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U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
SEPTEMBER 1994:  TIPS FOR TRAVELERS TO SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA
BUREAU OF CONSULAR AFFAIRS





Tips for Travelers to Sub-Saharan Africa

DEPARTMENT OF STATE PUBLICATION
Bureau of Consular Affairs
Revised September 1994

General Information

Your trip to Africa will be an adventure off the beaten
path.  The estimated 325,000 U.S citizens who travel to sub-
Saharan Africa each year are only a fraction of the more
than 44 million Americans who go overseas annually.

The Department of State seeks to encourage international
travel.  Conditions and customs in sub-Saharan Africa,
however, can contrast sharply with what you are used to.
These pages contain advice to help you avoid inconvenience
and difficulties as you go.  Take our advice seriously but
do not let it keep you at home.  Africans are happy to share
not just their scenery, but their culture and traditions as
well.

Before you go, learn as much as you can about your
destination.  Your travel agent, local bookstore, public
library and the embassies of the countries you plan to visit
are all useful sources of information.  Another source is
the Department of State's Background Notes series which
include a pamphlet for each country in Africa.  To obtain
specific pamphlet prices and information, contact the
Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing
Office, Washington, D.C. 20402; tel:  [phone].  You may
also obtain select issues by fax by calling 202-736-7720
from your fax machine.

This brochure covers all of Africa except the five nations
bordering the Mediterranean.  Sub-Saharan Africa includes 48
nations.  Forty two of these nations  are on the mainland.
In addition, four island nations in the southwest Indian
Ocean (Madagascar, Comoros, Mauritius, and Seychelles) and
two island nations in the Atlantic Ocean (Cape Verde and Sao
Tome and Principe) are considered part of Africa.  For
convenience, we will often use the word ''Africa'' to refer
to the sub-Saharan region.  For travel tips for the five
northern African nations of Tunisia, Algeria, Morocco,
Libya, and Egypt see ''Tips for Travelers to the Middle East
and North Africa.''


Consular Information Program

Before traveling obtain the Consular Information Sheet for
the country or countries you plan to visit.  You should also
check to see if the Department of State has issued a Travel
Warning for the country or countries you will be visiting.
Warnings are issued when the State Department decides, based
on all relevant information, to recommend that Americans
avoid travel to a certain country.  Consular Information
Sheets are available for every country of the world.  They
include such information as the location of the U.S. embassy
or consulate in the subject country, unusual immigration
practices, health conditions, minor political disturbances,
unusual currency and entry regulations, crime and security
information, and drug penalties.  If an unstable conditions
exists in a country that is not severe enough to warrant a
Warning, a description of the condition(s) may be included
under an optional section entitled ''Areas of Instability.''
On limited occasions, we also restate in this section any
U.S. embassy advice given to official employees.  Consular
Information Sheets generally do not include advice, but
present information on factual matters so travelers can make
knowledgeable decisions concerning travel to a particular
country.  Countries where avoidance of travel is recommended
will have Travel Warnings as well as Consular Information
Sheets.


How to Access Consular Information Sheets and Travel
Warnings

Consular Information Sheets and Travel Warnings may be heard
any time by dialing the Citizens Emergency Center at (202)
647-5225 from a touchtone phone.  The recording is updated
as new information becomes available.  They are also
available at any of the 13 regional passport agencies, field
offices of the U.S. Department of Commerce, and U.S.
embassies and consulates abroad, or, by writing or sending a
self-addressed, stamped envelope to the Office of Overseas
Citizens Services, Bureau of Consular Affairs, Room 4811,
N.W., U.S. Department of State, Washington, D.C. 20520-4818.

By fax

From your fax machine, dial 202-647-3000, using the handset
as you would a regular telephone.  The system will instruct
you on how to proceed.

Consular Affairs Bulletin Board - CABB

If you have a personal computer, modem and communication
software, you can access the Consular Affairs Bulletin Board
or CABB.  This service is free of charge.

To view or download the documents from a computer and modem,
dial the CABB on 202-647-9225, setting your software to N-8-
1.

As you travel, keep abreast of local news coverage.  If you
plan a long stay in one place or if you are in an area where
communications are poor or that is experiencing civil unrest
or some natural disaster, you are encouraged to register
with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.  Registration
takes only a few moments, and it may be invaluable in case
of an emergency.  Remember to leave a detailed itinerary and
the numbers of your passport or other citizenship documents
with a friend or relative in the United States.

Health

Health problems affect more visitors to Africa than any
other difficulty.  Information on health precautions can be
obtained from local health departments, private doctors, or
travel clinics.  General guidance can also be found in the
U.S. Public Health Service book, ''Health Information for
International Travel,'' available for $6.00 from the
Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing
Office, Washington, D.C. 20402, or the Centers for Disease
Control's international travelers hotline at 404-332-4559.
Depending on your destination, immunization may be
recommended against cholera, diphtheria, tetanus, hepatitis,
meningitis, polio, typhoid, and yellow fever.  These
diseases are transmitted by insects, contaminated food and
water, or close contact with infected people.  Travelers
should take the proper precautions before leaving for sub-
Saharan Africa to reduce the risk of infection.

Diseases transmitted by insects

Many diseases are transmitted through the bite of infected
insects such as mosquitoes, flies, fleas, ticks, and lice.
Travelers must protect themselves from insect bites by
wearing proper clothing, using bed nets, and applying the
proper insect repellent.   Mosquito activity is most
prominent during the hours between dusk and dawn.  Malaria
is a serious parasitic infection transmitted to humans by
the mosquito.  Symptoms range from fever and flu-like
symptoms, to chills, general achiness, and tiredness.
Travelers at risk for malaria should take Mefloquine to
prevent malaria.  This drug should be taken one week before
leaving, while in the malarious area, and for a period of 4
weeks after leaving the area. Yellow Fever  is a viral
disease transmitted to human by a mosquito bite.  Symptoms
range from fever, chills, headache, and vomiting to
jaundice, internal bleeding, and kidney failure.  Some sub-
Saharan countries require yellow fever vaccination for
entry.  Dengue Fever  is primarily an urban viral infection
transmitted by mosquito bites.  The illness is flu-like and
characterized by the sudden onset of a high fever, severe
headaches, joint and muscle pain, and rash.  Prevention is
important since no vaccine or specific treatment exists.

Diseases transmitted through food and water

Food and waterborne diseases are one of the major cause of
illness to travelers, most frequent being diarrhea.  It can
be caused by viruses, bacteria, or parasites which are found
universally throughout the region.  Typhoid Fever  is a
bacterial infection transmitted throughout contaminated food
and/or water, or directly between people.  Symptoms of
typhoid include fever, headaches, tiredness, loss of
appetite, and constipation more often then diarrhea.
Typhoid fever can be treated effectively with antibiotics.
Drinking only bottled or boiled water and eating only
thoroughly cooked food reduces the risk of infection.
Cholera  is an acute intestinal infection caused by a
bacterium.  Infection is acquired by ingesting contaminated
water or food.  Symptoms include an abrupt onset of
voluminous watery diarrhea, dehydration, vomiting, and
muscle cramps.  The best method of prevention is to follow
the standard food and water precautions.  Individuals with
severe cases should receive medical attention immediately.
Hepatitis A  is a viral infection of the liver transmitted
by the fecal oral; through direct person to person contact;
from contaminated water, ice or shellfish; or from fruits or
uncooked vegetables contaminated through handling.  Symptoms
include fatigue, fever, loss of appetite, nausea, dark
urine, jaundice, vomiting, aches and pains, and light
stools.  No specific therapy is available.  The virus is
inactivated by boiling or cooking to 85 degrees centigrade
for one minute.  Travelers should eat thoroughly cooked
foods and drinking only treated water as a precautions.

Diseases transmitted through intimate contact with people

Human immunodeficiency virus  (HIV) which causes acquired
immunodeficiency syndrome or AIDS is found primarily in
blood, semen, and vaginal secretions of an infected person.
HIV is spread by contact with an infected person, by needle
sharing among injecting drug users, and through transfusions
of infected blood and blood clotting factors.  Treatment has
prolonged the survival of some HIV infected persons, but
there is no known cure or vaccine available.  International
travelers should be aware that some countries serologically
screen incoming travelers (primarily those with extended
visits, such as for work or study) and deny entry to persons
with AIDS and those whose test results indicate infection
with HIV.  Persons who are intending to visit a country for
substantial period or to work or study abroad may wish to
consult the embassy of that country concerning the policies
and requirements on HIV testing.  Hepatitis B  is a viral
infection of the liver.  Primarily, Hepatitis B is
transmitted through activities which result in the exchange
of blood or blood derived fluids and/or through sexual
activity with an infected person.  The primary prevention
consists of either vaccination and/or reducing intimate
contact with those suspected of being infected.
Meningococcal Disease  (bacterial meningitis) is a bacterial
infection in the lining of the brain or spinal cord.  Early
symptoms are headache, stiff neck, a rash, and fever.  This
is spread by repository droplets when an infected person
sneezes or coughs on you.  A one dose vaccine called
Menomune% is available.

Other diseases

Schistosomiasis is an infection that develops after the
larvae of a flatworm have penetrated the skin.  Water
treated with chlorine or iodine is virtually safe, and salt
water poses no risk.  The risk is a function of the
frequency and degree of contact with contaminated fresh
water for bathing, wading, or swimming.  It is often
difficult to distinguish between infested and non-infested
water therefore, swimming in fresh water in rural areas
should be avoided.  Rabies  is a viral infection that
affects the central nervous system.  It is transmitted by
animal bites which introduces the virus into the wound.  The
best prevention is not to handle animals.  Any animal bite
should receive prompt attention.

Some countries have shortages of medicines; bring an
adequate supply of any prescription and over-the-counter
medicines that you are accustomed to taking.  Keep all
prescriptions in their original, labeled containers.

Medical facilities may be limited, particularly in rural
areas.  Should you become seriously ill or injured abroad,
contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.  A U.S.
consular officer can  furnish you with a list of recommended
local hospitals and English-speaking doctors.  Consular
officers can also inform your family or friends in the
United States of your condition.  Because medical coverage
overseas can be quite expensive, prospective travelers
should review their health insurance policies.  Doctors and
hospital expect immediate payment in full for health
services in many sub-Saharan countries.  If your policy does
not provide medical coverage overseas, consider buying
supplemental insurance.  It is also advisable to obtain
insurance to cover the exorbitant cost of medical evacuation
in the event of a medical emergency.

Except in first-class hotels, drink only boiled water or
bottled beverages.  Avoid ice cubes.  Unless you are certain
they are pasteurized, avoid dairy products.  Vegetables and
fruits should be peeled or washed in a purifying solution.
A good rule of thumb is, if you can't peel it or cook it,
don't eat it.


Crime

Crime is a worldwide problem, particularly in urban
populated areas.  In places where crime is especially acute,
we have noted this problem under the specific geographic
country section.  Travelers should, however, be alert to the
increasing crime problem throughout sub-Saharan Africa.


Weather

Sub-Saharan Africa is tropical, except for the high inland
plateaus and the southern part of South Africa.  Within 10
degrees of the Equator, the climate seldom varies and is
generally hot and rainy.  Further from the Equator, the
seasons become more apparent, and if possible, you should
plan your trip in the cooler months.  If traveling to rural
areas, avoid the rainy months which generally run from May
through October, since roads may be washed out.


Visa and Other Entry Requirements

A U.S. passport is required for travel to all countries in
Africa.  In addition, most countries in sub-Saharan Africa
require U.S. citizens to have a visa.  If visas are
required, obtain them before you leave home.  If you decide
to visit additional countries en route, it may be difficult
or impossible to obtain visas.  In most African countries,
you will not be admitted into the country and will have to
depart on the next plane, if you arrive without a visa.
This can be inconvenient if the next plane does not arrive
in several days, the airport hotel is full, and the airport
has no other sleeping accommodations.

The best authority on a country's visa and other entry
requirements is its embassy or consulate.  The Department of
State publication, ''Foreign Entry Requirements,'' gives
basic information on entry requirements and tells where and
how to apply for visas.  You can order a copy for $.50 from
the Consumer Information Center,  Pueblo, Colorado 81009.

Allow plenty of time to apply for visas.  An average of two
weeks for each visa is recommended.  When you inquire, check
the following:

-  visa price, length of validity, and number of entries;

-  financial data required - proof of sufficient funds,
proof of onward/return ticket;

-  immunizations required;

-  currency regulations;

-  import/export restrictions; and

-  departure tax.  If required, be sure to keep sufficient
hard currency so that you may leave the country on schedule.

-  AIDS clearance certification.  Some countries require
travelers to submit certification or be tested upon arrival
for AIDS.

In the past, some African countries refused to admit
travelers who had South African visas or entry and exit
stamps in their passports.  The situation has been
improving; however, if you have such notations in your
passport or plan to visit South Africa in conjunction with a
trip to other countries, contact a U.S. passport agency for
guidance.  If you are overseas, contact the nearest U.S.
embassy or consulate.


Restricted Areas

A visa is good only for those parts of a country that are
open to foreigners.  Several countries in Africa have areas
of civil unrest or war zones that are off-limits to visitors
without special permits.  Others have similar areas that are
open but surrounded by security checkpoints where travelers
must show their passport, complete with valid visa.  When
traveling in such a country, keep your passport with you at
all times.  No matter where you travel in Africa, do not
overstay the validity of your visa; renew it if necessary.

If stopped at a roadblock, be courteous and responsive to
questions asked by persons in authority.  At night, turn on
the interior light of the car.  In areas of instability,
however, try to avoid travel at night.  For information on
restricted or risky areas,  consult Department of State
Consular Information Sheets or, if you are already in
Africa, the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.

In some areas, when U.S. citizens are arrested or detained,
police or prison officials have failed to inform the U.S.
embassy or consulate.  If you are ever detained for any
reason, ask to talk with a U.S. consular officer
immediately.


U.S. Citizens Married to Foreign Nationals

Women who travel to Africa should be aware that in some
countries, either by law or by custom, a woman and her
children need the permission of her husband to leave the
country.  If you or your children travel, be aware of the
laws and customs of the places you visit.  Do not visit or
allow your children to visit unless you are confident that
you will be permitted to leave.  Once overseas, you are
subject to the laws of the country you are in; U.S. law
cannot protect you.


Currency Regulations

The amount of money, including traveler's checks, which may
be taken into or out of African countries varies.  In
general, visitors must declare all currency and travelers
checks upon arrival.  Do not exchange money on the black
market.  Use only banks and other authorized foreign
exchange offices and retain receipts.  You may need to
present the receipts as well as your original currency
declaration when you depart.  Currency not accounted for may
be confiscated, and you may be fined or detained.

Many countries require that hotel bills be paid in hard
currency.  Some require that a minimum amount of hard
currency be changed into the local currency upon arrival.
Some countries prohibit the import or export of local
currency.


U.S. Wildlife Regulations

The United States prohibits the import of products from
endangered species, including the furs of any spotted cats.
Most African countries have enacted laws protecting
wildlife, but poaching and illegal trafficking in wildlife
are still commonplace.  Importing products made from
endangered species, may result in the seizure of the product
and a possible fine.  African ivory can not generally be
imported legally into the United States.

The import of most types of parrots and other wild birds
from Africa is now restricted and subject to licensing and
other controls.  There are also restrictions which require
the birds to be placed in quarantine upon arrival to ensure
they are free from disease.  For further information on the
import of wildlife and related products, consult the U.S.
Fish and Wildlife Service or TRAFFIC U.S.A., World Wildlife
Fund┌U.S., 1250 24th Street, N.W., Washington, D.C.  20037.


Air Travel

If you are flying to places in Africa other than the major
tourist destinations, you may have difficulty securing and
retaining reservations and experience long waits at airports
for customs and immigration processing.  If stranded, you
may need proof of a confirmed reservation in order to obtain
food and lodging vouchers from some airlines.  Flights are
often overbooked, delayed, or cancelled and when competing
for space on a plane, you may be dealing with a surging
crowd rather than a line.  Traveling with a packaged tour
may insulate you from some of these difficulties.  All
problems cannot be avoided, but you can:

  - Learn the reputation of the airline and the airports you
will use to forestall problems and avoid any unpleasant
surprises.

  - When possible, reserve your return passage before you
go; reconfirm immediately upon arrival.

  - Ask for confirmation in writing, complete with file
number or locator code, when you make or confirm a
reservation.

  - Arrive at the airport earlier than required in order to
put yourself at the front of the line ┌ or the crowd, as the
case may be.

  - Travel with funds sufficient for an extra week's
subsistence in case you are stranded.

Photography

Africa is filled with photogenic scenery, and photography is
generally encouraged.  However, most governments prohibit
photography of military installations or locations having
military significance, including airports, bridges, tunnels,
port facilities, and public buildings.  Visitors can seek
guidance on restrictions from local tourist offices or from
the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.  Taking photographs
without prior permission can result in your arrest or the
confiscation of your film.

Shortages, High Prices, and Other Problems

Consumer goods, gas, and food are in short supply in some
African countries and prices for these commodities may be
high by U.S. standards.  Shortages of hotel accommodations
also exist so confirm reservations well in advance.  Some
countries experience disruptions in electricity and water
supply or in services such as mail and telecommunications.

Local Transportation

Rental cars, where available, may be expensive.  Hiring a
taxi is often the easiest way to go sight-seeing.  Taxi
fares should be negotiated in advance.  Travel on rural
roads can be slow and difficult in the dry season and
disrupted by floods in the rainy season.   Roads may also be
dangerous due to the presence of armed bandits.


Country Information

Angola

Angola is a developing country which has experienced war and
civil strife since independence from Portugal in 1975.  On
May 19, 1993, the U.S. recognized the Government of the
Republic of Angola, and a U.S. Embassy was established in
Luanda on June 22, 1993.  Facilities for tourism are
virtually nonexistent.  Visas are required.  Persons
arriving without visas are subjected to possible arrest or
deportation.   Travel in many parts of the city is
considered unsafe at night because of the increased
incidence of armed robberies and carjackings.  Violent crime
exists throughout the country.  Adequate medical facilities
are scarce in Angola, and most medicine is not available.
Travelers are advised to purchase medical evacuation
insurance.

Benin

Benin is a developing West African country.  Its capital is
Porto Novo; however the adjoining city of Cotonou is the
main port and site of most government and tourist activity.
Tourist facilities in Cotonou are available, but are not
fully developed elsewhere in Benin.  U.S. citizens are
required to have a passport and visa to enter the country.
Because of security concerns in remote areas, especially in
the northern region of Atacora, travel can be dangerous.
Medical facilities in Benin are limited.  Crime rates are
rising, particularly in the city of Cotonou.

Botswana

Botswana is a developing southern African nation.
Facilities for tourism are available.  A passport is
required.  No visa is necessary for stays of less than 90
days.  Medical facilities in Botswana are limited.  Some
petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching is
common in the capital city of Gaborone.  Travel by
automobile outside of large towns may be dangerous.
Although major roads are generally in good condition, the
combination of long, tedious stretches of two-lane highway,
high speed limits, and the occasional presence of large
animals on the roads makes accidents a frequent occurrence.

Burkina Faso

Burkina Faso , previously known as Upper Volta, is a
developing West African country which borders the Sahara
Desert.  The official language is French.  Facilities for
tourism are not widely available.  A passport and a visa are
required.  Cholera immunization is recommended.  Medical
facilities in Burkina Faso are limited.  Medicine may be in
short supply.  Some petty crime occurs.  There are
restrictions on photography and a valid photo permit must be
obtained from the Ministry of Tourism.  The Ministry
maintains a list of photo restrictions that are expected to
be observed by visitors.  The U.S. Embassy in Ouagadougou
can provide information on specific photography regulations.
Credit cards are rarely accepted.  Travelers checks can be
cashed at local banks.  Local telephone service is excellent
but expensive.

Burundi

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.  A passport and visa are required.  Medical
facilities are limited in Burundi.  Street crime poses a
high risk for visitors.  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.  At the time of publication, the
Department of State warned U.S. citizens to avoid travel due
to continuing unstable conditions throughout the country.

Cameroon

Cameroon is a developing African country.  Facilities for
tourism are limited.  A passport and a visa are required.
Airport security is stringent and visitors may be subject to
baggage searches.  Medical facilities are limited.  Armed
banditry is an increasing problem throughout the country,
including tourist areas in Cameroon's far north province and
all major cities.  Persons traveling at night on rural
highways are at extreme risk.  While photography is not
officially forbidden, security officials are sensitive about
the photographing of government buildings and military
installations, many of which are unmarked.  Photography of
these subjects may result in seizure of photographic
equipment by Cameroon authorities.

Cape Verde

The Republic of Cape Verde consists of several rugged
volcanic islands off the west coast of Africa.  The climate
is warm and dry.  Tourist facilities are limited.  A
passport and a visa are required.  Evidence of immunization
against yellow fever (if arriving from and infected area),
is required.  Medical facilities in Cape Verde are extremely
limited.  Some petty theft  is common.

Central African Republic

The Central African Republic is a developing African
country.  Facilities for tourism are limited.  A passport
and visa are required.  Medical facilities in the Central
African Republic are limited.  Petty crime such as
pickpocketing is common.  There have been attacks by armed
highway bandits on motorists in the central and northern
part of the country, which have resulted in the wounding or
death of both foreigners and Africans.  Taking photographs
of police or military installations, as well as government
buildings, is prohibited.

Chad

Chad is a developing country in north central Africa which
has experienced sporadic armed disturbances over the past
several years.  Facilities for tourism are limited.
Visitors to Chad must have a passport and a visa before
arrival.  Evidence of a yellow fever vaccination must be
presented.  Medical facilities are extremely limited.
Medicines are in short supply.  Pickpocketing and purse
snatching are endemic in market and commercial areas.  A
permit is required for all photography.  Even with a permit,
there are prohibitions against taking pictures of military
establishments and official buildings.   At the time of
publication, the U.S. Embassy advised U.S. citizens that
travel across the southwestern border into Cameroon was
hazardous because of a continuing series of security
incidents.

Comoros

Comoros is a developing island nation located in the Indian
Ocean, off the east coast of Africa.  Facilities for tourism
are limited.  A passport and a visa are required.  Visas for
stays of three weeks or less can be issued at the airport
upon arrival, provided an onward/return ticket is presented.
Medical facilities in Comoros are limited.  Petty thievery
is not uncommon.

Congo

The Congo is a developing nation in central Africa.
Facilities for tourism are limited.  A passport and a visa
are required.  Medical facilities in the Congo are limited.
Some medical supplies is in short supply.  Street crime,
including mugging and purse snatching, is common in
Brazzaville, as well as in some parts of the countryside.
Driving may be hazardous, particularly at night, and
travelers should be alert to possible roadblocks.