
STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL ADVISORY - Zimbabwe
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Zimbabwe - Caution
 November 25, 1991

Summary.  The Department of State advises that U.S. citizens
visiting Zimbabwe should exercise caution when traveling near
Zimbabwe's border with Mozambique.  Discretion should be used when
traveling in and through the country using public transportation,
and travelers should be aware of stringent currency restrictions
which may affect one's arrival or departure.  End summary.

The Department of State advises U.S. citizens traveling to Zimbabwe
that, due to uncertain security conditions, travel in extreme
eastern Zimbabwe along the Mozambique border should be undertaken
with care.  In years past, this region was subject to incursions by
armed bands from Mozambique.  Those incursions have abated this
year.  The main tourist areas from Inyanga to Vumba were not
affected, but tourists should consult local authorities before
traveling beyond these main tourist areas or taking off-road
excursions anywhere near the eastern border.

Travelers should expect to encounter police and military roadblocks
in some regions of the country.  Travelers should be aware that
Zimbabwean authorities are extremely sensitive about photographing
certain locations and buildings, particularly government offices,
military installations, official residences, and embassies.
Visitors are strongly advised to ask police permission before taking
such pictures.

Muggings, purse snatchings, and break-ins continue to be a problem
in Zimbabwean cities.  The Department suggests that visitors be
particularly careful in downtown Harare and Bulawayo.

It is recommended that Americans visiting Zimbabwe not use the
local public transportation system.  There have been several fatal
accidents in the past few years resulting from overloading of buses,
inadequate maintenance, unskilled drivers, and occasional cases of
drivers operating buses while intoxicated.  The Department also
strongly advises against travel after dark on rural roads and
highways, which may present multiple hazards.

United States citizens should be aware that there have been several
incidents in which there were long delays before authorities
notified the U.S. Embassy of the arrest or detention of Americans.
There is no guarantee that Americans detained for any reason by
Zimbabwean police will have early access to U.S. consular officials.

Although no visa is required to enter Zimbabwe, immigration
authorities require the following:  (a) a firm itinerary for the
proposed visit, (b) sufficient funds to support one's needs during
the visit, and (c) a return ticket to the United States.  Onward
tickets to non-U.S. destinations will often not suffice, and if
these requirements are not met, immigration authorities can order
departure by the next available flight.

Currency transactions are strictly regulated.  Visitors must
declare to Zimbabwe customs all currency and travelers checks with
which they enter the country.  Failure to declare can mean
confiscation and a fine.  In addition, no more than 100 Zimbabwe
dollars may be exported.  Visitors to Zimbabwe should keep all
receipts of foreign exchange transactions and ensure they are
recorded on incoming currency control forms.

U.S. citizens traveling to Zimbabwe are encouraged to contact the
U.S. Embassy upon arrival to register their presence and to obtain
an update on local conditions.  The Embassy is located at 172
Herbert Chitepo Avenue in Harare.  The telephone is 794-521.  During
emergency situations, an Embassy duty officer can be contacted
through the marine security guard on duty in the chancery.

 No. 91-229

This replaces the previous travel advisory dated October 30, 1990,
and deletes reference to the earlier closure of Gonarezhou National
Park, but continues to advise U.S. citizens to exercise caution when
traveling near the Zimbabwe border with Mozambique.

