From: owner-travel-advisories Subject: NEW TRAVEL INFO -- Burundi Newsgroups: wstd.travel.advisories Date: Mon, 12 Aug 1996 20:04:10 GMT Organization: The World @ Software Tool & Die Xref: world wstd.travel.advisories:1118 Path: world!root Message-ID: <960812200409_76702.1202_CHN48-1@CompuServe.COM> Precedence: bulk Sender: root@world.std.com (daemons) Distribution: wstd Approved: usenet@world.std.com Lines: 133 STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Burundi ============================================================ Burundi - Travel Warning August 9, 1996 The Department of State again warns U.S. citizens to defer all travel to Burundi and recommends that all U.S. citizens in Burundi leave the country immediately because of the uncertain political and security situation and the decreased availability of commercial air service. The U.S. Embassy has reduced its staff over the last year and continues to restrict U.S. government personnel from traveling outside the capital due to the unpredictable incidents of violence throughout Burundi. Furthermore, U.S. government personnel may travel only to areas in Bujumbura deemed safe by the U.S. Regional Security Officer. Dependents are prohibited from accompanying U.S. government employees assigned to Burundi. No. 96-012 This replaces the Travel Warning dated December 29, 1995, to reflect the continuing uncertain political and security situation and the decreased availability of commercial air service. Burundi - Consular Information Sheet February 13, 1996 Warning: The Department of State warns U.S. citizens to defer all travel to Burundi and recommends that U.S. citizens in Burundi, who do not consider their circumstances to afford them effective protection, to consider departure. The Department of State has restricted U.S. Government personnel from traveling outside the capital due to increasing and unpredictable incidents of violence throughout Burundi. Further, U.S. personnel may travel only to areas within Bujumbura deemed safe by the U.S. Regional Security Officer. Dependents are prohibited from accompanying U.S. Government employees assigned to Burundi. Country Description: Burundi is a small, inland African nation passing through a period of instability following a coup attempt in October 1993. Facilities for tourism, particularly in the interior, are limited. Entry Requirements: A visa, and evidence of immunization against yellow fever and meningococcal meningitis are required. Only those travelers resident in countries where there is no Burundian Embassy are eligible for entry stamps, without a visa, at the airport upon arrival. These entry stamps are not a substitute for a visa, which must be obtained from the Immigration Service within 24 hours of arrival. Travelers who have failed to obtain a visa will not be permitted to leave the country. Travelers should obtain the latest information and details from the Embassy of the Republic of Burundi, Suite 212, 2233 Wisconsin Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20007; telephone (202) 342-2574 or the Permanent Mission of Burundi to the United Nations in New York, telephone (212) 687-1180. Overseas inquiries may be made at the nearest Burundian embassy or consulate. Areas of Instability: In light of the October 1993 coup attempt and subsequent ethnic/political tensions, all areas of the country are potentially unstable. Sporadic violence remains a problem, in Bujumbura as well as in the interior where large numbers of displaced persons are encamped or in hiding. Local authorities cannot guarantee safety. The U.S. Embassy has reiterated the importance of using extreme caution, and respecting any curfews in effect, with no travel to the troubled neighborhoods of the capital. Burundi periodically has closed its land borders without notice and suspended air travel and telephone service in response to political disturbances. Medical Facilities: Medical facilities are limited in Burundi. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health care services. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. The Medicare/Medicaid program does not provide for payment of medical services outside the United States. Travelers have found that supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas and medical evacuation coverage has proven to be useful. For additional health information, travelers can contact the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention's international travelers hotline, telephone (404) 332-4559. Information on Crime: Street crime in Burundi poses a high risk for visitors. Crime involves muggings, purse-snatching, pickpocketing, burglary, and auto break-ins. Criminals operate individually or in small groups. There have been reports of muggings of persons jogging or walking alone in all sections of Bujumbura, and especially on public roads bordering Lake Tanganyika. The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to local police and to the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. The pamphlets "A Safe Trip Abroad" and "Tips for Travelers to Sub-Saharan Africa" provide useful information on protecting personal security while traveling abroad and on travel in the region in general. Both are available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402. Drug Penalties: U.S. citizens are subject to the laws of the country in which they are traveling. Penalties for possession, use or trafficking in illegal drugs are strictly enforced. Convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and fines. In-Country Travel: Given the fragile security situation, travelers should check with the U.S. Embassy in Bujumbura before traveling out of the capital. Burundi has a good network of roads between the major towns and border posts. Travel on other roads is difficult, particularly in the rainy season. Public transportation to border points is often difficult and frequently unavailable. Registration/Embassy Location: U.S. citizens are encouraged to register with the consular section of the U.S. Embassy in Bujumbura on the Avenue des Etats-Unis, and to obtain updated information on travel and security. The mailing address is B.P. 34, 1720 Bujumbura. The telephone number is (257) 223-454. No. 96-026 This replaces the information sheet dated October 6, 1995, to include a revised Travel Warning issued December 29, 1995. ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- The "travel-advisories@stolaf.edu" mailing list is the official Internet and BITNET distribution point for the U.S. State Department Travel Warnings and Consular Information Sheets. To unsubscribe, send a message containing the word "unsubscribe" to: travel-advisories-request@stolaf.edu Archives of past "travel-advisories" postings are available at the URL: "http://www.stolaf.edu/network/travel-advisories.html" or via Gopher: gopher.stolaf.edu, Internet Resources/US-State-Department-Travel-Advisories