smartraveller.gov.au - Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
It's a must see destination.
It's a must see destination.
Zimbabwe
| Zimbabwe overall | This Advice is current for Friday, 16 May 2008. | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Be alert to own security | Exercise caution | High degree of caution | Reconsider your need to travel | Do not travel |
This advice has been reviewed and reissued. It contains new information in the Summary and under Safety and Security: Civil Unrest/Political Tension (update) and Local Travel (update). The overall level of the advice has not changed.
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Terrorism is a threat throughout the world. You can find more information about this threat in our General Advice to Australian Travellers.
We advise you to reconsider your need to travel to Zimbabwe at this time due to election-related violence in some areas, the high level of criminal activity, the absence of the rule of law, and deteriorating economic conditions which could lead to civil unrest at any time. This includes visits to national parks and Victoria Falls. If you do decide to travel to Zimbabwe, you should exercise extreme caution.
With the results of the national elections held on 29 March 2008 still uncertain, there continues to be a high level of political tension in Zimbabwe. The national war veterans organisation has been inciting confrontations with farmers in a number of provinces. In both rural and high-density (lower-income) urban areas, members of the security forces and youths associated with the ruling ZANU-PF party have reportedly beaten, tortured and killed opposition MDC party supporters. You should avoid non-essential travel to farming areas, especially in the Masvingo and Mashonaland Central provinces.
You should avoid marches, street rallies and any political gatherings even if they appear peaceful. Australians could get caught up in violence directed at others.
The security situation could deteriorate quickly and without warning. In these circumstances, departure options may be severely limited. We encourage you to have your own contingency plan for independent departure if the situation warrants (see Local Travel below). You should ensure that your documentation remains up to date. Valid passports, visas and vehicle police clearances are essential should there be a need to depart Zimbabwe. The Australian Government's ability to provide consular services may be limited.
Monitor the media and other local information sources for information about possible new safety or security risks. Because of possible disruptions to the supply of goods and services, we recommend you have with you a supply of water and food to last several days, cash, medications and a basic first-aid kit. Ensure your vehicle has an adequate supply of fuel and ensure mobile phones are fully charged.
The country is experiencing hyperinflation, food shortages, mass unemployment, shortages of local currency, foreign exchange, medical supplies and fuel, as well as increasingly unreliable services such as power, water and transport.
The ongoing political and economic crisis has made the situation in Zimbabwe potentially volatile, particularly in urban areas. Political and civil rights demonstrations have been brutally suppressed by the police. Demonstrations have been occurring in Harare and other major cities, particularly in town centres and low-income suburbs. Police and security forces are likely to act indiscriminately against any perceived opponents of the Government and even against the general public in the vicinity of political gatherings.
Unlawful occupations of farms, looting of crops, theft of cattle, poaching of game and violent acts against farmers, their families and workers are common. Private businesses have also been targeted for intimidation as part of the Government's attempts to enforce price controls. There have been incidents of racially-motivated violence against foreigners, including Australians.
The deteriorating economic conditions are creating desperation, and have led to a sharp increase in crime. Muggings, bag snatching, carjacking and pickpocketing occur frequently, particularly in urban centres and tourist areas. Theft from vehicles is common. Armed robberies, carjackings, assaults and other violent crime also occur. Security risks are heightened at night, especially on city streets, and in or near parks and the city centres.
Tourists have been robbed and occasionally killed while visiting national parks. A comprehensive indemnity is often required by Safari operators before they accept clients. To help minimise the security risks we suggest that you travel in groups, preferably with an organised tour group, and check the security situation before visiting national parks and farms, including game farms, lodges and hunting areas.
Due to the very high prevalence of HIV/AIDS, victims of violent crime, especially rape, are strongly encouraged to seek immediate medical assistance.
Commercial fraud scams are common in Zimbabwe. If you receive a message that sounds too good to be true, don't be fooled - it probably is. Our information on international financial scams gives details on the type of scams that might originate in Zimbabwe.
We strongly advise you not to travel to farming areas and high-density urban areas in Zimbabwe. You should exercise extreme caution when travelling.
Essential public services, including medical services, are being disrupted due to deteriorating economic conditions and ongoing political tensions.
Due to safety concerns, Australian government officials have been advised to avoid using Air Zimbabwe (although the Embassy has no option for internal flights within Zimbabwe).
There is a growing shortage of basic food commodities throughout Zimbabwe. Fuel shortages, sometimes severe, are common. Power outages and water cuts are common everywhere, including the cities.
Zimbabwe applies vehicle charges (payable in foreign currency) for short-term foreign motorists. These charges include a new carbon tax, road tolls and increased border tolls.
Driving at night is very hazardous as roads, particularly outside major cities, are poorly lit, animals roam onto roads and vehicles sometimes operate without the use of lights. Dangerous driving habits contribute to the high rate of traffic accidents.
Police roadblocks are common throughout Zimbabwe. Identification documents, including car registration and ownership papers, must be shown when requested by police. Drivers are often subjected to bribery demands by police officers.
Public transport systems, including trains and commuter buses, can be dangerous due to overcrowding, poor maintenance and reckless driving.
The safety standards you might expect of tour operators are not always met, especially when undertaking adventure sports such as rafting. Sufficient life jackets for boats and rafts are not always provided.
Swimming in lakes and rivers is unsafe because of the possibility of being attacked by wildlife and the risk of catching water-borne diseases.
Unexploded landmines are found in parts of the border area with Mozambique.
Passengers on international flights to and from Australia are only allowed to carry a small amount of liquids (including aerosols and gels) in their carry-on baggage. You can find out more information at the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government website. Similar restrictions apply to flights in an increasing number of countries. Contact your airline for further information.
If you have concerns about the safety standards of a particular airline or aircraft, we recommend you research the airline or aircraft through organisations such as Australia's Civil Aviation Safety Authority and the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO). The Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government has published fact sheets on security for air travellers. When staff at Australia's overseas missions are advised not to use particular airlines due to safety concerns, this will be included in the travel advisory.
The European Union (EU) has published a list of airlines that are subject to operating bans or restrictions within the EU. The United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) through its foreign assessment program focuses on a country's ability, not the individual airline, to adhere to international standards and recommended practices for aircraft operations and maintenance established by ICAO.
Due to safety concerns, Australian government officials have been advised to avoid using Air Zimbabwe.
The rainy season is November to April when flooding may occur. This season's floods have been severe, affecting major roads between neighbouring countries. Information on natural disasters can be obtained from the Humanitarian Early Warning Service. If a natural disaster occurs, follow the advice of local authorities.
Australians are advised to maintain a safe and legal distance when observing wildlife, including marine animals and birds. You should only use reputable and professional guides or tour operators and closely follow park regulations and wardens' advice.
Before you go, organise a variety of ways to access your money overseas, such as credit cards, travellers' cheques, cash, debit cards or cash cards. Check with your bank whether your ATM card will work overseas. Credit card fraud is an increasing problem in Zimbabwe.
Hyperinflation has severely affected the cost of goods and services in Zimbabwe and has led to wide fluctuations in costs. The official exchange rate for hard currency, which applies to all ATM and credit card transactions, has been set artificially low, leading to a thriving parallel or black-market rate. Tourists also have access to a special rate, accessible through the Reserve Bank and other banks. Changing money on the parallel market is illegal.
Make two photocopies of valuables such as your passport, tickets, visas and travellers' cheques. Keep one copy with you in a separate place to the original and leave another copy with someone at home.
While travelling, don't carry too much cash and remember that expensive watches, jewellery and cameras may be tempting targets for thieves.
As a sensible precaution against luggage tampering, including theft, lock your luggage. Information on luggage safety is available from Australia's Civil Aviation Safety Authority.
Your passport is a valuable document that is attractive to criminals who may try to use your identity to commit crimes. It should always be kept in a safe place. You are required by Australian law to report a lost or stolen passport. If your passport is lost or stolen overseas, report it online or contact the nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate as soon as possible.
You are required to pay an additional fee to have a lost or stolen passport replaced. In some cases, the Government may also restrict the length of validity or type of replacement passports.
If you are planning on placing your children in schools or childcare facilities overseas we encourage you to research the standards of security, care and staff training within those establishments. You should exercise the same precautions you would take before placing children into schools or childcare facilities in Australia.
Ideas on how to select childcare providers are available from the smartraveller Children's Issues page, Child Wise and the National Childcare Accreditation Council.
When you are in Zimbabwe, be aware that local laws and penalties, including ones that appear harsh by Australian standards, do apply to you. If you are arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you but we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.
Information on what Australian consular officers can and cannot do to help Australians in trouble overseas is available from the Consular Services Charter.
The penalties for possession, manufacture or trafficking of illegal drugs, including marijuana, are severe and include lengthy imprisonment and heavy fines.
Murder, treason, banditry, sabotage and terrorism are punishable by the death penalty.
The act of sodomy is illegal in Zimbabwe and is punishable by up to one year's imprisonment and/or a fine. Juvenile male offenders may be subject to corporal punishment.
Visitors should avoid offers to exchange foreign currency at rates above the official bank rate of exchange, especially if approached by money-changers in the street. Such transactions are illegal and can result in imprisonment for both parties.
You should avoid engaging in any political activity, or in activities which could be construed as such, including political discussions in public places. An open hand is the political symbol of the main opposition political party and a friendly wave may therefore be misinterpreted as a provocative gesture. It is also a criminal offence in Zimbabwe to make any derogatory or insulting comments about President Mugabe. Any person making such comments is liable to arrest and prosecution.
It is illegal to photograph around military establishments, government offices, the President's Residence (State House) and airports without special permission of the Ministry of Information.
It is an offence to continue driving when the President's motorcade goes past, no matter which side of the road you are on. You should stop your car even if you are travelling in the opposite direction on a dual carriageway.
Some Australian criminal laws, such as those relating to money laundering, bribery of foreign public officials, terrorism and child sex tourism, apply to Australians overseas. Australians who commit these offences while overseas may be prosecuted in Australia.
Australian authorities are committed to combating sexual exploitation of children by Australians overseas. Australians may be prosecuted at home under Australian child sex tourism laws. These laws provide severe penalties of up to 17 years imprisonment for Australians who engage in sexual activity with children under 16 while outside of Australia.
Zimbabwe does not recognise dual nationality. This may limit the ability of Australian officials to provide consular assistance to Australian/Zimbabwean dual nationals who have been arrested or detained.
For persons over the age of 18, holding a Zimbabwean and a second nationality passport is prohibited. Heavy penalties may apply if caught.
Our Travel Information for Dual Nationals brochure contains further information for dual nationals.
Visa and other entry and exit conditions (such as currency, customs and quarantine regulations) change regularly. Contact the nearest Embassy or Consulate of Zimbabwe for the most up to date information.
US dollars hard currency cash (in very small denominations) may be required for visa and departure tax fees.
Journalists working without proper accreditation are liable to arrest, detention and possible deportation.
A valid Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate is required for all passengers over one year of age who arrive from an infected yellow fever area/country. The World Health Organization (WHO) provides a list of yellow fever countries.
We strongly recommend that you take out comprehensive travel insurance that will cover any overseas medical costs, before you depart. Confirm that your insurance covers you for the whole time you'll be away and check what circumstances and activities are not included in your policy. Remember, regardless of how healthy and fit you are, if you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel.
Your doctor or travel clinic is the best source of information about preventive measures, immunisations (including booster doses of childhood vaccinations) and disease outbreaks overseas. The World Health Organization (WHO) provides information for travellers and our 'Travelling Well' brochure also provides useful tips for travelling with medicines and staying healthy while overseas.
Health services in Zimbabwe are poor. Medical facilities outside Harare and Bulawayo are limited. Medical supplies throughout Zimbabwe are very limited and some prescription medicines are not available. Private hospitals require up front payment before admitting foreigners and inability to pay the full amount can lead to refusal of admission. Costs are generally more expensive than in Australia. In the event of a serious accident or illness, a medical evacuation to South Africa would be necessary, costing up to $A13,000.
Essential public services, including medical services, have been disrupted due to deteriorating economic conditions and ongoing political tensions.
Malaria is a risk in all areas except Harare and Bulawayo. Other mosquito-borne diseases (including filariasis) are also prevalent in Zimbabwe. We encourage you to take prophylaxis against malaria and take precautions to avoid being bitten by insects, including using an insect repellent at all times.
Water-borne, food-borne and other infectious diseases (including cholera, hepatitis, tuberculosis, measles, typhoid and rabies) are prevalent, with more serious outbreaks occurring from time to time. We advise you to boil all drinking water or drink bottled water, and avoid ice cubes and raw and undercooked food. Do not swim in fresh water to avoid exposure to diseases such as schistosomiasis (bilharzia). Seek medical advice if you have a fever or are suffering from diarrhoea.
The rate of HIV/AIDS infection in Zimbabwe is very high. You should exercise appropriate precautions if engaging in activities that expose you to risk of infection.
The World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) has confirmed cases of avian influenza in birds in a number of countries throughout the world. For a list of these countries, visit the OIE website. For information on our advice to Australians on how to reduce the risk of infection and on Australian Government precautions see our travel bulletin on avian influenza.
In Zimbabwe, you can obtain consular assistance from the:
Australian Embassy
1 Green Close
Borrowdale, Harare, Zimbabwe
Telephone: (263 4) 852 471
Facsimile: (263 4) 870 566
e-mail address: zimbabwe.embassy@dfat.gov.au
website: http://www.zimbabwe.embassy.gov.au
If you are travelling to Zimbabwe, whatever the reason and however long you'll be there, we encourage you to register with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. You can register online or in person at any Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate. The information you provide will help us to contact you in an emergency - whether it is a natural disaster, civil disturbance or a family issue.
In a consular emergency if you are unable to contact the Embassy you can contact the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 or 1300 555 135 within Australia.
In Australia, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in Canberra may be contacted on (02) 6261 3305.
While every care has been taken in preparing this travel information for travellers, neither the Australian Government nor its agents or employees including any member of Australia's consular staff abroad, can accept liability for injury, loss or damage arising in respect of any statement contained therein.
