Newsgroups: wstd.travel.advisories From: 76702.1202@CompuServe.COM (Wally Doerge) Subject: NEW TRAVEL INFO -- Burundi Organization: The World @ Software Tool & Die Distribution: wstd Date: Mon, 18 Oct 1993 16:42:40 GMT STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Burundi ============================================================ Burundi - Consular Information Sheet October 18, 1993 Country Description: Burundi is a small, inland African nation with a developing economy. It is passing through a period of important political and social change. Following the presidential and legislative elections in June 1993, the first democratically elected government and national assembly were installed successfully. Facilities for tourism, particularly in the interior, are limited. Entry Requirements: A passport and a visa 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 subsequently be obtained from the Immigration Service within 24 hours of arrival. Visas cost from $30 to $60, depending on anticipated length of stay. Travelers who have failed to obtain a visa will not be permitted to leave the country. Multiple entry visas valid for three months are available in Burundian Embassies abroad for $11. Evidence of yellow fever immunization must be presented. Also, visitors are required to show proof of vaccination against meningococcal meningitis. Additional information may be obtained 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. Areas of Instability: For months preceding and following the June 1993 elections, Burundi has been stable. In the past, there have been outbreaks of political violence, and Burundi periodically closed its land borders without notice, in response to the 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. Supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas coverage, including medical evacuation coverage, has proved to be useful. The Centers for Disease Control recommend that travelers to Burundi receive the meningococcal polysaccharide vaccine before traveling to the area. Information on health matters can be obtained from the Centers For Disease Control'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 the muggings of persons jogging or walking alone in all sections of Bujumbura, and especially on public roads bordering Lake Tanganyike. 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: 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: U.S. citizens who register at the U.S. Embassy can obtain updated information on travel and security in Burundi. Embassy Location: The U.S. Embassy is located on the Avenue des Etats-Unis in the capital city of Bujumbura. The mailing address is B.P. 34, 1720 Bujumbura, Burundi. The telephone number is (257) 223-454. No. 93-262 This replaces the information sheet dated December 24, 1992, to update the areas of instability.