Newsgroup: it.hobby.viaggi
Titolo: Zimbabwe Avviso di sicurezza

Still Current at: 4 October 2002  
Updated: 4 October 2002  
 
 Zimbabwe 
 
SUMMARY
We advise all visitors to Zimbabwe to exercise caution and to seek
up-to-date local advice, preferably from their tour or travel
operator, about all places they are likely to visit. 
ATTENTION
DETAIL
There has been political and social unrest in Zimbabwe for more than
two years, although the principal tourist areas have been largely
unaffected. Following the Presidential election in March, there
continues to be considerable political tension in both urban and rural
areas of Zimbabwe, which has led to incidents of political violence,
which have resulted in serious injury and deaths. We advise all
British nationals in Zimbabwe to keep a low political profile, and to
exercise caution when travelling. Because of current uncertainty in
the security situation and the countrywide severe food shortages, we
advise against independent travel (particularly backpacking), and
strongly recommend that visitors should travel with organised tour
operators to well established tourist destinations.
The leaders of the ruling party regularly single out Britain for
fierce criticism, alleging British interference in Zimbabwe's internal
affairs. British travellers should therefore be aware that they may be
exposed to particular risk and should try to avoid being drawn into
political discussions.
We strongly advise all British visitors to take up-to-date advice from
local contacts about any places that you plan to visit. It is possible
that you could inadvertently be caught up in disturbances. It is
difficult to predict when and where these may occur, and visitors
should be alert to signs of trouble and avoid political rallies or
similar events. In the event that visitors become aware of a
demonstration or disturbance they should try to leave the area as
quickly as possible.
SAFETY AND SECURITY
British nationals in Zimbabwe are advised to keep a low political
profile. We recommend that British nationals avoid engaging in overtly
partisan political activity, or in activities, which could be
construed as such including political discussions in public places.
Visitors should also be aware that an open hand is the political
symbol of one of the main political parties and a friendly wave may
therefore be misinterpreted as a provocative gesture. Similarly the
carrying of the main independent newspapers (Daily News, the Financial
Gazette, the Independent and the Standard) in rural areas and even in
some urban areas can provoke a hostile reaction from Zanu (PF)
supporters.
Visitors should avoid any demonstrations; not attempt to observe or
photograph such demonstrations even from a distance; and, if caught up
in a demonstration, leave the area as quickly as possible.
Visitors should also be aware that the taking of photographs of public
buildings is an offence in Zimbabwe. Visitors are therefore strongly
advised to refrain from taking any photographs of public buildings or
in the immediate vicinity of such buildings.
In the towns visitors are advised against visiting the high-density
suburbs, which have been the scene of political clashes between rival
groups. In the rural areas, many commercial farms, conservation areas
and hunting reserves remain occupied by so-called liberation war
veterans, with associated acts of violence. Visitors to these areas
should be aware of the risk of confrontation and should check the
local situation before they visit.
The decline in the economic situation, and the severe food shortages
countrywide, mean there is growing desperation. Mugging and
pickpocketing are becoming much more prevalent in city centres
especially in the capital, Harare. Visitors should be particularly
cautious when leaving banks and ATM machines. Visitors to Victoria
Falls and other tourist centres should be wary, as tourists,
particularly backpackers, are the principal targets for casual
thieves.
There has been a wave of armed car jacking in the major towns in
recent years. Thefts from vehicles are fairly common. Drivers should
keep their vehicle doors locked and be cautious when travelling by car
and at filling stations. There has been a large increase in the number
of robberies and car jackings of vehicles using the Harare Airport
road in the last few weeks, visitors should be extra vigilant when
using this route. If possible, vehicles should not be left unattended
in isolated scenic spots or in unguarded areas in the towns.
The incidence of opportunistic theft, especially of handbags etc is
high; passports are at particular risk. Care should be taken with
baggage at railway and bus stations, and at reception desks when
checking in/out of hotels. Visitors should carry photocopies of their
passports, although banks will not accept photocopies for monetary
transactions.
LOCAL TRAVEL
Visitors should be aware that the continued decline in the economy
means that many Zimbabweans are finding it increasingly difficult to
make ends meet. There are growing shortages of basic foodstffs (flour,
sugar, salt, cooking oil) and large areas of the country will soon be
dependent on food aid to prevent starvation. 
Fuel supplies in Zimbabwe can be erratic. Motorists sometimes have to
queue for hours at filling stations. Public transport and services may
be affected. Visitors driving their own vehicles are advised to
consider carefully before setting out on long distance journeys and to
keep their tanks topped up as much as possible. 
Driving outside the main towns at night should be avoided as vehicles
are often poorly lit and roads badly marked. Abandoned unlit trailers
and heavy goods vehicles are a particularly dangerous hazard.
Pedestrians and stray livestock are additional dangers. Emergency
services can provide only limited help in the event of an accident.
Visitors travelling by car outside Harare are recommended to carry a
comprehensive medical kit. 
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Holders of British passports do not require visas for Zimbabwe.
Visitors are currently being given entry permission for thirty days.
Visitors may apply to have this period renewed and extended if
required. Since the extension of targeted sanctions, there have been
isolated cases of British passport holders being denied entry to
Zimbabwe on arrival. Those affected have mainly been connected with
Non-Government and Aid Organisations but have also included normal
tourists with connections to the government such as Armed Forces
personnel and Police Officers.. We therefore recommend that all those
considering visiting Zimbabwe should first check current entry
requirements with the Zimbabwe High Commission, Zimbabwe House, 429
Strand, London, UK; tel: 020 7836 7755.
HEALTH
Private Clinics will not treat patients unless they can pay. Medical
costs, particularly for evacuation, can be high. Visitors are strongly
advised to have comprehensive insurance cover, including for medical
evacuation to the UK.
Although not present in Harare and through much of the Highveld,
malaria is prevalent in most other parts of the country, particularly
in low lying border areas including the Zambezi Valley, Victoria
Falls, Hwange National Park and parts of the Eastern Highlands.
Visitors travelling outside Harare should take an appropriate
anti-malarial prophylactics.
Visitors should be aware that Zimbabwe has one of the highest HIV/AIDS
infection rates in the world.
The current lack of hard currency has led to a shortage of drugs in
public hospitals throughout the country.
GENERAL
All travellers should have adequate comprehensive insurance.
Hard currency is difficult to come by locally. Visitors to Zimbabwe
need to pay for entry to Victoria Falls and many national parks as
well as departure tax at the airport in hard currency. The current
rates of departure tax are either 20 pounds sterling or 30 US dollars.
Park entry varies from up to £15.00 sterling or $20 US Dollars per
person. It is advisable to have small denomination notes, as change is
sometimes unavailable.
There is no limit on the amount of foreign currency a foreign tourist
can take out of the country. But local residents are only allowed to
take out up to $2500 (US Dollars). If a resident declares that they
have more than the allowance, the extra is confiscated and will be
refunded on return to the country. If a resident is detected trying to
take out more than the allowance without having declared it, the money
is confiscated and not returned, and the resident is liable for
prosecution.
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