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Crime
Crime is a worldwide problem, particularly in urban populated
areas. Travelers should be alert to the increasing crime problem
throughout sub-Saharan Africa. In places where crime is especially
acute, we have noted this problem under the county-specific section
later in this brochure.
Weather
Sub-Saharan Africa is tropical, except for the high inland plateaus
and the southern part of South Africa. Within 10 degrees of the
Equator, the climate seldom varies and is generally hot and rainy.
Further from the Equator, the seasons become more apparent. If
possible, you should plan your trip in the cooler months. If traveling
to rural areas, avoid the rainy months that generally run from
May through October north of the equator and November through
April south of the equator. Roads may be washed out during these
times.
U.S. Citizens Married to Foreign Nationals
Women who travel to Africa should be aware that in some countries,
either by law or by custom, a woman and her children need the
permission of her husband to leave the country. If you or your
children travel, be aware of the laws and customs of the places
you visit. Do not visit or allow your children to visit unless
you are confident that you will be permitted to leave. Overseas,
you are subject to the laws of the country you visit. U.S. law
cannot protect you.
Currency Regulations
The amount of money, including travelers checks, which may be
taken into or out of African countries, varies. In general, visitors
must declare all currency and travelers checks upon arrival. Do
not exchange money on the black market. Use only banks and other
authorized foreign exchange offices and keep your receipts. You
may need to present the receipts as well as your original currency
declaration when you depart. Currency not accounted for may be
confiscated and you may be fined or detained. Many countries require
that hotel bills be paid in hard currency. Some require that a
minimum amount of hard currency be changed into the local currency
upon arrival. Some countries prohibit the import or export of
local currency. Also, some countries prohibit the destruction
of local currency, no matter how small the denomination.
U.S. Wildlife Regulations
The United States prohibits the importation of products from
endangered species, including the fur of any spotted cats. Most
African countries have enacted laws protecting wildlife, but poaching
and illegal trafficking in wildlife are still commonplace. Importing
products made from endangered species may result in the seizure
of the product and a possible fine. Generally, African ivory cannot
be legally imported into the United States.
The import of most types of parrots and other wild birds from
Africa is restricted and subject to licensing and other controls.
Birds are required to be placed in quarantine upon arrival to
ensure they are free from disease. For further information on
the import of wildlife and related products, visit the
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service web site at http://international.fws.gov
or the TRAFFIC
USA web site at http://www.traffic.org.
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