This faction was responsible for the March 1999 kidnapping and murder of several Western tourists, including U.S. citizens, in neighboring Uganda. A Hutu rebel action was responsible for the kidnapping of four foreign nationals in August 1998 in a region of the Democratic Republic of Congo, which borders Rwanda. Hutu rebel factions are known to operate in northeastern DRC and surrounding areas, including sections of Rwanda, Uganda, Tanzania, and Burundi. The loss or theft of an U.S. passport should be reported immediately to local police and to the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. The pamphlets, A Safe Trip Abroad and Tips for Travelers to Sub-Saharan Africa , provide useful information on personal security while traveling abroad and on travel in the region in general.
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 it 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. However, many travel agents and private companies offer insurance plans that will cover health care expenses incurred overseas including emergency services such as medical evacuations.