Genvisec advises that Business/leisure travel can continue to Zimbabwe obeying security advice. Certain categories of traveller will need enhanced security depending on the destination in country.

 

Crime

 

There is a moderate level of crime, including occasional armed robberies targeting foreign residents. Make sure your accommodation is secure at all times. Mugging, pick pocketing and jewellery theft are common in city centres, especially after dark. Be particularly careful at Harare airport, and when leaving banks and cash points. Don’t carry large amounts of cash. Avoid travelling around alone.

 

Carry your Zimbabwean Resident ID or a photocopy of your passport. If you lose your passport, you will need to get a police report and contact the your embassy in Harare for a replacement travel document.

 

There have been thefts and smash-and-grab robberies from vehicles, especially at main intersections along the route to Harare Airport and on the Masvingo-Beitbridge road. You should be particularly vigilant when using these routes. Keep vehicle doors locked and windows closed. Be particularly careful at night and at filling stations. Don’t leave your vehicle unattended in unguarded areas in towns.

 

Local travel

 

Zimbabwe has many safari lodges and game reserves. Safety standards vary, and you should check whether operators are trained and licensed. There have been a number of incidents in which animals have attacked visitors resulting in injuries and, in some cases, deaths. Some activities, such as walking or canoe safaris, could pose risks to personal safety. You should treat wild animals with caution and respect, and keep a safe distance from them at all times.

 

Flash flooding during the rainy season (November to February) can make some roads impassa your

 

There are frequent power cuts that affect the whole country, sometimes for days at a time, as well as occasional fuel and water shortages. The Zimbabwean mobile phone network  and land lines are unreliable. 

 

Rural areas

 

Most of Zimbabwe’s commercial farms have been occupied or taken over by members of the National War Veterans’ Association and others. Farm invasions continue, often accompanied by violence and looting of property. Take care when visiting farming areas that you are not familiar with.

 

The diamond mining area in Marange is a restricted area. If you are stopped and told that you may not access a particular area, you should turn back. 

 

Public transport and Road travel

 

Public transport systems, including trains and commuter buses, should be avoided. They can be dangerous due to overcrowding, poor maintenance and reckless driving.

Dangerous driving habits contribute to the high rate of traffic accidents. Driving at night is very hazardous. Even in major cities, roads have potholes and are poorly lit, and vehicles sometimes operate without using lights. Animals roaming onto roads are a potential hazard at any time. 

Roadblocks are common throughout Zimbabwe, and can appear with little warning. Identification documents, including car registration and ownership papers, must be shown when requested by police. Drivers are often subjected to on the spot fines or bribery demands. Payment of a bribe could leave you susceptible to further demands. If you are stopped at a roadblock and told not to go further, you should comply. 

You must stop your car when the President’s motorcade goes past, even if you are on the opposite side of the road on a dual carriageway. Drivers must pull over as soon as they see the motorcade, which begins with a single police motorcycle with flashing lights. It is an offence to continue driving. Security forces have been known to intimidate or assault motorists who fail to stop in time. 

There have been reports of police intimidating foreigners over minor vehicle violations in an attempt to solicit money. Care should be taken, particularly at night. 

If driving in Zimbabwe it is recommended that you always carry a mobile phone or other means of communication. However, be aware that it is illegal to use a phone without a hands free device when driving.

Fuel shortages can occur and you are advised to enquire locally as to fuel availability before embarking on longer journeys to remote areas. Power outages and water cuts, sometimes lasting for weeks, are common everywhere, including in cities.

Zimbabwe applies vehicle charges for short-term foreign motorists. These charges include a carbon tax, parking fees, road tolls and increased border tolls.

If hiring a motor vehicle, you should ensure it is equipped with a fire extinguisher and two metallic emergency triangles with white reflective stickers on the front and red reflective stickers on the back, a spare wheel, wheel spanner and a jack. Drivers may face fines for non-compliance.

 

Rail travel

 

The rail system is underdeveloped and very poorly maintained. Level crossings are poorly marked, resulting in numerous accidents.

 

Air travel

 

In 2010 an audit of Zimbabwe’s Civil Aviation Authority by the International Civil Aviation Organisation found that the level of implementation of the critical elements of safety oversight in Zimbabwe was around the global average. A list of recent incidents and accidents can be found on the website of the Aviation Safety network.

 

Zimbabwe’s airports suffer from a lack of electricity. Harare International Airport relies on a generator during power cuts. This has an impact on the airport’s ability to light the runway and provide air traffic control facilities. This can result in considerable delays, especially at night.

 

 

The safety standards you might expect from tour operators are not always met, especially for activities such as adventure sports. Sufficient life jackets and adequate safety equipment may not be provided. Recommended maintenance standards and safety precautions may not be observed. Always use available safety equipment, such as lifejackets or seatbelts, even if the locals don't. If appropriate safety equipment is not available, you should use another provider. Particular care should be taken when rafting or bungee jumping near Victoria Falls.

When visiting Victoria Falls, you should take care to protect your passport from exposure to water. You may face difficulties if you try to travel using a damaged passport and you may have to pay for a replacement.

Swimming in lakes and rivers is unsafe because of the possibility of being attacked by wildlife and the risk of catching water-borne diseases such as bilharzia (schistosomiasis).

Unexploded landmines are found in parts of the border area with Mozambique.

If you are contemplating undertaking guided hunting in Zimbabwe, you should ensure they engage a legitimate operator with a valid hunting licence.

 

Political situation

 

Zimbabwe held elections on 31 July 2013 and President Mugabe was inaugurated as President on 22 August 2013. You should avoid associating with any activity that could be construed as political. You should avoid all demonstrations and rallies. In the past the authorities have used force to suppress demonstrations.

 

You should avoid political activity, or activities which could be construed as such, including political discussions in public places, or criticism of the President. It is an offence to make derogatory or insulting comments about President Mugabe or to carry material considered to be offensive to the President’s office. An open hand is the political symbol of the opposition, MDC-Tsvangirai, and a friendly wave may therefore be misinterpreted.

 

Active European Union measures remain in place against 2 individuals and 1 entity. The issue remains highly charged politically and retaliation against British and European companies can’t be ruled out.

 

Local laws and customs

Always carry your identity documentation or a copy of your passport.

 

Photographing government offices, airports, military establishments, official residences, embassies and other sensitive places is illegal without special permission from the Ministry of Information. Taking photographs of members of police and armed forces personnel and of demonstrations and protests is not permitted. Laws are strictly enforced.

 

The area around State House in Harare (the President’s official residence) is patrolled by armed members of the Presidential Guard. They don’t allow loitering, by motorists, cyclists or pedestrians, and photography is strictly prohibited. Avoid using GPS navigation systems around the President’s Residence and if possible avoid the area altogether.

 

Holding dual nationality (and therefore a Zimbabwean and a foreign passport at the same time) has been prohibited under Zimbabwean law since 1984. Following the passage of a new constitution in 2013, this legal position has been subject to some debate and the Constitutional Court recently ruled that some categories of dual nationality were in fact legal. However, the legislation remains inconsistent and it remains possible that the Zimbabwean authorities may obstruct, detain or even seek to prosecute those they consider offenders. Your Embassy is not able to provide the full range of consular services to people with dual foreign and Zimbabwean nationality.

 

There are laws against indecency, which effectively make homosexuality illegal in Zimbabwe.

 

Penalties for possession, use or trafficking in illegal drugs are strict and offenders can expect heavy fines or jail sentences.

 

Don’t carry any precious or semi-precious stones without the correct paperwork.

 

It is against the law for civilians to wear any form of clothing made from camouflage material.

 

Money

The Zimbabwean dollar has been taken out of circulation indefinitely. The most widely used currencies are the US dollar and the South African rand. Credit and debit cards are not widely accepted. Although it is possible to withdraw cash from some ATMs, you should not rely on this service being available throughout Zimbabwe. It is illegal to exchange foreign currency anywhere other than at officially licensed dealers (eg banks). Carry small denomination notes as change is rarely available.

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Health

The provision of health care is unreliable. There is a shortage of drugs and trained medical staff in hospitals, making it difficult for hospitals to treat certain illnesses including accidents and trauma cases. The shortage of fuel has reduced emergency response capabilities. Private clinics will not treat patients until they pay and often require large amounts of cash before they will admit even emergency cases. Even if payment is available some of the best hospitals are often too full to admit patients. Medical costs, particularly for evacuation, can be high. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation.

 

If you are on medication, bring sufficient supplies of your medication to cover the period of your stay. Pharmacies may not be able to provide you with the appropriate drug prescribed by your doctor.

 

There have been outbreaks of contagious diseases in Zimbabwe, including in Harare. 

 

In the 2012 Report on the Global AIDS Epidemic the UNAIDS/WHO Working Group estimated that around 1,200,000 adults aged 15 or over in Zimbabwe were living with HIV; the prevalence percentage was estimated at around 14.9 of the adult population compared to the prevalence percentage rate in adults in the UK of around 0.25%. You should exercise normal precautions to avoid exposure to HIV/AIDS.

 

If you need emergency medical assistance during your trip, dial 999 and ask for an ambulance. You should contact your insurance/medical assistance company promptly if you are referred to a medical facility for treatment.

 

Visas

 

You will need a visa to visit Zimbabwe. You can get a visa from the Zimbabwean Embassy in your home country or on arrival in Zimbabwe. If you have not obtained a visa before travelling, bring enough cash with you in small notes to pay for your visa on arrival. You can also apply for a visa online before travel.

 

On1 December 2014, a new joint Zimbabwe/Zambia UNIVISA system was introduced. This means that you can now enter both countries using this dual visa, which is valid for 30 days. All 40 category B passport holders who currently require visas for both countries are eligible to apply. The new visa is issued at the Livingstone, Lusaka and Harare International airports and at the border posts of Victoria Falls and Kazungula. It is not available at the Chirundu border.

 

Make sure you are travelling with the correct documentation otherwise you risk arrest and deportation. NGO workers should double-check that they have the correct visa. You are not allowed to conduct any business or seek employment if you have a tourist visa. 

 

Visitors are currently being given entry permission for anything up to 90 days but you should check that the number of days given at the port of entry covers your intended period of stay. You can apply to have this period renewed and extended if required. It is illegal to give a false statement in support of a visa or to work in Zimbabwe without the correct visa or work permit.

 

Anyone intending to carry out journalistic activity must arrange prior accreditation through the Zimbabwean Embassy in your home country. Journalists should not carry out any reporting or official photography without the proper accreditation as there is a risk of arrest, detention in difficult conditions, and a possible fine, plus a period of further detention or deportation. The Zimbabwean government has made clear that they will penalise any journalists found to be working in Zimbabwe without accreditation.

 

The Zimbabwe Government use a broad definition of journalism. This may include any form of interview, filming or photography. You should also carefully consider risks associated with engaging in social media activities relating to the referendum such as posting comments, blogging or sharing photographs, which could be construed as journalism.

 

Passport validity

 

Your passport should be valid for a minimum period of 6 months and have 3 blank pages left in it to enable you to enter Zimbabwe and exit via one of the neighbouring countries, if leaving at short notice becomes necessary.

 

Yellow fever

 

Yellow fever vaccination is required for travellers arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission.

 

Emergency Travel Documents

 

Zimbabwe recognises Emergency Travel Documents (ETDs) as valid travel documents. ETDs are accepted at ports of entry and exit and must be valid for the period of intended stay.

 

EU arms embargo

 

There is an EU arms embargo on Zimbabwe. It is an offence in international law to take firearms into Zimbabwe at the current time, even if you intend to bring them back to your home country at the end of your visit.

 

Dual nationals

 

A growing number of British nationals who have travelled from the United Kingdom to Zimbabwe recently on Zimbabwean Emergency Travel Documents have found themselves stranded in Zimbabwe as these documents are not valid for re-entry to the United Kingdom. In some cases this has caused serious inconvenience.