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TRAVEL REPORT
Zimbabwe

1. RECENT UPDATES

Section 6 (measles) has been updated.

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2. WARNINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

There is no Official Warning for this country.

Zimbabwe

Exercise normal security precautions

Exercise high degree of caution

Avoid non-essential travel

Avoid all travel

Political context

In February 2009, Zimbabwe's contending political parties formed a unity government based on a power sharing Agreement signed in September 2008. As the unity government takes office after months of political infighting and civil unrest, the situation remains unpredictable and travellers are still advised to exercise a high degree of caution when travelling to Zimbabwe.

Whilst the level of inflation has significantly been reduced over the last few months with the dollarization of the economy, the country is still suffering long standing hyper-inflation side effects, generalized unemployment, food shortages and a cholera epidemic. While under control, the outbreak still presents health risks from cross-contamination and has killed thousands of people.

Travellers are advised to be extremely vigilant and avoid large crowds and public gatherings. The situation could deteriorate on short notice. Canadians in Zimbabwe should evaluate carefully the implications for their security and safety.

As roadblocks can be erected anywhere without notice, Canadians should drive carefully and be very cooperative at all times. Residents and visitors could be subject of arbitrary detention or arrest and should have their travel documents (passport, visas and vehicle police clearance certificate) with them at all times. Canadians should take special care when travelling after dark.

Canadians should avoid low income districts in urban areas such as Harare and Bulawayo. Visitors should also exercise a high degree of caution when travelling to rural and farming areas where violence over forced farm re-distribution may occur.

Canadians in Zimbabwe should maintain a very high level of personal security awareness and monitor local news reports closely. Canadians should always maintain stores of food, water, fuel and emergency supplies on hand in case disruptions were to strand them in their homes for a few days.

Canadian journalists are reminded that practicing journalism in Zimbabwe without accreditation is a crime punishable by arrest, incarceration, fine and/or deportation. Furthermore, Canadians should avoid using cameras in any public locations, particularly those characterized by political activity, as this could be perceived by Zimbabwean authorities as practicing illegal journalism. For more information, consult Section 4.

General situation in the country

Whilst food supply has improved over the last few months in urban areas, it remains a serious issue in rural areas.  Meanwhile, fuel supply has improved in all areas but medical supply and services remain at a minimum level across the country.  Canadians should also be aware that interruptions to the supply of water and electricity are frequent and lengthy in many areas, resulting in considerable hardship. The quality and safety of services such as public transportation, health care and drinking water has been greatly reduced, and as a result, Canadians should ensure they have adequate health care travel insurance, including medical air evacuation, at all times.

Visits to commercial farming areas should be avoided, particularly where issues persist 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 8 for further information on this issue.

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: We offer a registration service for all Canadians travelling or living abroad. This service is provided so that we can contact and assist you in an emergency abroad, such as a natural disaster or civil unrest, or inform you of a family emergency at home. Registration can be done on-line or by contacting a Canadian government office abroad. For more information, see our FAQs on Registration of Canadians Abroad.

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3. SAFETY AND SECURITY

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety. The purpose of this Travel Report is to provide Canadians with up-to-date information to enable them to make well-informed decisions.

Crime

Street crime, such as muggings, house robberies, passport theft, car-jackings, pickpocketing, and purse snatching are common. Travellers should ensure personal belongings and travel documents are secure, particularly in crowded places, and carry a photocopy of their 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 banking machines (ABMs).

Canadians travelling through the Beitbridge area should remain vigilant at all times due to highway robberies, which occur more often during the night.

General safety information

Travellers should remain vigilant, avoid travelling alone at all times and avoid walking after dark, including 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. 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.

It is recommended to drive with doors locked and windows shut at all times. Vehicles should be parked in a guarded parking lot overnight.

Motorists and pedestrians must give way to presidential motorcades when sirens of security forces announce their presence. The Presidential convoy travels at very high speed. Proceed only when security forces permit.

Safaris and organised tours

Visitors should only use reputable and professional guides or tour operators and travel to well-established destinations. Canadians decide to go on safari, rafting, or on 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.

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4. ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS

It is the sole prerogative of each country or region to determine who is allowed to enter. All countries or regions 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 destination(s) to be visited. Violations of entry and exit requirements may result in serious penalties.

The following information on entry and exit requirements has been confirmed with the Zimbabwean authorities. However, these requirements are subject to change at any time. It is the traveller's responsibility to check with the Embassy of the Republic of Zimbabwe for up-to-date information.

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 its issuance outside the country.

A single entry visa may be obtained at a port of entry into Zimbabwe for US$65 or at the Zimbabwe Embassy abroad. A multiple entry visa can be obtained from the Zimbabwe Embassy in Ottawa or at the Zimbabwe Department of Immigration in any of the immigration Offices in the country for US$130. A Canadian wishing to work or live in Zimbabwe must contact the Zimbabwe Embassy in Ottawa before arriving as it is very difficult to arrange a work permit or residential visa after arriving in Zimbabwe.

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.: 706891/2/3/4 or 707210; fax: 263-4-708557) 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.

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A Certificate of Canadian Citizenship is not a travel document. A Canadian passport is the only reliable and universally accepted travel and identification document available to Canadians for the purpose of international travel. Canadian citizens returning to Canada who present other documents, such as a Certificate of Canadian Citizenship, birth certificate, provincial driver’s licence, or foreign passport, instead of a Canadian passport, may face delays or be denied boarding by transport companies.

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 all visa requirements for this and other destinations, 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 or regions may not permit children to enter or, in some cases, leave the country or region without proper documentation such as a letter of consent or a court order.

Although same-sex marriages are legal in Canada, many countries or regions 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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5. CANADIAN GOVERNMENT CONTACTS

You can obtain consular assistance and further consular 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, 252-182, 252-183, 252-184, or 252-185
Fax: 263 (4) 252-186 or 252-187
E-Mail: Hrare-cs@international.gc.ca
Internet: http://www.zimbabwe.gc.ca

The Embassy's office hours for consular, passport and citizenship services are as follows:
 
Monday and Wednesday: 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Tuesday and Thursday: 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
Friday: 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.

For emergency assistance after hours, call the Embassy of Canada in Harare and follow the instructions. You may also call the Emergency Operations Centre in Ottawa at 613-996-8885.

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6. TRAVEL HEALTH

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 Health Web site.

A severe nationwide cholera outbreak affected Zimbabwe in 2008-2009. Thousands of deaths have been associated with this outbreak. For more information on cholera, consult PHAC's Travel Health Advisory.

Recent cases of measles have been reported in Zimbabwe.

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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7. ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION

Medical care system

Whilst the medical care system in Zimbabwe has almost collapsed in most major cities and particularly in rural areas, there is some improvement as medical personnel resumed their duties after the review of their salaries now paid in US dollars.  The number of medical establishments still operational is very limited, and medical supplies are limited. There is no supply of blood nor the proper facilities to collect and test it. Therefore, travellers requiring medical assistance calling for blood transfusion, or suffering any serious illnesses, or involved in accidents may require medical evacuation to South Africa.

With the shortage of resources, it is common for emergency patients to be obliged to organize their own transportation to the nearest hospital. Travellers should carry their own supply of prescription medications. Canadians should ensure they have adequate health care travel insurance, including medical air evacuation, prior to departure. Medical insurance should cover any overseas medical costs and last for the duration of your stay. You are advised to verify if or which circumstances and activities are excluded from your policy.

Almost all medical services, such as doctors, hospitals and air ambulance medical evacuation, must be paid for immediately in cash as overseas medical insurance payments are rarely accepted. Canadians should plan very carefully their medical needs before and upon arrival in Zimbabwe with local medical authorities to secure proper medical assistance if required; e.g. doctors, hospitals and transportation (local and outside the country).

Malaria

Malaria is common in most areas of the country, except Harare and Bulawayo. Other mosquito-borne diseases are also prevalent in Zimbabwe. Travellers are encouraged to take personal protective measures against insect bites, including using an insect repellent.

Other diseases

Other water-borne, food-borne and infectious diseases (including hepatitis, tuberculosis, measles, typhoid and rabies) are prevalent, with more serious outbreaks occurring from time to time. Travellers are advised to use good personal hygiene practices and take all necessary precautions; 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 fever or are suffering from diarrhea.

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.

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8. 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 5 above. Arresting officials have a responsibility to assist you in doing so. Canadian consular officials can provide a list of local lawyers upon request.

The procedures required in legal proceedings or police investigations may be different from the procedures in force in the Canadian legal system. Canadians wishing to undertake such proceedings can expect to face long delays and additional efforts in order to resolve their case. The Government of Canada cannot intervene in ongoing legal proceedings in other countries or regions, unless requested to do so by local authorities. Such requests are rare.

Dual nationality

Dual nationality is not legally recognized in Zimbabwe, which may limit the ability of Canadian officials to provide consular services. Dual citizens should travel on their Canadian passport and present themselves as Canadians to foreign authorities at all times. For persons over the age of 18, holding both a Zimbabwean passport and a second nationality passport is prohibited. If caught doing so, heavy penalties may apply, such as paying a fine, revocation of Zimbabwean Citizenship or even incarceration.

Illegal and/or restricted activities

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 books by banned authors and, in rural areas, copies of the main independent newspapers (the Financial Gazette, the Independent and the Standard).

The use of a cellular telephone while driving is illegal and may result in paying a fine.

Homosexual activity is illegal.

Possession or importation of material related to, or involvement in pornographic activities is forbidden.

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9. TRAVEL AND CURRENCY

Road travel

Traffic drives on the left. Roads are generally in fair condition but poorly lit with many traffic and street lights not working. Drivers must be particularly careful as potholes are common and have caused many road accidents. Poorly serviced vehicles and dangerous driving habits contribute to accidents. Several cars do not have adequate lights at night. 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. Driving outside of towns after dark should be avoided as 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. Personal belongings and travel documents should not be left 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.

Public transportation

Intercity bus and rail travel are dangerous and not recommended. Buses are overcrowded and inadequately maintained, and the drivers are often reckless. The rail system is underdeveloped and poorly maintained, resulting in numerous accidents. Major hotels usually have their own taxis which can be used safely for intra-city travel. Alternatively, taxis recommended by hotels are normally reliable and in good condition.

Air travel

A prominent aviation authority has assessed the government of Zimbabwe’s Civil Aviation Authority as not being in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of Zimbabwe’s air carrier operations.  Canadian should evaluate the implication of this assessment in their choice of air carrier.

See our FAQ on transportation in order to verify if national airlines meet safety standards.

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Currency

The Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe removed all foreign currency restrictions in January 2009 and the payment of goods and services in Zimbabwe is now allowed in multiple foreign currencies, including the US dollar, South African Rand and Botswana Pula. The Zimbabwe dollar is no longer in use and not accepted by stores.

Travellers should remain cautious, as counterfeit of notes could be found in circulation. Price controls have been removed, which enables business to be conducted in multiple currencies.

Most hotel charges for foreigners are based on a U.S. dollar rate and must be paid in cash from internationally convertible currency (typically U.S. dollars or British pounds). Mastercard is not accepted for payment in some cases. Banks  accept traveller’s cheques for conversion to cash in foreign currency. It is also not possible to use automated banking machines (ABMs) to withdraw US dollars nor to use a debit card at the point of sale.

For safety reasons, travellers should not attempt to change currency at unregistered currency exchange offices or outlets. Travellers leaving the country can take out up to USD$ 5,000 cash or the equivalent in other foreign currencies. Therefore, travellers who wish to take out additional foreign currency are required to seek permission from the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe. Presently, there are no traveller’s cheques in the country.

Frauds

Recently, there have been fraud attempts through e-mail originating from Zimbabwe. Please refer to Section 12 for further details.

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10. 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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11. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Returning to Canada

Traveller's Checklist

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.

Adoption: Provincial and territorial authorities in Canada are responsible for authorizing international adoptions. If you are thinking of adopting a child abroad, 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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12. ANNEX

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

Foreign Affairs and 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

Commercial Crime Branch
Royal Canadian Mounted Police
1200 Vanier Parkway
Ottawa, ON
K1A 0R2
Tel.: 613-991-4331
Fax: 613-993-4299

PhoneBusters National Call Centre
P.O. Box 686
North Bay, ON
P1B 8J8
Tel.: 1 888 495-8501 or 705-495-8501
Fax: 1 888 654-9426 or 705-494-4755
Website: http://www.phonebusters.com/

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