Travel advisory: Zimbabwe

As a result of violent detention of opposition leaders over the weekend and the rapidly increasing tension in this country, visitors are advised to be alert to possibly confrontation between the police and public. Travel arrangements should only be made after consulting with up-to-date travel advisories from the Foreign Office.

With the country mired in political deadlock and a standoff ensuing over the future of long-standing President Robert Mugabe, the situation in Zimbabwe is expected to deteriorate over the course of the next few months and extend possibly throughout the year.

As a result the Foreign and Commonwealth office has issued the following advisory;

There has been a general increase in the level of violent crime. There is a heightened risk of violence at political demonstrations and rallies particularly in the high density areas and the Central Business District of Harare, but main tourist areas have been largely unaffected by political and social unrest. A peaceful prayer meeting in the Harare suburb of Highfield on 11 March 2007, was violently disrupted by Zimbabwean riot police. See the Political Situation section of this travel advice for more details.

Public gatherings and political activity has been banned, but a defiant and increasingly desperate opposition, suffering under 1,700 per cent inflation and 80 per cent unemployment, seems determined to confront the draconian law enforcement that has steadily eroded this country’s security situation.

Tourism to this former British colony has dropped off sharply since 2000 and although it remains a pleasant and attractive destination, tourists have been discouraged from visiting due to the political situation.

There is the possibility of civil disobedience, unrest in urban areas and harsh police reaction, and visitors are advised to stay away from any such activity.

For more details: http://www.fco.gov.uk/