Posted on 01/27/2003 11:49:01 PM PST by HAL9000
Travel Warning |
January 27, 2003
This Travel Warning is being issued to alert Americans to the political, economic and humanitarian crises in Zimbabwe.
The Department of State warns U.S. citizens of the risks of travel to Zimbabwe. Zimbabwe is in the midst of political, economic, and humanitarian crises with serious implications for the security situation in the country. All U.S. citizens in Zimbabwe are urged to take those measures they deem appropriate to ensure their well being, including consideration of departure from the country.
The Zimbabwean economy is in precipitous decline, with extremely high rates of employment and inflation. The economic crisis has led to an increase in crime. Zimbabwe is experiencing nationwide fuel shortages that have hindered in-country travel.
Approximately half the population of Zimbabwe faces an urgent food crisis and possible famine. The humanitarian crisis is expected to worsen in coming months and may lead to unrest and possible large-scale migration of Zimbabweans to urban or border areas, with further disruption and an increase in crime and instability.
Commercial farms should be avoided at all times, especially those occupied by settlers or so-called "war veterans," who are typically young government supporters acting with impunity outside the law. In November 2002, U.S. Embassy staff members were detained and one was beaten by war veterans on a farm near Harare.
All Americans who travel to or reside in Zimbabwe despite this Warning are urged to register with the U.S. Embassy in Harare located at 172 Herbert Chipeto Ave. The U.S. Embassy in Harare can be contacted by phone at (263) 4-520-594/5.
Updated information on travel and security in Zimbabwe may be obtained from the Department of State by calling 1-888-407-4747, or from the U.S. Embassy in Harare. U.S. citizens should also consult the Department of State's Consular Information Sheet for Zimbabwe, and the World Wide Caution Public Announcement, which are located on the Department's Internet web site at http://travel.state.gov.
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