U.S. Embassy Bujumbura continues to advise all U.S. citizens living in Burundi of heightened security concerns regarding regional terror groups that remain actively interested in attacking U.S. and other Western and local interests in Burundi. U.S. Embassy Bujumbura has received specific information leading to concern about potential activity in early December, including, but not limited to, Bujumbura International Airport and the Kajaga neighborhood, including associated restaurants and beach resorts. The U.S. Embassy is carefully evaluating the need for travel by Embassy personnel through the airport on a case-by-case basis, and advises U.S. citizens to do the same. In addition, the U.S. Embassy has placed the Kajaga neighborhood and associated restaurants and beach resorts off limits to Embassy personnel until further notice.
U.S. citizens should exercise caution and take the following measures: Avoid large public gatherings, especially those with no visible security presence. Review personal security plans and be prepared to enact those plans. Be alert for suspicious activity. Remain aware of your surroundings, including local events, and monitor local news stations for updates. Keep your cell phone charged and with you at all times. Maintain a high level of vigilance and take appropriate steps to enhance your personal security and follow instructions of local authorities.
U.S. Embassy Bujumbura strongly recommends that U.S. citizens traveling to or residing in Burundi enroll in the Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) at https://step.state.gov/step. STEP enrollment gives you the latest security updates, and makes it easier for the U.S. Embassy to contact you in an emergency. If you don’t have Internet access, enroll directly with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.
For further information:
- See the State Department’s travel website for the Worldwide Caution, Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts, and Country Specific Information for Burundi.
- Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
- Contact the U.S. Embassy in Burundi located on the corner of Avenue des Etats-Unis and Avenue du Cinquantenaire in Bujumbura, at +257-22-20-7000, 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, or +257-79-93-88-41.
- Call 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or +1-202-501-4444 from other countries from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
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