Travel Report for Zimbabwe

Country Profile for
Zimbabwe

TRAVEL REPORTS:

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TRAVEL REPORT

Last Updated: September 18, 2006 10:15 EDT
Still Valid: December 8, 2006 22:50 EST

Zimbabwe

1.	INTRODUCTION
2.	ATTENTION
3.	SAFETY AND SECURITY
4.	LOCAL TRAVEL
5.	NATURAL DISASTERS AND CLIMATE
6.	LOCAL LAWS AND CUSTOMS
7.	ASSISTANCE FOR CANADIANS ABROAD
8.	ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS
9.	MONEY

10.	GENERAL INFORMATION
11.	TRAVEL MEDICINE PROGRAM
12.	ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION
13.	RETURNING TO CANADA
14.	INTERNATIONAL ADOPTIONS
15.	TRAVEL TIPS
16.	HEALTH AND TRAVEL INSURANCE
17.	FOR MORE INFORMATION
18.	ANNEX

1. INTRODUCTION

Section 2 of this Travel Report has been updated.

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2. ATTENTION

Zimbabwe is currently experiencing a serious fuel shortage. This is affecting road travel throughout the country and the national airline, Air

Zimbabwe

, has suspended some international and domestic flights. The fuel shortage has exacerbated tensions that persist in

Zimbabwe

due to the ongoing economic crisis, which has been characterized by shortages of food, medicines, and foreign exchange, as well as by very high rates of unemployment, homelessness and inflation. Canadians should also be aware that interruptions to water and electrical supplies occur regularly in many areas, and that the quality and safety of services such as public transportation and health care has been greatly reduced.

Visits to commercial farming areas should be avoided, particularly where there are continuing disputes over the ownership of land. Central and local authorities in some rural areas occasionally respond to outsiders with suspicion and hostility.

Crime, exacerbated by a very difficult economic situation, remains a serious problem for foreign visitors and residents alike.

It is a criminal offence in

Zimbabwe

to make derogatory or insulting comments about President Mugabe, a member of his government, or the Zimbabwean government itself. See section 6 of this report for further information on this issue.

Nationwide strikes and public demonstrations on political or economic issues can occur, particularly in the downtown cores and low-income suburbs of major cities. Canadians in

Zimbabwe

should maintain a very high level of personal security awareness, monitor local news reports closely, and avoid travelling after dark. Large crowds or gatherings, particularly political meetings or rallies, should also be avoided. Canadians travelling to

Zimbabwe

should contact the Embassy of Canada in Harare or Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada in Ottawa for an update on local conditions.

OFFICIAL REGISTRATION RECOMMENDATION: Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada offers a registration service for Canadians travelling or residing abroad. Although Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada does not warn against travel to this country or region(s) of this country, Canadians are encouraged to register with the responsible Canadian government office due to the security situation and/or the absence of Canadian representation in this country. Registration can be done on-line or by calling the responsible Canadian government office abroad to request a registration form.

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3. SAFETY AND SECURITY

Street crime occurs. Car-jackings, muggings, house robberies, passport theft, pickpocketing, and purse snatchings are common. Ensure personal belongings and travel documents are secure, particularly in crowded places, and carry a photocopy of your passport. Travellers should note, however, that photocopies are not accepted by banks for monetary transactions. Visitors should be particularly cautious when leaving banks and automated teller machines (ATMs). Remain vigilant and avoid walking after dark in the larger cities, such as Harare and Bulawayo, as well as at tourist sites such as Victoria Falls, Pungwe Falls, Mterazi Falls, and the Honde Falls. Drive with doors locked and windows shut at all times. Park vehicles in a guarded parking lot overnight. Visitors near the border with

Mozambique

should not stray from the main tourist areas, since landmines and unexploded munitions still present a danger in this region.

Motorists and pedestrians should give way to presidential motorcades when sirens of security forces announce their presence. Proceed only when security forces permit.

Avoid travelling alone. It is advisable to travel with organised tour operators to well-established destinations. Travellers who are on safari, rafting, or other recreational outings should note that even with an organized tour group, safety standards may be poor. Tourists are often permitted to participate in activities that may pose risks to personal safety.

Recently, there have been fraud attempts through e-mail originating from

Zimbabwe

. Please refer to section 17 of this report for further details.

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4. LOCAL TRAVEL

Traffic drives on the left. Roads are generally in good condition but poorly lit. Poorly serviced vehicles and dangerous driving habits contribute to accidents. Pedestrians often walk on the pavement of roads rather than on the shoulder, even at night. Domestic and wild animals roam major roads and pose a risk. Avoid driving outside of towns after dark; cattle and broken-down vehicles on the road pose hazards. In the event of a flat tire, travellers should drive, if possible, to a service station or residential area before stopping to make repairs. Travellers who suspect that their vehicle is being followed should drive to the nearest police station. Do not leave personal belongings or travel documents unattended in vehicles. Police roadblocks are common and may cause significant traffic congestion. Visitors must obey police signals, stop at roadblocks, and produce identification if asked to do so by police.

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended.

Intercity bus and rail travel are dangerous and not recommended. Buses are overcrowded and inadequately maintained, and the drivers reckless. The rail system is underdeveloped and poorly maintained, resulting in numerous accidents.

Air

Zimbabwe

is prone to fuel shortages, which could cause delays and cancellations.

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5. NATURAL DISASTERS AND CLIMATE

The rainy season extends from November to March. Travellers should keep informed of regional weather forecasts and plan accordingly.

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6. LOCAL LAWS AND CUSTOMS

You are subject to local laws. A serious violation may lead to a jail sentence. The sentence will be served in local prisons.

Canadians arrested or detained have the right to contact the responsible Canadian government office (embassy, high commission, etc.) listed in Section 7 below. Arresting officials have a responsibility to assist you in doing so. Canadian consular officials can provide a list of local lawyers upon request.

The Department publishes A Guide for Canadians Imprisoned Abroad, specifically targeted at incarcerated Canadians. Its prime objective is to inform Canadian detainees, their families, and friends about available assistance and advice.

Unapproved demonstrations are illegal in

Zimbabwe

and bystanders have been known to be taken into custody at such events. Canadians should avoid large crowds or gatherings, particularly political meetings or rallies.

Photography of government offices, airports, military establishments, official residences, and embassies, in addition to other sensitive facilities, is prohibited unless permission is granted from the Ministry of Information. Special permits may be needed for other photography. Laws are strictly enforced and all restrictions should be observed. If in doubt, do not take a picture.

It is a criminal offence in

Zimbabwe

to make derogatory or insulting comments about President Mugabe, a member of his government, or the Zimbabwean government itself. Any person making such comments is liable to arrest and prosecution. Canadians should avoid participating in political discussions in public places and engaging in political activity or demonstrations. Note that an open hand is the symbol of the main opposition political party, and that therefore a friendly wave could be misinterpreted as a provocative gesture. Avoid carrying copies of the main independent newspapers (the Financial Gazette, the Independent and the Standard) and books by banned authors.

The use of a cellular telephone while driving is illegal.

Homosexual behaviour is illegal.

Possession and/or import of pornographic material is forbidden.

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7. ASSISTANCE FOR CANADIANS ABROAD

You can obtain consular assistance and further information at the following address:

Zimbabwe - HARARE, Embassy of Canada
Address: 45 Baines Avenue, Harare, Zimbabwe
Postal Address: P.O. Box 1430, Harare, Zimbabwe
Tel.: 263 (4) 252-181, 252-12, 252-183, 252-184, or 252-185
Fax: 263 (4) 252-186 or 252-187
E-mail: harare-consular@international.gc.ca
Internet: http://www.harare.gc.ca

For emergency assistance after hours, call the Embassy of Canada in Harare and follow the instructions. You may also make a collect call to the Department in Ottawa at 613-996-8885.

Canada Direct, offered by Canada's major telecommunications companies, provides travellers with toll-free and hassle-free access to the Canadian telephone network. The Canada Direct access number from Zimbabwe is 00-897, where a Canadian operator is always available. For more information, call 1 800 561-8868 or visit the Canada Direct Web site (www.infocanadadirect.com).

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8. ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS

The following information on entry and exit requirements has been confirmed with the Zimbabwean authorities and, to the best of our knowledge, was valid on June 19, 2006. However, entry and exit requirements are subject to change.

It is the sole prerogative of each country to determine who is allowed to enter. All countries have special requirements for persons intending to reside for extended periods (usually more than 90 days) or who plan to work, study, or engage in non-tourist activities. To obtain information on specific entry requirements, contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the country or countries to be visited. Conditions are subject to change.

Foreign Affairs

Canada

’s Office of Protocol provides contact details for the Embassy of the Republic of Zimbabwe, where you can obtain further information on entry and exit requirements.

All Canadians travelling to

Zimbabwe

require a valid canadian passport and a visa. The passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the date of your expected departure from

Zimbabwe

. Tourists can apply for an extension at the nearest immigration office, but renewal is not automatic. Business visas cannot be extended from within

Zimbabwe

. Travellers on a Zimbabwe business visa will need to exit the country and re-enter as a visitor or apply for a new business visa/work permit and await for it's issuance outside the country. Single-entry visas can be obtained at the point of entry at a cost of US$65. Multiple-entry visas can be obtained only at Zimbabwean missions overseas.

Tourist Visa: Required
Business Visa: Required
Student Visa: Required

Under Zimbabwean law, foreign media organizations are now required to obtain prior accreditation for their journalists visiting or working in

Zimbabwe

. Canadians seeking registration as journalists in

Zimbabwe

should contact the Zimbabwean Ministry of Information and Publicity (country and area codes: 263-4/ tel.: 706891/2/3 and 703891/2/3/4) for further information on fees and other requirements. Journalists attempting to enter the country without proper advance accreditation may be denied admission or deported. Journalists working in

Zimbabwe

without accreditation risk arrest and prosecution.

Travellers are required to carry evidence of a yellow fever vaccination if they are arriving in

Zimbabwe

from infected areas.

Selling, altering, or allowing another person to use your passport is a criminal offence. It could lead to the laying of charges and imprisonment if convicted. It could also lead to the denial of future passport services.

Special and diplomatic passport holders should verify visa requirements for this and other countries, as they may differ from those that apply to regular passport holders.

Any adult travelling with children may be required to show evidence of parental/custodial and/or access rights. Foreign and Canadian authorities may also require evidence that the adult has the consent of the parents, legal guardian, and/or the court to travel with the children. Some countries may not permit children to enter or, in some cases, leave the country without proper documentation such as a letter of consent or a court order.

Although same-sex marriages are legal in Canada, many countries do not recognize them. Attempting to enter as a same-sex married couple may result in refusal by local officials. For more information, contact the foreign government office accredited to Canada.

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9. MONEY

The currency is the Zimbabwean dollar (ZWD). On August 1, 2006, the Zimbabwean dollar was revalued and three zeroes were truncated to create a new currency. As of August 21, 2006, only the new banknotes are legal tender. Remain cautious, as counterfeit notes have been found in circulation. The attested new notes have a watermark and a security strip.

Most hotel charges for foreigners are based on a U.S.-dollar rate and must be paid with credit cards or internationally convertible currency (typically U.S. dollars or British pounds). Banks rarely accept traveler’s checks for conversion to local currency, and never exchange them for foreign devices.

Travellers should not attempt to change currency at unregistered currency exchange offices or outlets. It is unlawful to exchange foreign currency for Zimbabwean dollars with anyone other than a legitimate currency dealer affiliated with the Reserve Bank of

Zimbabwe

. Authorized currency dealers include the major banks, such as Standard Chartered and Barclays. Travellers leaving the country can not take out more than USD $ 1,000 or ZWD $5,000,000 in cash or ZWD $5,000,000 in bearer's cheques.

Check with your bank for information on ATM services in other countries. You can also check the VISA ATM locator page or the MasterCard ATM locator page for the addresses of ATMs around the world. Your bank can advise if you need a new personal identification number (PIN) for overseas access to your account. Credit cards and debit cards should be used with caution due to the potential for fraud and other criminal activity. ATMs should be used during business hours inside a bank, supermarket, or large commercial building. Leave copies of your card numbers with a family member in case of emergency.

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10. GENERAL INFORMATION

Zimbabwe (capital: Harare) is a landlocked country in southern Africa bordered by Zambia, Mozambique, South Africa, and Botswana. The official language is English. French is not widely spoken in Zimbabwe. Tourist facilities are widely available, but of variable quality.

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11. TRAVEL MEDICINE PROGRAM

The Public Health Agency of Canada and the World Health Organization (WHO) report on disease outbreaks that occur throughout the world. For the latest travel health advisories and related information, visit the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Travel Medicine Program Web site.

The Public Health Agency of Canada strongly recommends that your travel plans include contacting a travel medicine clinic or physician six to eight weeks before departure. Based on your individual risk assessment, a health care professional can determine your need for immunizations and/or preventive medication and advise you on precautions to avoid disease. Travellers are reminded to ensure that their routine (childhood) immunizations (e.g., tetanus, diphtheria, polio, and measles) are up to date.

Standards of medical care may differ from those in Canada. Treatment may be expensive, and payment in advance may be required. Travellers are advised to arrange for medical insurance prior to departure. Prescription medications should be kept in the original container and packed in carry-on luggage.

The Public Health Agency of Canada also recommends that travellers who become sick or feel unwell on their return to Canada seek a medical assessment with their personal physician. Travellers should inform their physician that they have been travelling or living outside of Canada.

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12. ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION

Medical care in Zimbabwe is limited, especially outside of Harare. Travellers should carry their own supply of prescription medications because emergency care and medicines may not be available.

Water used for consumption should be boiled first or otherwise sterilized.

As the level of HIV/AIDS infection in Zimbabwe is very high, you should be cautious about activities involving the transmission of bodily fluids.

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13. RETURNING TO CANADA

Please consult the Current Issue on returning to Canada.

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14. INTERNATIONAL ADOPTIONS

Provincial and territorial authorities in Canada are responsible for authorizing international adoptions. If you are thinking of adopting a child from another country, you must first obtain information about the adoption regulations of the province or territory in which the child will reside. While adoption is a provincial/territorial responsibility, Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) is responsible for allowing an adopted child entry into Canada. Entry can be refused if the child does not hold the appropriate immigrant visa. A visa may be denied, even if the adoption has already been completed. For more information contact CIC at 1 888 242-2100 (in Canada only), check the CIC Web site or contact your provincial or territorial government.

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15. TRAVEL TIPS

Please consult our Traveller's Checklist.

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16. HEALTH AND TRAVEL INSURANCE

Do not rely on your provincial health plan to cover all expenses if you get sick or are injured while abroad. It may cover nothing or only a portion of the costs. Understand the terms of your supplementary insurance policy. Some credit cards offer their holders health and travel insurance. Do not assume the card alone provides adequate coverage. Carry details of your insurance with you. Also, tell your travel agent, a friend or relative, and/or travelling companion how to contact your insurer. Get a detailed invoice from the doctor or hospital before you return to Canada. Always submit original receipts for any medical services or prescriptions received abroad. Most insurance companies will not accept copies or faxes.

Cancelling a scheduled trip abroad could cost you money. Before cancelling a scheduled trip, you should discuss the matter with your travel agent, your travel insurer, or the airline. The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller.

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17. FOR MORE INFORMATION

There have been fraud attempts through e-mail originating from Zimbabwe. Any unsolicited business proposal should be carefully scrutinized. Usually, the con man sends an e-mail, or letter, offering a substantial percentage of a large sum of money to be transferred into your account in return for your "discretion" or "confidentiality." These messages often claim that the soliciting party has personal ties to senior Zimbabwean officials. You, as the bank account owner, are promised a percentage of the huge sum, just for allowing the use of your account. You may be asked to provide blank, signed invoices, letterhead, and bank account information, or to send money for transfer taxes. Some businesses have found their accounts looted by the persons to whom they sent account information.

Should you receive such an e-mail or letter, please contact one of the organizations listed below.

CONTACT INFORMATION

International Trade Canada
Africa and Middle East Trade Division
125 Sussex Drive
Ottawa, ON
K1A 0G2
Tel.: 613-944-6579
Fax: 613-944-7437

Embassy of the Republic of Zimbabwe
332 Somerset Street West
Ottawa, ON
K2P 0J9
Tel.: 613-237-4388
Fax: 613-563-8269

Criminal Operations Branch
Economic Crime Directorate
Royal Canadian Mounted Police
1200 Vanier Parkway
Ottawa, ON
K1A 0R2
Tel.: 613-998-6050 or 613-998-6069
Fax: 613-993-4299

PhoneBusters National Call Centre
P.O. Box 686
North Bay, ON
P1B 8J8
Tel.: 1 888 654-9426 or 705-495-8501
Fax: 1 888 654-9426 or 705-494-4008
Web site: www.phonebusters.com

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18. ANNEX

N/A

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