Newsgroups: wstd.travel.advisories From: 76702.1202@compuserve.COM (Wally Doerge) Subject: ALL: NEW TRAVEL INFO -- Congo Organization: The World @ Software Tool & Die Distribution: wstd Date: Mon, 28 Feb 1994 17:45:53 GMT STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Congo ============================================================ Congo - Travel Warning January 25, 1994 The Department of State advises Americans to defer travel to Congo. Since June 1993, sporadic outbreaks of fighting generated by political disputes have occurred in Brazzaville. This pattern has continued in 1994. The Department of State has authorized the dependents of United States government employees to depart Congo. No. 94-003 Congo - Consular Information Sheet February 24, 1994 Warning: The Department of State advises Americans to defer travel to Congo. Since June 1993 sporadic outbreaks of fighting generated by political disputes have occurred in Brazzaville. This pattern has continued into 1994. The Department of State has authorized the departure of United States government dependents from the Congo. Country Description: The Congo is a developing nation in central Africa. Facilities for tourism are limited. Entry Requirements: A passport and a visa are required. Information on entry requirements may be obtained from the Embassy of the Republic of the Congo, 4891 Colorado Avenue, N.W., Washington D.C. 20011, telephone (202) 726-0825, or the Permanent Mission of the Congo to the U.N., 14 E. 65th St., New York, NY 10021, telephone (212) 744-7840. Areas of Instability: The Congo is in a period of political transition. The U.S. Embassy in Brazzaville has advised U.S. citizens in the Congo that civil disturbances between Congolese government forces and opposition supporters have erupted in various neighborhoods of Brazzaville. The U.S. Embassy has advised Americans to completely avoid these areas, to avoid travel throughout the city after dark and to limit discretionary travel during the day. During this period of unrest, the airport in Brazzaville is operating during daylight hours only. Medical Facilities: Medical facilities in the Congo are limited. Some medicine is in short supply. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services. Not all U.S. medical insurance is valid outside the United States. Travelers have found supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas coverage to be of use. 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, including mugging and purse snatching, is common in Brazzaville, as well as in some parts of the countryside. 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. Detention of Americans: Local security force commanders, particularly in areas outside of Brazzaville, may detain foreigners and have been known to attempt extortion. Such detention of U.S. citizens is not always reported by Congo authorities to the U.S. Embassy. The Embassy has protested such actions. 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. Registration: U.S. citizens who register at the U.S. Embassy can obtain updated information on travel and security in the Congo. Embassy Location: The U.S. Embassy is located on Avenue Amilcar Cabral in the capital city of Brazzaville. The telephone number is (242) 83-20-70. The mailing address is B.P. 1015, Brazzaville, Congo or Box C, APO AE 09828. No. 94-020 This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated December 17, 1993, to add the Travel Warning, to correct the telephone number of the Congolese Embassy, and to add the information on the Permanent Mission to the U.N.