Security Message for U.S. Citizens: Possible Threat Against Western Interests (May 5, 2015)

May 5, 2015

The U.S. Embassy alerts U.S. citizens residing in and visiting Burundi of information of possible terrorist threats to locations, including hotels, where Westerners, including U.S. citizens, congregate in Bujumbura, Burundi.

The U.S. Embassy takes this opportunity to remind all U.S. citizens to review your personal security plans; remain aware of your surroundings, including local events; and take appropriate steps to enhance your personal security such as varying your daily routines and avoiding crowded locations.

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). 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 do not have Internet access, enroll directly with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.

Regularly monitor the State Department’s website where you can find the current Worldwide CautionTravel Warnings including the Travel Warning for BurundiTravel Alerts, and Country Specific Information for Burundi. For additional information, refer to the “Traveler’s Checklist” on the State Department’s website.

Contact the U.S. Embassy for up-to-date information on travel restrictions. You can also call 1-888-407-4747 toll-free from within the United States and Canada, or 1-202-501-4444 from other countries. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). Follow us on Twitter and Facebook to have travel information at your fingertips.

The U.S. Embassy in Bujumbura is located on the corner of Avenue des Etats-Unis and Avenue du Cinquantenaire, and is open from 7:30 to 17:15 Monday through Thursday and 7:30 to 12:30 on Friday. The telephone number is +257-22-20-7000. If you are a U.S. citizen in need of urgent assistance, the emergency number for the U.S. Embassy is +257-22-20-7318, or +257-79-93-88-41.