Xref: world wstd.travel.advisories:820 Newsgroups: wstd.travel.advisories Path: world!daemon From: Wally Doerge <76702.1202@dub-gw-1.compuserve.com> Subject: NEW TRAVEL INFO -- Burundi Message-ID: <950912131100_76702.1202_CHN36-1@CompuServe.COM> Precedence: bulk Sender: daemon@world.std.com (daemons) Organization: The World @ Software Tool & Die Distribution: wstd Date: Tue, 12 Sep 1995 13:11:00 GMT Approved: usenet@world.std.com Lines: 125 STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Burundi ============================================================ Burundi - Travel Warning June 16, 1995 The Department of State warns U.S. citizens to defer all travel to Burundi. Because of the increasing and unpredictable incidents of violence throughout Burundi, the Department of State has restricted U.S. Government personnel from traveling outside the capital city, Bujumbura. Further, personnel may travel only to areas within Bujumbura deemed safe by the U.S. Regional Security Officer. The authorized departure of U.S. Government dependents remains in effect. No. 95-020 This replaces the Travel Warning dated March 25, 1995 to add the information concerning travel restrictions imposed on U.S. Government employees. Burundi - Consular Information Sheet September 11, 1995 Travel Warning: The Department of State warns U.S. citizens to defer all travel to Burundi. Because of the increasing and unpredictable incidents of violence throughout Burundi, the Department of State has restricted U.S. Government personnel from traveling outside the capital city, Bujumbura. Further, personnel may travel only to areas within Bujumbura deemed safe by the U.S. Regional Security Officer. The authorized departure of U.S. Government dependents remains in effect. 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 $30.00 to $60.00, 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 $11.00. 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 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. 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 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 who register at the U.S. Embassy may obtain updated information on travel and security in Burundi. 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. The telephone number is (257) 223-454. No. 95-109 This replaces the information sheet dated April 6, 1995, to incorporate the June 16, 1995 Travel Warning. ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- 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