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Country Information
Angola
The Department of State warns U.S. citizens against travel to
Angola because of renewed military conflict and continuing violent
crime. Angola is a developing country that has experienced war
and civil strife since its independence from Portugal in 1975.
In 1993, the U.S. recognized the Angolan government and a U.S.
Embassy was established in Luanda. Facilities for tourism are
virtually nonexistent. Visas are required. Persons arriving without
visas are subject to possible arrest or deportation. Violent crime
exists throughout the country. Travel in many parts of Luanda
is considered unsafe at night because of the increased incidence
of armed robberies and carjackings. Adequate medical facilities
are scarce in Angola and most medicine is not available. Travelers
are advised to purchase medical evacuation insurance.
Embassy of
Angola Web Site: http://www.angola.org
Benin
Benin is a developing West African country. Its capital is Porto
Novo; however, the adjoining city of Cotonou is the main port
and site of most government and tourist activity. Tourist facilities
in Cotonou are available but not fully developed elsewhere in
Benin. U.S. citizens are required to have a visa and vaccination
certificates for yellow fever and cholera. Medical facilities
in Benin are limited. Crime rates are rising, particularly in
Cotonou.
Botswana
Botswana is a developing Southern African nation with a democratically
elected system of government. Facilities for tourism are available.
No visa is necessary for stays of less than 90 days. Medical facilities
in Botswana are limited. Some petty crime, such as pickpocketing
and purse snatching is common in the capital city of Gaborone.
It is dangerous for visitors to walk alone at night in unfamiliar
areas. Travel by automobile outside of large towns may be dangerous.
Although major roads are generally in good condition, the combination
of long stretches of two-lane highway, high speed limits, and
the occasional presence of large animals on the roads makes accidents
a frequent occurrence. Driving at night, particularly on rural
highways, is strongly discouraged. When on safari or other game
viewing activities, visitors should remember that wild animals
are unpredictable and can be extremely dangerous. Visitors should
use reputable tour operators and carefully follow all safety instructions
when engaged in such activities.
U.S.
Embassy Web Site: http://usembassy.state.gov/posts/bc1/wwwhmain.html
Burkina Faso
Burkina Faso, previously known as Upper Volta, is a developing
West African country of dry savannah that borders the Sahara Desert.
The official language is French. Facilities for tourism are not
widely available. A visa is required but may be purchased at the
airport in Ouagadougou and at some border stations (bring along
extra passport sized photos). Malaria is prevalent. Cholera and
yellow fever immunizations are recommended. Medical facilities
in Burkina Faso are very limited and medicine is in short supply.
Petty crime is on the increase. Street crime poses a risk within
Ouagadougou City and some armed banditry has been reported on
border region routes. Public transportation is unreliable and
generally unsafe. Traveling at night is extremely hazardous and
should be avoided if possible. Travel on roads is difficult due
to lack of maintenance and banditry. There are restrictions on
photography. A valid photo permit may be obtained from the Ministry
of Tourism. The U.S. Embassy in Ouagadougou
can provide information on specific photography regulations. Credit
cards are rarely accepted. Travelers checks can sometimes be
cashed at local banks that charge a fee for services. Telephone
service is available at telecenters but it is expensive.
Embassy
of Burkina Faso Web Site: http://www.burkinaembassy-usa.org
Burundi
The Department of State warns U.S. citizens to avoid travel to
Burundi due to continuing unstable conditions throughout the country.
Burundi is a small, inland African nation passing through a period
of instability following a coup attempt in October 1993. Facilities
for tourism, particularly in the interior, are limited. A visa
and immunizations for yellow fever and cholera are required. Medical
facilities are limited. Street crime poses a high risk for visitors.
Burundi has a good network of roads between major towns and border
posts. Travel on other roads is difficult, particularly in the
rainy season. Public transportation to border points is often
difficult and frequently unavailable.
Cameroon
Cameroon is a developing African country. The official language
is French. Facilities for tourism are limited. A visa and proof
of inoculation against yellow fever and cholera are required.
Obtain your visa before arrival to avoid difficulty at the airport.
Airport security is stringent and visitors may be subjected to
baggage searches. Medical facilities are limited. Armed banditry
is a problem in the extreme north and in major cities. Petty crime
is common throughout the country. Persons traveling at night on
rural highways are at extreme risk. While photography is not officially
forbidden, security officials are extremely sensitive about the
photographing of government buildings and military installations,
many of which are unmarked. Photography of these subjects may
result in seizure of photographic equipment by Cameroonian authorities.
Cape Verde
The Republic of Cape Verde consists of several rugged volcanic
islands off the West Coast of Africa. The climate is warm and
dry. Tourist facilities are limited. A visa is required. If arriving
from an infected area, evidence of immunization against yellow
fever is required. Medical facilities in Cape Verde are extremely
limited. Some petty theft is common.
Embassy
of Cape Verde Web Site: http://www.capeverdeusembassy.org
Central African Republic
The Central African Republic is a developing African country.
The U.S. Embassy maintains a limited staff and only emergency
consular services are available. Facilities for tourism are limited.
A visa is required. Medical facilities in the Central African
Republic are limited. Petty crime such as pickpocketing can occur
throughout the country, and armed highway robbery in rural areas
is common. Photography of police or military installations, as
well as government buildings, is prohibited.
Chad
Chad is a developing country in north central Africa that has
experienced sporadic armed disturbances over the past several
years. Facilities for tourism are limited. Visitors to Chad must
have a visa before arrival and present evidence of a yellow fever
vaccination. Medical facilities are extremely limited and medicines
are in short supply. Pickpocketing and purse snatching are endemic
in market and commercial areas. A permit is required for all photography.
Even with a permit, there are prohibitions against taking pictures
of military establishments and official buildings. U.S. citizens
traveling across the southwestern border into Cameroon should
consult with the U.S. Embassy Ndjamena for updates on the incidence
of highway banditry in the region.
Embassy
of Chad Web Site: http://www.chadembassy.org
The Comoros
The Comoros is a developing island nation located in the Indian
Ocean, off the east coast of Africa. Facilities for tourism are
limited. A visa is required. Visas for stays of three weeks or
less can be issued at the airport upon arrival, provided an onward/return
ticket is presented. Medical facilities in the Comoros are limited.
Petty thievery is common.
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