A Hutu rebel faction was responsible for the kidnapping of four foreign nationals in August 1998 in a region of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, which borders Rwanda. Hutu rebel factions are known to operate in northeastern DROC and surrounding areas, including sections of Rwanda, Uganda, Tanzania and Burundi. Pick-pocketing in crowded public places is common, as is petty theft from cars and hotel rooms. The loss or theft of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to local police and to the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. A Safe Trip Abroad and Tip for Travelers to Sub-Saharan Africa provide useful information on personal security while traveling abroad and on travel in the region in general.
Medical facilities are limited and some medicines are in short supply or unavailable.
Travelers generally bring their own supplies of prescription drugs and preventive medicines. A missionary hospital run by Americans is located in Kibogora, in the southwest of Rwanda, and has some surgical facilities. The Department of State strongly urges Americans to consult with their medical insurance company prior to traveling abroad to confirm whether their policy applies overseas and whether it will cover emergency expenses such as medical evacuation. U.S. medical insurance plans seldom cover health costs incurred outside the United States unless supplemental coverage is purchased. Further, U.S. Medicare and Medicaid programs do not provide payment for medical services outside the United States.