The U.S. Embassy would like to inform U.S. citizens that armed clashes are occurring near Uvira in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). There are no reports of fighting in Burundi, but the Embassy has received multiple reports that explosions and gunfire occurring in the DRC have been heard in Bujumbura.
Faint gunfire or explosions may be heard throughout the day and into the evening on Lake Tanganyika. Additionally, United Nations helicopters are flying patrols over Uvira, which take them in a large loop over the lake and Gatumba Road border crossing area. Despite rumors to the contrary, the border crossing remains open as of 1500 today. Additional information will be sent out as warranted.
Please review your personal security plans, remain aware of your surroundings — including local events — and monitor local news stations for updates. Be vigilant and take appropriate steps to enhance your personal security.
For further information:
- See the State Department’s travel website<http://travel.state.gov/> for the Worldwide Caution<http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/alertswarnings/worldwide-caution.html>, Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts, and Country Specific Information for Burundi
- Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)<https://step.state.gov/step/> to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
- Contact the U.S. Embassy in Bujumbura<https://bi.usembassy.gov/>, located at Avenue des Etats-Unis and Avenue du Cinquantenaire in Bujumbura, Burundi, by email at BujumburaC@state.gov<mailto:BujumburaC@state.gov>, or at +257-22-20-7000<tel:%2B257-22-20-7000> from 7:30 a.m. to 5:15 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Friday. After-hours emergency number for U.S. citizens is +257-22-20-7318<tel:%2B257-22-20-7318>, or +257-79-938-841<tel:%2B257-79-938-841>.
- Call 1-888-407-4747<tel:1-888-407-4747> toll-free in the United States and Canada or 1-202-501-4444<tel:1-202-501-4444> from other countries from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
- Follow us on Twitter<http://twitter.com/travelgov> and Facebook<http://www.facebook.com/travelgov>.
