Wayzata World Factbook 1995/World Factbook - 1995 Edition - Wayzata Technology (1995).iso/mac/text/Build/newtvltxtmac/burundi.tvl

Text File | 1994-12-06 | 5KB | 100 lines

Burundi - Travel Warning
October 7, 1994

The Department of State warns U.S. citizens to defer all travel to Burundi
because of security concerns following the deaths of the Presidents of
Burundi and Rwanda in Kigali, Rwanda, in April 1994.

No. 94-043

This replaces the travel warning dated April 7, 1994, to delete the
information concerning ordered departure of some U.S. Government employees
and all U.S. Government dependents.

Burundi - Consular Information Sheet
October 13, 1994

Travel Warning:  The Department of State warns U.S. citizens to defer all
travel to Burundi because of security concerns following the deaths of the
presidents of Burundi and Rwanda in Kigali, Rwanda, in April 1994.

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 (U.S.) to $60 (U.S.), 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 (U.S.).  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 [phone]; or
the Permanent Mission of Burundi to the United Nations in New York,
telephone [phone].

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 a level of safety
conducive to casual travel to or within the country.  The U.S. Embassy has
reiterated the importance of using extreme caution, with no travel to the
troubled neighborhoods of the capital, and none but essential travel in the
city after dark.  Burundi periodically has closed its land borders without
notice and suspended air travel and telephone service in response to
political disturbances.  Difficulties are expected to continue until a fully
empowered government has been installed.

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 [phone].

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 Tanganyike.

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:  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:  U.S. citizens who register at the U.S. Embassy can obtain
updated information on travel and security in Burundi.

Embassy Location:  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, Burundi.  The telephone number is (257) 223-454.

No. 94-234

This replaces the information sheet dated May 12, 1994, to revise the travel
warning and to update the areas of instability.