TIPS FOR TRAVELERS TO SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA
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TIPS FOR TRAVELERS TO SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA
March 2001
Foreword
Your trip to Africa will be an adventure off the beaten path. Conditions and customs in sub-Saharan Africa can contrast sharply with those in the United States. These pages contain advice to help you avoid inconvenience and difficulties. Take our advice seriously but don’t let it keep you at home. Most Americans have unforgettable experiences in Africa. We are often welcomed and helped by Africans who are happy to share not just their scenery, but their culture and traditions as well.
This brochure covers all of Africa except the five nations bordering the Mediterranean. Sub-Saharan Africa includes 48 nations. Forty-two of these nations are on the mainland. In addition, four island nations in the southwest Indian Ocean (Madagascar, The Comoros, Mauritius, and Seychelles) and two island nations in the Atlantic Ocean (Cape Verde and Sao Tome and Principe) are considered part of Africa. For convenience, we will often use the word "Africa" to refer to the sub-Saharan region. For information on the five northern African nations of Tunisia, Algeria, Morocco, Libya, and Egypt, see Tips for Travelers to the Middle East and North Africa .
Before you go, learn as much as you can about your destination. Your travel agent, local bookstore, public library and the embassies of the countries you plan to visit are all useful sources of information. The Department of State’s Background Notes series includes a pamphlet for every country worldwide, including those in Africa. You may obtain Background Notes via the Internet by visiting the Department of State home page at http://www.state.gov .
Consular Information Program
Before traveling, obtain the Consular Information Sheet for any countries you plan to visit. You should also check to see if the Department of State has issued a Travel Warning or Public Announcement for the country or countries you will be visiting. Travel Warnings are issued when the Department of State decides based on all relevant information, to recommend that all Americans avoid travel to a certain country. Public Announcements are issued as a means to disseminate information quickly about relatively short-term and/or trans-national conditions that would pose significant risks to the security of American travelers. Consular Information Sheets are available for every country in the world. They include such information as the location of the U.S. embassy or consulate in the country, unusual immigration practices, health conditions, crime and security information, road safety, unusual currency and entry regulations, and drug penalties. A description of political disturbances may be included in the Consular Information Sheet under an optional section entitled "Safety/Security." On limited occasions, the Department also restates in this section U.S. Embassy advice given to official employees. Consular Information Sheets present information so travelers can make knowledgeable decisions concerning travel to a particular country. Countries to which we suggest that you not travel will have Travel Warnings as well as Consular Information Sheets.
How to Access Consular Information Sheets, Travel Warnings and Public Announcements
By Internet
The most convenient source of information about travel and consular services is the Consular Affairs home page on the Internet’s World Wide Web. The web site address is http://travel.state.gov . If you do not have access to the Internet at home, work or school, your local library may provide access to the Internet.
By Telephone
Consular Information Sheets and Travel Warnings may be heard any time by dialing the office of American Citizens Services at (202) 647-5225 from a touchtone phone.
In Person/By Mail
Consular Information Sheets, Travel Warnings and Public Announcements are available at any of the regional passport agencies, field offices of the Department of Commerce, and U.S. embassies and consulates abroad, or by writing and sending a self-addressed, stamped envelope to the Office of American Citizens Services, Bureau of Consular Affairs, Room 4811, U.S. Department of State, Washington, D.C. 20520-4818.
By Fax
From your fax machine, dial (202) 647-3000 , using the handset as you would a regular telephone. The system will instruct you on how to proceed.
Visa and Other Entry Requirements
A valid, unexpired U.S. passport is required for travel to all countries in Africa. In addition, most countries in sub-Saharan Africa require U.S. citizens to have a visa. If visas are required, obtain them before you leave home. Be particularly attentive to visa requirements for countries you may transit en route to your country of destination. If you decide to visit additional countries en route, it may be difficult or impossible to obtain visas. In most African countries, if you arrive without a visa, you will not be admitted into the country and will have to depart on the next plane. This can be extremely inconvenient if the next plane does not arrive for several days, the airport hotel is full, and the airport has no other sleeping accommodations.
The best authority on a country’s visa and other entry requirements is its embassy or consulate. The Department of State publication, Foreign Entry Requirements , gives basic information on entry requirements and tells where and how to apply for visas. You can order a copy for 50 cents from the Consumer Information Center, Pueblo, Colorado 81009. Foreign Entry Requirements is also available on the Internet at foreignentryreqs.html.
Allow plenty of time to apply for visas. An average of two weeks for each visa is recommended. When you inquire, check the following:
- Visa price, length of validity, and number of entries
- Financial data required
- Proof of sufficient funds, proof of onward/return ticket
- Immunizations required
- Currency regulations
- Import/export restrictions
- Departure tax - if required. Be sure to keep sufficient hard currency so that you may leave the country on schedule.
- HIV clearance certification; some countries require travelers to submit certification or be tested upon arrival for HIV.
Restricted Areas
A visa is good only for those parts of a country that are open to foreigners. Several countries in Africa have areas of civil unrest or war zones that are off-limits to visitors without special permits. Others have similar areas that are open but surrounded by security checkpoints where travelers must show their passport, complete with valid visa. When traveling in such a country, keep your passport with you at all times. It is recommended that you leave photocopies of your passport, including copies of those pages containing visas, at your hotel or in some other safe location. No matter where you travel in Africa, do not overstay the validity of your visa. Renew it if necessary.
If stopped at a roadblock, be courteous and responsive to questions asked by persons in authority. Outside major cities, try to avoid travel at night. For information on restricted or risky areas, consult Department of State Consular Information Sheets or, if you are already in Africa, the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. If you plan on spending an extended period of time in a country, register with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.
In some areas, when U.S. citizens are arrested or detained, police or prison officials fail to inform the U.S. embassy or consulate. If you are detained for any reason, it is your right to speak with a U.S. consular officer immediately.
Health
Health problems affect visitors to Africa more than any other difficulty. For travel health information on the Internet, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) home page at
http://www.cdc.gov. The CDC also provides recorded information on their international travelers hotline at 1-877-FYI-TRIP (1-877-394-8747) and by fax at 1-888-CDC-FAXX (1-888-232-3299). Additional general information can be found in the U.S. Public Health Service book, Health Information for International Travel , available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402, via the Internet at http://www.gpoaccess.gov/index.html or by calling (202) 512-1800.
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), which causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome or AIDS, is epidemic in sub-Saharan Africa. In its December 2000 AIDS Epidemic Update , the United Nations AIDS/World Health Organization Working Group on Global HIV/AIDS/STI Surveillance reported that 25.3 million adults and children are living with HIV/AIDS in sub-Saharan Africa. 3.8 million people were newly infected, mainly through heterosexual contact. HIV is found primarily in the bodily fluids of an infected person. It is spread through intimate sexual contact, needle sharing among intravenous drug users and transfusions of infected blood and blood clotting factors.
Hepatitis B is a viral infection of the liver transmitted through activities resulting in the exchange of blood or blood derived fluids and/or through sexual activity. Meningococcal disease (bacterial meningitis) is an infection in the lining of the brain or spinal cord. This is spread when an infected person sneezes or coughs near you, as is tuberculosis, both of which are significant risks in crowded, confined spaces.
Many diseases are transmitted through the bite of infected insects such as mosquitoes, flies, fleas, ticks and lice. Travelers must protect themselves from insect bites by wearing proper clothing, using bed nets, and applying the proper insect repellent. Mosquitoes are most active between dusk and dawn. Malaria is a very serious, sometimes fatal, parasitic infection transmitted to humans by mosquitoes, and is endemic in most parts of sub-Saharan Africa. Travelers at risk for malaria should consult with a doctor for advice on whether or not it is necessary to take Mefloquine or an alternative drug as a preventative measure. Yellow fever and Dengue fever are prevalent viral infections also transmitted by mosquito bites.
Food and waterborne diseases also cause illnesses in travelers, most frequently diarrhea. Drink only bottled, chemically treated or boiled water. Avoid ice cubes. Unless you are sure that they are pasteurized, avoid dairy products. Eat only thoroughly cooked food. Vegetables and fruits should be peeled or washed in a purifying solution. A good rule of thumb is, "If you can’t peel it or cook it, don’t eat it." Severely ill individuals should receive immediate medical attention.
Schistosomiasis is an infection that develops after the larvae of a flatworm penetrate the skin. Water treated with chlorine or iodine is virtually safe and salt water poses no risk. The risk is a function of the frequency and degree of contact with contaminated fresh water for bathing, wading or swimming. It is often difficult to distinguish between infested and non-infested water. Swimming in fresh water in rural areas should be avoided.
Rabies is a viral infection that affects the central nervous system. The virus is introduced by an animal bite. Any animal bite should receive prompt attention.
Some countries have shortages of medicines. Bring an adequate supply of any prescription and over-the-counter medicines that you need to take. Keep all prescriptions in their original, labeled containers.
Some medical devices, such as insulin pumps, may not be available in some countries. Those travelers requiring these devices should take spares. In addition, certain formulations of drugs, such as insulin, may not be available. Be aware of alternative substitute formulations. There are instances where "type A" of insulin is available locally, but, not "type B" or "type C," which may include the kind that the traveler may currently be taking.
Medical facilities may be limited, particularly in rural areas. Should you become seriously ill or injured abroad, contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. A U.S. consular officer can furnish you with a list of local hospitals and English-speaking doctors. Consular officers can inform your family or friends in the United States of your condition. Because medical coverage overseas can be quite expensive, prospective travelers should review their health insurance policies. Doctors and hospitals expect immediate cash payment in full for health services in many sub-Saharan countries. If your policy does not provide medical coverage overseas, consider buying supplemental insurance. It is also advisable to obtain insurance to cover the cost of medical evacuation in the event of an emergency, as this can be extremely expensive.
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 traveler’s 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 .
Air Travel
If you are flying to places in Africa other than the major tourist destinations, you may have difficulty securing and retaining reservations and experience long waits at airports for customs and immigration processing. If stranded, you may need proof of a confirmed reservation in order to obtain food and lodging vouchers from some airlines. Flights are often overbooked, delayed or canceled and, when competing for space on a plane, you may be dealing with a surging crowd rather than a line. Traveling with a packaged tour may insulate you from some of these difficulties. Not all problems can be avoided, but you can:
- Learn the reputation of the airline and the airports you will use to prevent problems and avoid any unpleasant surprises.
- Reserve your return passage before you go and reconfirm immediately upon arrival.
- Ask for confirmation in writing, complete with file number or locator code, when you make or confirm a reservation.
- Arrive at the airport earlier than required in order to put yourself at the front of the line - or the crowd, as the case may be.
- Travel with funds sufficient for an extra week’s subsistence in case you are stranded.
Photography
Africa is filled with breathtaking scenery and photography is generally encouraged. However, most governments prohibit photography of military installations or locations having military significance, including airports, bridges, tunnels, port facilities and public buildings. Visitors can seek guidance on restrictions from local tourist offices or from the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. Taking such photographs without prior permission can result in arrest or the confiscation of film and/or equipment.
Shortages, High Prices, and Other Problems
Consumer goods, gas and food are in short supply in some African countries and prices for these commodities may be high by U.S. standards. Shortages of hotel accommodations also exist so confirm reservations well in advance. Some countries experience disruptions in electricity and water supply or in services such as mail and telecommunications.
Local Transportation
Rental cars, where available, may be expensive. Hiring a taxi which is in good condition is often the easiest way to go sightseeing. Taxi fares should be negotiated in advance. Travel on rural roads can be slow and difficult in the dry season and disrupted by floods in the rainy season.
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://gaborone.usembassy.gov/
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
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 N’djamena 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.
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.
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.
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 crime 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.
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.
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.
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.
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 by 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
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.
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
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
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://conakry.usembassy.gov/
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.
Kenya
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