From: 76702.1202@CompuServe.COM (Charlie Smith)
Newsgroups: rec.travel
Subject: *NEW* TRAVEL INFORMATION -- Rwanda
Date: 7 Jan 1993 18:47:50 -0600
Organization: UTexas Mail-to-News Gateway
NNTP-Posting-Host: cs.utexas.edu

STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Rwanda
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Rwanda - Consular Information Sheet
 December 24, 1992

Embassy Location:  The U.S. Embassy in Rwanda is located in the 
capital city of Kigali at Boulevard de la Revolution, B.P. 28.  The 
telephone number is (250) 75601/2/3.

Country Description:  Rwanda is an east African country with a 
developing economy.  Tourist facilities, except in the capital city 
of Kigali and in game parks, may be limited.

Entry Requirements:  A passport ad visa are required in order to 
enter the country.  Visas can be obtained from any Rwandan Embassy 
or Consulate.  A $15 fee is required for a multiple-entry visa with 
a stay of up to three months in duration; two application forms, two 
photos and evidence of yellow fever immunization also must be 
presented.  Further information on entry requirements can be 
obtained at the Embassy of the Republic of Rwanda at 1714 New 
Hampshire Avenue N.W. in Washington, D.C. 20009, telephone (202) 
232-2882.

Areas of Instability:  Rwanda has been engaged in hostilities with 
an armed rebel force composed of Rwandan exiles from neighboring 
Uganda since October 1990. A negotiated ceasefire is currently in 
effect, with the belligerents maintaining fixed defensive positions 
in Ruhengeri and Byumba prefectures along the border with Uganda.  
The rebels' zone of control, which is off limits to tourists, 
extends from an area just east of Volcano National Park, home of 
Rwanda's famed mountain gorillas, eastward to the edge of Akagera 
Game Park, (the northern  part of which is presently closed to 
visitors).  Tourist groups continue to visit the gorillas and the 
game park, as security permits.  In addition, there have been 
outbreaks of violence between political parties and ethnic groups 
throughout the country which occur without warning and often result 
in deaths. 

Terrorist Activities:  Terrorist acts have been committed using car 
bombs, anti-personnel and anti-vehicle mines.  These attacks have 
not been directed at American citizens or installations and appear 
to be the result of the increasingly volatile political situation in 
the country, along with lack of discipline in the armed forces.  
There have been no such attacks since September 1, 1992.  However, 
the unpredictable nature of the attacks places all visitors in the 
area at risk.

Medical Facilities:  Medical facilities are limited.  Medicine is 
often in short supply.  Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate 
cash payment for health services.  U.S. medical insurance is not 
always valid outside the United States.  Supplementary medical 
insurance with specific overseas coverage has proved useful.  
Questions on health matters can be referred to the Centers for 
Disease Control's international travelers hotline at (404) 332-4559.

Information on Crime:  There have been armed robberies and attacks 
on residents committed in the capital city of Kigali in which guns, 
machetes and hand grenades were used.  Petty street crimes also 
occur.  Useful information on safeguarding valuables and protecting 
personal security while traveling abroad is provided in the 
pamphlet, "A Safe Trip Abroad", is available from the Superintendent 
of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 
20402.

Curfew:  A curfew is in effect throughout Rwanda from 1:00 a.m. to 
5:00.  The curfew in Ruhengeri and Gisenyi prefectures, where the 
Volcano National Park is located, is from 8:00 p.m. to 5:30 a.m.  
Additional curfews are often declared in areas affected by fighting, 
ethnic violence, or conflict between rival political groups.  
Roadblocks and checkpoints controlled by the military are in effect 
in Kigali and throughout the country.

Drug Penalties:  Penalties for possession, use and trafficking in 
illegal drugs are strict and convicted offenders can expect lengthy 
jail sentences and fines.

Tips for Travelers:  Further information on travel to the area is 
available in the Department of State pamphlet "Tips for Travelers to 
Sub-Saharan Africa", which is available from the Superintendent of 
Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402.

Registration:  U.S. citizens who register at the U.S. Embassy can 
obtain updated information on travel and security within the country.

 No. 92-160


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