Newsgroups: wstd.travel.advisories
From: 76702.1202@compuserve.COM (Wally Doerge)
Subject: ALL:  NEW TRAVEL INFO -- Burundi
Organization: The World @ Software Tool & Die
Distribution: wstd
Date: Mon, 11 Apr 1994 15:26:14 GMT

STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Burundi
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Burundi - Travel Warning
 April 7, 1994

The Department of State warns U.S. citizens to defer all travel to 
Burundi at this time.  The U.S. Department of State has ordered the 
temporary departure of all U.S. government dependents and 
non-essential employees from Burundi because of security concerns 
following the deaths of the presidents of Burundi and Rwanda in 
Kigali, Rwanda, on April 6.  U.S. citizens in Burundi are advised to 
depart immediately.

 No. 94-016

Burundi - Consular Information Sheet
 April 7, 1994

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 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 (US) to $60 
(US), 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 (US).  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:  In light of the October 1993 coup attempt, 
all areas of the country should be considered 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.  The U.S. Embassy has reiterated the importance of using 
extreme caution, with no travel to the troubled neighborhoods of the 
capital and none but essential travel in the city after dark.  
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.  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 
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. 94-043

This replaces the information sheet dated January 4, 1994, to 
revise the paragraph on Areas of Instability.