From: owner-travel-advisories Subject: NEW TRAVEL INFO -- Rwanda Newsgroups: wstd.travel.advisories Date: Thu, 18 Apr 1996 12:34:47 GMT Organization: The World @ Software Tool & Die Xref: world wstd.travel.advisories:1031 Path: world!root Message-ID: <960418123446_76702.1202_CHN51-1@CompuServe.COM> Precedence: bulk Sender: root@world.std.com (daemons) Distribution: wstd Approved: usenet@world.std.com Lines: 112 STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Rwanda ============================================================ Rwanda - Travel Warning September 12, 1995 The Department of State warns U.S. citizens to defer travel to Rwanda. Sporadic fighting continues inside Rwanda; border areas in particular have been the sight of low-key insurgent outbreaks. Further, poor communication, transportation, and health services continue to make travel in Rwanda difficult and potentially hazardous. The U.S. Embassy in Kigali resumed consular services July 26, 1995. No. 95-028 This replaces the Travel Warning dated August 4, 1994 to update information on the security situation in Rwanda and to note the resumption of consular services at the U.S. Embassy in Kigali. Rwanda - Consular Information Sheet April 17, 1996 Warning: The Department of State warns U.S. citizens to defer travel to Rwanda. Sporadic fighting continues inside Rwanda; border areas in particular have been the site of low-key insurgent outbreaks. Further, poor communication, transportation, and health services continue to make travel in Rwanda difficult and potentially hazardous. The U.S. Embassy in Kigali resumed consular services on July 26, 1995. Country Description: Rwanda is a central/east African country recovering from years of ethnic and political strife that culminated in a three-month civil war ending in July 1994. Infrastructure damaged in the war is slowly being repaired but services such as telephone, electricity, and water are not reliable, particularly outside the capital city of Kigali. Tourism facilities in Rwanda are very limited. International air services generally operate on schedule. Public transportation is almost non-existent. Entry Requirements: A passport, a visa, and evidence of yellow fever immunization are required. Airport visas are not available. Travelers should obtain the latest information and details from the Embassy of the Republic of Rwanda, 1714 New Hampshire Ave., NW, Washington D.C. 20009, Tel: 202-232-2882. Overseas, inquiries may be made at the nearest Rwandan embassy or consulate. Areas of Instability: While there has been no open warfare in Rwanda since July 1994, border areas continue to suffer from low-key insurgent attacks, especially along the western and southern frontiers with Zaire and Burundi, where there are large concentrations of refugees. Although such violence is generally not directed against foreign visitors, there is a danger of being caught in the middle of the fighting. Random and unpredictable use of land mines has increased nationwide since January 1996, particularly along unpaved roads in the western border areas of Cyangugu, Kibuye, Gisenyi, and Ruhengeri prefectures. Travelers are subjected to frequent stops at roadblocks throughout the country, during which their vehicles and luggage may be searched. Curfews are also sporadically applied in some areas and may not be apparent to visitors. Medical Facilities: Medical facilities are extremely limited and dependent on irregular utility service. Trained medical personnel are in short supply; doctors and hospitals usually expect cash payment for services and will not accept U.S. medical insurance. The Medicare/Medicaid Program does not provide for payment of medical services outside the United States. Supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas coverage and a medical evacuation provision is recommended. Travelers generally bring their own supplies of prescription drugs and preventive medicines. For additional health information, travelers may contact the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's international travelers hotline at (404) 332-4559. Information on Crime: Pickpocketing in crowded public places is common as is petty theft from cars and hotel rooms. 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. Currency Regulations: The Rwandan franc is freely exchangeable for hard currencies in bureaux de change and banks. Several Kigali banks can efficiently handle wire transfers from U.S. banks; banks outside Kigali are slowly re-opening. Credit cards are acceptable at only a few hotels in Kigali and travelers should expect to handle most expenses in cash. Registration/Embassy Location: U.S. citizens who plan to enter Rwanda are encouraged to register at the U.S. Embassy located at Boulevard de la Revolution, B.P. 28, Kigali. The telephone is (250) 75601/75602 and the fax is (250) 72128. No. 96-085 This replaces the Consular Information Sheet issued September 13, 1995 to update the information on Areas of Instability. ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- 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. 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