Newsgroups: wstd.travel.advisories
From: 76702.1202@CompuServe.COM (Charlie Smith)
Subject: *NEW* TRAVEL INFORMATION -- Rwanda
Organization: The World @ Software Tool & Die
Distribution: wstd
Date: Mon, 1 Feb 1993 16:51:13 GMT
STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Rwanda
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Rwanda - Consular Information Sheet
 January 29, 1993

Embassy Location:  The U.S. Embassy in Rwanda is located in the 
capital city of Kigali at Boulevard de la Revolution, B.P. 28.  The 
telephone number is (250) 75601/2/3.

Country Description:  Rwanda is an East African country with a 
developing economy.  Tourist facilities, except in the capital city 
of Kigali and in game parks, may be limited.

Entry Requirements:  A passport and a visa are required in order to 
enter the country.  Visas can be obtained from any Rwandan Embassy 
or consulate.  A $15 fee is required for a multiple-entry visa with 
a stay of up to three months in duration; two application forms, two 
photos and evidence of yellow fever immunization also must be 
presented.  Further information on entry requirements can be 
obtained at the Embassy of the Republic of Rwanda at 1714 New 
Hampshire Avenue, N.W. in Washington, D.C. 20009, telephone (202) 
232-2882.

Areas of Instability:  Rwanda has been engaged in hostilities with 
an armed rebel force composed of Rwandan exiles from neighboring 
Uganda since October 1990.  A negotiated ceasefire is currently in 
effect, with the belligerents maintaining fixed defensive positions 
in Ruhengeri and Byumba prefectures along the border with Uganda.  
The rebels' zone of control, which is off limits to tourists, 
extends from an area just east of Volcano National Park, Home of 
Rwanda's famed mountain gorillas, eastward to the edge of Akagera 
Game Park, (the northern part of which is presently closed to 
visitors).  Tourist groups continue to visit the gorillas and the 
game park, as security permits.  In addition, there have been 
outbreaks of violence between political parties and ethnic groups 
throughout the country that occur without warning and often result 
in deaths. 

Terrorist Activities:  Terrorist acts have been committed in the 
past using anti-personnel and anti-vehicle mines.  Bombs, including 
timed explosives, have been placed in minibuses used for public 
transportation, hotels and at least one night club.  These attacks 
have not been directed at American citizens or installations and 
appear to be the result of the increasingly volatile political 
situation in the country.  The unpredictable nature of the attacks 
places all visitors in the area at risk.

Medical Facilities:  Medical facilities are limited.  Medicine is 
often in short supply.  Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate 
cash payment for health services.  U.S. medical insurance is not 
always valid outside the United States.  Supplementary medical 
insurance with specific overseas coverage has proved useful.  
Questions on health matters can be referred to the Centers for 
Disease Control's international travelers hotline at (404) 332-4559.

Information on Crime:  There have been armed robberies and attacks 
on residents of the capital city of Kigali in which guns, machetes 
and hand grenades were used.  Petty street crimes also occur.  
Useful information on safeguarding valuables and protecting personal 
security while traveling abroad is provided in the pamphlet, "A Safe 
Trip Abroad," and is available from the Superintendent of Documents, 
U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402.

Curfew:  A curfew is in effect in most of the country from 1:00 
a.m. to 5:00 a.m.  The curfew in Ruhengeri and Gisenyi Prefectures, 
where the Volcano National Park is located, is from 8:00 p.m. to 
5:00 a.m.  Additional curfews are declared in areas affected by 
fighting, ethnic violence, or conflict between rival political 
groups.  Roadblocks and checkpoints controlled by the military are 
in effect in Kigali and throughout the country.

Drug Penalties:  Penalties for possession, use and trafficking in 
illegal drugs are strict, and convicted offenders can expect lengthy 
jail sentences and fines.

Tips for Travelers:  Further information on travel to the area is 
available in the Department of State pamphlet, "Tips for Travelers 
to Sub-Saharan Africa," which is available from the Superintendent 
of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 
20402.

Registration:  U.S. citizens who register at the U.S. Embassy can 
obtain updated information on travel and security within Rwanda.

No. 93-036

This replaces the Consular Information Sheet issued December 24, 
1992, to update the report on terrorist activities and to clarify 
the curfew restrictions.