Newsgroups: wstd.travel.advisories
From: 76702.1202@CompuServe.COM (Wally Doerge)
Subject: *NEW* TRAVEL INFORMATION -- Rwanda
Organization: The World @ Software Tool & Die
Distribution: wstd
Date: Wed, 5 May 1993 17:35:13 GMT
STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Rwanda
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Rwanda - Cancellation
 May 3, 1993

The warning for Rwanda dated February 23, 1993, is canceled.  A 
negotiated ceasefire between the government of Rwanda and the 
patriotic front forces is in effect; however, the mountain gorillas 
in Volcano National Park remain inaccessible to tourists.  
Additional information can be found in the Department of Sate's 
Consular Information Sheet on Rwanda.

Rwanda - Consular Information Sheet
 May 3, 1993

Country Description:  Rwanda is a central/east African country with 
a developing economy.  Tourist facilities are limited except in the 
capital city of Kigali and in accessible game parks.

Entry Requirements:  A passport and a visa are required.  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.  Heavy fighting broke out in February 
1993.  A negotiated ceasefire is currently in effect, and is 
generally respected by both sides.  The belligerents are maintaining 
defensive positions in Ruhengeri and Byumba prefectures, with a 
buffer zone between the two forces.  Rwanda's famed mountain 
gorillas are inaccessible to tourists, as is the northern half of 
the Akagera Game Park.  There have been outbreaks of violence 
between political parties and ethnic groups, often occurring without 
warning and resulting in injuries and deaths.

Terrorist Activities:  Terrorist acts have been committed in the 
recent past using anti-personnel and anti-vehicle mines.  Bombs, 
including timed explosives, have been placed in minibuses used for 
public transportation, hotels, a night club and a marketplace in 
Butare.  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.  The unpredictable 
nature and location of the attacks places all visitors to Rwanda at 
risk.

Medical Facilities:  Medical facilities are limited.  Medicine is 
often in short supply.  Because of the high incidence of HIV 
infection, the country's blood supply must be considered unsafe.  
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 of the capital city of Kigali in which guns, machetes 
and hand grenades were used.  Petty street crimes also occur.  The 
loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported 
immediately to local police and 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 
protecting personal security while traveling abroad and on travel to 
the region in general.  Both are available from the Superintendent 
of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 
20402. 

Curfew:  A curfew is in effect in most of the country from 1:00 
A.M. to 5:00 A.M.  The curfew in Ruhengeri and Gisenyi prefectures, 
where the Volcano National Park is located, is from 6:00 P.M. to 
5:00 A.M.  Additional curfews are occasionally 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: U.S. citizens are subject to the laws of the 
country in which they are traveling.  Penalties for possession, use 
and trafficking of illegal drugs are strict, and convicted offenders 
can expect fines and lengthy jail sentences.

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

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.

This replaces the Consular Information Sheet issued February 19, 
1993, to delete the travel warning, to provide updated information 
on areas of instability, specifically northern Rwanda, to note 
revised curfew hours, and to add information on medical facilities.

 No. 93-112