This advice has been reviewed and reissued with amendments to the Summary, Crime and Local Travel sections. We now advise against all but essential travel to Harare city centre.

(see travel advice legal disclaimer)

Travel advice for this country

Travel Summary

• We advise against all travel to high density, low-income suburban areas at any time; and all but essential travel to Harare city centre, rural Manicaland and farming areas. There have been a number of serious incidents in rural areas and it is dangerous for farmers or agricultural workers to visit former properties or other agricultural areas. You should also avoid areas where War Veterans are active. We strongly advise against travel by journalists intending to carry out any reporting or official photography without the proper accreditation. The situation remains unpredictable and incidents of violence across the country continue: it could deteriorate further, without warning.  The ZANU PF congress is due to be held in Bindura on 10-14 December 2008.  You should exercise caution if visiting this area during these dates.  See the Political Situation and Local Travel sections of this advice for more details.
  
  
• You should exercise a high degree of caution when visiting other parts of Zimbabwe. At this time there is no change in our advice to British nationals resident in Zimbabwe. If you are currently resident in Zimbabwe, you should continue to review your security arrangements and keep yourself up to date with local developments. The British Embassy in Harare is currently maintaining a full range of consular services. However in the event of a significant deterioration in the security situation, the consular assistance we will be able to provide will be severely limited.
  
  
• You are strongly advised to have your own contingency plan in place for how you would leave at short notice and ensure your travel documents are up to date and readily available. You should keep a low profile, exercise a high degree of caution, monitor local media for developments and avoid all areas where demonstrations may be held, or where there are large gatherings of people.  See the Political Situation and the General (Living in, or travelling to, Zimbabwe) sections of this advice for more details.
  
  
• The main types of incident for which British nationals required consular assistance in Zimbabwe in 2007 were for arrests or detentions, related to minor crimes (15 cases); and replacing lost and stolen passports (86 cases).  However, there has been a sharp increase in the number of foreign journalists arrested in 2008 and in the level of violent crime and the number of outbreaks of cholera cases.  There is a serious deterioration in the economy and infrastructure making even the provision of basic services and health care very unreliable.  See the Crime, Political Situation, Local Travel, Health and General (Economic affects) sections of this advice for more details.
  
  
• There is a low threat from terrorism.  But you should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks, which could be in public areas, including those frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.
  
  
• We strongly recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. You should ensure that your insurance is still valid given the current alert level for Zimbabwe and check any exclusions. Your policy should  cover you for all the activities you want to undertake.  See the General (Insurance) section of this advice and Travel Insurance for more details.

Safety and security

Terrorism

There is a low threat from terrorism.  But you should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks, which could be in public areas, including those frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.

For more general information see Terrorism Abroad.

Crime

There are reports of gangs of army personnel beating people, confiscating money and carrying out arbitrary arrests in the centre of Harare.  You should avoid all but essential visits to Harare city centre, carry only limited amounts of cash and exercise extreme caution when joining bank queues.

Since the March 2008 elections there has been a sharp rise in the number of violent farm invasions.  In addition, the deteriorating economy had led to an increase in the general level of crime, particularly violent crime. We are aware of an increase in armed robberies targeting foreign residents.  Several older British nationals have been attacked in their homes for small amounts of foreign currency.  You should ensure that your place of accommodation is secure at all times.  Mugging, pick pocketing and jewellery theft are also common in Harare and other city centres, especially after dark. You should be particularly cautious when leaving banks and cash points and at Harare airport. You should always avoid travelling alone.

You should carry photocopies of your passport, although banks will not accept photocopies for monetary transactions.  If your passport is lost or stolen, you should immediately inform the police and the British Embassy in Harare.

Car-jackings

Armed car-jackings are a continual cause of concern in major towns and the number of incidents are increasing as the economy deteriorates.  Thefts and smash-and -grab robberies from vehicles are common.  We are aware of reports of a number of robberies on the Masvingo-Beitbridge and Harare Airport roads. Drivers should keep their vehicle doors locked and windows closed, and be cautious when travelling, particularly at night and at filling stations. You should be extra vigilant when using these routes.  If possible, you should not leave vehicles unattended in isolated scenic spots or in unguarded areas in the towns.  If an attack takes place, do not resist.  Hand over keys and anything else demanded.

For more general information see Victims of Crime Abroad.

Political situation

Zimbabwe Country Profile

There continues to be a high level of political tension and uncertainty, uniformed forces (police and military) and war veterans are still deployed across the country and there are pockets of violence. The situation remains unpredictable and could deteriorate without warning. 

If you are resident in Zimbabwe, you are strongly advised to keep a low profile, exercise a high degree of caution, monitor local media for developments and avoid all areas where demonstrations may be held, or where there are large gatherings of people. If a demonstration or disturbance is taking place, you should leave the area as quickly as possible. There are an increasing number of demonstrations across Zimbabwe but particularly in Central Business Districts and high density suburbs. If you see a demonstration taking place you should not stay to watch or attempt to photograph it, even from a distance, or use a mobile phone.

The ZANU PF congross is due to be held in Bindura on 10-14 December 2008.  You should exercise caution if visiting this area during these dates.

There have been numerous politically motivated attacks across Zimbabwe including abductions and the assault, torture and murder of opposition supporters, NGOs workers, lawyers and those perceived to be anti-government. ZANU PF bases remain operational across the country. A number of British Nationals have been threatened and attacked and there have been rumours about British nationals being targeted. You should think carefully about answering unexpected calls to your property. The police cannot be relied upon to assist victims and have told some British Nationals that they will not respond to politically motivated crime.

The Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) opposition party and several civil society organisations occasionally organise demonstrations against current economic and social conditions and against government policies. Throughout 2007 and 2008 the authorities have used force to suppress demonstrations and when carrying out other police duties.  These policing methods mean these rallies can quickly develop into violent situations. 

You should avoid engaging in overtly partisan political activity, or in 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. You should also be aware that an open hand is the political symbol of the main opposition political party, the MDC, and a friendly wave may therefore be misinterpreted as a provocative gesture.  The carrying of the main independent newspapers (the Financial Gazette, the Independent, the Standard or the Zimbabwean) and books by banned authors, or the wearing of T-shirts with slogans of the main political activist organisation, can provoke a hostile reaction from ZANU (PF) supporters.

An ongoing dispute between factions in the Anglican Church has led to the deployment of riot police and arrests in Anglican churches during church services. You should take this into account when visiting a place of worship.

Local Travel

We advise against all travel to high density, low-income suburban areas, where crime is on the increase and incidents of unrest or protests can occur. Sudden unpredictable violence is possible. You should also exercise caution in industrial zones or unfamiliar areas.

We advise against all but essential travel to Harare city centre, rural Manicaland and farming areas. There have been a number of serious incidents in rural areas and it is dangerous for farmers or agricultural workers to visit former properties or other agricultural areas.   There are an increasing number of incidents of arrest and violence, including reports of violent deaths in Marange and other diamond mining areas.  You should also avoid areas where War Veterans are active. You should take local advice on where these areas are.  If you are stopped and told that you may not access a particular area, we strongly advise you not to proceed.  The situation remains unpredictable and incidents of violence across the country continue: it could deteriorate further, without warning.

Zimbabwe has many safari lodges and game reserves. We are aware of a number of incidents in which animals have attacked visitors resulting in injuries and, in some cases, deaths.

Flash flooding during the rainy season (November to February) can make some roads impassable.

Rural Areas

Since 2000, most of Zimbabwe’s commercial farms have been occupied or taken over by members of the National War Veterans' Association and others. Since the March 2008 elections there has been a sharp rise in the number of farm invasions and looting of property. Farmers, including British Nationals, have been seriously injured in violent attacks.  Farmers or agricultural workers who used to operate in Zimbabwe are advised that in the current tense environment it is dangerous to visit their former properties or other agricultural areas.  A number of such visits in 2008 have been misinterpreted and have led to confrontation and violence.  We strongly advise against travel to farming areas rural Manicaland unless your visit is essential. You should avoid areas where War Veterans are active or incidents of violence are taking place.

Road Travel

You are permitted to drive in Zimbabwe on production of a full UK driving licence although British Nationals resident in Zimbabwe are advised to also obtain a Zimbabwean license to minimise the potential for problems at road blocks.  You are advised to travel carefully on inter-city roads, always wear seatbelts, lock car doors, carry a comprehensive medical kit and avoid travelling after dark. Reports of incidents of people being stopped and pursued for minor traffic violations has increased and you should ensure you drive with caution. If you are driving, you should think carefully before setting out on long distance journeys, and either carry extra fuel or keep your tank topped up as much as possible.  We strongly advise that you take up-to-date advice from local contacts about any places that you plan to visit.

Police roadblocks, including those manned by armed officers and militia, have significantly increased, making road travel more dangerous.  There have been reports of threatening behaviour and intimidation by police and militia at the roadblocks. Some of the officials manning the roadblocks may be armed. You must obey police signals, stop at roadblocks and produce identification if asked to do so. 

Traffic accidents are a common cause of death and injury.  There are often large and deep potholes in the roads, which can be dangerous.  Increasingly traffic lights are out of action and cause numerous accidents. You should avoid driving outside the main towns at night, as vehicles are often poorly lit and roads badly marked.  Abandoned unlit heavy goods vehicles, cyclists without lights, pedestrians and stray livestock are particularly dangerous hazards. Emergency services can provide only limited help in the event of an accident and ambulances are often severely delayed by a lack of fuel. You should also be careful about stopping in lay-bys, particularly in the Beitbridge area, as there have been incidents of cars being robbed and occupants attacked (see the Crime section of this advice).

It is an offence to continue driving when the President's motorcade goes past, no matter which side of the road you are on. If you see the motorcade you should pull off the road, or onto the side of the road if this is not possible. There have been a number of incidents where people have been assaulted by the security forces for stopping in the wrong place or for not stopping soon enough.

For more general information see Driving Abroad.

Public Transport

Public transport and services, including internal and external flights with Air Zimbabwe, are unreliable and may be cancelled or not run on schedule. We advise against backpacking.  Buses (mainly privately run minibuses) are overcrowded, inadequately maintained, frequently not insured, and the drivers often reckless. They are not recommended for travel.  There have been incidents of assault on tourists hitch hiking and travelling in unlicensed buses. 

Level crossings are poorly marked. Each year there are a number of fatal accidents.  On 31 July 2008, at least 9 people were killed when a freight train hit a bus at a rail crossing on the Mazowe-Centenary Road.

Rail Travel

The rail system is underdeveloped and very poorly maintained, resulting in numerous accidents. Rail travel is a dangerous option. There have been a number of fatal train crashes. 

Air Travel

The EU has published a list of air carriers that are subject to an operating ban or restrictions within the European Community.  You should check the following link to see whether this will affect your travel: Air Transport Portal of the European Commission.

We are not able to make a formal assessment of all airlines in Zimbabwe.  It is not known whether safety procedures on all aircraft used for internal and regional flights meet international standards.  You should take this into consideration before using internal or regional flights. Media reports in September 2007 suggested that there are safety concerns about Air Zimbabwe flights, including reports that the airline had terminated five flights (including one international flight) due to safety concerns. Air Zimbabwe route share with some other African airlines and use airports in countries who have no direct commercial air service to the UK and whom the UK Civil Aviation Authority has therefore not been in a position to check for compliance with International Civil Aviation Organisation safety standards. You should bear this in mind when making travel plans.

Like the rest of the country, Zimbabwe’s airports suffer from a lack of electricity. Harare International Airport is reliant on a generator during power cuts. Since the end of 2007 the airport has been without electricity with increasing frequency. This has an impact on the airport’s ability to light the runway and provide air traffic control facilities. It also results in considerable delays, especially at night, to disembarkation, immigration and luggage collection. You should take this into consideration when booking flights, which arrive or depart after daylight hours.

For more general information see Airline Security.

Local laws and customs

Entry requirements

Health

General

Insurance

We strongly recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling.  Your policy should include cover for medical evacuation by air ambulance and cover for any adventure sports you may participate in. You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake.  For more general information see Travel Insurance.

If things do go wrong when you are oversees then this is How We Can Help.

Living in, or travelling to, Zimbabwe

Register with our LOCATE service to tell us when and where you are travelling abroad or where you live abroad so our consular and crisis staff can provide better assistance to you in an emergency.  More information about registering with LOCATE can be found here.

If you live in or travel to Zimbabwe we strongly advise you to:

• Register with the British Embassy in Harare.  This can be done on-line at UK in Zimbabwe (click on 'services' at the top left and then 'on-line registration').
• Check this travel advice regularly and subscribe to automatic updates at subscribe.
• Ensure that your travel documents are readily available.  Ensure that your passport and Zimbabwe immigration and residency permissions are up to date.  Your passport should have at least six months validity and three blank pages left in it.  Failure to do so could impede your exit.
• Ensure you have your own contingency plan for how you would leave at short notice and regularly review its viability in the light of changing circumstances.
  
• Ensure that you are content with your own and your family's security arrangements and keep yourself up to date with developments, and have sufficient supplies to sustain you and your family if you are unable to leave the house for several days.
  

Economic effects

Economic decline has led to deterioration in the provision of basic services.  There are frequent and prolonged power cuts that affect the whole country, sometimes for days at a time, as well as fuel and water shortages.  A water rationing system has been set up in Bulawayo and water is only available for a limited number of hours a day, if at all. The Zimbabwean mobile phone network is near collapse and land lines are unreliable.  It can be very difficult to find basic food items such as bread, milk, meat or sugar and hyperinflation makes it difficult to pay for such goods.

EU arms embargo

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

Money

It is illegal to carry large amounts of cash.  You should check the current cash limits with a bank when you arrive in Zimbabwe.

Hard currency is difficult to come by locally, but visitors to the country are required to pay in hard currency for hotel charges, excursions and entry to Victoria Falls and many other national parks.  It is illegal to exchange foreign currency in Zimbabwe anywhere other than at officially licensed dealers (e.g. banks), who may not have sufficient currency to change your money.  It is advisable to have small denomination notes, as change is sometimes unavailable.  All airlines now include a departure tax which you may have to pay in hard currency. 

You are only allowed to take limited amounts of currency out of Zimbabwe. You should check current limits with the bank before departing the country.  Amounts in excess of the limit must be handed in at the airport/border. You can take US$1000 (or the equivalent amount in other foreign currencies) out of the country. An Exchange Control Authority is required for amounts in excess of this.  Credit and debit cards are not widely accepted. If you use them you are advised to check the rate of exchange and check how much the item would cost in Sterling before completing any transaction. Zimbabwe currently operates a controlled exchange rate and policy changes regularly. The official rate visitors and others can get for foreign exchange can be many times below its true worth.  The country is also in the grip of hyperinflation, with exponential rates of price increase, and many resulting shortages of basic goods and services.

Travel advice for this country

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