced hydroelectric output has resulted in nationwide 
blackouts which can last hours at a time.

In-country Travel:  Intercity bus travel can be dangerous due to 
overloading of 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 can mean confiscation of the currency or check 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:  Penalties for possession, use or trafficking in 
illegal drugs are strictly enforced.  Convicted offenders can expect 
jail sentences and fines.  

Tips for Travelers:  Further information on travel in the area is 
provided in the Department of State pamphlet "Tips for Travelers to 
Sub-Saharan Africa."  It is available from the Superintendent of 
Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington D.C. 20402.

Registration:  U.S. citizens can register at the U.S. Embassy and 
obtain updated information on travel and security in the country.

 No. 92-174


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