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All visitors require tickets and documents for return or onward journeys, as well as sufficient funds for their duration of stay. It is illegal to hold a Zimbabwean passport as well as a foreign one, and those found in possession will be prosecuted.
Americans: US passport holders must have a passport valid for at least the period of stay in the country. A visa is required; on arrival a 90-day holiday visa or 30-day business visa can be obtained for a fee.
UK nationals: UK passport holders must have a passport valid for at least the period of stay in the country. A
visa is required; on arrival a 90-day holiday visa or 30-day business visa can be obtained for a fee.
Canadians: Canadian passport holders must have a passport valid for at least the period of stay in the country. A visa is required; on arrival a 90-day holiday visa or 30-day business visa can be obtained for a fee.
Australians: Australian passport holders must have a passport valid for at least the period of stay in the country. A visa is required; on arrival a 90-day holiday visa or 30-day business visa can be obtained for a fee.
South Africans: South Africans must have a passport valid for at least the period of stay in the country. A visa is required; on arrival a 90-day holiday visa or 30-day business visa can be obtained free of charge.
Irish nationals: Irish nationals require a passport valid for at least the period of intended stay. A visa is required; on arrival a 90-day holiday visa or 30-day business visa can be obtained for a fee.
New Zealanders: New Zealand nationals require a passport that should be valid for the period of intended stay. A visa is required; on arrival a 90-day holiday visa or 30-day business visa can be obtained for a fee.
Health
Travelers coming from infected countries require a yellow fever vaccination certificate. Precautions against Hepatitis A, and rabies are also recommended. Other risks include typhoid, polio and bilharzia; a high prevalence of AIDS/HIV exists. There is a risk of malaria all year in most of the country, particularly in the Zambezi Valley, Victoria Falls, Hwange National Park and in the Eastern Highlands; the risk is very small in Harare and Bulawayo. Mosquitoes are chloroquine resistant. Precautions against mosquito bites should be taken to avoid any number of mosquito-borne diseases. Cholera outbreaks occur usually during the rainy season when flooding and contamination of water sources takes place. Rapidly declining health standards are also responsible for the world's lowest life expectancy according to WHO, and a breakdown in the water distribution system, especially in Harare. Visitors are advised to take food and hygiene precautions. The standard of tap water in urban areas is considered low, and bottled water is available. The current economic instability has led to shortages of medication in public hospitals, and many staff are on strike; it is advisable to bring a supply of personal medication. Medical insurance is essential. Private clinics expect cash payment and medical costs can be high.
Safety
The security situation in Zimbabwe remains unstable due to political and social unrest, heightened by an economic crisis which has resulted in high rates of unemployment and inflation, nationwide fuel shortages, power cuts and serious shortages of basic foodstuffs. Many hotels and restaurants are having difficulty finding food supplies, and fuel shortages is causing delays and cancellations to public transport and flights. A water rationing system has been set up in Bulawayo and water is only available for a few hours a day, if at all. There has been a dramatic increase in criminal activity and opportunistic theft, particularly from foreigners in Harare and in the main tourist centers, such as Victoria Falls. Tourists are advised to avoid displays of wealth and valuables and passports should be kept out of sight or preferably left in a hotel safe. Visitors should be especially cautious at ATMs and after dark; downtown Harare is a particularly high crime area. Visitors to Nyanga should avoid Pungwe Falls, Mterazi Falls and the Honde Falls, as there have been numerous incidents of violent crime reported at these sites. Extreme caution is advised when traveling, and independent travel, including backpacking, is not recommended - it is advisable to travel with a recognized tour operator to established tourist destinations. Although the scene of much crime, many tourist centers have been largely unaffected by political and social unrest. There are ongoing incidents of illegal land seizures, police roadblocks and violent political demonstrations, which could affect the safety of visitors; a low political profile is advised and in the event of demonstrations, visitors are warned to leave the area immediately and to make no attempt to watch or photograph the incident, or use a mobile phone, even from a safe distance, as there have been sporadic, violent attacks on innocent white bystanders in the past. While President Mugabe has stepped up measures to protect his political life from opponents, rival factions are plotting his fall and the opposition party grows stronger and braver in the face of increasing violence and growing dissatisfaction. Tensions are mounting and the opposition party (MDC) have threatened a program of mass demonstrations in Harare. Visitors should be aware that these are likely to turn violent.
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