From: 76702.1202@CompuServe.COM (Charlie Smith)
Newsgroups: rec.travel
Subject: *NEW* TRAVEL INFORMATION -- Burundi
Date: 29 Dec 1992 13:06:53 -0600
Organization: UTexas Mail-to-News Gateway
NNTP-Posting-Host: cs.utexas.edu

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

Embassy Location:  The U.S. Embassy is located on Avenue des 
Etats-Unis in the capital city of Bujumbura.  The telephone number 
is (257-222) 454.  The mailing address is B.P. 34, 1720, Bujumbura, 
Burundi.

Country Description:  Burundi is a small, inland African nation 
with a developing economy.  It is passing through a period of 
political change which includes the formation of political parties 
and the holding of free elections, expected in 1993.  Facilities for 
tourism are limited. 

Entry Requirements:  A passport and visa are required.  Only those 
travelers resident in countries where there is no Burundian embassy 
are eligible for entry stamps at the airport on arrival; to obtain 
airport visa entry stamps, travelers who qualify must present 
themselves to the immigration police prior to departure from the 
airport.  The visas cost from $30 to $60, depending on anticipated 
length of stay.  Multiple entry visas valid for three months are 
available in Burundian embassies abroad for a cost of $11.  For 
further information, the traveler can contact the Embassy of the 
Republic of Burundi, Suite 212, 2233 Wisconsin Avenue N.W., 
Washington, D.C. 20007, telephone (202) 342-2574 or the Permanent 
Mission of Burundi to the United Nations in New York, telephone 
(212) 687-1180.

Areas of Instability:  Radical political activists have incited 
violence in the recent past, throughout the country.  While the 
situation is calm at present, the possibility of renewed violence 
continues.  Burundi has periodically closed its borders with Rwanda 
and Zaire without notice, as a result of disturbances in the 
northwestern part of Burundi.

Medical Facilities:  Over 2500 cases of menigococcal meningitis 
were reported in Burundi since July 1992.  Although the disease has 
not yet affected any visitors, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) 
in Atlanta recommends that travelers to Burundi and other countries 
where the disease is prevalent, such as Tanzania, receive the 
menigococcal polysaccaride vaccine before traveling to the area.  
Medical facilities are limited in Burundi.  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 to be useful.  Information on health matters can be obtained 
from the Centers for Disease Control's international travelers 
hotline, telephone (404) 332-4559.

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 the 
mugging of persons jogging or walking alone in all sections of 
Bujumbura, and especially on public roads bordering Lake Tanganyike. 
 Useful information on safeguarding valuables and protecting 
personal security while traveling abroad is provided in the 
Department of State pamphlet, "A Safe Trip Abroad," which is 
available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government 
Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402.

Drug Penalties:  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 infrequent.  

Tips for Travelers:  The Department of State publication "Tips for 
Travelers to Sub-Saharan Africa" is available from the 
Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, 
Washington, D.C. 20402.  It contains general information on travel 
in the region.

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

 No. 92-132


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