Xref: world wstd.travel.advisories:824 Newsgroups: wstd.travel.advisories Path: world!daemon From: Wally Doerge <76702.1202@compuserve.com> Subject: NEW TRAVEL INFO -- Rwanda Message-ID: <950914124316_76702.1202_CHN41-1@CompuServe.COM> Precedence: bulk Sender: daemon@world.std.com (daemons) Organization: The World @ Software Tool & Die Distribution: wstd Date: Thu, 14 Sep 1995 12:43:17 GMT Approved: usenet@world.std.com Lines: 101 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 September 13, 1995 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. There is also a departure tax. For entry information, travelers may contact the Embassy of the Republic of Rwanda, 1714 New Hampshire Ave., NW, Washington D.C. 20009, Tel: 202-232-2882. 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. Travelers are subjected to frequent stops at roadblocks throughout the country, during which their vehicles and luggage may be searched. 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 medical evacuation provision is recommended. Travelers generally bring their own supplies of prescription drugs and preventive medicines. Information on health conditions and precautions may be obtained >from 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. 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 urged to register at the U.S. Embassy in Kigali where consular services resumed July 26, 1995. The U.S. Embassy is located at Boulevard de la Revolution, B.P. 28, Kigali. The telephone is (250) 75601/75602 and the fax is (250) 72128. No. 95-110 This replaces the Consular Information Sheet issued June 7, 1994, to include the updated Travel Warning and to update and revise information about the current situation in Rwanda. ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- 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