2008 Warden Message, Number 10

April 4, 2008

This message is to advise American Citizens in Zimbabwe that the Embassy anticipates an announcement today or over the weekend by the Zimbabwean Electoral Commission regarding the results of the presidential election.   The Embassy continues to monitor the security situation across the country. We expect the situation to be fluid and may issue a recommendation for Americans to stand fast on short notice. Americans should continue to avoid travel to high-density and industrial areas, as well as all large gatherings, particularly political rallies.

Americans should be particularly aware of using still, video or telephone cameras in any urban setting, or in the vicinity of any political activity, as this could be construed by Zimbabwean authorities as practicing journalism without a license, a crime punishable by arrest, incarceration and/or deportation.

We strongly recommend that American citizens register their presence in Zimbabwe via the Internet at https://travelregistration.state.gov  or in person at the U.S. Embassy in Harare, located at 172 Herbert Chitepo Avenue (Tel. 263-4-250-593/4/5, email consularharare@state.gov).  In the event of an after-hours emergency, please call the above number and ask to be transferred to the duty officer.

We will continue to provide information to you via email, text message, the internet and Voice of America radio broadcasts (909 on the AM dial or on Shortwave at 4930, 13755 or 15775 Khz) as events unfold. You are always welcome to contact us at the phone, fax and email numbers listed above.

As the Department of State develops information on any potential security threats to U.S. citizens overseas, it shares credible threat information through its consular information program documents, available on the Internet at http://travel.state.gov. In addition to information on the Internet, travelers may obtain up-to-date information on security conditions by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the U.S. or outside the U.S. and Canada on a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444.