Wayzata World Factbook 1996

home *** CD-ROM | disk | FTP | other *** search

/ Wayzata World Factbook 1996 / The World Factbook - 1996 Edition - Wayzata Technology (3079) (1996).iso / pc / text / trvltops / subsaha.top < prev next >

Wrap

Text File | 1996-01-11 | 28.4 KB | 649 lines

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: 202-738-3238. 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.