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ExitToAfrica.com would like to thank the State Department for providing this listing of
ARCHIVE pre-2000
State Department Travel Advisory
&
African Embassies Websites
Click here to go to the original website.
Click here for the State Department website.
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| 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 |
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| 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. |
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| 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 |
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| 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. Traveler’s 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 |
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| 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. |
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| 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. |
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| 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 |
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| 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. |
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| 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 N’djamena for updates on the incidence of highway banditry in the region. |
| Embassy of Chad Web Site: http://www.chadembassy.org |
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| 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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| Republic of the Congo (Brazzaville) |
| Although the 1998-99 civil conflict has ended and security in the country in general is improving, the Department of State warns U.S. citizens to defer travel to Republic of the Congo because of the uncertain security situation in some regions. The U.S. Embassy is closed. The Republic of the Congo is a developing nation in central Africa. Facilities for tourism are limited. A visa is required. Medical facilities are limited and some medical supplies are in short supply. Petty street crime, including mugging and purse snatching, occasionally occur in Brazzaville and Pointe Noire, as well as in parts of the countryside. Driving may be hazardous, particularly at night, and travelers should be alert to possible roadblocks. Travelers may wish to contact the U.S. Embassy in Kinshasa in the Democratic Republic of Congo for the latest information on conditions in the Republic of Congo. |
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| Cote d’Ivoire |
| Cote d’Ivoire, previously known as the Ivory Coast, is a developing West African nation. Tourism facilities in the capital city of Abidjan include some luxury hotels. Other accommodations, especially outside the capital, may be limited in quality and availability. A visa is not required for a stay of up to 90 days. All travelers arriving in Cote d’Ivoire must be in possession of a World Health Organization (WHO) vaccination card reflecting a current yellow fever inoculation. The WHO card is inspected by Ivorian health officials at the airport before admittance into the country. Medical facilities are adequate in Abidjan but may be limited elsewhere. Not all medicines are available. Street crime of the "grab and run" variety, as well as pickpocketing in crowded areas, has increased. Automobile accidents are one of the greatest threats to Americans in Cote d’Ivoire. Night driving is particularly hazardous due to poorly lit roads and vehicles. Airline travel in Cote d’Ivoire and many other parts of West Africa is routinely overbooked, schedules are limited and airline assistance is of varying quality. |
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| Democratic Republic of the Congo |
| The Department of State warns U.S. citizens against travel to the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) because of security and political uncertainties. DRC is the largest sub-Saharan African country. Although DRC has substantial human and natural resources, in recent years, the country has suffered a profound political and economic crisis. This has resulted in the dramatic deterioration of the physical infrastructure of the country, insecurity and an increase in rime in urban areas (including occasional episodes of looting and murder in Kinshasa’s streets.) There has also been occasional official hostility to U.S. citizens, U.S. interests and nationals of European countries; periodic shortages of basic needs such as gasoline; chronic shortages of medicine and supplies for some basic medical care; hyperinflation and corruption. In some urban areas, malnutrition and starvation are acute. Tourism facilities are minimal. A visa and vaccination certificate, showing valid yellow fever immunization, are required for entry. Medical facilities are extremely limited. Medicine is in short supply. Most intercity roads are difficult or impassable in the rainy season. Government permission is required for travel outside Kinshasa. Credit cards are generally not accepted, except by a few major hotels and restaurants. Photography of public buildings and/or military installations is forbidden, including photography of the banks of the Congo River. Offenders may be arrested, held for a minimum of several hours, fined and the film and camera may also be confiscated. Armed groups operate in parts of the DRC outside government control. These groups have been responsible for pillaging, vehicle thefts, carjackings, extrajudicial settling of differences, ethnic tensions and continued military/paramilitary operations. Travelers in these areas run the risk of attack or detention. |
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| Djibouti |
| Djibouti is a developing East African country. Facilities for tourism are limited. Visitors to Djibouti must obtain a visa before arrival. Evidence of yellow fever immunization must be presented. Medical facilities are limited. Medicine is often unavailable. Petty crime occurs in Djibouti City and elsewhere in the country. |
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| Equatorial Guinea |
| Equatorial Guinea is a developing country in West Africa. Tourism facilities are minimal. A visa is not required. Proof of smallpox, yellow fever and cholera immunizations required for a stay of less than 90 days. Medical facilities are extremely limited. Many medicines are unavailable. Petty crime is common. The government of Equatorial Guinea has established stringent currency restrictions, applied both on arrival and departure from the country. Special permits may be needed for some types of photography. There is no U.S. Embassy in Equatorial Guinea. Contact the U.S. Embassy in neighboring Yaounde, Cameroon for the latest information. |
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| Eritrea |
| Eritrea is a poor but developing East African country. Formerly a province of Ethiopia, Eritrea became an independent country in 1993, following a 30-year long struggle for independence. Tourism facilities in Eritrea are very limited. A visa is required. Airport visas are unavailable. Medical facilities in Eritrea are extremely limited. Travelers must bring their own supplies of prescription drugs and preventative medicines. Street crime is not a frequent occurrence but is on the increase. Visitors should exercise normal safety precautions with regard to what valuables are carried and what environs are visited. Credit cards are generally not accepted in Eritrea. Foreigners must pay bills in U.S. dollars or U.S. dollar denomination travelers checks. |
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| Ethiopia |
| Ethiopia and Eritrea signed a final, comprehensive peace agreement on December 12, 2000, ending their two-year border conflict. Travel near or across the Ethiopia/Eritrea border should be avoided. Ethiopia is a developing East African country. Tourism facilities, although available in larger cities, are limited. A visa is required, as well as evidence of yellow fever immunization. Travelers must enter Ethiopia y air, either at Addis Ababa or Dire Dawa. Individuals entering overland risk being detained by immigration authorities and/or fined. Airport visas may be obtained if 48 hours advance notice has been provided by the traveler’s sponsoring organization to proper authorities within Ethiopia. Visitors must declare hard currency upon arrival and may be required to present this declaration when applying for an exit visa. Upon departure, travelers should remember that antiquities and religious artifacts require export permission. There is a black market for hard currency, although the official and unofficial exchange rates continue to converge. Black market exchanges remain illegal and visitors are encouraged to exchange funds at banks or hotels. Domestic and international air services generally operate on schedule. Internal travel is usually safe along major arteries. However, in rural areas and at night, bandit attacks are common, especially along the border with Somalia. Additionally, not all land mines have been disabled and cleared, especially in rural and isolated areas. Pickpocketing is rampant, and there have been numerous reports of thieves snatching jewelry. Although physicians are well trained, medical facilities are minimal. Hospitals in Addis Ababa suffer from inadequate facilities, antiquated equipment and shortages of supplies, particularly medicine. Certain buildings and public places may not be photographed. |
| U.S. Embassy Web Site: http://www.telecom.net.et/~usemb-et/ |
| Embassy of Ethiopia Web Site: http://www.ethiopianembassy.org |
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| Gabon |
| Gabon is a developing West African nation. French is the official language. Facilities for tourism are limited, especially outside the capital city. A visa is required, and must be obtained in advance of arrival in Gabon. Medical facilities in Gabon are limited. Some medicines are not available. Petty crime, such as robbery and mugging, is common, especially in urban areas. |
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| The Gambia |
| The Gambia is a developing West African nation. Facilities for tourists such as hotels and restaurants are common near the coast. In inland areas, there are few tourist facilities, mostly consisting of campgrounds and small wildlife parks. A visa is required. Evidence of yellow fever immunization must be submitted with the visa application. Malaria is common and is predominately the most dangerous variety, Plasmodium Falciparum. Malaria prophylaxis is highly recommended, and visitors should be aware that any fever or flu-like illness while in The Gambia or within three months of travel to The Gambia requires urgent medical attention. Health facilities and services do not meet U.S. standards and there is a limited selection of medicines available. Petty street crime such as pickpocketing and purse snatching is a problem in some urban areas. |
| Embassy of Gambia Web Site: http://www.gambia.com/index.html |
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| Ghana |
| Ghana is a developing country on the west coast of Africa. A visa and evidence of immunization for yellow fever is required. Medical facilities in Ghana are limited, particularly outside the capital city of Accra. Malaria is common, as are other tropical diseases. Petty crime, such as pickpocketing, is a problem. Robberies often occur in public places and at the beach. In order to comply with Ghanaian law, currency transactions must be conducted with banks or foreign exchange bureaus. Visitors arriving in Ghana with electronic equipment, particularly video cameras and laptop computers may be required to pay a refundable deposit of 17.5% of the item’s value prior to entry into the country. In some areas, possession of a camera is considered to be suspicious. Individuals have been arrested for taking pictures near sensitive installations. The government of Ghana does not recognize dual nationality except for minors under 21 years of age. The wearing of any military apparel, such as camouflage jackets or pants, or any clothing or items that may appear military in nature is strictly prohibited. |
| U.S. Embassy Web Site: http://usembassy.state.gov/ghana/ |
| Embassy of Ghana Web Site: http://www.ghana-embassy.org |
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| Guinea |
| Guinea is a developing coastal West African country. The Department of State advises against travel in or near southern border regions. Due to armed incursions across Guinea’s borders with Sierra Leone and Liberia, the Department of State has recalled all U.S. government employees formerly residing within 63 miles (100 kilometers) of the southern borders back to Conakry. Travelers should consult the latest State Department Consular Information Sheet before making travel plans to Guinea, and should register with the U.S. Embassy in Conakry upon arrival. Facilities for tourism are minimal. A visa is required. Diseases such as malaria, including cerebral malaria, hepatitis and intestinal hepatitis disorders are endemic. Evidence of yellow fever immunization is required and the Guinean government recommends taking of malarial suppressants. Medical facilities are limited. Street crime is very common. Criminals particularly target visitors at the airport in Conakry. Pickpockets or persons posing as officials sometimes offer assistance and then steal bags, purses or wallets. Travelers may wish to be met at the airport by travel agents, business contacts, family members or friends to avoid this possibility. Permission from the Guinean government’s security personnel is required for photographing government buildings, airports, bridges or official looking buildings. Credit cards are rarely accepted in Guinea. Fund transfers between banks are frequently difficult, if not impossible, to accomplish. Western Union and Moneygram have offices in Conakry. The communications system is poor. It is recommended that travelers keep their passport in a safe place and carry copies of the passport and visa(s) with them. |
| U.S. Embassy Web Site: http://www.eti-bull.net/usembassy/ |
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| Guinea-Bissau |
| The Department of State warns American citizens against travel to Guinea-Bissau. The U.S. Embassy has suspended operations and all official Americans have departed the country. Guinea-Bissau is a developing nation on the west coast of Africa. Portuguese is the official language; French is also widely spoken. Facilities for tourism are minimal, particularly outside the capital city of Bissau. A visa must be obtained in advance; recent visitors arriving without visas via land or air have been turned back. Two photos and evidence of yellow fever immunization must accompany visa applications. Medical facilities in Guinea-Bissau are extremely limited. Medicines often are not available. Malaria and other tropical diseases are common. Petty thievery and pickpocketing are increasingly common, particularly at the airport, in markets and at public gatherings. Thieves have occasionally posed as officials and stolen bags and other personal items. Visitors should request permission from security personnel before photographing military or police installations. Small U.S. currency denominations are most useful for exchange into Guinea-Bissau pesos. Credit cards and travelers checks are rarely accepted in Guinea-Bissau. Fund transfers between banks are frequently difficult and time-consuming to accomplish. Taking pesos out of the country is prohibited. Travelers may have difficulty finding public phones and receiving international calls. Telephone services are expensive. |
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| Kenya |
| Kenya is a developing East African country known for the wildlife in its national park system. Tourist facilities are widely available in Nairobi, on the coast and in the game parks and reserves. No visa is required for a tourist stay of up to one month. Proof of yellow fever immunization is required if traveling from infected areas. Adequate medical services are available in Nairobi. There is a high rate of street crime against tourists in downtown Nairobi, Mombasa, and at the coastal beach resorts. Pickpockets and thieves are also involved in "snatch and run" crimes near crowds. While traveling in wildlife areas, visitors should use reputable travel firms and knowledgeable guides and avoid camping alone. Water in Nairobi is potable. In other parts of the country, water must be boiled or bottled. Travel by passenger train in Kenya may be unsafe, particularly during the rainy season, because of the lack of routine maintenance and safety checks. |
| Embassy of Kenya Web Site: http://www.kenyaembassy.com |
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| Lesotho |
| Lesotho is a developing country surrounded on all sides by the Republic of South Africa. Facilities for tourists are limited. Visas are required and should be obtained at a Lesotho diplomatic mission abroad. However, some Americans have obtained visas without difficulties at the immigration office in Maseru after entering the country from South Africa. Although basic medical facilities and medicines are available in Lesotho, medical attention should be sought in South Africa if possible. The political situation has been stable for the last two years and is expected to remain so in the near term. Travel at night and travel in local mini-vans/taxis is dangerous. Travelers up-country in winter (May-Sept) should be prepared for cold weather and snow. Street crime, car jacking and break-ins are common in Maseru and can occur elsewhere as well. Credit cards are only accepted at a few establishments in Maseru. The local currency, the maloti, is pegged to the South African rand, which is accepted everywhere in Lesotho. Tap water is not reliably potable. |
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| Liberia |
| U.S. citizens are warned to avoid travel due to unsettled security conditions. Liberia is a West African country that has suffered internal strife for the past several years. Tourism facilities are poor, and in some cases, non-existent. Travelers are required to have a visa prior to arrival. Evidence of yellow fever vaccination is also required. An exit permit must be obtained from Liberian immigration authorities upon arrival. Medical facilities have been disrupted and medicines are scarce. Monrovia’s crime rate is high. Foreigners have been targets of street crime. Lodging, water, electricity, fuel, transportation, telephone and postal services continue to be uneven in Monrovia. |
| Embassy of Liberia Web Site: http://www.liberiaemb.org |
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| Madagascar |
| Madagascar, the "Great Red Island," is a developing island nation off the east coast of Africa. It is a living museum offering endless fascination to the zoologist and botanist. Antananarivo, the capital, enjoys a temperate climate but the island has a wide range of microclimates ranging from rain forests in the northeast to desert in the southwest. Facilities for tourism are available, but vary in quality. Visas are required; a 3-month non-renewable tourist visa is available at the airport. Evidence of yellow fever immunizations is also required for all travelers who have been in an infected zone 6 months prior to their arrival here. If you will be traveling outside of Antananarivo, malaria prophylactics are highly recommended. Check with your insurance company to confirm whether your policy applies overseas, including provisions for medical evacuations, as medical facilities are minimal and many medicines are unavailable. Most crime in Madagascar is non-confrontational (pickpockets, snatch and grab, burglary) and travelers are reminded to be aware of their surroundings and not to carry valuables openly. There is little political unrest in Madagascar but travelers are reminded not to photograph political gatherings or demonstrations, especially in towns outside Antananarivo as this may put one at risk of arrest. Roads outside of the capital are generally not kept in good repair and tend to be narrow and winding with many one-lane bridges. Travel at night on these roads is not recommended due to the possibility of serious accidents. |
| Embassy of Madagascar Web Site: http://www.embassy.org/madagascar/ |
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| Malawi |
| Malawi is a developing African nation. The country had multiparty democratic elections in 1994 and 1999. Facilities for tourism exist in major cities, resort areas and games parks, but, are limited and vary in quality. Medical facilities are limited and not up to U.S. standards. Medicines and medical equipment are in short supply. Lake Malawi is not bilharzia-free. Dress code restrictions, which applied to all visitors in Malawi, are no longer in effect. Travelers may wear comfortable clothes, but may wish to dress modestly, especially when visiting remote areas. Petty crime including pickpocketing and purse snatching occurs in urban areas. Residential crime and vehicle thefts are on the increase. Road travel at night, particularly outside the three major cities is not recommended due to the high number of serious road accidents. Major credit cards are generally accepted for payment of hotel bills. It is forbidden to take more than 200 kwacha (Malawi currency) out of the country. |
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| Mali |
| Mali is a West African nation with a democratically elected system of government. Facilities for tourism are limited but developing. A visa is required. Evidence of a yellow fever vaccination is also required. Medical facilities are limited and many medicines are unavailable. Petty crime, including pickpocketing and purse snatching, is common. Incidents of banditry and vehicle theft have been reported along major travel routes, near the principal cities and in smaller towns, especially in the far north. Victims have included foreigners. The roads from Bamako to Mopti, Douentza, Koutiala, Sikasso, and Bougouni, and a few other roads are paved. Otherwise, road conditions are poor, particularly in the rainy season from mid-June to mid-September. Driving is hazardous after dark, and nighttime travel may be dangerous. Photography of military subjects is restricted; however, interpretation of what may be considered off limits varies. Other subjects may be considered sensitive from a cultural or religious viewpoint and it is helpful to obtain permission before taking pictures. The Malian currency is the CFA franc which is exchangeable for French francs at a fixed rate. Exchange of dollars in cash or travelers checks is slow and often involves out-of-date rates. Use of credit cards is limited to payments for services at only two hotels in Bamako. Cash advances on credit cards are performed by one bank in Mali, the BMCD Bank in Bamako, and only with a VISA credit card. International calls are expensive and difficult to make outside of Bamako. Collect calls cannot be made from Mali. |
| Embassy of Mali Web Site: http://www.maliembassy-usa.org |
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| Mauritania |
| Mauritania is a moderate Muslim republic located in northwestern Africa. A visa is required, as is evidence of yellow fever immunization and proof of sufficient funds. Facilities for tourism and internal travel are limited. Medical facilities in Mauritania are limited, and medicines are difficult to obtain. While Mauritania is safer than most African countries, petty crime exists, and the regions bordering Morocco and Mali may be hazardous due to land mines and banditry. Local currency may not be imported or exported. Dollars, especially $100 bills, may be easily exchanged in exchange offices or banks. Credit cards are only accepted in a few hotels in Nouakchott and Nouadhibou. Cash advances on credit cards and collect calls are not available from Mauritania. |
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| Mauritius |
| The Republic of Mauritius has a democratic stable government and a growing economy. Facilities for tourism are highly developed. Although the spoken languages are French and Creole, English is the official language. An onward/return ticket and evidence of sufficient funds are required for entrance to Mauritius. U.S. citizens do not need visas for a stay of three months or less for business or tourism. Petty crime is common in Mauritius. |
| U.S. Embassy Web Site: http://usembassymauritius.mu/ |
| Embassy of Mauritius Web Site: http://www.idsonline.com/usa/embasydc.html |
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| Mozambique |
| Mozambique, a less developed country in southern Africa, ended a 17-year civil war in October 1992 with the signing of a peace agreement between the government and the rival rebel group. Facilities for tourism are severely limited outside of Maputo. Travel by road outside of the major urban areas is possible; however, road conditions vary greatly. A visa is required and must be obtained in advance. Evidence of a yellow fever and cholera vaccination is also required. Medical facilities are minimal and many medicines are unavailable. Maputo’s special clinic, which requires payment in hard currency, can provide general non-emergency services. Economic conditions in the country, spotty police protection and years of war have caused an increase in violent and armed robberies, break-ins and auto thefts. Victims, including members of the foreign community, have been killed. Traveling alone or at night is particularly risky. Currency can be converted at locations authorized by the Mozambican government. Currency conversions on the black market are illegal and very risky. Credit cards are not widely accepted in Mozambique. Some merchants prefer to be paid in U.S. dollars. |
| Embassy of Mozambique Web Site:
http://www.embamoc-usa.org |
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| Namibia |
| Namibia is a Southern African country with a moderately developed economy. Facilities for tourism are available. An onward/return ticket and proof of sufficient funds are required for entrance into Namibia. A visa is not required for tourist or business visits under 90 days. Medical facilities are relatively modern, especially in the city of Windhoek. Some petty crime occurs. |
| U.S. Embassy Web Site: http://www.usembassy.namib.com |
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| Niger |
| Niger is an inland African nation whose northern area includes a part of the Sahara Desert. Tourism facilities are minimal, particularly outside of Niamey. A visa is required to enter Niger. Visas are valid for a period of one week to three months from the date of issuance, depending on the type of visa and category of traveler. Yellow fever vaccinations are required for entry into Niger. Medical facilities are minimal in Niger, particularly outside the capital of Niamey. Some medicines are in short supply. Armed bandits operate in northern Niger, and a number of people have been killed. Thieves and pickpockets are especially active in tourist areas. Care must be taken in walking city streets anywhere, at any time, but especially at night. There have been incidents of groups of men assaulting women who are, or appear to be, African, and who are wearing garments other than the traditional ankle-length wrap known as "pagnes." Tourists are free to take pictures anywhere in Niger, except near military installations, radio and television stations, the Presidency Building, and the airport. There are no laws restricting currency transactions in Niger. International telephones service to and from Niger is expensive and callers experience delays getting a line. Faxes are often garbled due to poor quality. |
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| Nigeria |
| The Department of State warns U.S. citizens of the dangers of travel to Nigeria. A visa is required for admission the country and no visas are issued at the airport. Evidence of yellow fever vaccination is also required. Tourist facilities are limited. Violent crime is a serious problem,especially in Lagos, and the southern half of the country. Foreigners in particular are vulnerable to armed robbery, assault, burglary, carjackings and extortion. Disease is widespread and the public is not always informed in a timely manner about outbreaks of typhoid, cholera and yellow fever. Malaria, including potentially fatal cerebral malaria, and hepatitis are endemic. Medical facilities are limited. Not all medicines are available. Permission is required to take photographs of government buildings, airports, bridges or official looking buildings. Permission may be obtained from Nigerian security personnel. Persons seeking to trade at lower rates on the "black market" could be arrested or shaken down. To avoid problems, dollars should be exchanged for naira (Nigerian currency) only at the official rate and at approved exchange facilities, including many major hotels. (This is no longer true. Foreign exchange is now liberalized.) Credit cards are rarely accepted, and their use is generally ill advised because of the prevalence of credit card fraud in Nigeria and perpetrated by Nigerians in the United States. Travelers' checks can be exchanged at the airport, but due to insecurity at and near the airport, travelers are advised not to cash large amounts at the airport. There are very few, if any, facilities in Nigeria for cashing travelers checks other than as a courtesy for guests at major hotels. Check with your hotel before arrival to see if they offer this service. It is often necessary to bring currency in sufficient amounts to cover the trip. Transfers between banks are practically impossible to accomplish. Prospective visitors should consult the Consular Information Sheet for Nigeria. Because of the incidence of business scams and swindles, persons interested in doing business in Nigeria are advised to consult Tips for Business Travelers to Nigeria before providing any information or funds in response to an unverified business offer. This publication is available free of charge by sending a self-addressed, stamped envelope to the Office of Overseas Citizens Services, Department of State, Washington, DC 20520-4818, or, visit the Bureau of Consular Affairs web site at http://travel.state.gov/tips_nigeria.html. |
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| Rwanda |
| Rwanda is a central East African country recovering from civil war and a genocide in 1994. Visas are not required for stays of less than 90 days. A yellow fever immunization is required. Medical facilities are severely limited and extremely overburdened. Looting and street crime are common. Civilian law enforcement authorities may be limited. Sporadic attacks by insurgents still occur in the northwest and unexploded ordnance remains a danger off well-traveled roads in the northwest as well. |
| Embassy of Rwanda Web Site: http://www.rwandemb.org |
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| Sao Tome and Principe |
| Sao Tome and Principe is a developing island nation off the west coast of Africa. Facilities for tourism are not widely available. A visa is required and must be obtained prior to arrival in country. Medical facilities in Sao Tome and Principe are limited. Some crime occurs. There is no U.S. Embassy in Sao Tome and Principe. Inquiries may be made at the U.S. Embassy in neighboring Gabon. |
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| Senegal |
| Senegal is a French speaking West African country. Facilities for tourists are widely available although of varying quality. Visas are not required for stays of less than 90 days. Medical facilities are limited, particularly in areas outside the capital city, Dakar. Street crime in Senegal poses moderate risks for visitors. Most reported incidents involve pickpockets, purse snatchers and street scam artists. |
| U.S. Embassy Web
Site: http://usembassy.state.gov/posts/sg1/wwwhemb.html |
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| Seychelles |
| Seychelles is a tropical island nation in the Indian Ocean off the east coast of Africa. The principle island of Mahe has a population of about 50,000. The two other islands with significant permanent populations are Praslin and La Digue. Facilities for tourism are generally well developed. A visa is required and may be issued on arrival for a stay of up to one month. There is no charge. The visa may be extended for a period of up to one year. Medical facilities in Seychelles are limited, especially in the isolated outer islands, where doctors are often unavailable. Petty crime occurs, although violent crime against tourists is considered to be rare. Keep valuables in hotel safes. Close and lock hotel windows at night, even while the room is occupied to minimize the risk of crime. |
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| Sierra Leone |
| Sierra Leone is a developing country that has few facilities for tourism and poses considerable risks for travelers. Outside the capital city of Freetown, approximately 60% of the country remains under rebel control, and travel to these areas should not be attempted. A visa is required. Airport visas are not available upon arrival in Sierra Leone. Cholera and yellow fever immunizations are required if arriving from an infected area. Malaria suppressants are recommended. Medical facilities are limited and medicines are in short supply. Sterility of equipment is questionable and treatment is often unreliable. Travelers must declare foreign currency being brought into Sierra Leone. Declaration is made on an exchange control form that must be certified and stamped at the port of entry. Petty crime and theft of wallets and passports are common. Main roads and highways throughout the country have many roadblocks manned by the military, rebels or civil defense forces, who demand payment in exchange for passage. Permission is required to photograph government buildings, airports, bridges or official-looking buildings. Areas forbidding photography are not marked or defined. Telephone service is unreliable. |
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| Somalia |
| U.S. citizens are warned not to travel to Somalia. The Liaison Office in Mogadishu ceased operations in September 1994. No visas are required because there is no functioning government. Anyone entering Somalia must receive immunization against cholera, typhoid and yellow fever, and obtain a doctor’s advice regarding any other immunizations that might be necessary. There are virtually no health facilities or medicines available in Somalia. Looting, banditry and all forms of violent crime are common in Somalia, particularly in the capital city of Mogadishu. Electricity, water, food and lodging are unobtainable on a regular basis. Parts of the north, including much of the self-declared "Republic of Somaliland," are relatively peaceful and calm. |
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| South Africa |
| Although South Africa is in many respects a developed country, much of its population, particularly in rural areas, lives in poverty. There are adequate facilities in all urban centers, game parks and areas most commonly visited by tourists. A passport valid for at least six months is required but a visa is not required for visits for holiday, business or transit purposes. However, visas are required for extended stays, employment, study and for diplomatic and official passport holders. Evidence of a yellow fever vaccination is necessary if arriving from an infected area. Medical facilities are good in urban areas and in the vicinity of game parks and beaches, but may be limited elsewhere. Food and water are generally safe and a wide variety of consumer goods and pharmaceuticals are readily available. There is continuing and significant street crime such as muggings, pickpocketing, and random street violence, which affects foreigners as well as local residents, especially in the center of major cities such as Johannesburg. Road conditions are generally good but there is a very high incidence of highway casualties, especially over holiday weekends. |
| U.S. Embassy Web Site: http://usembassy.state.gov/posts/sf1/wwwhmain.html |
| Embassy of South Africa Web Site: http://usaembassy.southafrica.net |
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| Sudan |
| The Department of State warns U.S. citizens against all travel to Sudan. The Government of Sudan has been fighting a civil war against a southern secessionist movement for more than 17 years. The war is active in southern and eastern parts of the country. The United States has no permanent diplomatic presence in Sudan, and updated information is not available because of the decreased of diplomatic presence there. Sudan is a large under-developed country in northeastern Africa. Tourism facilities are minimal. A visa is required to enter Sudan. Visas are not granted in passports showing Israeli visas. Travelers are required to register with police headquarters within three days of arrival. Travelers must obtain police permission before moving to another location in Sudan and must register with police within 24 hours of arrival at the new location. The Sudanese government recommends that malarial suppressants be taken, and that yellow fever, cholera and meningitis vaccinations are in order. The exchange of money at other than an authorized banking institution may result in arrest and loss of funds though unscrupulous black marketeers. A permit must be obtained before taking photographs anywhere in Khartoum, as well as in the interior of the country. Photographing military areas, bridges, drainage stations, broadcast stations, public utilities and slum areas or beggars is prohibited. Disruption of water and electricity is frequent. Telecommunications are slow and often not possible. Unforeseen circumstances such as sandstorms and electrical outages may cause flight delays. |
| Embassy of Sudan Web Site: http://www.sudanembassyus.org |
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| Swaziland |
| Swaziland is a small developing nation in southern Africa. Facilities for tourism are available. Visas are not required of tourists planning to stay less than 60 days. Temporary residence permits are issued in Mbabane, the capital. For longer stays, visitors must report to immigration authorities or to a police station within 48 hours of arrival, if they are not lodged in a hotel. Yellow fever and cholera immunizations are required for visitors arriving from an infected area. Anti-malarial treatment is recommended. Medical facilities are limited. Petty street crime, primarily theft of money and personal property occurs with some frequency. |
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| Tanzania |
| Tanzania is an East African nation. Tourist facilities are adequate in major cities but limited in remote areas. A visa is required for entrance into the country. Visas for mainland Tanzania are also valid for Zanzibar. Airport visas may be obtained only in Zanzibar; they are not available at mainland airports. Yellow fever and cholera immunizations are required if arriving from an affected area. Airport officials often require current immunization records from travelers arriving from non-infected areas as well. Medical facilities are limited. Some medicines are in short supply or unavailable. Malaria is endemic in Tanzania and anti-malarial prophylaxis is advisable. Numerous cases of meningococcal meningitis and cholera have been reported throughout the country. Crime is a concern in both urban and rural areas of Tanzania. Incidents include muggings, vehicle thefts and residential break-ins. Valuables such as passports, travelers checks, cameras and jewelry are particular targets for thieves, and are easily stolen if left in luggage at airline check-ins or hotel lobbies. Photography of military installations is forbidden. Individuals have been detained and/or had their cameras and film confiscated for taking pictures of hospitals, schools, bridges, industrial sites and airports. |
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| Togo |
| Togo is a small West African nation with a developing economy. Tourism facilities are limited, especially outside the capital city. A visa is required. Yellow fever immunizations are also required. Medical facilities in Togo are limited under normal conditions and have degraded because of a long general strike, the departure of medical personnel and the closure or reduction of service in clinics and hospitals. Some medicines are available through local pharmacies. Petty crime, including pickpocketing, has increased. |
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| Uganda |
| Uganda is an East African nation. Tourism facilities are adequate in Kampala; they are limited, but are improving in other areas. U.S. travelers may obtain a visa at a Ugandan embassy, consulate or at Entebbe Airport, near Kampala. Travelers are urged to procure a visa from the nearest Ugandan embassy or consulate at their earliest convenience. Evidence of immunization for yellow fever is required. Immunization for cholera and typhoid is recommended. Medical facilities in Uganda are limited. Medical supplies, equipment and medication are often in short supply or not available. Incidents of armed vehicle hijacking and armed highway robbery occur throughout the country with varying frequency. Many roads in Uganda are poor and bandit activity in some areas is both frequent and unpredictable. Insurgent activities have made travel to the northern area of the country risky. Highway travel at night is particularly dangerous. Photographing security forces or government installations is prohibited. |
| Embassy of Uganda Web Site: http://www.ugandaweb.com/ugaembassy/ |
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| Zambia |
| Zambia is a developing African country. Tourist facilities outside of well-known game parks are not fully developed. A visa is required prior to entering the country. Medical facilities are limited. Cholera and yellow fever are endemic. Crime is prevalent in Zambia. Muggings and petty theft are commonplace, especially in Lusaka in the vicinity of Cairo Road and in other commercial areas. Road travel at night is not recommended, especially outside of urban areas. |
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| Zimbabwe |
| Zimbabwe is a landlocked Southern African nation with extensive tourist facilities. To enter the country, a passport, return ticket, and adequate funds are required. U.S. citizens travelling to Zimbabwe for tourism, business and transit can obtain a visa at the airports and border points of entry or in advance from the Embassy of Zimbabwe in Washington, D.C. U.S. travelers are required to pay a visa entry fee at the point of entry into Zimbabwe, and there is an airport departure tax of $20 payable by all U.S. citizens. Medical facilities in Zimbabwe are limited, and many medicines are in short supply. Carjacking, street crime, rape and credit card fraud are on the increase, particularly in Harare and tourist resort areas. Bus travel can be dangerous due to overloaded buses, inadequate maintenance, and unskilled drivers, and fuel shortages can complicate any travel plans within the country whether by bus or automobile. Zimbabwean authorities are extremely sensitive about photographing certain locations and buildings, including government offices, airports, military installations, official residences and embassies. Deteriorating economic conditions have sparked sporadic and sometimes violent riots and U.S. citizens should avoid all demonstrations and political rallies. Squatters have occupied many commercial farms, and those occupations have led to significant violence. Numerous game reserves and lodges around the country have been affected by these occupations and many have closed. U.S. citizens are urged to avoid occupied farms and to reconfirm lodging reservations immediately prior to departure for Zimbabwe. |
| Embassy of Zimbabwe Web Site: http://www.zimweb.com/Embassy/Zimbabwe/ |
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