Information for Travelers
Warden Information
Consular Warden Message April 28, 2008
The U.S. Embassy wishes to inform American citizens in Burundi that it has lifted restrictions on its personnel requiring them to remain inside Embassy residences between the hours of 20h00 and 7h00. We encourage American citizens to continue to exercise caution and take necessary precautions in the event of further attacks on the capital. Embassy personnel will resume regular security precautions.
The U.S. Embassy restricts the travel of Embassy personnel, and certain areas of the capital, Bujumbura, are off-limits to Embassy personnel. In addition, the Embassy’s Regional Security Officer must pre-approve all travel outside the capital by U.S. Embassy personnel, and employees must travel in two-vehicle convoys. The Embassy recommends that Americans not travel on national highways from dusk to dawn. Please see the Embassy travel warning for further information at http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/tw/tw_2122.html.
American citizens with questions or concerns may telephone the consular section of the U.S. Embassy in Bujumbura at (257) 22-20-7000 In case of an emergency outside business hours or during any suspension of public services, American citizens may reach the Embassy duty officer at the same number.
American citizens are advised to register and update their contact information with the U.S. Embassy in Bujumbura. The U.S. Embassy is located on Avenue des Etats-Unis. The phone number is (257) 22-20-7000, fax (257) 22-22-29-26, email: BujumburaC@state.gov https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/.
If you are aware of American citizens in Burundi who are not registered with the Embassy, please encourage them to register.
U.S. Embassy Bujumbura – Warden Message: 28 April 2008
The U.S. Embassy wishes to inform American citizens in Burundi that it has lifted restrictions on requiring Embassy personnel to remain inside their residences between the hours of 20h00 and 07h00. We encourage American citizens to continue to exercise caution and take necessary precautions in the event of further attacks on the capital. Embassy personnel will resume regular security precautions.
The U.S. Embassy restricts the travel of Embassy personnel. Certain areas of the capital, Bujumbura, are off-limits to Embassy personnel. In addition, the Embassy's Regional Security Officer must pre-approve all travel outside the capital by U.S. Embassy personnel, and employees must travel in two-vehicle convoys. The Embassy recommends that Americans not travel on national highways from dusk to dawn. Please see the Department of State Travel Warning for Burundi for further Information at http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/tw/tw_2122.html.
American citizens with questions or concerns may telephone the consular section of the U.S. Embassy in Bujumbura at (257) 22-20-7000. In case of an emergency outside business hours or during any suspension of public services, American citizens may reach the Embassy duty officer at the same number.
American citizens are advised to register and update their contact information with the U.S. Embassy in Bujumbura. The U.S. Embassy is located on Avenue des Etats-Unis. The phone number is (257) 22-20-7000, fax (257) 22-22-29-26, email: BujumburaC@state.gov https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/ .
U.S. Embassy Bujumbura – Warden Message: 23 April 2008
Due to a small but continuing number of incidents involving small arms, mortar, and rocket fire in and around Bujumbura, the U.S. Embassy has instructed its personnel to remain in Embassy residences between 8:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. All American citizens are advised to take similar precautions. The U.S. Embassy will continue to monitor the situation and will issue updates as appropriate.
Normal security measures for Embassy personnel restrict movement within the capital to designated areas and limit travel outside Bujumbura to approved trips in two-vehicle caravans during daylight hours. We advise all American citizens to exercise the same sort of caution when traveling anywhere in Burundi.
American citizens with questions or concerns may telephone the consular section of the U.S. Embassy in Bujumbura at (257) 22-20-7000. In the case of an emergency outside business hours, or during any suspension of public services, American citizens may reach the embassy duty officer at the same number.
American citizens are advised to register and update their contact information with the U.S. Embassy in Bujumbura. The U.S. Embassy is located on Avenue des Etats-Unis. The phone number is (257) 22-20-7000 fax (257) 22-22-29-26, email: BujumburaC@state.gov https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/.
U.S. Embassy Bujumbura – Warden Message: 22 April 2008
Please be advised that two rounds of artillery fire have been observed within the city limits of Bujumbura near Kiriri and Rohero neighborhoods. American citizens are advised to seek safe haven and exercise all necessary precautions.
American citizens with questions or concerns may telephone the consular section of the U.S. Embassy in Bujumbura at (257) 22-20-7000. In the case of an emergency outside business hours, or during any suspension of public services, American citizens may reach the embassy duty officer at the same number.
American citizens are advised to register and update their contact information with the U.S. Embassy in Bujumbura. The U.S. Embassy is located on Avenue des Etats-Unis. The phone number is (257) 22-20-7000, fax (257) 22-22-29-26, email: BujumburaC@state.gov and travel registration website: https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/.
U.S. Embassy Bujumbura Warden Message - April 21, 2008
The U.S. Embassy wishes to inform American citizens in Burundi that it has lifted restrictions on its personnel imposed April 18 requiring them to remain inside Embassy residences during the hours of darkness. This decision reflects a return to peaceful conditions in Bujumbura after recent exchanges of fire between government troops and FNL rebels. However, the Embassy has received reports of small unit guerrilla attacks in Cibitoke Province, north of Bujumbura. Americans are advised to avoid the area. All Americans traveling to or living in Burundi are urged to remain vigilant. Continuing security measures for Embassy personnel restrict movement within the capital to designated areas, require all travel after dark to be in vehicles, and limit travel outside Bujumbura to two-vehicle caravans during daylight hours. We advise all American citizens to take similar precautions.
American citizens with questions or concerns may telephone the consular
section of the U.S. Embassy in Bujumbura at (257) 22-20-7000. In the case of an emergency outside business hours, or during any suspension of public services, American citizens may reach the embassy duty officer at the same number.
American citizens are advised to register and update their contact information with the U.S. Embassy in Bujumbura. The U.S. Embassy is located on Avenue des Etats-Unis. The phone number is (257) 22-20-7000, fax (257) 22-22-29-26, email: BujumburaC@state.gov and travel registration website: https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/.
Consular Warden Message - April 18, 2008 - 2100
Please be advised that exchanges of small arms and artillety fire are taking place in the hills southeast of Bujumbura. American citizens are advised to stay indoors and away from windows until further notice.
American citizens with questions or concerns may telephone the consular section of the U.S. Embassy in Bujumbura at (257) 22-20-7000. In the case of an emergency outside business hours, or during any suspension of public services, American citizens may reach the embassy duty officer at the same number.
American citizens are advised to register and update their contact information with the U.S. Embassy in Bujumbura. The U.S. Embassy is
located on Avenue des Etats-Unis. The phone number is (257)
22-20-7000, fax (257) 22-22-29-26, email: BujumburaC@state.gov and
travel registration website: https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/.
Additional Warden Information
Maintaining communication between the U.S Embassy and the American Community is an important responsability, whenever it be simply to inform Americans of services available at the U.S. Embassy, a town hall meeting, a serious crisis or a dangerous situation. To facilitate the flow of information between the U.S. Embassy and the American Citizens in Burundi, the U.S. Embassy uses a communication system called the " Warden System" which function as a communication pyramid.
Wardens are volunteers who help disseminate information from the Embassy in different geographical zones. Information is passed from the Embassy to the American community through wardens in different zones. In regular circumstances, the Embassy uses an email distribution list to send out important information to its citizens. All American citizens who provide an email address on their Embassy need to be contacted by telephone or other means. Wardens assist the Embassy in doing this for American citizens residing in their geographical zones. Likewise, wardens play an important role by passing back information from Americans in their zones.
The consular section is always looking for volunteer wardens and sub wardens, so if you are interested please contact the consular officer at 22 20-7000.
Increases to U.S. Passport Fees and
New Parental Signature Requirements for U.S. Minors
On February 1, 2008, the U.S. Government will increase its fees for certain U.S. citizen passport services. For adult applicants renewing a passport, the total fee will be $75. For first-time applicants age 16 and over, the total fee will be $131. The fee for minors under 16 years of age will be $85.
Effective February 1, 2008, passport applicants who are U.S. citizen minors under the age of 16 must appear personally with their parents to establish identity, proof of citizenship and proof of relationship. For parental application permission, both parents must appear together and sign, or one parent may appear to sign and submit the other parent’s notarized statement, or one parent may appear, sign, and submit primary evidence of sole authority. Minors age 16 and 17 may apply in person with their own identification, but for security reasons, parental consent may be required. If your child does not have identification of their own, a parent will be required to accompany the child and present identification.
Please refer to the Department of State’s website at http://www.travel.state.gov/ for complete information on all new requirements, including downloadable revised forms that must be used as of February 1. You can refer to the U.S. Embassy Bujumbura website at http://burundi.usembassy.gov/ for complete U.S. passport application instructions.
Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the U.S. Embassy’s website http://burundi.usembassy.gov/ and the U.S. Department of State's travel website at http://www.travel.state.gov/ , where the current Worldwide Cautions, Travel Warnings, and Travel Alerts can be found. The U.S. Embassy also encourages U.S. citizens to review "A Safe Trip Abroad," found at http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/safety/safety_1747.html , which includes valuable security information for those both living and traveling abroad. In addition to information on the Internet, travelers may obtain up-to-date information on security conditions by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the U.S. and Canada, or outside the U.S. and Canada on a regular line at 1-202-501-4444.
Citizens living and residing in Burundi are advised to register their presence in the country through the U.S. Department of State's automated online registration system, https://travelregistration.state.gov/. U.S. citizens may also contact the Consular Section at the U.S. Embassy via e-mail or by calling 22-20-7000. This complete message is available on the Embassy’s website at http://burundi.usembassy.gov/.
