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#CARD:Consular Topics:The United Nations


BACKGROUND NOTES:  UNITED NATIONS
PUBLISHED BY THE BUREAU OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS
US DEPARTMENT OF STATE

OCTOBER 1992
Official Name:  United Nations

PROFILE

Established: By charter signed in San Francisco, California, on June 26,
1945; effective October 24, 1945.

Purposes:  To maintain international peace and security; to develop
friendly relations among nations; to achieve international cooperation
in solving economic, social, cultural, and humanitarian problems and
in promoting respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms; to
be a center for harmonizing the actions of nations in attaining these
common ends.

Members: 178.

Official languages: Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, Spanish.
Principal organs: General Assembly, Security Council, Economic and
Social Council, Trusteeship Council, International Court of Justice,
Secretariat. Budget: UN assessed budget (calendar year 1991)--$1.2
billion.  US share--$298 million.  In calendar 1991, the United States
paid its full assessment of $1.1 billion to the United Nations, its
agencies, and other international organizations, including UN peace-
keeping operations, voluntary contributions for other UN
organizations such as UNICEF, and $25 million for UN refugee
programs.

Secretariat
Chief Administrative Officer: Secretary General of the United Nations,
appointed to a 5-yr. term by the General Assembly on the
recommendation of the Security Council. Secretary General: Boutros
Boutros-Ghali.

Staff: A worldwide staff of 23,000, including more than 2,800 US
citizens.  The staff is appointed by the Secretary General according to
UN regulations.

General Assembly

Membership: All UN members. President: Elected at the beginning of
each General Assembly session.

Main committees: First--Political and Security, primarily
disarmament; Special Political Committee. Second--Economic and
Financial. Third--Social, Humanitarian, and Cultural. Fourth--
Trusteeship. Fifth--Administrative and Budgetary. Sixth--Legal.
Many other committees address specific issues, including peace-
keeping, outer space, crime prevention, status of women, and UN
Charter reform.

Security Council
Membership: Five permanent members (China, France, Russia, UK,
US), each with the right to veto, and 10 non-permanent members
elected by the General Assembly for 2-year terms. (In December
1991, Russia assumed the permanent Security Council seat
previously held by the USSR.) Five non-permanent members are
elected from Africa and Asia combined; one from Eastern Europe; two
from Latin America; and two from Western Europe and other areas.
Non-permanent members are not eligible for immediate reelection.
The 1992 non-permanent members are Austria, Belgium, Cape
Verde, Hungary, Japan, Morocco,  Venezuela , Ecuador, India, and
Zimbabwe.

President: Rotates monthly in English alphabetical order of members.

Economic and Social Council
Membership: 54; 18 elected each year by the General Assembly for
3-year terms. President: Elected each year.

Trusteeship Council
Membership: China, France, Russia, UK, US.

President: Elected each year.

International Court of Justice
Membership: 15, elected for 9-year terms by the General Assembly
and the Security Council from nominees of national groups under
provisions of the International Court of Justice Statute.

BACKGROUND
The immediate antecedent of the United Nations was the League of
Nations.  It was created under US leadership following World War I
(although the United States never became a member).  The League
existed from 1919 until its reduced organization and functions were
replaced by the United Nations in 1945.

The idea for the United Nations found expression in declarations
signed at conferences in Moscow and Tehran in October and
December 1943.  In the summer of 1944, representatives of the
USSR, the UK, and the United States met at Dumbarton Oaks, a
mansion in Washington, DC.  Later, discussions among China, the UK,
and the United States resulted in proposals concerning the purposes
and principles of an international organization, its membership and
principal organs, as well as arrangements to maintain international
peace and security and international economic and social cooperation.
These proposals were discussed and debated by governments and
private citizens worldwide.

On March 5, 1945, invitations to a conference to be held in San
Francisco in April were issued by the United States on behalf of
itself, China, the USSR, and the UK to 42 other governments that had
signed the January 1, 1942, "Declaration by United Nations" and that
had declared war on Germany or Japan no later than March 1, 1945.
The conference added Argentina, Denmark, and the two republics of
Belarus and the Ukraine, bringing the total to 50.

The 50 nations represented at San Francisco signed the Charter of the
United Nations on June 26, 1945.  Poland, which was not represented
at the conference but for which a place among the original
signatories had been reserved, added its name later, bringing the
total of original signatories to 51.  The United Nations came into
existence 4 months later, on October 24, 1945, when the Charter had
been ratified by the five permanent members of the Security
Council--China, France, the USSR, the UK, and the United States--and
by a majority of the other signatories.

UN membership is open to all "peace-loving states" that accept the
obligations of the UN Charter and, in the judgment of the
organization, are able and willing to fulfill these obligations.
Admission to membership is determined by the General Assembly
upon recommendation  of the Security Council.  In September 1991,
there were 166 members.  By August 1992, 179 countries were
members of the UN.  In September 1992, however, the General
Assembly,  by a vote of 127 to 6 with 26 abstentions,  revoked
Yugoslavia's membership, reducing the total to 178.

In New York City, the UN owns its headquarters site , which is
international territory.  The UN headquarters building was
constructed between January 1, 1949, and August 21, 1950, beside
the East River on donated land.  Under special agreement with the
United States, certain diplomatic privileges and immunities have
been granted, but generally the laws of New York City, New York
State, and the United States apply.

SECURITY COUNCIL
Under the UN Charter, the Security Council has "primary
responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and
security," and all UN members "agree to accept and carry out the
decisions of the Security Council in accordance with the present
Charter."

Other organs of the United Nations make recommendations to
member governments.  The Security Council, however, has the power
to make decisions, which member governments must carry out under
the Charter.  A representative of each Security Council member must
always be present at UN headquarters so that the Council can meet at
any time.

Decisions in the Security Council on all substantive matters--for
example, a decision calling for direct measures related to the
settlement of a dispute--require the affirmative votes of nine
members, including the support of all five permanent members.  A
negative vote--a veto--by a permanent member prevents adoption
of a proposal that has received the required number of affirmative
votes.  Abstention is not regarded as a veto.  A permanent member
usually abstains when it does not wish to vote in favor of a decision
or to block it with a veto.

A state that is a member of the UN but not of the Security Council
may participate in Security Council discussions in which the Council
agrees that the country's interests are particularly affected.  In
recent years, the Council has interpreted this loosely, enabling many
countries to take part in its discussions.  Non-members routinely are
invited to take part when they are parties to disputes being
considered by the Council.

Although the UN Charter gives the Security Council primary
responsibility for international peace and security, it recommends
that states first make every effort to settle their disputes peacefully,
either bilaterally or through regional organizations.

Under Chapter Six of the Charter, "Pacific Settlement of Disputes," the
Security Council "may investigate any dispute, or any situation which
might lead to international friction or give rise to a dispute."  The
Council may "recommend appropriate procedures or methods of
adjustment" if it determines that the situation might endanger
international peace and security.  These recommendations are not
binding on UN members.

Under Chapter Seven, the Council has broader power to decide what
measures to be taken in situations involving "threats to the peace,
breaches of the peace, or acts of aggression."  In such situations, the
Council is not limited to recommendations but may take action,
including the use of armed force, "to maintain or restore
international peace and security."  This was the basis for UN armed
action in Korea in 1950 and the use of coalition forces in Iraq and
Kuwait in 1991.

In the case of Iraq, the Security Council adopted 12 resolutions in
1990 that clearly laid out the path of peace for that country to
follow.  Those resolutions demanded that Iraq withdraw immediately
and unconditionally from Kuwait, established an economic embargo
against Iraq backed by force, and authorized the use of "all means
necessary" to expel Iraqi armed forces from Kuwait if the Iraqis did
not withdraw by January 15, 1991.  When the Iraqis did not
withdraw, the international coalition of forces launched Operation
Desert Storm at 4:50 pm Eastern Standard Time on January 16 to
force Iraq into complying with the 12 UN Security Council
resolutions.  As a result of that joint military operation, the Iraqi
armed forces were expelled from Kuwait.

GENERAL ASSEMBLY
The General Assembly is made up of all 178 UN members.  Member
countries are seated in English alphabetical order.  Each year, seating
begins at a point in the alphabet determined through a drawing.

 The Assembly meets in regular session once a year under a
president elected from among the representatives.  The regular
session usually begins on the third Tuesday in September and ends
in mid-December.  Special sessions can be convened at the request of
the Security Council, of a majority of UN members, or, if the majority
concurs, of a single member.  There have been 14 special sessions of
the General Assembly.  The 10th special session, in 1978, constituted
the largest inter-governmental  conference on disarmament in
history.

Voting in the General Assembly on important questions--
recommendations on peace and security; election of members to
organs; admission, suspension, and expulsion of members;
trusteeship questions; budgetary matters--is by a two-thirds
majority of those present and voting "yes" or "no." Abstentions are
not counted.  Other questions are decided by a simple majority vote.
Each member country has one vote.

Apart from approval of budgetary matters, including adoption of a
scale of assessment, Assembly resolutions are not binding on the
members.  It may make recommendations on any questions or
matters within the scope of the UN except matters of peace and
security under Security Council consideration.

As the only UN organ in which all members are represented, the
Assembly has been the forum in which members have launched
major initiatives on international questions of peace, economic
progress, and human rights.  It may initiate studies and make
recommen-
dations to promote international political cooperation; develop and
codify international law;  realize human rights and fundamental
freedoms; and further international economic, social, cultural,
educational, and health programs.

The Assembly may take action if the Security Council is unable--
usually due to disagreement among the five permanent members--to
exercise its primary responsibility for the maintenance of
international peace in a case involving an apparent threat to the
peace, breach of peace, or act of aggression.  The "Uniting for Peace"
resolutions, adopted in 1950, empower the Assembly, if not already
in session, to convene in emergency special session on 24-hour notice
and to recommend collective measures--including the use of armed
force in the case of a breach of the peace or act of aggression.  Two-
thirds of the members must approve any such recommendation.
Emergency special sessions under this procedure have been held on
nine occasions.  The eighth emergency special session, in September
1981, considered the situation in Namibia.  The situation in the
occupied Arab territories, following Israel's unilateral extension of its
laws, jurisdiction, and administration to the Golan Heights, was the
subject of the ninth emergency session in January and February
1982.

Recently, the Assembly has become a forum for the North-South
dialogue--the discussion of issues between industrialized nations and
developing countries.  These issues have come to the fore because of
the phenomenal growth and changing makeup of the UN
membership.  Smaller countries that achieved independence after
the UN's creation have caused a massive shift in the Assembly.  In
1945, the United Nations had 51 members: now more than two-
thirds of its 178 members are developing countries.

There are many differences in wealth, size, and outlook among the
developing countries.  Nevertheless, this large group (some 120
countries in the General Assembly), known as "the Third World," the
"non-aligned," and the "Group of 77," has generally voted and acted
in concert.  Because of their numbers, they tend to determine the
agenda of the Assembly, the character of its debates, and the nature
of its decisions.  For many developing countries, the United Nations is
particularly important.  It is the collective source of much of their
diplomatic influence and the basic outlet for their foreign relations
initiatives.  Increasingly, they seek inclusion in the councils of power,
and the UN provides such a policy forum.

The UN has devoted significant attention to the problems of the
developing countries, in response to their growing political
importance in multilateral arenas.  The General Assembly has guided,
and in many cases created, special programs to help developing
nations acquire the skills, knowledge, and organization they need for
more productive economies.  These programs complement the work
of the various specialized agencies in the UN system.  Through its
economic committee, the Assembly remains concerned with the
question of economic development.
Economic and Social Council

The Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) assists the General
Assembly in promoting international economic and social cooperation
and development. ECOSOC has 54 members, 18 of whom are selected
each year by the General Assembly for a 3-year term.  A retiring
member is eligible for immediate reelection--the United States,
France, the UK, and the USSR have been members since the UN was
founded.  ECOSOC has held two major sessions each year: a spring
meeting, usually in New York, and a summer meeting, usually in
Geneva, but now is merging  the two sessions into one 7-week
session, alternating locations between New York and Geneva.  The
president is elected for a 1-year term. Voting is by simple majority.

ECOSOC undertakes studies and makes recommendations on
development, world trade, industrialization, natural resources,
human rights, the status of women, population, narcotics, social
welfare, science and technology, crime prevention, and other issues.
Trusteeship Council.

The UN trusteeship system was established to help ensure that non-
self-governing territories were administered in the best interests of
the inhabitants and of international peace and security.  The
Trusteeship Council operates under the authority of the General
Assembly or, in the case of strategic trusts, the Security Council.  It
assists those bodies in carrying out their responsibilities under the
UN Charter.

A UN member administering a trust territory is pledged to promote
the political, economic, and educational advancement of the
territory's people.  It also promotes "progressive  development
towards self-government or independence as may be appropriate to
the particular circumstances of each territory and its people and the
freely expressed wishes of the peoples concerned."

As recently as 1957, 11 territories--most of them former mandates
of the League of Nations or territories taken from enemy states at
the end of World War II--were part of the UN trusteeship system.
All but one have attained self-government or independence, either
as separate nations or by joining neighboring independent countries.

The only one remaining is the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands
(TTPI), designated as a strategic area and administered by the United
States under a 1947 agreement with the Security Council.  On May
28, 1986, the Trusteeship Council determined that the United States
had fulfilled its obligations as trustee and asked it to make
arrangements for trusteeship termination by September 30, 1986,
according to the new status arrangements negotiated with TTPI
governments and ratified by their peoples in UN-observed acts of
self-determination.

As a result of these arrangements, the Republic of the Marshall
Islands  and the Federated States of Micronesia  became sovereign,
self-governing states in free association with the United States.  A
third TTPI entity, the Northern Mariana Islands, had become a self-
governing US commonwealth in 1986.  On December 22, 1990, the
Security Council confirmed the Trusteeship Council's action in
Resolution 683.  A fourth TTPI entity, the Republic of Palau, remains
subject to the Trusteeship Agreement.  The United States and Palau
have negotiated a Compact of Free Association, under which Palau
would have a status comparable to that of the Marshall Islands and
Micronesia.  Efforts to bring the compact into effect have been
thwarted, however, by failure to obtain the approval of 75% of
Palau's voters in order to reconcile nuclear provisions of the compact
with non-nuclear provisions of the Palauan Constitution.

 Membership of the Trusteeship Council consists of the United States-
-the only country now administering a trust territory--and the other
permanent members of the Security Council--China, France, the UK,
and Russia.International Court of Justice

The International Court of Justice is the principal judicial organ of the
UN.  The Court was established under the Charter in 1945 as the
successor to the Permanent Court of International Justice.  Its main
functions are to decide cases submitted to it by states and to give
advisory opinions on legal questions submitted to it by the General
Assembly or Security Council, or by such specialized agencies as may
be authorized to do so by the General Assembly in accordance with
the UN Charter.

The seat of the Court is in The Hague, Netherlands. It is composed of
15 judges elected by the General Assembly and the Security Council
from a list of persons nominated by the national groups in the
Permanent Court of Arbitration.  Electors are mandated to bear in
mind the qualifications of the candidates and the need for the Court
as a whole to represent the main cultural groups and principal legal
systems.  No two judges may be nationals of the same country.
Judges serve for 9 years and may be reelected.  One-third of the
Court (five judges) is elected every 3 years.

Questions before the Court are decided by a majority of judges
present.  Nine judges constitute a quorum. In case of a tie, the
president of the Court casts the deciding vote.  In certain
circumstances, parties may be entitled to request a specific judge for
a specific case.

Only states may be parties in cases before the International Court of
Justice.  This does not preclude private interests from being the
subject of proceedings if one state brings the case against another.
Jurisdiction of the Court is based on the consent of the parties.  The
United States accepted the Court's compulsory jurisdiction in 1946
but withdrew its acceptance following the Court's decision in the
Nicaragua case in 1986.

In the event of a dispute concerning the Court's jurisdiction, the
matter is settled by the Court.  Judgments are binding upon the
parties.  The Security Council can be called upon by a party to
determine measures to be taken to give effect to a judgment if the
other party fails to perform its obligations under that judgment.
Examples of cases include:


 -- A dispute between Greece and Turkey over the boundary of the
continental shelf in the Aegean Sea;

 -- A complaint by the United States in 1980 that Iran was detaining
American diplomats in Tehran in violation of international law;

 --  A dispute between Tunisia and Libya over the delimitation of the
continental shelf between them;

 --  A dispute over the course of the maritime boundary dividing the
United States and Canada in the Gulf of Maine area; and

 --  A complaint brought by Nicaragua against the United States
concerning military and paramilitary activities.

Secretariat.
The Secretariat is headed by the Secretary General, assisted by a
staff of about 10,000 international civil servants worldwide.  It
provides studies, information, and facilities needed by UN bodies for
their meetings.  It also carries out tasks as directed by the Security
Council, the General Assembly, the Economic and Social Council, and
other authorized UN bodies.  The Charter provides that the staff be
chosen by application of the "highest standards of efficiency,
competence, and integrity," with due regard for the importance of
recruiting the staff on as wide a geo-graphical basis as possible.

The Charter also provides that the Secretary General and staff shall
not seek or receive instructions from any government or authority
other than the United Nations.  Each UN member is enjoined to
respect the international character of the Secretariat and not seek to
influence its staff.  The Secretary General alone is responsible for the
staff selection.

The Secretary General's duties include helping resolve international
disputes, administering peace-keeping operations, organizing
international conferences, gathering information on the
implementation of Security Council decisions, and consulting with
member governments regarding various international relations
initiatives.  The Secretary General may bring to the attention of the
Security Council any matter that, in his or her opinion, may threaten
international peace and security.

In 1977, the General Assembly created a new position in the
Secretariat--a Director General for Development and Economic
Cooperation.  The incumbent, second only to the Secretary General,
works to obtain better efficiency and coordination of the many
economic and developmental programs operating within the UN
system.

THE UN FAMILY
In addition to the 6 principal UN organs, the UN family includes
nearly 30 major programs or agencies.  Some were in existence
before the UN was created and are related to it by agreement. Others
were established by the General Assembly.  Each specialized agency
provides expertise in a specific area.  Some of the important agencies
are discussed below.

 International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).  Headquartered in
Vienna, Austria, the IAEA seeks both to promote the peaceful
application of nuclear energy and to inhibit its use for military
purposes.  The IAEA's programs encourage the development and
transfer of the peaceful application of nuclear technology, provide
international safeguards against its misuse, facilitate the application
of safety measures in its use, and help to ensure the environmentally
safe disposal of nuclear waste.

International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).  Headquartered in
Montreal, Canada, ICAO develops the principles and techniques of
international air navigation and fosters the planning and
development of international air transport to ensure safe and orderly
growth.  The ICAO Council adopts standards and recommended
practices concerning air navigation, prevention of unlawful
interference, and facilitation of border-crossing procedures for
international civil aviation.  Currently, the United States is actively
involved in the adoption and bringing into force of an ICAO-
sponsored multilateral convention to ensure that manufacturers of
plastic explosives insert chemical additives to make the explosives
detectable by screening devices at airports.

International Labor Organization (ILO).  Headquartered in Geneva,
Switzerland, ILO is unique among international organizations because
of its tripartite character:  National delegations consist of
representatives from government, management, and labor.  US
delegations are comprised of representatives from the federal
government, the AFL-CIO, and the US Council for International
Business.  ILO seeks to strengthen worker rights, improve working
and living conditions, create employment, and provide information
and training opportunities.  ILO programs of direct benefit to the
United States include the occupational safety and health-hazard-alert
system and the labor standards and human rights programs.

International Maritime Organization (IMO).  Headquartered in
London, England, IMO promotes cooperation among governments and
the shipping industry to improve maritime safety and to prevent
marine pollution.  A significant IMO accomplishment was the
adoption in 1986 of a set of measures, drafted by the United States
following the 1985 hijacking of the Achille Lauro, to protect
passengers and crews on board ships.  IMO has also played a major
role in coordinating global response to major oil spills.  In November
1990, in reaction to the Exxon Valdez oil spill and in response to the
1989 Group of Seven economic summit in Paris, a new international
convention on oil pollution preparedness and response was
completed and opened for signature.

Office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).
Headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, UNHCR protects and supports
refugees at the request of a government or the UN and assists in
their return or resettlement.  UNHCR was awarded the Nobel Peace
Prize in 1954 and 1982.


UN Children's Fund (UNICEF).
Headquartered in New York City, UNICEF is headed by a US executive
director and provides long-term humanitarian and developmental
assistance to children and mothers in developing countries.  A
voluntarily funded agency, UNICEF relies on contributions from
governments and private donors.  Its programs emphasize
developing community-level services to promote the health and
well-being of children.  UNICEF was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in
1965.  In September 1990, it hosted a World Summit for Children to
address problems and opportunities for children and to rally the
political will and resources to meet their needs.  President Bush
headed the US delegation.

UN Development Program (UNDP).  Headquartered in New York City,
UNDP has a US administrator and is the largest multilateral source of
grant technical assistance in the world. Voluntarily funded, it
provides expert advice, training, and limited equipment to
developing countries, with increasing emphasis on assistance to the
poorest countries.

UN Environmental Program (UNEP).  Headquartered in Nairobi,
Kenya, UNEP leads and coordinates UN environmental activities,
calling attention to global and regional environmental problems and
stimulating programs to address the problems.  UNEP assists
developing countries in implementing environmentally sound
development policies and has produced a worldwide environmental
monitoring system to standardize international data.  UNEP also has
developed guidelines and treaties on issues such as the international
transport of potentially harmful chemicals, trans-boundary air
pollution, and contamination of international waterways.

UNEP is implementing two important new agreements aimed at
protecting the earth's ozone layer.  The United States helped
establish, through UNEP and the World Meteorological Organization,
the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), which
provides a forum to analyze the climate changes in the atmosphere
resulting from natural and  man-made chemicals (the so-called
greenhouse effect).

World Food Program (WFP). Headquartered in Rome, Italy, the WFP
distributes food commodities to support development projects, for
protracted refugee and displaced persons projects, and as emergency
food assistance in situations of natural and manmade disasters.
Development projects, traditionally about two-thirds of WFP
programs, now constitute about 55%, as emergency and protracted
refugee situations worldwide result in increasing demands for WFP
programs and resources.  WFP operates exclusively from voluntary
contributions of both commodities and cash donated by governments.

World Health Organization (WHO).  Headquartered in Geneva,
Switzerland, WHO acts as a coordinating authority on international
public health.  After years of fighting smallpox, WHO declared in
1979 that the disease had been eradicated.  It is nearing success in
developing vaccines against malaria and schistosomiasis and aims to
eradicate polio by the year 2000.  WHO also is coordinating global
research into the causes, cures, and potential vaccines against
acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS).  Overall, the agency is
working toward the goal of "health for all by the year 2000" by
seeking a level of health for all the world's people that will enable
them to lead productive lives.

FINANCING
The UN system is financed in two ways:  assessed and voluntary
contributions from member states.

The regular 2-year budgets of the United Nations and its specialized
agencies are funded by assessments.  In the case of the UN, the
General Assembly approves the regular budget and determines the
assessment for each member.  This is broadly based on the relative
capacity of each country to pay, as measured by national income
statistics, although there are some variations.

The Assembly has established the principle that no member should
pay more than 25% of the regular budget, which for the 1992-93
period is over $2 billion.  The United States is the only nation
affected by this limitation.  If the standard criterion of "capacity to
pay" were applied in the same manner to the United States as to
other major industrial powers, the United States would be assessed
at about 28%.

Under the scale of assessments adopted for period 1992-93, other
major contributors to the regular UN budget are Japan (12%), Russia
(9%), Germany (9%), France (6%), and the UK (5%).  For 1992-93,
assessment against members is $1.2 billion per year; the net US
share, after adjustments, is $298.6 million.

The 41st UN General Assembly agreed in 1986 on the need to
institute far-reaching reform measures designed to restore and
strengthen the capability of the United Nations to serve the interests
of its member states.  An acceptable program-budget-approval
mechanism was found that contains the following essential elements:

--  A consensus decision-making process;

--  A budget ceiling;

 --  An indication of program priorities; and

-- A contingency fund that protects the integrity of the budget from
constant add-ons.

As a result of what was achieved, member states, through good-faith
negotiation, now act by consensus on important program-budget
issues that previously proved so divisive.  This is essential to the
long-term operational viability of the UN and helped restore a sense
of negotiation and cooperation in UN deliberations beyond budgetary
issues.

UN peace-keeping operations have been financed by a combination
of assessments, voluntary contributions, and the sale of UN bonds.
The UN Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) has been financed solely by
voluntary contributions.  Some member nations, in addition to
providing monetary support, have supplied troops, equipment, or
services without subsequent reimbursement.  The United States has
airlifted personnel from nations contributing troops to a number of
peace-keeping operations.

Special UN programs not included in the regular budget--such as
UNICEF and UNDP--are financed by voluntary contributions from
member governments.  Some private-sector funds also are provided.
Some nations use the UN system extensively to contribute to
developmental assistance programs in other nations.

The United States contributes varying percentages of the costs of the
different agencies and programs in the UN system.  In FY 1990, its
combined assessed and voluntary contributions amounted to about
$1.3 billion.

MAINTAINING THE PEACE
The UN Charter gives the Security Council the power to:

--  Investigate any situation threatening international peace;

--  Recommend procedures for peaceful resolution of a dispute;

--  Call upon other member nations to completely or partially
interrupt economic relations as well as sea, air, postal, and radio
communications, or to sever diplomatic relations; and

--  Enforce its decisions militarily, if necessary.


Since the United Nations was created, there have been many
outbreaks of international violence in which the United Nations has
helped to reduce the danger of wider conflict.  It has opened the way
to negotiated settlements through its service as a center of debate
and negotiation, as well as through fact-finding missions, mediators,
and truce observers.  The  United States and other like-minded
nations seek to enhance the effectiveness   of the Security Council in
dealing with international conflicts.  Comprised  of troops and
equipment supplied by a broad range of nations, UN peace-keeping
forces sometimes have been able to limit or prevent conflict.  With
experience in the operation of such forces over many years, this UN
activity has become increasingly prominent as cooperation has
increased in recent years among permanent members of the Security
Council.  The UN cannot impose peace, however.   Some conflicts
never have been discussed by the Security Council, and others have
proved to be beyond the capacity of the UN to influence.  Linkage of
UN peace-keeping efforts to a viable political process has been key to
their success.

The most extensive use of UN troops was in Korea, where, in 1950,
the Security Council mobilized forces under US leadership for the
defense of South Korea against an attack from North Korea.  UN
forces there reached a peak strength of 500,000.

In 1960-64,  20,000 peace-keepers helped restore order following
independence in the Congo (now Zaire).

In 1964, a UN Peace-keeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) was created
to prevent fighting between Greek and Turkish Cypriots.  This
mission was given new urgency when Turkish troops landed on
Cyprus in 1974.

In the search for a peaceful solution in the Middle East, the United
Nations has been involved in various ways over the past 43 years.
Its efforts have ranged from UN-sponsored negotiations to the actual
deployment of UN troops.  For example, the fighting that broke out
when the State of Israel was established in 1948 was halted by a UN
cease-fire.  UN mediators helped bring about armistice agreements
between Israel and Egypt, Lebanon, Jordan, and Syria.  Those
agreements provided for implementation by mixed armistice
commissions and the UN Truce Supervision Organization (UNTSO).
The UN Relief and Works Agency (UNWRA) was established to assist
Arab refugees from the conflict.

In 1956, the Suez Canal crisis was resolved by the withdrawal of
British, French, and Israeli forces from Egyptian territory in
compliance with a UN resolution and by the establishment of the UN
Emergency Force (UNEF I) to preserve the peace.  The UN was active
again in achieving a cease-fire and installing UN observers after the
June 1967 war between Israel and its neighbors.  Following the
outbreak of hostilities in October 1973, a new UN Emergency Force
(UNEF II) was created to interpose itself between the forces of Israel
and Egypt.  It fulfilled its mandate and was dissolved in 1979 with
the conclusion of the Egyptian-Israeli Peace Treaty.  After Israel and
Syria reached agreement on disengaging their forces on the Golan
Heights in 1974, the Security Council established a UN Disengagement
Observer Force (UNDOF).  The mandate of UNDOF has been extended
periodically by the Council.

The UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) was created in early
1978, following an Israeli reprisal attack on Palestine Liberation
Organization (PLO) bases in southern Lebanon.  It permitted an
Israeli withdrawal and restored order under the control of Lebanese
authorities.  After Israel's invasion of June 1982 drastically
transformed conditions in southern Lebanon, UNIFIL played  a
significant role in efforts to bring stability to southern Lebanon.  Its
mandate has been extended periodically by the Security Council,
with humanitarian and other temporary tasks added to its functions.

Efforts by the United States and other countries over the years to
enhance the effectiveness of the Security Council in dealing with
international conflicts led to an effective worldwide coalition in 1990.
For only the second time in UN history, and for the first time with
the USSR's support, the UN formally authorized the use of force
against an aggressor country.  Twelve UN Security Council resolutions
demanded that Iraq withdraw from Kuwait.  When Iraq did not do so
by the January 15, 1991, deadline, the US-led forces expelled Iraq
from Kuwait.

Seven new peace-keeping activities in the Mideast (UNIKOM),  Africa
(UNAVEM II and MINURSO),  Central America (ONUCA), Cambodia
(UNAMIC and UNTAC), and the former Yugoslavia (UNPROFOR)  were
established in the year following the conclusion of the Gulf war.  The
proliferation of these operations reflected a new climate of
international cooperation and growing consensus that, in the post-
Cold War era, the UN had a central role to play in helping defuse
regional conflicts.  These new UN under-takings represented also an
emerging synthesis of peace-keeping and peace-making, adding to
the traditional peace-keeping  mandates such responsibilities as
supervising elections, monitoring  human rights, and overseeing civil
administration.

With its new, higher profile, however, the UN has had to make
difficult choices.  Limited funds and the UN's own limited capacity to
plan and implement peace-keeping operations required that
priorities be established.  At the recent UN Security Council summit,
12 other heads of government joined President Bush in reiterating
their support for collective security.  They encouraged the Secretary
General to increase his efforts not only to resolve conflicts but to
head them off.  It was recognized, however, that fundamental to the
success of any UN peace-keeping operation is the full cooperation  of
the parties.  It was further acknowledged that  regional organizations
could play a constructive peace-keeping role and might be better
situated, on a case-by-case basis, to intercede and mediate the
peaceful resolution of conflicts.

ARMS CONTROL AND DISARMAMENT
The UN Charter, adopted in 1945, gave no immediate priority to
disarmament, but envisaged a system of regulation that would
ensure "the least diversion for armaments of the world's human and
economic resources."  The advent of nuclear weapons came only
weeks after the signing of the Charter and provided immediate
impetus to concepts of arms limitation and disarmament.  In fact, the
first resolution of the first meeting of the General Assembly (January
24, 1946) was entitled "The Establishment of a Commission to Deal
with the Problems Raised by the Discovery of Atomic Energy" and
called upon the commission to make specific proposals for "the
elimination from national armaments of atomic weapons and of all
other major weapons adaptable to mass destruction."

The UN has established a few forums to address multilateral
disarmament issues.  The principal ones are the First Committee of
the UN General Assembly, the UN Disarmament Commission, and the
Geneva-based Conference on Disarmament.  Items on the agenda
include consideration of the possible merits of a nuclear test ban,
outer-space arms control, efforts to ban chemical weapons, nuclear
and conventional disarmament, nuclear-weapon-free zones,
reduction of military budgets, and measures to strengthen
international security.

The Conference on Disarmament is the sole forum established by the
international community for the negotiation of multilateral arms
control and disarmament agreements.  Evolving from earlier
multilateral forums dating back to 1959, it has 40 members
representing all areas of the world, including the five major nuclear-
weapon states (China, France, Russia, UK, and US).  The conference is
an autonomous body and is not formally a UN organization.  It is
linked, however, to the UN system through a personal representative
of the Secretary General who serves as the secretary general of the
conference.  Resolutions adopted by the General Assembly often
request the conference to consider specific disarmament matters.  In
turn, the conference reports on its activities to the General Assembly
annually.

HUMAN RIGHTS
The pursuit of human rights was one of the central reasons for
creation of the United Nations.  World War II atrocities, including the
execution of millions of Jews, led to a ready consensus that the new
organization must work to prevent any similar tragedies in the
future.

An early objective was the creation of a framework of legal
obligations as the basis for consideration of and action on complaints
about human rights violations.  The UN Charter obliges all member
nations to promote "universal respect for, and observance of, human
rights" and to take "joint and separate action" to that end.

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights, though not legally
binding, was adopted by the General Assembly in 1948.  Treaties and
conventions followed, many of them drawing upon the Universal
Declaration. These included the:


-- International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights;

-- International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights;

-- International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial
Discrimination;

-- Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination
Against Women; and

-- American Convention on Human Rights.


Although each of these treaties has been signed by the United States,
consent to their ratification has not been given by the Senate.  The
Senate has granted its advice and consent to the Convention on the
Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide.  Congress has
passed the necessary implementing legislation, and the convention
has been formally ratified by the United States.

In addition to the preparation of legal documents, various organs of
the UN system undertake consideration of human rights issues.  The
General Assembly regularly takes up human rights questions
originating in the Assembly or referred to it by subordinate bodies.

The UN Human Rights Commission (UNHRC), under ECOSOC, is charged
specifically with promoting human rights. To carry out this mandate,
the UNHRC drafts international instruments, conducts expert studies,
and investigates situations in countries where human rights
violations are believed to occur.  Investigations can be proposed by
any member government and are decided upon by vote of the entire
commission. The 43 UNHRC members (including the United States)
are elected by ECOSOC on the basis of equitable geographic
distribution.  The number of members of the Commission grew to 53
beginning with the 1992 session, the additional 10 seats being
divided among the Latin American, African, and Asian groups.

The UNHRC Subcommission on Prevention of Discrimination and
Protection of Minorities is composed of experts serving as individuals
rather than as government representatives.  Among its various
activities, the subcommission may, under procedures set up by
ECOSOC, make a confidential review of private communications sent
to the UN containing allegations of human rights abuses.  Situations
that appear to reveal a consistent pattern of gross human rights
violations may be referred to the commission in closed session. That
body may then make a thorough study of the situation or may
undertake an investigation with the consent of the accused
government.

Other UN agencies also act on human rights concerns.  The ILO was
one of the first agencies to set high standards and reporting
requirements on human rights situations in the labor field.  A special
committee of UNESCO, of which the United States is not a member,
examines human rights complaints from individuals, groups, and
non-governmental organizations within the fields of education,
science, culture, and communication.

The Organization of American States (OAS) has written an American
Convention on Human Rights that gives jurisdiction to an Inter-
American Human Rights Commission and creates a new court on
human rights. The convention entered into force in July 1978. The
United States has signed but not ratified the convention.

The United Nations is expanding its work on behalf of women, not
only to ensure their rights as individuals but also to stress the need
for them to use their talents and abilities for progress on social
issues.  These efforts are reflected in the agendas of the Commission
on the Status of Women, ECOSOC, the General Assembly, the UNHRC,
and the UNDP Governing Council and in discussions of the rights and
problems of elderly women at the World Assembly on Aging.  UN
efforts led to the celebration of International Women's Year in 1975
and to the declaration of a UN Decade for Women, 1976-85.

Although the UN system has created a legal framework for action on
human rights, efforts to implement the established standards have
been uneven.  Some observers have suggested that UN forums have
been characterized by "selective morality" as criticism has been
focused primarily on the state of human rights in Chile, El Salvador,
Guatemala, South Africa, and the Israeli-occupied territories simply
because such criticism was acceptable to a majority of UN members,
while criticism of other nations' abuses was not.

The 1982 and 1983 sessions of the UNHRC marked a departure in
this regard, by taking public action on an East European country,
Poland, for the first time in the commission's history.  At its 1988
session, the commission took a major step toward investigating the
human rights situation in Cuba, primarily as a result of efforts on the
part of the United States.  At that session, the United States proposed
a resolution which would inscribe Cuba on the commission's 1989
agenda.  This US initiative prompted negotiations that resulted in an
agreement to send an investigatory team to Cuba under UNHRC
auspices and according to UN rules and regulations regarding special
rapporteurs.  As a result of that investigation, conducted in Cuba in
September 1988, the 1989 session of the UNHRC was presented with
a 400-page report on the human rights situation in Cuba.  At the
1992 session, the commission, noting no improvement in the human
rights situation there, decided to appoint an individual as special
rapporteur to keep Cuban human rights under scrutiny.

BENEFITS OF THE UN SYSTEM
One of the benefits of the UN system is the opportunity it provides
for government officials to meet, share ideas, and consult on
international problems.  This helps them to understand the views of
other governments while avoiding confrontations that might
otherwise result from misunderstandings of national intentions and
interests.

Each year in September, the General Assembly's annual regular
session brings together not only the official representatives of all
member countries but also, in many cases, the foreign ministers and
chiefs of state.  The US Secretary of State traditionally spends 2-3
weeks at the General Assembly each year consulting with other
governments on both bilateral questions and on issues coming before
the United Nations.  President Bush, a former UN ambassador, follows
the tradition set by many US presidents of addressing the General
Assembly annually.

The United Nations and its affiliated international organizations are
especially important to member nations of the Third World who
conduct much of their foreign policy there and rely heavily on these
forums to advance their national interests and interact with other
nations, including the United States.  Thus, the United States cannot
afford to rely solely on its bilateral relations with Third World
countries for advancing US foreign policy objectives but must take
advantage of its participation in the UN system to influence the
opinions and policies of Third World governments and their peoples.

General Benefits.  Participation in the United Nations and its affiliated
programs and agencies helps the United States in many ways:  It
provides important mechanisms for the advancement of US foreign
policy objectives; it can serve as a powerful platform for the
advancement of Western values and ideals; it facilitates large-scale
humanitarian operations and multilateral efforts to deal with global
problems, such as famine and pestilence; and it can serve the cause
of peace.

In foreign policy, the United Nations clearly accomplishes tasks that
neither the United States nor any nation could accomplish alone.
These tasks include coordinated efforts to reduce regional and global
environmental problems; to control human and animal diseases that
threaten to reach epidemic proportions; to monitor, report, and
predict global weather patterns; and, most important, to establish
conditions conducive to the peaceful resolution of disputes between
nations.  In particular, UN peace-keeping forces often have provided
a "buffer" (helpful to the maintenance of cease-fires in the Middle
East and Cyprus)  by establishing an atmosphere in which conflicts
can be contained and peace negotiations can take place.  The United
States hopes that involving the UN will reduce the likelihood  of open
conflict and promote a more stable international order.   History
warns that disputes  can get out of control, drawing large nations and
small into a vortex from which they cannot escape.  The UN can
provide an internationally acceptable setting in which nations can
move away from rigid negotiating positions and begin to seek
solutions to their problems.

Achievement of US international goals in human rights depends on
its ability to mobilize world opinion on behalf of human rights issues.
If only one nation urges an end to genocide, torture, terrorism, illegal
detention, or political persecutions, the offending nation can
procrastinate without penalty.  If, however, the UN takes a strong
stand on behalf of human rights, pressures for reform are more
effective and the likelihood of corrective action correspondingly
greater.

UN programs also can serve US objectives for the developing world
by promoting economic development.  Concerned about global
poverty, the United States attempts through various means to help
developing nations meet basic human needs--clean water, food,
shelter, and health care--and other development goals.  This
objective is pursued on a bilateral basis, through regional
approaches, and by actively employing the UN system to persuade
other countries to share the burden of global development.

The United States and other major Western donors encourage the UN
system to promote private-sector approaches to development in the
Third World and to loosen the bonds of government-controlled
markets and commodity-pricing arrangements.  Today, UN technical
assistance and financing systems are supplying  needed experience,
skills, equipment, resources, and support programs that encourage
self-reliance in developing-country societies, that encourage change
in government policies that are not conducive to development, and
that allow Third World populations to better cope with difficult
circumstances.

UN programs also try to meet humanitarian needs for those
disadvantaged by circumstances beyond their control.  Even private
charitable agencies must rely on the multiple capacities of the United
Nations and its family of international organizations to develop the
infra-structure and political climate without which those in need
would be outside the reach of our compassion.

Providing opportunities for dialogue between the industrialized
countries and the developing nations is another important role
played by the United Nations, which is particularly important to the
United States because many developing nations regard the UN
system as the most important arena for their foreign relations.
Moreover, these nations constitute more than two-thirds of the UN's
membership and purchase more than one-third of US exports.

In the specialized UN agencies dealing with trade, commodities, and
investment, the United States seeks to expand the world economy in
a way compatible with its own free economic system and values.  In
the Economic and Social Council, the regional commissions, and the
UN Conference on Trade and Development, the United States has
promoted an open international trading-and-investment system and
has insisted on maintaining a strong role for the private sector in
meeting the development needs of all countries.

The UN and its family of international organizations is a success story
for the West.  It embodies in its charter the same liberal democratic
values and principles that are found in the US Constitution and
makes them applicable to every UN member.  The UN system can be
viewed as a vehicle for putting those values and principles into
practice on a global scale.  As President Bush said in his State of the
Union address on January 29, 1991, "The leadership of the United
Nations, once only a hoped-for ideal, is now confirming its founders'
vision."

Direct Benefits.  Beyond benefits gained for US foreign policy
interests, the United States also gains direct economic, social, and
humanitarian benefits.  Large parts of US financial assistance to the
UN and its related agencies are returned to US companies through
equipment and supply sales and consulting services.  US support of
the UN Development Program encourages the growth of self-reliance
and helps to expand the markets for US goods and services.

Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) efforts to eliminate the
Mediterranean fruit fly from the Caribbean and Central America
directly benefit the US citrus industry.  Likewise, US cattle raisers
have a direct stake in FAO efforts to eliminate the bont tick, the
carrier of a threatening cattle disease, from the Caribbean.  FAO's
voluntary, non-binding Code of Conduct on the Distribution and Use
of Pesticides benefits the US pesticide industry by encouraging other
countries to adopt pesticide-safety standards comparable to those in
force in the United States and thereby limit competitive advantages
otherwise gained by producers who reduce their costs by failing to
observe adequate labeling and safety standards.

In 1985, UNICEF spent a total of $107 million on goods and services
in the United States.  UNICEF also furthers US humanitarian interests
in the developing world by mobilizing assistance from public and
private sources throughout the world for programs benefiting
children and mothers.

As the world's most advanced nation, the United States has extensive
needs for immediate and reliable worldwide communication and,
therefore, relies on the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).
It facilitates international cooperation between member states and
promotes the development of efficient technical facilities in order to
improve international telecommunication services.  As the largest
producer and supplier of telecommunications equipment, the United
States benefits from the technical assistance extended to developing
countries from agencies such as the ITU.

US maritime interests benefit directly from the International
Maritime Organization's work on standardization, safety-of-life-at-
sea measures, and ocean-anti-pollution programs.  Other US
environmental interests are supported by the UN Environmental
Program, which serves as a catalyst in bringing international
attention to global and regional environmental problems and helping
countries develop their economies in environmentally responsible
ways.

The World Meteorological Organization provides weather information
to persons from all spheres of US life--farmers, mariners, aviators,
and travelers.  Its work has significant economic and social impact on
the United States.

Standards and recommended practices developed by the
International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) directly affect US
commercial air travel and favorably influence the US economic
community, which supplies the greatest share of aircraft and
equipment world wide.  ICAO develops the principles and techniques
of international air navigation and fosters the planning and
development of international air transport to ensure the safe and
orderly growth of civil aviation.  It also promotes standards for the
control of noise and pollution from aircraft.  US travelers by air and
sea benefit from improved safety and security standards developed
by ICAO and the International Maritime Organization.

The United States also benefits significantly from the International
Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), which serves  major US national
security and non-proliferation interests.  IAEA is charged under its
statute with two primary objectives:  through its program of
technical cooperation, it encourages the peaceful uses of nuclear
energy, especially in the fields of medicine, agriculture, and basic
industry, and its program of international safeguards inhibits the use
of nuclear material for non-peaceful purposes, thus helping to
prevent the spread of nuclear weapons.  IAEA also plays an active
role in promoting international cooperation in nuclear safety; it
expanded its work in this area in response to the nuclear disaster in
Chernobyl in April 1986.

The UN also serves important US interests through the development
and enforcement of international treaties and conventions, such as
those designed to control drug abuse.  Given the high importance
placed by the United States on control of drug abuse and drug
trafficking, the United Nations provides a valuable forum to discuss
and coordinate relevant international actions.

US POLICY TOWARD THE UNITED NATIONS
The US Government recognizes the value of the United Nations for
the conduct of US foreign relations and for the direct benefits it
provides the United States and its people.

The United States was a major force in the creation of the United
Nations in 1945.  The Senate, by a vote of 89 to 2, gave its consent to
the ratification of the UN Charter on July 28, 1945.  In December
1945, the Senate and the House of Representatives, by unanimous
votes, requested that the United Nations make its headquarters in
the United States.  Since then, the United States has been a major
participant; however, the changing political makeup of the world
following World War II, particularly with the dismantling of the
major European empires, produced changes in the United Nations and
in US approaches to UN issues.

As the United States has reasserted its leadership in multilateral
affairs and strengthened its influence in the United Nations and its
related agencies, it has promoted fiscal responsibility in the
budgetary process, increased the number of US nationals on staffs of
international organizations, and augmented private-sector
involvement in UN programs and activities.

This initiative culminated in the UN approval of a package of
sweeping reforms in administrative and financial procedures in
December 1986.  Those reforms enable the United Nations to perform
its functions more effectively and efficiently and give the major
donors, including the United States, a greater voice in determining
how money is spent.  The United States, through these structural
reforms, has been able to strengthen its influence within the UN
system.

The United States, in order to achieve its objectives at the United
Nations, has developed a number of closely related strategies.  The
first strategy recognizes that the UN system offers an excellent
opportunity to explain US views on important issues while
spotlighting unacceptable behavior by other countries.  Through
speeches, frequent rights of reply, and resolutions, the United States
has gained increased understanding for its policies on such issues as
the role of the entrepreneur, the right to private property, and
human rights.

The United States has partially succeeded in reducing bloc voting in
the United Nations and moderating the rhetoric and unreasonable
demands of bloc members.  If left unchecked, bloc voting tends to
place policy decisions in the hands of the most radical members of
the bloc and intensifies the immoderation of UN debates.  The US
aims to appeal to the individual interests of each bloc member as
opposed to the often imaginary benefits of bloc solidarity in support
of radical and impracticable demands.  In addition, this strategy
attempts to link US interests with those of other countries, thereby
increasing the US leverage.

The United States also has pursued the universality principle with
respect to UN membership, stating that the United States would cease
participation in, and support for, any UN body that excluded Israel or
denied Israel the full privileges of membership.  This affirmation is
supported by congressional legislation that outlines the same
principle and calls for the same action by the United States if Israel
is denied full membership privileges in any of the UN bodies,
agencies, or their subsidiary components.

In 1991, the UN took a decisive step long sought by the United States
when it repealed the determination appearing in UN resolution 3379
of 1975 that Zionism is a form of racism.  The assertion equating
Zionism with racism challenged the right of the State of Israel to exist
and undermined the integrity and even-handedness of the UN as an
international organization.  On December 12, 1991, the United States
and 85 co-sponsors tabled a draft resolution which sought to revoke
the determination.  On December 16, 1991, this resolution was
adopted by a vote of 111 (US)-25-13 (with 15 absences).  This action
by the General Assembly was an extremely important step in
restoring credibility to the UN.

Apart from approval of budgetary matters, General Assembly
resolutions are recommendatory and not binding on the members.
Binding decisions concerning action with respect to threats to the
peace and acts of aggression can only be made by the Security
Council, as in the case of the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait.  In that case,
the UN Charter gives the United States and the four other permanent
members the right of veto.  The United States is thus the beneficiary
of an important voting privilege.

US proposals for enhancing UN effectiveness include:

--  Strengthening the role of the Security Council in the settlement of
disputes, particularly through more automatic referral to the Council
in situations of international tension;

--  Strengthening the UN's peace-keeping capability, including the
development by member nations of trained national troop
contingents for quick deployment;

--  Addressing disarmament and arms-control questions more
effectively;

--  Addressing human rights issues more effectively and equitably;

--  Exploring ways to supplement the financing of international
programs with funds from international commerce, services, or
resources;

--  Improving the effectiveness of the United Nations through the
unitary UN concept which would eliminate overlap and duplication;

--  Coordinating the technical assistance programs in various UN
agencies more effectively, including better delivery of humanitarian
aid and expanded efforts for evaluation, monitoring, and quality
control;

--  Improving the UN Secretariat, both in operations and quality of
personnel; and,

--  Coordinating the participation in the UN system of various
branches of the US Government more effectively.

US Representation
The US Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York is
headed by the US Representative to the United Nations, with the
rank of ambassador extraordinary and plenipotentiary.  The mission
serves as the channel of communication for the US Government with
the UN organs, agencies, and commissions at the UN headquarters
and with the other permanent missions accredited to the UN and the
non-member observer missions.  The US mission has a professional
staff made up largely of career Foreign Service officers, including
specialists in public affairs and in political, economic, social, financial,
legal, and military issues.

The United States also maintains missions in Geneva, Montreal,
Nairobi, Rome, and Vienna as well as offices in other cities where
various UN agencies are based.  All of these missions report to the
Department of State and receive guidance on all questions of policy
from the President through the Secretary of State.  Relations with the
UN and its family of agencies are coordinated by the Assistant
Secretary of State for International Organization Affairs.

US delegations to the annual regular sessions of the General
Assembly include two members of the US Congress--one Democrat
and one Republican, selected in alternate years from the Senate and
the House of Representatives.  Delegations also include prominent US
citizens from fields outside the government.

 The US Mission to the United  Nations is located at 799 United
Nations Plaza, New York, NY  10017  (tel. [phone]).


Preamble to Charter of the United Nations:

We the Peoples of the United Nations Determined

 To Save succeeding generations from the scourge of war, which
twice in our lifetime has brought untold sorrow to mankind, and

 To Reaffirm faith in fundamental human rights, in the dignity and
worth of the human person, in the equal rights of men and women of
nations large and small, and

 To establish conditions under which justice and respect for the
obligations arising from treaties and other sources of international
law can be maintained, and

 To promote social progress and better standards of life in larger
freedom,

And for these ends

 To practice tolerance and live together in peace with one another as
good neighbors, and

 To Unite our strength to maintain international peace and security,
and

 To Ensure, by the acceptance of principles and the institution of
methods, that armed force shall not be used, save in the common
interest, and

 To employ international machinery for the promotion of the
economic and social advancement of all peoples,

Have resolved to combine our efforts to accomplish these aims.

 Accordingly, our respective Governments, through representatives
assembled in the city of San Francisco, who have exhibited their full
powers found to be in good and due form, have agreed to the present
Charter of the United Nations and do hereby establish an
international organization to be known as the United Nations.

178 Members of the United Nations1

Afghanistan (1946)
Albania (1955)
Algeria (1962)
Angola (1976)
Antigua and Barbuda (1981)
Argentina
Armenia (1992)
Australia
Austria (1955)
Azerbaijan (1992)
The Bahamas (1973)
Bahrain (1971)
Bangladesh (1974)
Barbados (1966)
Belarus (formerly
    Byelorussian SSR)
Belgium
Belize (1981)
Benin (1960)
Bhutan (1971)
Bolivia
Bosnia-Hercegovina (1992)
Botswana (1966)
Brazil
Brunei Darussalam (1984)
Bulgaria (1955)
Burkina Faso (1960)
Burma (1948)
Burundi (1962)
Cambodia (1955)
Cameroon (1960)
Canada
Cape Verde (1975)
Central African Republic (1960)
Chad (1960)
Chile
China2
Colombia
Comoros (1975)
Congo (1960)
Costa Rica
Cote d'Ivoire (1960)
Croatia (1992)
Cuba
Cyprus (1960)
Czechoslovakia
Denmark
Djibouti (1977)
Dominica (1978)
Dominican Republic
Ecuador
Egypt
El Salvador
Equatorial Guinea (1968)
Estonia (1991)
Ethiopia
Fiji (1970)
Finland (1955)
France
Gabon (1960)
The Gambia (1965)
Georgia (1992)
Germany (1973)
Ghana (1957)
Greece
Grenada (1974)
Guatemala
Guinea (1958)
Guinea-Bissau (1974)
Guyana (1966)
Haiti
Honduras
Hungary (1955)
Iceland (1946)
India
Indonesia (1950)
Iran
Iraq
Ireland (1955)
Israel (1949)
Italy (1955)
Jamaica (1962)
Japan (1956)
Jordan (1955)
Kazakhstan (1992)
Kenya (1963)
Korea, North (1991)
Korea, South (1991)
Kuwait (1963)
Kyrgystan (1992)
Laos (1955)
Latvia (1991)
Lebanon
Lesotho (1966)
Liberia
Libya (1955)
Liechtenstein (1990)
Lithuania (1991)
Luxembourg
Madagascar (1960)
Malawi (1964)
Malaysia (1957)
Maldives (1965)
Mali (1960)
Malta (1964)
Marshall Islands (1991)
Mauritania (1961)
Mauritius (1968)
Mexico
Micronesia (1991)
Moldova (1992)
Mongolia (1961)
Morocco (1956)
Mozambique (1975)
Namibia (1990)
Nepal (1955)
Netherlands
New Zealand
Nicaragua
Niger (1960)
Nigeria (1960)
Norway
Oman (1971)
Pakistan (1947)
Panama
Papua New Guinea (1975)
Paraguay
Peru
Philippines
Poland
Portugal (1955)
Qatar (1971)
Romania (1955)
Russia3
Rwanda (1962)
St. Kitts and Nevis (1983)
St. Lucia (1979
St. Vincent and the Grenadines (1980)
Samoa (1976)
San Marino (1992)
Sao Tome and Principe (1975)
Saudi Arabia
Senegal (1960)
Seychelles (1976)
Sierra Leone (1961)
Singapore (1965)
Slovenia (1992)
Solomon Islands (1978)
Somalia (1960)
South Africa
Spain (1955)
Sri Lanka (1955)
Sudan (1956)
Suriname (1975)
Swaziland (1968)
Sweden (1946)
Syria
Tanzania (1961)
Tajikistan (1992)
Thailand (1946)
Togo (1960)
Trinidad and Tobago (1962)
Tunisia (1956)
Turkey
Turkmenistan (1992)
Uganda (1962)
Ukraine  (formerly Ukrainian SSR)
United Arab Emirates (1971)
United Kingdom
United States of America
Uruguay
Uzbekistan (1992)
Vanuatu (1981)
Venezuela
Vietnam (1977)
Yemen (1947)
Zaire (1960)
Zambia (1964)
Zimbabwe (1980)

  1Year in parentheses indicates date of admission; countries with no
date were original members in 1945.

  2By Resolution 2758 (XXVI) of Oct. 25, 1971, the General Assembly
decided "to restore all its rights to the People's Republic of China and
to recognize the representative of its Government as the only
legitimate representative of China to the United Nations."

  3In December 1991, Russia assumed the permanent Security
Council seat previously held by the USSR.  o

UN Secretaries General

Trygve Lie (Norway) Feb.  1, 1946-April 10, 1953

Dag Hammarskjold(Sweden) April 10, 1953-Sept. 18, 1961

U Thant (Burma) Nov. 3, 1961-Dec. 31, 1971
(Initially appointed acting Secretary General; formally appointed
Secretary General Nov. 30, 1962.)

Kurt Waldheim (Austria) Jan. 1, 1972-Dec. 31, 1981

Javier Perez de Cuellar (Peru) Jan. 1, 1982-Dec. 31, 1991

Boutros Boutros-Ghali (Egypt) Jan. 1, 1992-present

US Representatives to the United Nations:

Edward R. Stettinius, Jr.- March 1946-June 1946

Hershel V. Johnson (acting) - June 1946-Jan. 1947

Warren R. Austin - Jan. 1947-Jan. 1953

Henry Cabot Lodge, Jr. - Jan. 1953-Sept. 1960

James J. Wadsworth - Sept. 1960-Jan. 1961

Adlai E. Stevenson-Jan. 1961-July 1965

Arthur J. Goldberg-July 1965-June 1968

George W. Ball-June 1968-Sept. 1968

James Russell Wiggins-Oct. 1968-Jan. 1969

Charles W. Yost- Jan. 1969-Feb. 1971

George Bush - Feb. 1971-Jan. 1973

John A. Scali - Feb. 1973-June 1975

Daniel P. Moynihan- June 1975-Feb. 1976

William W. Scranton - March 1976-Jan. 1977

Andrew Young  - Jan. 1977-April 1979

Donald McHenry  - April 1979-Jan. 1981

Jeane J. Kirkpatrick -Feb. 1981-April 1985

Vernon Walters -May 1985-Jan. 1989

Thomas R. Pickering -March 1989-May 1992

Edward J. Perkins-May 1992-present

-   In 1992, UN membership increased to 178 with the addition of 13
new countries:

Armenia (March)
Azerbaijan (March)
Bosnia-Hercegovina (May)
Croatia (May)
Georgia (July)
Kazakhstan (March)
Kyrgyzstan (March)
Moldova (March)
San Marino (March)
Slovenia (May)
Tajikistan (March)
Turkmenistan (March)
Uzbekistan (March)

Published by the US Department of State Bureau of Public Affairs  --
Office of Public Communication -- Washington, DC
October  1992 -- Editor:  Joan Bigge --

Department of State Publication 8874 -- Background Notes Series
This material is in the public domain and may  be reprinted without
permission; citation of this source is appreciated.

For sale by the Superintendent of Documents, US Government
Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402.(###)

#ENDCARD



#CARD:Consular Topics:Adoption (international)
(Consular Affairs Topics)


INTERNATIONAL ADOPTIONS

DISCLAIMER:  THE INFORMATION IN THIS CIRCULAR RELATING TO THE LEGAL
REQUIREMENTS OF SPECIFIC FOREIGN COUNTRIES IS PROVIDED FOR GENERAL
INFORMATION ONLY AND MAY NOT BE TOTALLY ACCURATE IN A PARTICULAR
CASE.  QUESTIONS INVOLVING INTERPRETATION OF SPECIFIC FOREIGN LAWS
SHOULD BE ADDRESSED TO FOREIGN ATTORNEYS OR FOREIGN GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS

SUMMARY

The subject of international adoptions has become an issue of considerable
concern to the Department of State and its embassies and consulates
abroad in recent years.  There has been an increasing incidence of
illicit activities in the area of international adoptions by intermediaries
and adoption agencies both in the foreign countries involved and
in the United States.

The Department considers adoptions to be private legal matters within
the judicial sovereignty of the nation where the child resides.
U.S. authorities, therefore, have no right to intervene on behalf
of an individual American citizen with the courts in the country
where the adoption takes place.  However, while we cannot become
directly involved in the adoption process, we do receive requests
for assistance and information from American citizens who wish to
adopt in foreign countries.  Requests cover a broad range of subjects
from the legal procedures involved to the expeditious issuance of
immigrant visas to adopted children, or children being brought to
the United States for the purpose of adoption.  The information in
this brochure is intended to provide a general overview of international
adoptions and to warn prospective adoptive parents about problems
they might encounter.

DEPARTMENT ASSISTANCE

The Department of State can offer assistance in several important
ways.  We can provide information on the details of the adoption
process in the foreign country; make inquiries on behalf of adoptive
parents regarding the status of their cases before foreign tribunals;
assist in the clarification of documentary requirements; provide
information on the U.S. visa application and issuance process; and
endeavor to ensure that Americans are not discriminated against by
foreign authorities and courts.

ANTICIPATING DIFFICULTIES

American citizens who desire to adopt foreign children should be
aware of the numerous problems and pitfalls which may beset them
in the natural course of the tedious process of foreign adoptions.
Generally, adopting parents may expect to be temporarily frustrated
by some of the vagaries of transnational bureaucracies, but in the
long run adherence to procedures established by the laws and regulations
of the country where the adoption is taking place and avoidance of
short-cuts will save time, effort, and heartache.

One crucial fact which must be understood at the outset of any adoption
is that the child is a national of the country of its origin (and
remains so even after the adoption process is completed) and is subject
to the jurisdiction of the foreign courts.  Consequently, parents
should be certain that the procedures they follow in arranging for
such an adoption strictly comply with local (foreign) law.  This
is usually accomplished by dealing with a reputable, licensed international
adoption agency which has experience in arranging adoptions in the
particular foreign country, or, in the case of a private adoption,
with a local attorney who has routinely handled successful adoptions.

Adopting parents should be wary of any agency or attorney who claims
to be able to streamline established procedures.  If it sounds too
good to be true, it probably is.  Procedural irregularities which
sometimes result from an intermediary's desire to speed up the process
can result in the foreign government's determination that the adoption
is illegal and the refusal of that government to finalize the adoption.

GENERAL PROCEDURES

1.  Foreign Adoption Practices and Procedures

The majority of countries require that the child who is placed for
adoption be legally recognized as an orphan or, in the case where
a parent is living, be legally and irrevocably released for adoption
prior to any legal activity leading to final adoption of the child.
Nowadays, most countries have enacted legislation which requires
the full scale adoption of the child through the foreign court after
the child has been declared an orphan.  Some countries do allow "simple"
"adoption", which means that the adopting parent(s) are granted guardianship
of the child by the foreign court, thus permitting the child to leave
the foreign country to be adopted in country of the adopting parent(s)'
nationality.  Some countries may accept the properly authenticated
home study of the prospective adoptive parent(s) on its face.  Other
countries may require the personal appearance of the adoptive parent(s)
before the foreign court.  This could involve a protracted stay in
the foreign country until the court approves the adoption.

2.  U.S. Immigration Requirements

In addition to the foreign adoption requirements, prospective adoptive
parents must comply with U.S. immigration procedures.  It is not
possible, for example, to simply locate a child in a foreign country,
then go to the U.S. embassy and obtain a visa for the child.  Visa
procedures in this area are complex, and designed with many safeguards
to ensure that children adopted abroad or brought to this country
for adoption are truly orphans and will go to healthy homes in the
U.S.  Contact the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS)
office having jurisdiction over your place of residence in the U.S.
for information early in the process.  One area which has been a
source of confusion to prospective adoptive parents is whether a
child identified in a foreign country actually meets the definition
of orphan under U.S. immigration laws.

A.  Does the Child Meet the Definition of Orphan?

Under Section 201(b) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA),
foreign children may gain entry into the United States as "immediate
relatives" of U.S. citizens.  In this connection, the INA defines
the term "orphan" as a "child under the age of 16 ... who is an orphan
because of the death or disappearance of, abandonment or desertion
by, or separation or loss from, both parents, or for whom the sole
surviving parent is incapable of providing the proper care (proper
care has been ruled as proper care according to the local (foreign)
standard of living, not the U.S. standard of living) and has in writing
irrevocably released the child for emigration and adoption."  (8
U.S.C. 1101(b)(1)(F)).  This means that a child who has been abandoned
by both parents may meet the definition of orphan, for example, if
the child has been unconditionally abandoned to an orphanage or legally
documented as abandoned by a competent legal authority in the child's
country of origin.

B.  Orphan Petitions for U.S. Immigration

The procedures for adopting a child abroad or bringing a child to
the U.S. for adoption must in all cases be initiated with INS.  An
orphan cannot be brought to the U.S. without a visa based on an INS
approved petition (form I-600).  If an adoptive parent(s) simply
appears at a U.S. embassy or consulate asking for a visa for an adopted
child with no prior processing and approval by INS, the visa cannot
be issued immediately.  The matter must be referred to INS.  It could
take a considerable period of time before INS could approve such
a petition since a home study of the adoptive parent(s), fingerprint
check, and any state pre-adoptive requirements would have to be completed.
We urge all prospective adoptive parents to contact INS and initiate
the requisite procedures before going abroad to look for a child.

There are two separate procedures for the adjudication of orphan petitions.

(1)  Specific Child Identified and I-600 Petition Fully Approved By
     INS

If the adoptive parent(s) has identified the child when beginning
U.S. immigration processing, it is necessary to file petition form
I-600 with the appropriate office of the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization
Service (INS) in the United States.  In that case, INS adjudicates
all aspects of the I-600 petition -- the suitability of the adoptive
parent(s), compliance with any state pre-adoption requirements (if
the child is to be adopted after entry into the U.S.), and the qualification
of the child as an orphan within the meaning of Section 101(b)(1)(F)
of the Immigration and Nationality Act.  INS will send the approved
I-600 to the U.S. embassy or consulate in the country where the child
will be adopted.  If requested, INS will also send notification of
their approval via telegram (the "visas 38" (adopted abroad) or "visas
39" (coming to the U.S. to be adopted) procedure) to help speed-up
issuance of the U.S. visa.

In the case of a fully approved I-600 petition, the consular officer
at a U.S. embassy or consular abroad must verify that the facts alleged
about the child in the approved petition are correct.  Information
casting doubt upon the child's eligibility as an orphan or disclosing
a medical consideration not identified in the approved petition requires
return of the petition to the approving INS office for reconsideration.

(2)  No Specific Child Identified and I-600A Approved by INS

If prospective adoptive parent(s) in the United States intend(s)
to go abroad to locate a child for adoption the adoptive parent(s)
should file an application on form I-600A for an advance determination
of suitability as adoptive parent(s).  This application is filed
at the appropriate INS office in the United States with jurisdiction
over the adoptive parent(s) place of residence.  INS will evaluate
the suitability of the prospective adoptive parent(s) in the same
manner as would be done if the parent(s) had filed an I-600 petition
(see above) and will, if requested, forward the approved I-600A to
the appropriate U.S. consular office or overseas office of INS.
The INS office will, if requested, send notification of their approval
via telegram (the "visas 37" procedure) to help speed-up the issuance
of the U.S. visa.  This message will also state whether the adoptive
parent(s) have fulfilled applicable pre-adoption procedures in their
state of residence.  Prospective adoptive parent(s) who file and
have approved a form I-600A, once having located the child to be
adopted, must file a petition I-600 with the appropriate U.S. consular
officer or INS office abroad or with their local INS office in the
United States if more convenient.

When prospective adoptive parent(s) file a petition form I-600 with
a U.S. consular officer abroad after the approval of an I-600A application,
the consular officer has the authority by delegation from INS to
adjudicate the I-600, relying upon the approval of the I-600A for
elements relating to the suitability of the parent(s) and establishing
the eligibility of the child as an orphan, and compliance with any
state pre-adoption requirements.  If any doubt exists as to whether
the petition may be approved, the consular officer must refer the
petition to the appropriate overseas INS office for adjudication.
A petition is clearly approvable only where primary documentation
is presented which establishes the elements of eligibility.  In orphan
cases, there are certain possible circumstances which inherently
cannot be documented by primary evidence.  This could include issues
such as the identity of the child, death of parent or parents, abandonment
by parent or parents, disappearance or loss of, or separation from
parent or parents and unconditional release by sole or surviving
parent.  A consular officer cannot approve an I-600 petition unless
it is supported by primary evidence of all claimed elements of the
eligibility of the child in question as an orphan within the meaning
of section 101(b)(1)(F) of the Immigration and Nationality Act.
An I-600 petition supported, in whole or in part, by secondary evidence
must be referred by the U.S. consular officer to the appropriate
overseas INS office for adjudication.

C.  Child Who Does Not Meet the Definition of Orphan

If the child does not meet the definition of orphan under the INA,
the child may qualify to enter the U.S. under section 101(b)(1)(E)
of the INA based on an adoptive relationship if the child was adopted
before the age of 16 and if the child has been in the legal custody
of, and has resided with, the adopting parent(s) for at least two
years.  The two year legal custody and residence period requirement
may take place either before or after the adoption but must take
place before issuance of a visa permitting the child to enter the
U.S.  This procedure should not be confused with the procedure for
orphan petitions which has completely different requirements.

D.  "Proxy Adoptions"

There are no provisions in INS regulations for approving petitions
signed by agents with powers of attorney.  In addition, a petition
cannot be approved if a married petitioner signs the I-600 on behalf
of his/her spouse (even with a power of attorney).  A signature on
a blank I-600 later completed when the child is located abroad is
invalid, and no such petition can be approved.

E.  Procedures for Issuance of Immigrant Visa

Once petition procedures listed above have been completed and foreign
adoption requirements taken care of, an immigrant visa application
appointment will need to be scheduled by the U.S. consular officer
at the U.S. embassy or consulate abroad.  The officer will provide
adoptive parent(s) with a list of visa requirements.  Among other
requirements, adopting parent(s) should be aware of the medical examination
fee and the U.S. $150.00 immigrant visa fee (which must be paid either
in local currency or U.S. dollars in cash or money order, cashiers
check, or certified check).

VALIDITY OF FOREIGN ADOPTION IN UNITED STATES

In most cases the formal adoption of a child in a foreign court is
accepted as lawful in the United States.  In some instances, it will
be necessary to re-adopt the child in the United States.  For example,
if the adoptive parent(s) did not see the child prior to or during
the full adoption proceedings abroad, the child must be brought to
the U.S. to be adopted here (IR-4).  In the case of a married couple,
both parents must see the child before the U.S. visa can be issued
if the child is to be considered "adopted abroad".  Otherwise, the
parent(s) must be able to meet the pre-adoption requirements of their
state of residence in order for the child to qualify for a U.S. visa
to come to U.S. to be adopted here.  This is true even if a full
final adoption decree has been issued in the foreign country.  Adoptive
parents should determine in advance the requirements of their own
particular state of residence.  Some states do not recognize foreign

contracted adoptions, while others have a post-registration requirement
to confer legality on the adoption.  The office of the state Attorney
General in the state capital can provide such information.  If no
formal adoption is required by the country of the child's origin
it will definitely be necessary for the child to be adopted in the
state where the parents intend to reside with the child.  Of course,
a child brought to the U.S. for the purpose of being adopted here,
rather than a child legally adopted abroad, must be adopted in accordance
with state law.

ADOPTION FRAUD

The Department of State refers to INS for investigation all petitions
for children whose adoptions have been arranged through private or
organizational "facilitators" motivated by undue personal gain or
improper profit, or other irregular practices.  This policy flows
from our general obligation to respect host country laws and is based
on a strong desire on the part of the United States not to promote
abuse of adoption procedures ("baby-selling", kidnapping, etc.),
and not to permit its officials to engage in conduct that might cause
a host country to prohibit altogether further adoptions of host country
children by U.S. citizens.  To this end, the Department of State
has consistently expressed its support for measures taken by foreign
states to reduce adoption abuses.

Adoption fraud has recently been on the rise.  Fraud can be perpetrated
by the facilitator handling the adoption in the foreign country,
especially if it is a private adoption, or by the facilitator or
adoption agency in the United States.  Unfortunately for adoptive
parents, there exists a substantial black market trade in adoptive
children.  International adoptions have become a lucrative business
in part because of the huge demand for adoptive infants in the United
States.

The lack of state regulatory requirements for international adoption
agencies has permitted unscrupulous individuals to set up businesses,
often without prior experience or expertise in the area of adoptions.
Exorbitant fees in the tens of thousands of dollars have been extorted
from prospective adoptive parents desperate to adopt.  Abuses perpetrated
by these agencies and individuals have included offering for adoption
a supposedly healthy child who is later found to be seriously ill,
or obtaining prepayment for adoption of a child who does not actually
exist.  (In some countries, it is advisable to have a child considered
for adoption examined by a doctor before completing adoption procedures.)
Many states in the U.S. have experienced problems with such unscrupulous
practitioners.  Some states have moved to revoke licenses or prosecute
the individuals connected with these activities after receiving complaints
from adoptive parents who have been defrauded.

It should be noted, however, that by far, the majority of adoption
agencies practicing in the United States are legitimate professional
organizations with a wealth of experience in domestic and international
adoptions.  It is the continuing rise of unscrupulous practitioners,
who act in violation of regulatory requirements, which taints international
adoptions.

Any problems experienced by American citizens in dealing with foreign
attorneys or adoption agencies who employ these foreign attorneys
should be reported to the American embassy or consulate or to the
Office of Citizens Consular Services at the Department of State in Washington.

Any problems experienced with agencies or intermediaries in the United
States should be reported immediately to the appropriate state authorities,
i.e., Health and Human Services office, police, District Attorney,
Better Business Bureau, or state Attorney General's office.  The
United States Immigration and Naturalization Service should also
be notified of these activities.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

- What Can You Do To Avoid Adoption Problems?

Contact the local office of the Immigration and Naturalization Service
early in the adoption process.  Request a copy of the INS publication
M-249Y (Revised, 1990) "The Immigration of Adopted and Prospective
Adoptive Children".

Contact the Department of State, Office of Citizens Consular Services
in Washington or the U.S. embassy or consulate in the country from
which you desire to adopt to obtain information on adoption practices
and procedures and ascertain if there are any particular problems
of which you should be aware in connection with adoption from that country.

Demand an accounting of the services for which you are paying an
agency or intermediary.

Find out if adoption agencies/intermediaries must be licensed in
your state, and if so, whether the one you are working with is licensed.
You might also check with the Better Business Bureau, Consumer Affairs
Office, or similar office of your District Attorney or Attorney General's
office to obtain information about the past record of the agency/intermediary
you have chosen to use.

-  What Can You Do About Problems Concerning an Orphan Petition for
Immigration To the United States?

If your problem concerns the adjudication of an orphan petition (I-600
or I-600A), discuss the matter with the INS examiner assigned to
your case.  If he/she is unable to assist you, ask to speak with
the INS supervisory examiner.  If the supervisor is unable to help,
ask to speak with the next line supervisor/manager until you have
reached the District Director or Officer-in-Charge.  If the local
INS office is unable to assist you, contact the Regional Office that
has jurisdiction over the office handling your case.

-  Does an Adopted Child Automatically Acquire U.S. Citizenship?

No.  However, there does exist a mechanism by which the child can
be expeditiously naturalized as a citizen of the United States.
As of November 14, 1986, Section 341 of the Immigration and Nationality
Act (INA) was amended to add subsections (b)(1) and (b)(2) which
permit an adopting parent or parents to apply to the Attorney General
of the United States for a Certificate of Citizenship for an alien
adopted child.  Pursuant to Subsection (b)(1), the Attorney General
shall issue a Certificate of Citizenship and the adopted child shall
then automatically become a naturalized U.S. citizen if the following
conditions have been established:

(1)  the adopting parent (and spouse, if married) are U.S. citizens.

(2) the child meets the qualifications of Section 341(c)(2) of the
INA.  This Section defines "child" for the purposes of naturalization.
The required criteria are (a) the child be under the age of 18,
(b) the child was adopted before the age of 16 by a U.S. citizen
parent, and (c) is residing in the United States in the custody of
the adopting parent(s) pursuant to lawful admission for permanent residence.

(3)  the child is in the United States.

How to Apply

The administrative process requires that INS Form N-643 Application
for Certificate of Citizenship in behalf of an Adopted Child, be
filed with the INS before the child is 18 years of age.  The child
is not a citizen until the Form N-643 is approved and the certificate
of citizenship is issued.  For information, contact the INS office
nearest you.

- Are There Any International Agreements on Adoption?

The United States is not a signatory to any international agreement
or convention relating to international adoptions.  The only existing
international agreement on adoption is the HAGUE CONVENTION ON JURISDICTION,
APPLICABLE LAW AND RECOGNITION OF DECREES TO ADOPTION of November
15, 1965 which entered into force on October 10, 1978.  It is only
in force in the United Kingdom, Austria and Switzerland.

The Organization of American States (OAS) is in the process of drafting
the INTER-AMERICAN CONVENTION ON THE ADOPTION OF MINORS.  This draft
provides in part that the courts of a nation in which the adopting
parents are habitually resident may grant an adoption decree and
that the adopted child's country of origin should not prevent the
child from leaving the country after an adoption is granted in the
absence of a public order or for police reasons.  We do not expect
the convention to be completed or in effect until well after 1992.

Forty nine countries, many of them countries from which children
have been adopted, and ten international organizations, participated
in the June 11-21, 1990 Hague Conference on Private International
Law preliminary session in preparation for the drafting of a multilateral
CONVENTION ON INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION IN INTERCOUNTRY ADOPTIONS.
The June 1990 meeting was the first of four sessions aimed at adoption
of the text of a convention for signature and ratification by States
(countries) by spring 1993.

- From which countries are children available for adoption?

The availability of children for adoption from particular countries
can change very rapidly.

PROBLEMS

For information about procedures in specific countries,
please contact the appropriate geographic division of the Department
of State, Office of Citizens Consular Services:

Europe and Canada Division              [phone]

Inter-American Division            [phone]

East Asia and Pacific Division        [phone]

Near Eastern and South Asia Division    [phone]

Africa Division                         [phone]

General recorded information about visa procedures is available from
the Department of State's Visa Office at [phone].

For questions about U.S. visa petition procedures, contact the nearest
office of the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service located
in the Federal Government section of your telephone book under Department
of Justice.


-------------------------------------------------------------------------------


#ENDCARD
#CARD:Consular Topics:Carribean travel

(Consular Affairs Topics)


    Tips for Travelers to the Caribbean

    Originally  named the West Indies by explorers seeking a sea  route  to
    India, the Caribbean is the region of tropical islands in the Caribbean
    Sea  situated  between  North and South America  and  east  of  Central
    America.   The islands extend for nearly 1,700 miles from Cuba  in  the
    west  to Barbados in the east.  The Caribbean was named for  the  Carib
    Indians whom Christopher Columbus encountered on his second voyage.

    Note that there is a travel advisory for Cuba.  U.S. Treasury
    regulations restrict travel to Cuba.  See page 13 for details.

    Travel  to  Mexico  and  to Central and South  America  is  covered  in
    separate publications.  To order them, see the inside back cover.

    If  you plan to visit to the most popular islands during  high  tourist
    season from  mid-December to mid-April, confirm your hotel reservations
    two  to  three  months in advance.  There  are,  however,  lesser-known
    islands where you can book first class accommodations on short  notice.
    In  addition,  you can usually book reservations with ease  during  the
    off-season.   However,  if  you visit the  Caribbean  during  hurricane
    season  from  June to November, keep a weather eye  out  for  hurricane
    warnings.

    Most  of  the  islands in the Caribbean Sea belong to  one  of  the  13
    independent  countries there.  In addition, several islands and  groups
    of  islands in the Caribbean are part of or dependent upon France,  the
    Netherlands, the United Kingdom, or the United States.  For a directory
    of the major islands, see the next page.


    Travel Advisories

    The Department of State issues travel advisories concerning  conditions
    abroad  that  could  affect U.S. citizens adversely.  At  the  time  of
    publication, travel advisories are in effect for Cuba and Haiti.   From
    time  to time there have been travel advisories for other areas of  the
    Caribbean.   Current  advisories  are  available  at  the  13  regional
    passport  agencies and from the Citizens Emergency Center,  Room  4811,
    Department  of State, Washington, DC 20520-4818; telephone  (202)  647-
    5225.   Travel  advisories  are also available at  U.S.  embassies  and
    consulates abroad.

    As  you travel, keep abreast of local news coverage.  If you are in  an
    area  experiencing civil unrest or a natural disaster, if you  will  be
    more than a couple of weeks in a place, or if you are going to a  place
    where communications are poor, you are encouraged to register with  the
    nearest  U.S. embassy or consulate.  (See addresses at the end of  this
    pamphlet.)   Registration  takes  only a few moments,  and  it  may  be
    invaluable in case of an emergency.  Remember also to leave a  detailed
    itinerary and the number of your passport or other citizenship document
    with a friend or relative in the United States.


    Entry and Exit Requirements

    Going:    Every island in the Caribbean has entry  requirements.   Most
    countries allow you to visit for up to two or three months if you  show
    proof  of  citizenship and a return or onward ticket.   Some  countries
    such  as Trinidad and Tobago require that you have a passport.  If  you
    are  arriving from an area infected with yellow fever,  many  Caribbean
    countries  require that you have a certificate of  vaccination  against
    yellow fever.  Some countries have an airport departure tax that can be
    as much as $15.  For authoritative information on a countryUs entry and
    exit requirements and on its customs and currency regulations,  contact
    its embassy, consulate, or tourist office in the United States.

    Returning  - Caution!  Make certain that you can return to  the  United
    States with the proof of citizenship that you take with you.   Although
    some  places  in the Caribbean allow you to enter with only  a  voterUs
    registration card or a birth certificate to indicate your  citizenship,
    U.S.  Immigration requires that you document your U.S. citizenship  and
    identity  when  you  reenter  the United  States.   There  are  several
    countries, most notably, Barbados, the Dominican Republic, Grenada, and
    Jamaica,  where airlines have refused to board American  citizens  with
    insufficient proof of their U.S. citizenship.  The resulting delays are
    at least inconvenient and are often expensive.

    The best document of U.S. citizenship is a valid U.S. passport.   Other
    documents  of  U.S.  citizenship include an expired  U.S.  passport,  a
    certified   copy   of  your  birth  certificate,   a   Certificate   of
    Naturalization,  a  Certificate of Citizenship, or a  Report  of  Birth
    Abroad  of  a Citizen of the United States.  To  prove  your  identity,
    either  a  valid driverUs license or a government  identification  card
    that includes a photo or a physical description is acceptable.


    Bringing Your Own Boat or Plane

    If  you  plan  to arrive in the Caribbean in your own  boat  or  plane,
    contact  the embassy, consulate, or tourist office of each country  you
    plan  to visit to learn what is required for entry and  exit.   Besides
    title  of  ownership,  at most ports of entry, you will  need  to  show
    insurance  coverage effective for the country you are  entering.   Some
    countries require a temporary import permit for your boat or plane.

    Authorities  in  the Caribbean are familiar with U.S.  regulations  for
    documentation  of  air  and sea craft.   They  will  detain  improperly
    documented  craft  that  enter their  territory.   In  some  countries,
    authorities  will confiscate firearms found on a boat or  plane  unless
    the  owner  or  master can show proof that U.S.  licensing  and  export
    procedures  have been followed.  In addition, some countries  impose  a
    stiff prison term on the importation of illegal firearms.


    Customs and Currency Regulations

    Customs formalities are generally simple in the Caribbean.  As a  rule,
    one  carton  of cigarettes and one quart of liquor are  permitted  duty
    free into the islands.  Most places tax additional quantities at a high
    rate.   In  general,  tourists  are  permitted  to  enter  with   other
    commodities required for personal use.

    If  you  wish  to  bring firearms into  any  country,  inquire  at  the
    countryUs embassy or consulate on the permit required.  As noted above,
    some countries in the Caribbean impose a stiff prison term on those who
    import illegal firearms.

    Currency regulations vary.  Inquire about them when you check on  entry
    requirements.  In some countries, you must declare all currency and you
    may  not take out more money than you brought into the  country.   Some
    countries limit the amount of their own currency that can be brought in
    or taken out.

    Be  sure  to bring enough money.  Check with your  travel  agent  about
    extra fees and taxes that may be overlooked in the tourist  literature.
    Examples are hotel taxes, obligatory restaurant gratuities, and airport
    departure taxes.

    When  you convert your money to local currency, retain  your  receipts.
    You  will  need  to  show them if you  wish  to  reconvert  money  upon
    departure.   It  is usually advantageous to  reconvert  local  currency
    before  departure.  U.S. currency is used along with local currency  in
    some places such as the Bahamas and Haiti.


    Health

    Information  on health precautions for travelers can be  obtained  from
    local   health  departments,  private  doctors,  or   travel   clinics.
    Immunizations  are recommended against diphtheria, hepatitis A,  polio,
    tetanus,  and typhoid.  Polio is endemic in Haiti and in the  Dominican
    Republic.  Malaria is prevalent in Haiti and in the rural,  non-tourist
    areas of the Dominican Republic that border Haiti.  If you are going to
    a malaria area, take a weekly dose of chloroquine, beginning two  weeks
    before your trip.  In addition, try to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes
    because malaria can break through any prophylactic drug.

    Review your health insurance policy.  If it does not cover you  abroad,
    consider  purchasing  temporary insurance that does.   Social  Security
    Medicare does not provide payment for medical services obtained outside
    the  U.S.   In  addition  to  medical  insurance,  consider   obtaining
    insurance  to  cover evacuation in the event of an accident  or  serous
    illness.   Air evacuation to the United States can easily cost  $15,000
    if  you  are not insured.  There are short-term  health  and  emergency
    assistance  policies  designed for travelers.  Ask  your  travel  agent
    about them or look for ads about about them in travel publications.

    If  you should need medical attention during your trip, your hotel  can
    recommend  the nearest clinic, hospital or doctor, or you can obtain  a
    list  of  local  medical  services from the  nearest  U.S.  embassy  or
    consulate.   In  a medical emergency, a U.S. consul can assist  you  in
    finding medical services.

    The  most  prevalent  health hazard in the Caribbean  is  one  you  can
    avoidQoverexposure to the sun.  Use sunscreen and bring a shirt to wear
    over your bathing suit, especially if you plan to snorkle.

    Where  the  quality of drinking water is questionable,  tourist  hotels
    provide  bottled  water for guests.  Travelers to remote  areas  should
    boil or chemically treat drinking water.


    Safety Tips

    Crime.    The  Caribbean  has  a somewhat slower  pace  than  at  home.
    However, petty thievery, purse snatching, and pick pocketing do happen,
    particularly  in towns and at beaches.  In some places, U.S.  passports
    and  identity documents are especially attractive to thieves.   Robbery
    of  yachts is a problem in some marinas.  Here are a few  common  sense
    precautions to keep in mind:

        -    Safety  begins  when  you  pack.   Leave  expensive   jewelry,
    unnecessary credit cards, and anything you would hate to lose at home.

        -   Use a money belt or concealed money pouch for passports,  cash,
    and other valuables.

        -  Do not take valuables to the beach.  Use the hotel safe when you
    go to the beach or go to town.

        -   When  you enter a marina, register with  the  local  government
    authorities.

    Water  safety.   Make certain that sports  equipment,  including  scuba
    equipment, that you rent or buy meets international safety standards.

    If  you  use  a pool or beach without  a  lifeguard,  exercise  extreme
    caution.  The surf on the Atlantic side of an island can be rough;  the
    Caribbean side is usually calmer.

    Do  not  dive  into unknown bodies of water  because  hidden  rocks  or
    shallow depths can cause serious injury or death.  In some places,  you
    may  need  to  wear sneakers in the water for  protection  against  sea
    urchins.


    Drug Offenses

    Most  countries  in  the Caribbean have strict laws  against  the  use,
    possession, and sale of narcotics.  Foreigners arrested for  possession
    of even small amounts of marijuana, cocaine or other illegal drugs  are
    often charged and tried as international traffickers.  The penalty  for
    carrying  narcotcs  into  or  out  of  the  country  can  be  20  years
    imprisonment.   In  some  places,  there is no  bail,  there  are  long
    judicial delays, and you can spend more than two years awaiting  trial.
    Conditions  in  some Caribbean prisons do not meet  even  minimum  U.S.
    standards.

    If you carry prescription drugs, keep them in their original container,
    clearly labeled with the doctorUs name, pharmacy, and contents.


    Judicial Systems

    When you travel abroad, you are subject to the laws of the country  you
    are  in.   If  you find yourself in serious  difficulty  while  abroad,
    contact  a consular officer at the nearest U.S. embassy  or  consulate.
    U.S. consuls cannot serve as attorneys or give legal assistance.   They
    can,  however, provide lists of local attorneys and advise you of  your
    rights under local law.  If you are detained, a consul can monitor your
    case and can make sure you are treated fairly under local laws.


    Driving in the Caribbean

    If  you  plan  to  rent a car, be aware  that  driving  conditions  are
    different  from  those at home.  In the British  and  formerly  British
    islands,  and in the U.S. Virgin Islands, one drives on the  left.   If
    you  are not used to this, proceed slowly and with utmost caution.   To
    get  the feeling of keeping left and of local driving customs,  it  may
    help  to ride as a passenger for a while, mentally pretending  you  are
    the driver.

    Many  Caribbean roads are narrow or winding, and road signs may not  be
    in  English.  In some places, domestic animals roam freely.   Defensive
    driving is a must because local driving patterns are not the same as at
    home and some of the other drivers may be tourists who are as  confused
    as you are!


    Shopping:  Avoid Wildlife Products

    Beware  of purchasing a live animal or plant or an item made from  one.
    Most  such items are prohibited from international traffic.   You  risk
    confiscation  and  a possible fine by U.S. Customs if  you  attempt  to
    import  virtually  any wildlife or wildlife  product.   In  particular,
    watch out for and avoid:

        -   All  products made from sea turtles, including  turtle  leather
    boots, tortoise-shell jewelry, and sea turtle oil cosmetics.

        -  Fur from spotted cats.

        -  Feathers and feather products from wild birds.

        -  Birds, stuffed or alive, such as parrots or parakeets.

        -  Crocodile and caiman leather.

        -   Black  coral  and most other coral, whether  in  chunks  or  in
    jewelry.


    Residence and Investments in the Caribbean

    You  will need a passport and visa to reside in or do business  in  the
    Caribbean.   Although  some  Caribbean countries  welcome  retirees  or
    others  of independent means as long-term residents, requests for  work
    permits are rarely granted.  Apply to a countryUs embassy or  consulate
    in  the  United  States  if you wish to obtain a  visa  to  reside,  do
    business, or work in the country.

    U.S.  citizens who wish to invest in a business in the Caribbean,  such
    as  real  estate development, should first thoroughly  investigate  the
    company  making the offer and, in addition, learn about the  investment
    climate  in  the country.  There are several ways to  become  informed.
    The U.S. Department of CommerceUs Caribbean Basin Business  Development

    Center  (202-377-2527) offers advice and can furnish and an  investment
    climate statement for the place you are considering.  The U.S.  embassy
    or consulate for the country can also help by telling you:

        -  if they have received any complaints about the company

         -   where  to  find out if the company  is  registered  with  local
    authorities

        -   what  local  authority  or  trade  association  can  give   you
    information about the company

        -   and if there is a local American Chamber of Commerce  or  other
    organization  of overseas Americans that could give you advice  on  the
    local business scene.


    Additonal Information on Some Countries

    BAHAMAS

    Criminal  penalties for possession of and trafficking in drugs  in  the
    Bahamas are more severe than in the United States.  The Bahamian  court
    system  has  a heavy volume of pending cases, and Americans  are  often
    held  in  prison for months while awaiting trial.  This  is  especially
    true in drug related cases.

    Be  certain  to budget for a hotel room tax, an energy surtax,  an  15%
    obligatory gratuity in restaurants, and an airport departure tax.


    CAYMAN ISLANDS

    Persons wearing their hair in dreadlocks have occasionally been refused
    entry  to  the Caymans Islands.  Cayman authorities say that  they  may
    Rrefuse entry to any person whose mode of dress or behavior, or unkempt
    appearance,  may  cause  offence  to  the  Caymanian  community.S   The
    authorities emphasize that Rthis policy does not automatically  exclude
    from  entry  persons  wearing  their hair  in  any  particular  manner.
    However, if such persons are also unkempt and slovenly in their  attire
    and behaviour, it is possible they could then be refused entry.S

    CUBA


    DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

    Drug  laws are severe and strictly enforced in the  Domincan  Rupublic.
    Possession  of even small amounts of marijuana or other  illegal  drugs
    can  result  in  jail sentences and fines.  The  penalty  for  carrying
    narcotics into or out of the country is five to 20 years imprisonment.

    The  only legal currency in the Dominican Republic is the peso, and  it
    should be purchased only at authorized hotels and banks.  In crackdowns
    on  black  market  activity,  American  tourists  have  sometimes  been
    arrested  for even minor illegal currency transactions.  No  more  than
    $5000 may be taken from the Domincan Republic upon departure.

    There may be restrictions on minor children being allowed to leave  the
    Domincan  Republic  without their parent(s).  A child  without  a  U.S.
    passport  may be particularly vulnerable to being denied permission  to
    travel.   If  this  applies  to you, check  with  the  Embassy  of  the
    Dominican  Republic  and  learn their requirements  before  you  travel
    there.


    JAMAICA

    Crime  is a particularly serious problem in Jamaica, both  in  Kingston
    and in the north coast tourist areas.  Visitors should not walk  around
    at  night and should avoid public transportation, except  for  licensed
    taxis.   Particular care should be taken at isolated villas  and  small
    establishments.


-------------------------------------------------------------------------------


#ENDCARD
#CARD:Consular Topics:Child abduction information
(Consular Affairs Topics)

International Child Abduction

TABLE OF CONTENTS

                                                                           PAGE
    INTRODUCTION

    PART I - HOW TO GUARD AGAINST INTERNATIONAL CHILD ABDUCTION              1
        How Vulnerable is Your Child?                                        1
        Cross-cultural  Marriages:  Should Your Child Visit the Country  of
    the Other Parent?                                                        1
        Precautions That Any Vulnerable Parent Should Take                   1
        The Importance of a Custody Decree                                   2
        How to Draft or Modify a Custody Decree                              2
        Prevention:  How a Custody Decree Can Help                           3
            U.S. Passports
                Foreign Passports-The Problem of Dual Nationality

    PART II  -  HOW TO SEARCH FOR A CHILD ABDUCTED ABROAD                    4
        Where to Report Your Missing Child      ......                       4
        The Search and Recovery-A Basic Guide                                6
        Further Steps to Take in Your Search                                 6

    PART III  -  ONE POSSIBLE SOLUTION:  THE HAGUE CONVENTION                7
        What is Covered by the Convention                                    8
        How to Invoke the Hague Convention                                   8
        The Role of the U.S. Central Authority (CCS)                         9

    PART  IV  -  LEGAL  SOLUTIONS  IN COUNTRIES  NOT  PARTY  TO  THE  HAGUE
    CONVENTION                                                              10
        Using the Civil Justice System                                      10
            How to Proceed
            What Are Your Chances of Success?
        Using the Criminal Justice System: What is Involved?                11
            The Steps to Take
            Prosecution of Agents or Accomplices of the Abductor
            Implications of a Warrant for a U.S. Citizen
            Implications of a Warrant for a Non-U.S. Citizen
            The Possibility of Extradition

    PART V  -  OTHER SOLUTIONS:  SETTLING 'OUT OF COURT'                    15
        Promoting Communication Between Parents and Children                15
        Obtaining Information on Your Child's Welfare   ............        15
        Working With Foreign Authorities                                    15
        The Difficult Question of Desperate Measures                        16

    PART VI  -  REFERENCE                                                   17
        Directory:  Where to go for Assistance                              17
        Uniform State and Federal Laws on Custody, Parental
             Child Abduction and Missing Children                           18
        U.S. Court Decisions Q Citations                                    19
        Foreign Court Decisions Q Citations                                 20
        Reading List                                                        21
        U.S. Government Documents on the Hague Convention                   22
        Application For Assistance Under the Hague Convention               22

    PART VII  -  AFTER AN ABDUCTION Q A CHECKLIST FOR PARENTS...            27

    INTRODUCTION

    Parental child abduction is a tragedy.  When a child is abducted across
    international  borders,  the difficulties are compounded  for  everyone
    involved.   The  parent who is left behind faces not only the  pain  of
    loss but also magnified frustration and helplessness because the  child
    is beyond the reach of U.S. law.

    The  Department of State's Office of Citizens Consular  Services  (CCS)
    deals with the victims of international parental child abduction  every
    day.   Since  the late 1970's, we have been contacted in the  cases  of
    approximately 4500 American children who were either abducted from  the
    United  States or prevented from returning to the United States by  one
    of their parents.  At the time of publication, we have over 660 active,
    unresolved cases on file.

    This  pamphlet is written in the interest of protecting the  rights  of
    U.S. citizens, both children and adults.  It is addressed to the  adult
    most  directly  affected by international child  abduction,  the  left-
    behind parent.

    You,  as  the  deprived parent, must direct  the  search  and  recovery
    operation  yourself.   Because it can be a bewildering  experience,  we
    have  prepared  a  checklist for you (see page 27 at  the  end  of  the
    booklet).  In this booklet we tell you what the Department of State can
    and  cannot do to help you.  In addition, because we are only  part  of
    the network of resources available to you, we have tried to mention all
    the other avenues to pursue when a child or children have been abducted
    across  international borders.  Because your case is unique,  you  will
    have  to decide how much of the information here is useful and in  what
    order you wish to use it.

    If  you have any further questions, please call us at 202-647-3666,  or
    write us:  CA/OCS/CCS, Room 4817, Department of State, Washington, D.C.
    20520-4818.







                                    Sixth
    Edition
                                    May 1992







































    Department of State Publication 9966
    Bureau of Consular Affairs

    Revised May 1992

    The information in this publication is in the public domain and may  be
    reproduced  without permission.  When this material is reproduced,  the
    Department of State would appreciate receiving a copy at:  CA/PA - Room
    5807, Department of State, Washington, D.C.  20520-4818.
    PART I


    HOW TO GUARD AGAINST INTERNATIONAL
    CHILD ABDUCTION


    How Vulnerable is Your Child?

    In  international parental child abduction, an ounce of  prevention  is
    worth  a  pound of cure.  You and your child are most  vulnerable  when
    your  relationship  with the other parent is broken  or  troubled,  the
    other  parent has close ties to another country, and the other  country
    has  traditions  or laws that may be prejudicial to a  parent  of  your
    gender or to aliens in general.


    Cross-cultural  Marriages:  Should You or Your Child Visit the  Country
    of the Other Parent?

    Many cases of international parental child abduction are actually cases
    in  which the child traveled to a foreign country with the approval  of
    both  parents  but  was later prevented from returning  to  the  United
    States.  Sometimes the marriage is neither broken nor troubled, but the
    foreign parent, upon returning to his or her country of origin, decides
    not to return to the U.S. or to allow the child to do so.  A person who
    has assimilated a second culture may find a return to his or her  roots
    traumatic  and may feel a pull to shift loyalties back to the  original
    culture.   A person's personality may change when he or she returns  to
    the place where they grew up.

    In  some  traditional  societies, children  must  have  their  father's
    permission  and  a woman may have to have her husband's  permission  to
    travel.   If  you  are a woman, to prevent your  own  or  your  child's
    detention abroad, find out about the laws and traditions of the country
    you  plan  to  visit  or to allow your child  to  visit,  and  consider
    carefully  the  effect that a return to his roots might  have  on  your
    husband.


    Precautions That Any Vulnerable Parent Should Take

    Even  if your marriage is legally intact, you may feel that your  child
    is vulnerable to abduction by your spouse.  Be alert to the possibility
    and  be preparedQkeep a list of the addresses and telephone numbers  of
    the  other  parent's relatives, friends, and business  associates  both
    here  and abroad.  Keep a record of other important information on  the
    other parent, including these numbers:  passport, social security, bank
    account,  driver's  license,  and auto license.  In  addition,  keep  a
    written  description  of  your child, including  hair  and  eye  color,
    height,  weight, and any special physical characteristics.  Take  color
    photographs  of your child every six months.  If your child  should  be
    abducted, this information could be vital in locating your child.

    The  National  Center  for Missing and  Exploited  Children  has  other
    suggestions that a parent can take if he or she fears the other  parent
    will  abduct  their  child.  Teach your child  to  use  the  telephone;
    practice  making  collect  calls;  instruct him or  her  to  call  home
    immediately  if  anything unusual happens, such as anyone  telling  the
    child that you have died or that you don't love the child anymore.   If
    you  feel  your  child is vulnerable  to  abduction,  get  professional
    counseling  from  a social worker or a lawyer.  Do not  merely  tell  a
    friend about your fears.


    The Importance of a Custody Decree

    Under  the laws of many American states and many foreign countries,  if
    there  is  no decree of custody, both parents are  considered  to  have
    legal  custody of their child and a parent-snatched child is  generally
    not  considered legally abducted.  If you are contemplating divorce  or
    separation,  or  are divorced or separated, or even if you  were  never
    legally  married to the other parent, obtain a decree of  sole  custody
    for  your  child as soon as possible.  If you have or would  prefer  to
    have a joint custody decree, make certain that it prohibits your  child
    from traveling abroad without your permission.


    How to Draft or Modify a Custody Decree

    A  well-written custody decree is an important line of defense  against
    international  parental child abduction.  The American Bar  Association
    (ABA)  and  the  National Center for  Missing  and  Exploited  Children
    (NCMEC)  have developed recommendations for writing custody decrees  to
    help prevent the abduction of your child if your spouse is an alien  or
    a  U.S. citizen with ties to a foreign country.  For  instance,  court-
    ordered  supervised  visitation and/or impounding  the  other  parent's
    passport may be advisable.  If the country to which your child might be
    taken  is  a  member of the Hague  Convention  on  International  Child
    Abduction  (see  page  7), the custody decree  should  state  that  the
    parties  agree that the terms of the Hague Convention apply  should  an
    abduction  occur.  The ABA also suggests having the court  require  the
    alien  parent  or the parent with ties to a foreign country to  post  a
    bond.   This  may be useful both as a deterrent to  abduction  and,  if
    forfeited  because of an abduction, as a source of revenue for  you  in
    your efforts to locate and recover your child.

    For  further  information  on drafting  custody  decrees,  contact  the
    National
    Center for Missing and Exploited Children.  The address of the NCMEC is
    on page 17.


    Prevention:  How a Custody Decree Can Help

    Obtain  several certified copies of your custody decree from the  court
    that issued it.  Give a copy to your child's school.  A school that  is
    aware  of a custody decree has a basis for refusing to release a  child
    to  a noncustodial parent and for notifying both the  custodial  parent
    and the police if a problem should arise.

    U.S. Passports

    If  you have a U.S. court order that either grants you sole custody  of
    your  child  or  prohibits  your  child  from  traveling  without  your
    permission,  you can prevent the issuance of a U.S. passport  for  your
    child.   Call the Office of Citizenship Appeals and  Legal  Assistance,
    Office of Passport Services in the Department of State on 202-326-6168.
    You will need to follow your call with a written request and enclose  a
    certified copy of your custody decree.  The address is:  1425 K  Street
    N.W., Room 300, Washington, D.C. 20522-1708.

    Your child's name will be entered in a computerized passport  namecheck
    list  and the Passport Office can refuse to issue the child a  passport
    anywhere  in  the  United States or at any U.S.  embassy  or  consulate
    abroad.   A  passport already issued to your child cannot  be  revoked,
    however.

    Foreign Passports Q the Problem of Dual Nationality

    Most  U.S. citizen children who fall victim to  international  parental
    abduction possess dual nationality.  While the Department of State will
    make  every  effort to avoid issuing a U.S. passport if  the  custodial
    parent  has  provided a custody decree, the Department  cannot  prevent
    embassies  and consulates of other countries in the United States  from
    issuing their passports to children who are also their nationals.   You
    can, however, request the foreign embassy and consulates not to issue a
    passport  to  your  child.  Send them a  written  request,  along  with
    certified copies of any custody decrees, court orders, or warrants  you
    have.  In your letter, inform them that you are sending a copy of  this
    request  to  the  Department of State.  If your child is  only  a  U.S.
    citizen, you can request that no visa for that country be issued in his
    or  her U.S. passport.  No international law requires  compliance  with
    such requests, but some countries will comply voluntarily.

    PART II


    HOW TO SEARCH FOR A CHILD ABDUCTED ABROAD

    Note:  If your child has been abducted to a country that is a party  to
    the  Hague  Convention  on International Child Abduction,  see  page  7
    before  you  read further. At present, Argentina,  Australia,  Austria,
    Belize,  Canada, Denmark, Ecuador, France, Germany,  Hungary,  Ireland,
    Israel, Luxembourg, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal,
    Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, and Yugoslavia are  parties
    to the Convention.

    Where to Report Your Missing Child

    1.  If your child has been abducted and you do not know where he or she
    is, file a missing person report with your local police department  and
    request  that  your child's name and description be  entered  into  the
    "missing  persons"  section of the National  Crime  Information  Center
    (NCIC) computer.  This is provided for under the Missing Children's Act
    of 1982 (see page 18).  The abductor does not have to be charged with a
    crime  when  you file a missing person report.   In  addition,  through
    Interpol,  the international criminal police organization,  your  local
    police  can  request that a search for your child be conducted  by  the
    police in the country where you believe your child may have been taken.
    You  may be able to achieve all of the above even if you do not have  a

    custody decree.

    2.   Report  the  abduction  to the National  Center  for  Missing  and
    Exploited  Children  (NCMEC)  at 1-800-843-5678.   With  the  searching
    parent's  permission,  the child's photograph and  description  may  be
    circulated  to the media in the country to which you believe the  child
    may have been taken.

    At the same time that you report your child missing, you should contact
    a lawyer to obtain a decree of sole custody if you do not already  have
    one.  In many states, a married parent can obtain a temporary decree of
    sole custody if the other parent has taken their child.

    3.   Have  your child's name entered into the U.S.  passport  namecheck
    system (see page 3).  Even if your child is already abroad, his or  her
    name  should be in the system so that a U.S. passport  application  for
    your child can be denied anywhereQabroad or in the United States.

    4.  The Department of State, when requested to do so, conducts  welfare
    and  whereabouts searches for American citizens missing abroad.  In  an
    emergency,  the Office of Citizens Consular Services (CCS)  will  cable
    such a request for you to the U.S. embassy or consulate responsible for
    the area to which you believe your child has been abducted.  Call us on
    202-647-3666  and  have  ready  as much as you  can  of  the  following
    information on the child:

        Q    full name,
        Q    date and place of birth,
        Q    passport number, date, and place of issuance;

          and on the abductor:

        Q    full name (and any aliases),
        Q    date and place of birth,
        Q    passport number, date, and place of issuance,
        Q    occupation,
        Q    probable date of departure,
        Q    flight information,
        Q    details of ties to a foreign country, such as the names,
    addresses, and telephone numbers of friends, relatives, place
    of employment, or business connections there.

    A consular officer overseas, working with this information, will try to
    find  your  child.  The consular officer may also  request  information
    from local officials on your child's entry or residence in the country.
    Unfortunately,   not  every  country  maintains  such  records   in   a
    retrievable form, and some countries may not release such information.

    We  may  also  ask  you for photographs of  both  your  child  and  the
    abducting parent because these are often helpful to foreign authorities
    trying to find a missing child.


    The Search and RecoveryQa Basic Guide

    It is possible that none of the institutions listed above (the  police,
    the  NCMEC, or the Department of State) will succeed in  locating  your
    child right away and you will need to carry out the search on your own.
    As you search, you should, however, keep these institutions informed of
    your actions and progress.

    This booklet attempts to cover the international aspects of your search
    and recovery effort, but for other information, you should have a  more
    basic  guide.  The National Center for Missing and  Exploited  Children
    publishes Parental Kidnapping:  How to Prevent an Abduction and What to
    Do If Your Child Is Abducted.  For a copy, call 703-235-3900, or  write
    the NCMEC at:  2101 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 550; Arlington, VA,  22201.
    This  publication  guides  you  through the  legal  system,  helps  you
    organize your search, and supplies a list of local support groups.
    We  have  relied heavily on the NCMEC guide for the following  list  of
    suggestions.


    Further Steps to Take in Your Search

    Q    One  of  the  best ways to find your  child  overseas  is  through
    establishing  friendly contact with relatives and friends of the  other
    parent,  either here or abroad.  You may have more influence with  such
    persons  than you suspect, and their interest in your  child's  welfare
    may lead them to cooperate with you.

    Q   Under the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the  Office
    of  Child  Support  Enforcement maintains the  Federal  Parent  Locator
    Service  (FPLS).   The  primary purpose of this service  is  to  locate
    parents  who are delinquent in child support payments, but the  service
    will  also search for parental abductors when requested to do so  by  a
    judge or law enforcement agent.

    Using  the  abductor's social security number, the  FPLS  searches  the
    records  maintained  by such federal agencies as the  Internal  Revenue
    Service,  Veterans  Administration,  Social  Security   Administration,
    Department  of Defense, and the National Personnel Records Center.   An
    abductor  who  has had a connection with any of the above  might,  even
    from abroad, renew a connection with one of them.

    Q    To obtain information on requests that may have been made  by  the
    abductor  to  your  child's school for the  transfer  of  your  child's
    records, you can contact the principal of the school.  You will need to
    give the school a certified copy of your custody decree.

    Q   You can find out from the National Center for Missing and Exploited
    Children  how to prepare a poster on your child.  A poster  may  assist
    foreign authorities in attempting to locate your child.

    Q    You  can  ask your local prosecutor to  contact  the  U.S.  Postal
    Inspection  Service to see if a 'mail cover' can be put on any  address
    that  you  know  of in the United States to which  the  abductor  might
    write.

    Q    You  can  ask  local law enforcement  authorities  to  obtain,  by
    subpoena or search warrant, credit card records that may show where the
    abductor  is  making  purchases.  In the same manner, you  can  try  to
    obtain  copies of telephone company bills of the abductor's friends  or
    relatives who may have received collect calls from the abductor.




    PART III


    ONE POSSIBLE SOLUTION:  THE HAGUE CONVENTION

    The most difficult and frustrating element for most parents whose child
    has  been  abducted abroad is that U.S. laws and court orders  are  not
    directly  enforceable abroad.  Each sovereign country has  jurisdiction
    within  its own territory and over persons present within  its  border,
    and no country can force another to decide cases or enforce laws within
    its  confines  in a particular way.  Issues that have  to  be  resolved
    between  sovereign  nations  can only be handled by  persuasion  or  by
    international agreement.

    The  increase in international marriages since World War  II  increased
    international  child  custody  cases to the  point  where  23  nations,
    meeting  at the Hague Conference on Private International Law in  1976,
    agreed  to  seek  a  treaty to  deter  international  child  abduction.
    Between 1976 and 1980, the United States was a major force in preparing
    and   negotiating  the  Hague  Convention  on  the  Civil  Aspects   of
    International Child Abduction.  The Convention came into force for  the
    United  States on July 1, 1988, and applies to abductions  or  wrongful
    retentions that occurred on or after that date.  In the United  States,
    federal  legislation,  the International Child Abduction  Remedies  Act
    (P.L.  100-300),  was  enacted  to implement  the  Convention  in  this
    country.

    The  United States actively encourages other countries to become  party
    to the Convention.  As of May 1992, the Convention is also in force  in
    Argentina,  Australia,  Austria,  Belize,  Canada,  Denmark,   Ecuador,
    France,   Germany,  Hungary,  Ireland,  Israel,   Luxembourg,   Mexico,
    Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland,
    United  Kingdom,  and Yugoslavia.  Other countries are  working  toward
    ratification.   Call or write the Office of Citizens Consular  Services
    (CCS)  to  learn if additional countries have joined (address  on  page
    17).

    If  your child has been abducted to a country that is not party to  the
    Convention,  see Part IV on page 10, "Legal Solutions in Countries  Not
    Party to the Hague Convention."


    What Is Covered by the Convention

    The countries that are parties to the Convention have agreed with  each
    other  that, subject to certain limited exceptions, a child  wrongfully
    removed to or retained in a party country shall promptly be returned to
    the  party  country  where  the child  habitually  resided  before  the
    wrongful  removal or retention.  The Convention also provides  a  means
    for helping parents to exercise visitation rights abroad.

    There is a treaty obligation to return an abducted child below the  age
    of  16  if  application is made within one year from the  date  of  the
    wrongful  removal  or retention.  After one year, the  court  is  still
    obligated  to  order  the child returned unless  the  person  resisting
    return  demonstrates that the child is settled in the new  environment.
    A  court may refuse to order a child returned if there is a grave  risk
    that  the child would be exposed to physical or psychological  harm  or
    otherwise placed in an intolerable situation.  A court may also decline
    to  return  the child if the child objects to being  returned  and  has
    reached  an  age  and degree of maturity at which the  court  can  take
    account of the child's views.  Finally, the return of the child may  be
    refused if the return would violate the fundamental principles of human
    rights  and  freedoms  of the country where the child  is  being  held.
    These exceptions have been interpreted narrowly by courts in the United
    States and the other countries party to the Convention.


    How to Invoke the Hague Convention

    You  do  not need to have a custody decree to  invoke  the  Convention.
    However,  to  apply for the return of your child, you  must  have  been
    actually  exercising a "custodial right" at the time of  the  abduction
    and  you  must not have consented to the removal or  retention  of  the
    child.   If  there  was no court order in effect at  the  date  of  the
    abduction,  custodial  rights  are provided in  the  statutes  of  most
    states.

    You  may apply for the return of your child or the ability to  exercise
    your  visitation rights.  You can also ask for assistance  in  locating
    your child and for information on your child's welfare.

    Each country that is a party to the Convention has designated a Central
    Authority  to carry out specialized duties under the  Convention.   You
    may  submit  an  application either to the U.S.  Central  Authority  or
    directly  to  the Central Authority of the country where the  child  is
    believed  to be held.  The Central Authority for the United  States  is
    the Department of State's Office of Citizens Consular Services (CCS).

    An  application  form to invoke the Hague Convention follows  page  22.
    Furnish  as  much of the information called for as possible,  using  an
    additional sheet of paper if you need more space.  Submit the  original
    and  one  copy of the application to CCS along with two copies  of  any
    supporting  documents asked for in section IX of the form.  It  may  be
    necessary  for you to have some of the supporting documents  translated
    into  the  official language of the requested country.   Ask  CCS  what
    documents, if any, must be translated.   Also ask CCS about  additional
    documentation  which  may  be  required.   Mail  you  application   to:
    CA/OCS/CCS,  Room  4817, Department of State, Washington,  D.C.  20520-
    4818.


    The Role of the U.S. Central Authority (CCS)

    CCS  will review your application to ensure that it complies  with  the
    Convention.    If  it does, we will forward it to the  foreign  Central
    Authority and work with that authority until your case is resolved.  If
    the  abducting parent does not voluntarily agree to the return of  your
    child, you may be required to retain an attorney abroad to present your
    case  to the foreign court.  If you need to retain an attorney  abroad,
    see "How to Proceed" on page 10.

    The  Department  of  State is prohibited from acting  as  an  agent  or
    attorney  in your case.  We can, however, help in many other ways.   We
    can  give  you information on the operating procedures of  the  Central
    Authority  in the country where your child is believed to  be  located.
    We  can help you obtain information on the laws of the state  in  which
    your  child resided prior to the abduction and can transmit  statements
    concerning  the  wrongfulness of the abduction under the laws  of  that
    state.  Six weeks after court action commences, we can request a status
    report.

    The  Central  Authority  in the country where your  child  is  located,
    however,   has  the  primary  responsibility  of  responding  to   your
    application.  In the words of the Convention, those countries agree  to
    "ensure  that  rights  of  custody and access  under  the  law  of  one
    Contracting  State are effectively respected in the  other  Contracting
    State."



    PART IV


    LEGAL SOLUTIONS IN COUNTRIES NOT PARTY TO
    THE HAGUE CONVENTION


    If your child has been abducted to a country that is not a party to the
    Hague Convention, you can seek legal remedies against the abductor,  in
    the United States and abroad, from both the civil and criminal  justice
    systems.  The family court system where you get your custody decree  is
    part of the civil justice system.  At the same time you are using  that
    system, you can also use the criminal justice system consisting of  the
    police, prosecutors, and the FBI.  We will discuss each system in turn.


    Using the Civil Justice System

    How To Proceed

    After you obtain a custody decree in the United States, your next  step
    is  to use the civil justice system in the country to which your  child
    has been abducted.

    The Office of Citizens Consular Services (CCS) can provide  information
    on the customs and the legal practices in the country where your  child
    is.   We can also give you general information on how to serve  process
    abroad  or  obtain evidence from abroad, and on how to  have  documents
    authenticated for use in a foreign country.  You may write or telephone
    CCS  for  two information sheets:  Retaining a  Foreign  Attorney,  and
    Authentication (or Legalization) of Documents in the United States  for
    Use Abroad.

    To  obtain authoritative advice on the laws of a foreign country or  to
    take legal action in that country, you should retain an attorney there.
    U.S.  consular  and  diplomatic officers are  prohibited  by  law  from
    performing  legal  services (see 22 C.F.R. 92.81).   We  can,  however,

    provide  you  with a list of attorneys in a foreign country  who  speak
    English,  who may be experienced in parental child abduction or  family
    law,  and  who  have expressed a  willingness  to  represent  Americans
    abroad.   U.S. embassies and consulates abroad prepare these lists.   A
    note  of  caution:   attorney  fees can vary  widely  from  country  to
    country.   The  fee agreement that you make with  your  local  attorney
    should  be  put into writing as soon as possible to  avoid  potentially
    serious misunderstanding later.

    Although  officers at U.S. embassies and consulates cannot  take  legal
    action  on  behalf of U.S. citizens, consular officers  can  assist  in
    clarifying  communication problems with a foreign  attorney.   Consular
    officers  may  at  times  be  able  to  inquire  about  the  status  of
    proceedings  in the foreign court, and they will coordinate  with  your
    attorney to ensure that your rights as provided for by the laws of that
    foreign country are respected.

    Once you retain a foreign attorney, send him or her a certified copy of
    your  custody decree and of any court orders and/or state  and  federal
    warrants.   Also  send  copies  of your state's  laws  on  custody  and
    parental kidnapping and the Federal Parental Kidnapping Prevention  Act
    and  copies  of reported cases of your state's enforcement  of  foreign
    custody  decrees  under  Section  23  of  the  Uniform  Child   Custody
    Jurisdiction  Act.   The  National Center  for  Missing  and  Exploited
    Children can help you gather these materials (address on page 17).

    What Are Your Chances of Success?

    Courts  in foreign countries, like U.S. courts, have jurisdiction  over
    people residing in their territory.  A custody decree issued by a court
    in  the United States has no binding legal force abroad though  it  may
    have a persuasive force in some countries.  Foreign courts decide child
    custody  cases on the basis of their own domestic relations law.   This
    may give a "home court" advantage to a person who has abducted a  child
    to  the country of his or her origin.  You could also be  disadvantaged
    if  the country has a cultural bias in favor of a mother or  a  father.
    However, a U.S. custody decree may be considered by foreign courts  and
    authorities  as  evidence  and, in some cases, may  be  recognized  and
    enforced  by them on the basis of comity (the voluntary recognition  by
    courts  of  one  jurisdiction of the laws  and  judicial  decisions  of
    another).   Your  chances  of having your  U.S.  court  order  enforced
    depend, to a large degree, upon the tradition of comity that the  legal
    system of the country in question has with the U.S. legal system.   CCS
    can give you some information on these traditions.


    Using the Criminal Justice System:  What Is Involved?

    National criminal justice systems have established international links.
    Through  Interpol, the international criminal police organization,  law
    enforcement authorities in many countries cooperate in the location and
    apprehension  of  international  fugitives.   In  addition,  when   two
    countries  have an extradition treaty between them that includes  child
    abduction as an extraditable offense, criminals may be surrendered from
    one  country to the other.  Many countries, however, do  not  extradite
    their own citizens, and the abducting parent is likely to be a  citizen
    of  the country to which the child is taken.  In addition, it  must  be
    remembered  that extradition does not apply to the abducted child,  but
    only  to the abducting parent.  Contact CCS to find out if  extradition
    is a viable option in your case.

    Your  decision  on whether or not to try to use  the  criminal  justice
    system  depends  upon the circumstances of your case.  Again,  CCS  can
    give  you  information on the criminal justice system of  a  particular
    country  and  whether  or not it cooperates  internationally.   A  more
    difficult  question  is  one that you must answer:  what  will  be  the
    reaction  of the abductor to the threat of criminal  prosecution?   One
    abductor might be afraid and return the child, another might go  deeper
    into  hiding.   Another  question to ask yourself is  whether  you  are
    prepared  to  testify against the abductor if he or she is  brought  to
    trial.  How far are you willing to pursue criminal prosecution?  Unless
    you  are willing to testify in court against the abductor,  you  should
    not pursue criminal prosecution.

    The Steps To Take

    Once  you have a U.S. custody decree, you or your attorney may  contact
    your  local prosecutor or law enforcement authorities to  request  that
    the  abducting  parent  be criminally prosecuted  and  that  an  arrest
    warrant be issued, if provided for by your state law.  In some  states,
    parental  child abduction or custodial interference is  a  misdemeanor;
    however,  in most states it is a felony.  If you are able to  obtain  a
    warrant,  the local prosecutor can contact the F.B.I. or  your  state's
    U.S.  Attorney to request the issuance of a Federal Unlawful Flight  to
    Avoid  Prosecution (UFAP) warrant for the arrest of the abductor.   The
    Federal  Parental  Kidnapping Prevention Act of 1980 provides  for  the
    issuance of this warrant (see page 18).

    Once a warrant has been issued for the abductor's arrest, ask local law
    enforcement  authorities or the F.B.I. to enter the abductor's name  in
    the  'wanted persons' section of the National Crime Information  Center
    (NCIC) computer.

    Prosecution of Agents or Accomplices of the Abductor

    Find  out  if your state has laws that allow legal action to  be  taken
    against  agents or accomplices to an abduction.  Consider whether  such
    actions  would  be  useful  in learning  your  child's  whereabouts  or
    compelling the return of your child.

    Implications of an Arrest Warrant for a U.S. Citizen

    If the abducting parent is a U.S. citizen and the subject of a  federal
    arrest  warrant,  the  F.B.I. or U.S. Attorney's  office  can  ask  the
    Department  of  State, Passport Services, to revoke the  person's  U.S.
    passport.  This may or may not be a burden to an abducting parent  who,
    as  a  dual national, may also carry a foreign passport.   However,  an
    abducting  parent  who is only a U.S. citizen becomes  an  undocumented
    alien  in  a foreign country if his or her U.S.  passport  is  revoked.
    Some  countries  may  deport undocumented aliens or at  least  make  it
    difficult for them to remain in the country.

    To  arrange  for  a U.S. passport to be revoked,  the  F.B.I.  or  U.S.
    Attorney  must  send a copy of the UFAP warrant to  the  Department  of
    State's Office of Citizenship Appeals and Legal Assistance  (telephone:
    202-326-6168).   The  regulatory basis for revocation of  passports  is
    found in the Code of Federal Regulations:  22 C.F.R. 51.70, et seq.

    In  certain  circumstances you may decide that revoking  the  abducting
    parent's passport will not achieve the desired result.  For example, if
    you  know  the  location  of the other  parent,  there  is  always  the
    possibility of negotiation and a settlement or, at least, there is  the
    possibility  of  communication  with  your  child.   However,  if   the
    abducting  parent  is threatened with passport revocation,  he  or  she
    might choose to flee with your child again.  In child abduction  cases,
    Passport Services does not revoke an abductor's passport automatically.
    Instead they will work with the Office of Citizens Consular Services to
    make a decision, taking into consideration your wishes, the location of
    your child, and other specific details of your case.

    Implications of a Warrant for a Non-U.S. Citizen

    Even  if  the abductor is not a U.S. citizen, the existence of  a  UFAP
    warrant  is  important.   Such a warrant may  encourage  the  abducting
    parent  to  return the child voluntarily, especially if he or  she  has
    business or other reasons to travel to the United States.  The  warrant
    also serves to inform the foreign government that the abduction of  the
    child  is  a violation of U.S. law and that the abductor is  a  federal
    fugitive.   An  arrest warrant is also necessary if you  wish  to  have
    authorities seek extradition of the abductor.

    The Possibility of Extradition

    Extradition,  the  surrender  of  a  fugitive  or  prisoner  from   one
    jurisdiction  to  another for criminal prosecution, is rarely  used  in
    international  child abduction cases.  Extradition may not be  used  to
    accomplish  a  civil  purpose such as resolution  of  a  child  custody
    dispute.   Extradition  is  possible only  when  the  local  prosecutor
    determines  that  there is a "prosecutable case" (e.g., that  you  will
    testify  fully  and  truthfully at trial).  Aside from  the  fact  that
    extradition  can only be used for criminal justice purposes, there  are
    other  factors  to consider.  There is no guarantee that  a  wrongfully
    removed  or  retained  child  will  be  returned  with  the   abductor.
    Threatened  with  extradition, he or she might hide the  child  with  a
    friend or relative in the foreign country.

    Another reason extradition is seldom used is that it is available  only
    for  serious crimes, and many countries, unlike the United  States,  do
    not   consider  parental  child  abduction  a  serious   crime.    Many
    extradition  treaties were written before international parental  child
    abduction  became a widely recognized phenomenon.  Child  abduction  is
    not  listed  as  an  extraditable offense in most  of  the  older  U.S.
    extradition  treaties.   The  United  States,  as  it  negotiates   new
    extradition treaties or amends old ones, is trying to persuade  foreign
    countries to treat international child abduction as a serious  criminal
    offense.   Another  limitation on extradition is that  many  countries,
    including most countries in Latin America and Western Europe, will  not
    extradite  their  own  nationals.  Finally, efforts  to  extradite  the
    abductor for criminal proceedings may conflict with the civil  remedies
    provided by the Hague Convention on International Child Abduction  (see
    page 7).

    Nevertheless, extradition remains a possibility.  For extradition to be
    possible:

    Q     your local prosecutor must decide to prosecute your case  and  you
    must be prepared to testify;

    Q     child  abduction must be considered a serious crime in  the  other
    country;

    Q     there must be a treaty or other extradition mechanism between  the
    United States and the country where your child is held;

    Q    child abduction must be covered under the treaty;

    Q    and, if the abductor is a national of the country in question,  the
    country must be one that will extradite its own nationals.



    PART V


    OTHER SOLUTIONS:  SETTLING 'OUT OF COURT'


    Promoting Communication Between Parents and Children

    Legal  procedures can be long and expensive.  Reunion with your  child,
    using this route, depends ultimately on the successful use of the legal
    system  of a foreign country.  You may have greater success working  in
    an  area  even  more  difficult  than  the  legal  systemQthe  area  of
    negotiation  with  the  abducting parent.  In some  cases,  friends  or
    relatives  of the abductor may be able to help you  establish  amicable
    relations  with  the  abductor and may be willing  to  help  mediate  a
    compromise.  A decrease in tension might bring about the return of your
    child, but, even if it does not, it can increase your chances of  being
    able  to  visit the child and participate in some way  in  the  child's
    upbringing.   Sometimes compromise and some kind of reconciliation  are
    the only solution.


    Obtaining Information on Your Child's Welfare

    If your child has been found, but cannot be recovered, you can  request
    that  a U.S. consular officer visit the child.  If the consul  succeeds
    in seeing your child, he or she will send you a report on your  child's
    health, living conditions, schooling, and other information.  Sometimes
    consular officers are also able to send you letters or photos from your
    child.  If the abducting parent will not permit the consular officer to
    see  your  child,  the  U.S. embassy  or  consulate  will  request  the
    assistance of local authorities, either to arrange for such a visit  or
    to have a local social worker make a visit and provide a report on your
    child's  health and welfare.  Contact the Office of  Citizens  Consular
    Services (CCS) to request such a visit.


    Working With Foreign Authorities

    In child abduction cases, consular officers routinely maintain  contact
    with  local  child welfare and law enforcement officers.  If  there  is
    evidence  of  abuse  or  neglect of the  child,  the  U.S.  embassy  or
    consulate will request that local authorities become involved to ensure
    the  child is protected.  This may mean removal of your child from  the
    home for placement in local foster care.



    The Difficult Question of Desperate Measures

    Consular  officers  cannot  take possession of a child  abducted  by  a
    parent or aid parents attempting to do so in violation of the laws of a
    foreign  country.   Consular officers must act in accordance  with  the
    laws of the country to which they are accredited.  If a parent  regains
    physical  possession  of a child, the U.S. embassy  or  consulate  can,
    however, issue a passport to the child (if the child is a U.S. citizen)
    in  the  absence of a foreign court order prohibiting  removal  of  the
    child from its jurisdiction.  If the foreign court order conflicts with
    an  American  court order that gives you custody, a  passport  for  the
    child  will  generally be issued.  The consular officer  also  can,  if
    appropriate, issue repatriation loans to the parent and child.

    Before  considering  desperate measures, however, you should  read  the
    information  available  from  the  National  Center  for  Missing   and
    Exploited Children about the emotional trauma inflicted on a child  who
    is  a  victim  of abduction and  reabduction.   The  NCMEC  discourages
    reabduction  not  only  because  it is illegal,  but  also  because  of
    possible psychological harm to the child.

    Attempts  to spirit an abducted child back to the United States from  a
    foreign country may endanger your child and others, would prejudice any

    future judicial efforts you might wish to make in that country, and may
    result in your arrest and imprisonment.  In determining sentencing, the
    foreign  court  might  not give weight to the fact  that  the  would-be
    abductor  was  the  custodial  parent in the  United  States.   If  you
    successfully  return  to the United States with your  child,  you,  and
    anyone  who  assisted  you,  may  be  subject  to  extradition  to  and
    prosecution  in the country from which you abducted the child.  Nor  is
    there  any guarantee that the chain of abductions would end  there:   a
    parent  who  has  reabducted a child may have to  go  to  extraordinary
    lengths to conceal their whereabouts, living in permanent fear that the
    child may be reabducted again.


    PART VI


    REFERENCE

    Directory Q Where to Go for Assistance

    Consular Assistance:

    Child Custody Division    202-647-3666
    Office of Citizens Consular Services (CCS)
    Department of State
    220l C Street, N.W., Room 4817
    Washington, D.C.  20520-4818


    U.S. Passport Restrictions:

    Office of Citizenship Appeals and Legal Assistance    202-326-6168
    Passport Services
    Department of State
    1425 K Street, N.W., Room 300
    Washington, D.C. 20522-1705


    General Technical Assistance:

    National  Center for Missing and Exploited Children  (NCMEC)     703-235-
    3900
    2101 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 500
    Arlington, VA  22201

    24-hour hot line for emergencies:    1-800-843-5678
        TTD  1-800-826-7653

    For ABA Publications:

    American Bar Association (ABA)    312-988-5555
    750 Lake Shore Drive
    Chicago, IL 60611


    For Information on the Federal Parent Locator Service:

    Department of Health and Human Services    202-401-9267
    Office of Child Support Enforcement
    Federal Parent Locator Service (FPLS)
    370 L'Enfant Promenade, S.W.
    Washington, D.C. 20447

    Uniform State and Federal Laws on Custody, Parental Child Abduction,
    and Missing Children


    The Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction Act of 1968 (UCCJA) was  written
    to  eliminate  nationwide the legal incentives for  forum-shopping  and
    child-snatching by parents, and to encourage communication, cooperation
    and  assistance  between state courts in the resolution  of  interstate
    child  custody conflicts.  It is now the law, with some variations,  in
    every state and the District of Columbia.

    Section 23 of the UCCJA expressly provides that the general policies of
    the  Act extend to the international arena.  It further  provides  that
    custody  decrees  made in other countries by  appropriate  judicial  or
    administrative  authorities  will be recognized and  enforced  in  this
    country  provided  reasonable notice and opportunity to be  heard  were
    given to the affected persons.

    The Parental Kidnapping Prevention Act of 1980 (PKPA) (P.L. 96-611;  28
    U.S.C. 1738A, 1738A Note; 18 U.S.C. 1073 Note; 42 U.S.C. 654, 655, 663)
    requires the appropriate authorities of every state to enforce and  not
    modify  custody  and  visitation  orders  made  by  courts   exercising
    jurisdiction  consistent with standards set by the Act; authorizes  the
    Federal  Parental  Locator Service to act on requests  from  authorized
    persons  to  locate the absconding parent and children  who  have  been
    abducted  or wrongfully retained; and expressly declares the intent  of
    Congress  that  the Fugitive Felon Act applies to  state  felony  cases
    involving parental kidnapping and interstate or international flight to
    avoid  prosecutions.   The  state prosecutor  may  formally  present  a
    request  to  the local U.S. Attorney for a Federal Unlawful  Flight  to
    Avoid Prosecution (UFAP) warrant.

    The  Missing  Children's  Act  of 1982 (P.L.  97-292;  28  U.S.C.  534)
    provides for the entry of the names of missing children in the National
    Crime  Information Center (NCIC).  Since the enactment of P.L.  97-292,
    parents can ask their local police to enter their children's names into
    the NCIC computer and they can verify from the police or, if necessary,
    from the FBI that the names of their children are in the system.

    The Missing Children's Assistance Act of 1984 (P.L. 98-473)  authorized
    the establishment of a national clearing house (now the National Center
    for Missing and Exploited Children) to:

    Q   Provide technical assistance to local and state governments, public
    and  private  nonprofit  agencies,  and  individuals  in  locating  and
    recovering missing children;

    Q    Coordinate  public  and private efforts  to  locate,  recover,  or
    reunite missing children with their legal custodians;

    Q   Operate a national toll-free hot line through which individuals can
    report  information  on  the location of missing  children  or  request
    information  on  procedures  for reuniting children  with  their  legal
    custodians;

    Q   Disseminate information on innovative and model missing  children's
    programs, services, and legislation;

    Q   Provide technical assistance to law enforcement agencies, state and
    local governments, elements of the criminal justice system, public  and
    private   nonprofit  agencies,  and  individuals  in  the   prevention,
    investigation,  prosecution,  and treatment of  missing  and  exploited
    children's cases.

    National Child Search Assistance Act (P.L. 101-647) passed as  part  of
    the  Crime Control Act of 1990, requires federal, state, and local  law
    enforcement  to  enter  reports of a missing child  less  than  18  and
    unidentified  persons in the National Crime Information Center  (NCIC).
    It provides for update of records with additional information within 60
    days  of the original entry, and it provides for close liaison  between
    law  enforcement  and  the National Center for  Missing  and  Exploited
    Children  for the exchange of information and technical  assistance  in
    missing children cases.




    U.S. Court Decisions Q Citations

    California
        (Australia) Miller v. Superior Court, 587 P.2d 723 (Cal. 1978).
        (France)  Superior Court v. Plas, 155 Cal. App. 3d 1008 (Cal.  App.
    1984).
        (Israel) Ben-Yehoshua v. Ben-Yehoshua, 154 Cal. Rptr. 80 (Cal.  Ct.
    App. 1979).
        (Lebanon) Marriage of Malek, 182 Cal. App.3d 1018 (Cal. App. 1986).

    COLORADO
        (England) Woodhouse v. District Court, 587 P.2d 1199 (Colo. 1978).

    CONNECTICUT
        (Germany) Goldstein v. Fisher, 510 A.2d 184 (Conn. 1986).
        (Colombia) Hurtado v. Hurtado, 541 A.2d 873 (Conn. App. 1988).

    Florida
        (Bahamas) Al-Fassi v. Al-Fassi, 433 So.2d 664 (Fla. App. 1983),
               rev. den. 446 So.2d 99 (Fla. 1984).
        (Mexico)  Ortega  v.  Pujals de Suarez, 465 So.2d  607  (Fla.  App.
    1985).
        (Puerto  Rico,  West Germany) Sterzinger v. Efron,  534  So.2d  798
    (Fla. App. 1988).
        (Singapore)  Brown  v.  Ran, 395 So.2d 1249 (Fla.  Dist.  Ct.  App.
    1981).

    GEORGIA
        (New  York /United Arab Emirates) Mitchell v. Mitchell, 311  S.E.2d
    456 (Ga. 1984).

    ILLINOIS
        (Israel) In re Marriage of Alush, 527 N.E.2d 66 (Ill. App. 1988).
        (Scotland)  In  re Marriage of Mullins, 481  N.E.2d  322  (Ill.App.
    1985).

    INDIANA
        (Sweden) Schleiffer v. Meyers, 644 F.2d 656 (7th Cir. 1981).

    KANSAS
        (France) In re Marriage of Nasica, 758 P.2d 240 (Kan. App. 1988).
        (St. Maarten) Warwick v. Gluck, 751 P.2d 1042 (Kan. App. 1988).

    LOUISIANA
        (Brazil/New York) Gay v. Morrison, 511 So.2d 1173 (La. App. 4  Cir.
    1987).

    MASSACHUSETTS
        (Australia) Custody of a Minor No. 3, 468 N.E. 2d 251 (Mass. 1984).
        (Germany) Bak v. Bak, 511 N.E.2d 625 (Mass. App. Ct. 1987).
        (Israel)  Tazziz v. Tazziz, 26 Mass. App. Ct. 809, 1988 Mass.  App.
    LEXIS 787.

    MICHIGAN
        (Germany) Klont v. Klont, 342 N.W.2d 549 (Mich. App. 1983).
        (Ireland) Farrell v. Farrell, 351 N.W.2d 219 (Mich. App. 1984).

    MISSISSIPPI
        (Canada) Laskosky v. Laskosky, 504 So.2d 726 (Miss. 1987).

    NEW JERSEY
        (Ireland) Mc v. Mc, 521 A.2d 381 (N.J. Super. 1986).
        (Germany) Schmidt v. Schmidt, 1988 N.J. App. LEXIS 346 (1988).

    NEW YORK
        (Australia)  Boutros v. Boutros, 483 N.Y.S.2d 360 (N.Y.  App.  Div.
    1984).
        (Canada)  David  S.  v. Zamira S., 17 FLR  2001  (2/19/91).   Hague
    Convention case.
        (England) In re Shalit, 4 Fam. L. Rep. 2035 (N.Y. Sup. Ct. Nov.  1,
    1977).
        (Israel) Evans v. Evans, 447 N.Y.S.2d 200 (Sup. Ct. 1982).
        (Israel) Klien v. Klien, 533 N.Y.S.2d 211 (Sup. 1988).
        (Sweden)  Braunstein v. Braunstein, 497 N.Y.S.2d 58 (A.D.  2  Dept.
    1985).
        (Switzerland) Lotte V. v. Leo V., 491 N.Y.S.2d 58, 128 Misc.2d  892
    (Fam. Ct. 1985).

    NORTH DAKOTA
    (District of Columbia/Norway) Bergstrom v. Bergstrom,  478 F. Supp. 434
    (D.N.D.
          1979).   The  appellate decision, 623 F.2d 517 (8th  Cir.  1980),
    should also be noted.

    Pennsylvania
        (Bermuda) Com. ex rel. Taylor v. Taylor, 480 A.2d 1188 (Pa.  Super.
    1984).
        (Canada) Taylor v. Taylor, 420 A.2d 570 (Pa. Super. Ct. 1980).
        (Denmark) Zaubi v. Zaubi, 423 A.2d 333 (Pa. 1980).
        (England)  Havice v. Havice, No. 836-1979 (Ct. Common Pleas,  filed
    Jan. 10, 1980).
        (Israel) Hovan v. Hovan, 458 A.2d 972 (Pa. Super. 1983).

    TEXAS
        (Mexico) Garza v. Harvey, 726 S.W.2d 198 (Tex. App. 1987).

    VIRGINIA
        (England) Oehl v. Oehl, 272 S.E.2d 441 (Va. 1980).
        (England) Middleton v. Middleton, 314 S.E.2d 364 (Va. 1984).

    Wyoming
        (Bahrain) Moshen v. Moshen, 715 F. Supp. 1063 (D.Wyo. 1989).




    Foreign Court Decisions Q Citations

    Rhodesia
        (Virginia) Crone v. Duggan, I Fam. L. Rep. 2092 (1974).

    ENGLAND
        (California) Re C, 2 All E.R. 230 (CA), 5 Fam. L. Rep. 2248 (1977).



    Reading List

    De Hart, "International Child Abductions:  A Guide to Applying the 1988
    Hague  Convention,  with Forms," Section of Family  Law,  American  Bar
    Association, 1989.  ($24.95)

    Family  Advocate, A Practical Journal of the American  Bar  Association
    Family  Law  Section, Vol. 9, No. 4, Spring 1987.   (special  issue  on
    divorce law around the world and international parental child abduction
    - $9.50).

    Frank,  "American  and International Responses to  International  Child
    Abductions," 16 N.Y.U. J. Int'l L. & Pol. 415, 1984.

    "The  Hague Convention on International Child Abduction:   A  Practical
    Application," 10 Loy. L.A. Int'l & Comp. L. J. 163, 1988.

    "The   Hague   International  Child  Abduction   Convention   and   the
    International  Child  Abduction  Remedies Act:  Closing  Doors  to  the
    Parent Abductor," 2 Transnat'l Law 589, 1989.

    Hoff,  Parental Kidnapping, How to Prevent an Abduction and What do  Do
    If  Your Child Is Abducted, National Center for Missing  and  Exploited
    Children,  3rd  Edition,  August  1988.  (To order,  see  page  5.   No
    charge.)

    Hoff,  Legal  Remedies in Parental Kidnapping Cases:  A  Collection  of
    Materials,  National  Legal  Resource Center  for  Child  Advocacy  and
    Protection, American Bar Association, 1986.  ($15)

    Hoff, "Rx for International Parental Kidnapping:  The Hague  Convention
    on  the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction,"  5  Fairshare,
    No.   10,  October  1985,  Law  &  Business,  Inc.,  Harcourt,   Brace,
    Jovanovich.

    "International Parental Child Abduction:  The Need for Recognition  and
    Enforcement of Foreign Custody Decrees," 3 J. Int'l Dispute  Resolution
    205, 1989.

    "More  Than  Mere Child's Play:  International  Parental  Abduction  of
    Children," 6 Dick. L. Rev. 283, 1988.

    Pfund,  "The  Hague Convention on International  Child  Abduction,  the
    International   Child  Abduction  Remedies  Act,  and  the   Need   for
    Availability  of Counsel for All Petitioners," 24 Fam. L.Q. 35,  Spring
    1990.

    Stotter, "The Light at the End of the Tunnel:  The Hague Convention  on
    International  Child  Abduction Has Reached Capitol Hill,"  9  Hastings
    Int'l and Comp. L. Rev., No. 2, pp. 285-328, Winter 1986.

    Strickland,  Parental  Kidnapping:  International  Resource  Directory,
    Rainbow Press, Moore Haven, FL.


    U.S. Government Documents on the Hague Convention

    Department  of State notice in the Federal Register of March 26,  1986,
    pp. 10494-10516.

    Senate Treaty Doc. 99-11, 99th Congress, 1st Session.

    For  the  legislative  history of  the  International  Child  Abduction
    Remedies Act, Public Law 100-300, see:

    S.1347  and  H.R.  2673, and H.R. 3971 and 3972,  100th  Congress,  and
    related hearing reports.
























    APPLICATION FOR ASSISTANCE UNDER THE HAGUE CONVENTION

    To learn if the form on the next page applies to you, see pages 7 to 9.
    To invoke the Hague Convention, submit the original and one copy of the
    form  plus  two  copies of your  supporting  documents.   For  detailed
    instructions,  call the Office of Citizens Consular Services  (CCS)  on
    202-647-3666.





    PART VII


    AFTER AN ABDUCTION Q A CHECKLIST FOR PARENTS

    Your  situation  is difficult, but there are things that  you  can  do.
    This  list assumes that you know, or strongly suspect, that your  child
    has been abducted abroad to a country that is not a party to the  Hague
    Convention  on  International  Child Abduction (see page  7).   If  the
    country is a party to the Hague Convention, call the Office of Citizens
    Consular  Services  (CCS)  to determine if  your  situation  meets  the
    requirements of the Convention.


    1.  Emergency Action Q What to do Right Away


    q         If  you  do not know where your child is, have  you  filed  a
    missing person report with your local police department?  (see page 4)


    q        Have  you reported the abduction to the  National  Center  for
    Missing and Exploited Children?  (see page 4)


    q        Have  you  obtained  a decree of  sole  custody  or  one  that
    prohibits your child from traveling without your permission?  (see page
    2)   In most states you can obtain such a decree even after a child  is
    abducted.   A custody decree in your favor is necessary for  any  legal
    action.


    q        Has  your  child's  name been entered  in  the  U.S.  passport
    namecheck system?  (see page 3)


    q       If your child is a dual national, have the embassy and  consulates
    of  the foreign country been informed of your custody decree and  asked
    not to issue a foreign passport to your child?  (see page 3)


    q        If your child is only a U.S. citizen but the other parent  has
    close ties to a particular country, have the embassy and consulates  of

    that  country  been informed of your custody decree and  asked  not  to
    issue a visa to your child?  (see page 3)


    q        Have  you asked the Department of State's Office  of  Citizens
    Consular  Services (CCS) to initiate a welfare and  whereabouts  search
    for your child overseas?  (see pages 4-5 and page 15)



    2.  The Search


    q       Have you obtained certified copies of your custody decree  from
    the  court  that  issued it?  You may need to  furnish  proof  of  your
    custody rights at various stages in your search and recovery effort.


    q       Have you obtained a copy of the National Center for Missing and
    Exploited Children's publication, Parental Kidnapping:  How to  Prevent
    an Abduction and What to Do If Your Child Is Abducted?  (see page 5)


    q        Have you tried to establish contact with relatives or  friends
    of the abducting parent?  (see page 6)


    q        Have local law enforcement authorities asked the  the  Federal
    Parent  Locator Service to search for the abducting parent?  (see  page
    6)


    q        Have  you contacted the principal of your child's  school  and
    asked  to be informed of requests for transfer of your  child's  school
    records?  (see page 6)


    q       Have you prepared a poster of your child?  (see page 6)


    q        Have  you asked local law enforcement authorities to  ask  the
    U.S.  Postal Inspection Service to put a 'mail cover' on  addresses  in
    the U.S. to which the abductor might write?  (see page 6)


    q        Have you asked local law enforcement authorities to  help  you
    obtain  information  from telephone and credit card  companies  on  the
    whereabouts of the abductor?  (see page 6)




    3.  After Your Child Has Been Abducted Abroad


    q        Have you retained the services of a foreign   attorney?   (see
    page 10)


    q         Have you sent certified copies of the custody  decree,  court
    orders,  state  and  federal  warrants, copies  of state custody and
    parental  child  abduction  laws and the  Federal  Parental  Kidnapping
    Prevention Act to the foreign attorney?  (see page 11)


    q       Have you read Part V of this booklet, "Other Solutions"?   (see
    page 15)



    4.  Legal Proceedings:  Possible Criminal Remedies


    q        Is  parental child abduction a crime in the state  where  your
    child resides or was abducted?


    q       Has a state warrant been issued for the arrest of the abductor?
    (see page 12)


    q        Has  a  Federal Unlawful Flight to  Avoid  Prosecution  (UFAP)
    warrant been issued for the arrest of the abductor?  (see page 12)


    q        If  a warrant has been issued, has the  abductor's  name  been
    entered in the wanted persons section of the National Crime Information
    Center (NCIC) computer?  (see page 12)


    q         Is it possible or useful to take legal action against  agents
    or accomplices to the abduction?  (see page 12)


    q       If the abductor is a U.S. citizen, have you considered  seeking
    to have his or her passport revoked?  (see pages 12-13)


    q       Would extradition of the abductor, if possible, be effective in
    your case?  (see pages 13-14)

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

(Consular Affairs Topics)


TEXT OF HAGUE CONVENTION

CONVENTION ON THE  CIVIL ASPECTS OF INTERNATIONAL CHILD ABDUCTION

The States signatory to the present Convention,

Firmly convinced that the interests of children are of paramount
importance in matters relating to their custody,

Desiring to protect children internationally from the harmful effects
of their wrongful removal or retention and to establish procedures
to ensure their prompt return to the State of habitual residence,
as well as to secure protection for rights of access,

Have resolved to conclude a Convention to this effect, and have agreed
upon the following provisions -

CHAPTER I - SCOPE OF THE CONVENTION

Article 1

The objects of the present Convention are -

(a)  to secure the prompt return of children wrongfully removed to
or retained in any Contracting State; and

(b)  to ensure that rights of custody and of access under the law
of one Contracting State are effectively respected in the other Contracting
States.

Article 2

Contracting States shall take all appropriate measures to secure
within their territories the implementation of the objects of the
Convention.  For this purpose they shall use the most expeditious
procedures available.

Article 3

The removal or the retention of a child is to be considered wrogful where -

(a)  it is in breach of right of custody attributed to a person,
an institution or any other body, either jointly or alone, under
the law of the State in which the child was habitually resident immediately
before the removal or retention; and

(b)  at the time of removal or retention those rights were actually
exercised, either jointly or alone, or would have been so exercised
but for the removal of retention.

The rights of custody mentioned in sub-paragraph (a) above, may arise
in particular by operation of law or by reason of a judicial or administrative
decision, or by reason of an agreement having legal effect under
the law of that State.

Article 4

The Convention shall apply to any child who was habitually resident
in a Contracting State immediately before any breach of custody or
access rights.  The Convention shall cease to apply when the child
attains the age of 16 years.

Article 5

For the purposes of this Convention -

(a)  "rights of custody" shall include rights relating to the care
of the person of the child and, in particular, the right to determine
the child's place of residence;

(b)  "rights of access" shall include the right to take a child for
a limited period of time to a place other than the child's habitual residence.

CHAPTER II - CENTRAL AUTHORITIES

Article 6

A Contracting State shall designate a Central Authority to discharge
the duties which are imposed by the Convention upon such authorities.
Federal States,  States with more than one system of law or States
having autonomous territorial organizations shall be free to appoint
more than one Central Authority and to specify the territorial extent
of their powers.  Where a State has appointed more than one Central
Authority, it shall designate the Central Authority to which applications
may be addressed for transmission to the appropriate Central Authority
with that State.

Article 7

Central Authorities shall co-operate with each other and promote
co-operation amongst the competent authorities in their respective
States to secure the prompt return of children and to achieve the
other objects of this Convention.

In particular, either directly or through any intermediary, they
shall take all appropriate measures -

(a)  to discover the whereabouts of a child who has been wrongfully
removed or retained;

(b)  to prevent further harm to the child or prejudice to interested
parties by taking or causing to be taken provisional measures;

(c)  to secure the voluntary return of the child or to bring about
an amicable resolution of the issues;

(d)  to exchange, where desirable, information relating to the social
background of the child;

(e)  to provide information of a general character as to the law
of their State in connection with the application of the Convention;

(f)  to initiate or facilitate the institution of judicial or administrative
proceedings with a view to obtaining the return of the child and,
in a proper case, to make arrangements for organizing or securing
the effective exercise of rights of access;

(g)  where the circumstances so require, to provide or facilitate
the provision of legal aid and advice, including the participation
of legal counsel and advisers;

(h)  to provide such administrative arrangements as may be necessary
and appropriate to secure the safe return of the child;

(i)  to keep each other informed with respect to the operation of
this Convention and, as far as possible, to eliminate any obstacles
to its application.

CHAPTER III - RETURN OF CHILDREN

Article 8

Any person, institution or other body claiming that a child has been
removed or retained in breach of custody rights may apply either
to the Central Authority of the child's habitual residence or the
the Central Authority of any other Contracting State for assistance
in securing the return of the child.
The application shall contain -

(a)  information concerning the identity of the applicant, of the
child and of the person alleged to have removed or retained the child;

(b)  where available, the date of birth of the child;

(c)  the grounds on which the applicant's claim for return of the
child is based;

(d)  all available information relating to the whereabouts of the
child and the identity of the person with whom the child is presumed to be.

The application may be accompanied or supplemented by -

(e)  an authenticated copy of any relevant decision or agreement;

(f)  a certificate or an affidavit emanating from a Central Authority,
or other competent authority of the State of the child's habitual
residence, or from a qualified person, concerning the relevant law
of that State;

(g)  any other relevant document.

Article 9

If the Central Authority which receives an application referred to
in Article 8 has reason to believe that the child is in another Contracting
State, it shall directly and without delay transmit the application
to the Central Authority of that Contracting State and inform the
requesting Central Authority, or the applicant, as the case may be.

Article 10

The Central Authority of the State where the child is shall take
or cause to be taken all appropriate measures in order to obtain
the voluntary return of the child.

Article 11

The judicial or administrative authorities of Contracting States
shall act expeditiously in proceedings for the return of children.
If the judicial or administrative authority concerned has not reached
a decision within six weeks from the date of commencement of the
proceedings, the applicant or the Central Authority of the requested
State, on its own initiative or if asked by the Central Authority
of the requesting State, shall have the right to request a statement
of the reasons of delay.  If a reply is received by the Central Authority
of the requested State, that Authority shall transmit the reply to
the Central Authority of the requesting State, or to the applicant,
as the case may be.

Article 12

Where a child has been wrongfully removed or retained in terms of
Article 3 and, at the date of the commencement of the proceedings
before the judicial or administrative authority of the Contracting
State where the child is, a period of less than one year has elapsed
from the date of the wrongful removal or retention, the authority
concerned shall order the return of the child forthwith.
The judicial or administrative authority, even where the proceedings
have been commenced after the expiration of the period of one year
referred to in the preceding paragraph, shall also order the return
of the child, unless it is demonstrated that the child is now settled
in its new environment.

Where the judicial or administrative authority in the requested State
has reason to believe that the child has been taken to another State,
it may stay the proceedings or dismiss the application for the return
of the child.

Article 13

Notwithstanding the provisions of the preceding Article, the judicial
or administrative authority of the requested State is not bound to
order the return of the child if the person, institution or other
body which opposes its return establishes that -

(a)  the person, institution or other body having the care of the
person of the child was not actually exercising the custody rights
at the time of removal or retention, or had consented to or subsequently
acquiesced in the removal or retention; or

(b)  there is a grave risk that his or her return would expose the
child to physical or psychological harm or otherwise place the child
in an intolerable situation.

The judicial or administrative authority may also refuse to order
the return of the child if it finds that the child objects to being
returned and has attained an age and degree of maturity at which
it is appropriate to take account of its views.

In considering the circumstances referred to in this Article, the
judicial and administrative authorities shall take into account the
information relating to the social background of the child provided
by the Central Authority or other competent authority of the child's
habitual residence.

Article 14

In ascertaining whether there has been a wrongful removal or retention
within the meaning of Article 3, the judicial or administrative authorities
of the requested State may take notice directly of the law of, and
of judicial and administrative decisions, formally recognized or
not in the State of the habitual residence of the child, without
recourse to the specific procedures for the proof of that law or
for the recognition of foreign decisions which would otherwise be applicable.

Article 15

The judicial or administrative authorities of a Contracting State
may, prior to the making of an order for the return of the child,
request that the applicant obtain from the authorities of the State
of the habitual residence of the child a decision or other determination
that the removal or retention was wrongful within the meaning of
Article 3 of the Convention, where such a decision or determination
may be obtained in that State.  The Central Authorities of the Contracting
States shall so far as practicable assist applicants to obtain such
a decision or determination.

Article 16

After receiving notice of a wrongful removal or retention of a child
in the sense of Article 3, the judicial or administrative authorities
of the Contracting State to which the child has been removed or in
which it has been retained shall not decide on the merits of rights
of custody until it has been determined that the child is not to
be returned under this Convention or unless an application under
this Convention is not lodged within a reasonable time following
receipt of the notice.

Article 17

The sole fact that a decision relating to custody has been given
in or is entitled to recognition in the requested State shall not
be a ground for refusing to return a child under this Convention,
but the judicial or administrative authorities of the requested State
may take account of the reasons for that decision in applying this Convention.

Article 18

The provisions of this Chapter do not limit the power of a judicial
or administrative authority to order the return of the child at any time.

Article 19


A decision under this Convention concerning the return of the child
shall not be taken to be a determination on the merits of any custody issue.

Article 20

The return of the child under the provisions of Article 12 may be
refused if this would not be permitted by the fundamental principles
of the requested State relating to the protection of human rights
and fundamental freedoms.

CHAPTER IV - RIGHTS OF ACCESS


Article 21

An application to make arrangements for organizing or securing the
effective exercise of rights of access may be presented to the Central
Authorities of the Contracting States in the same way as an application
for the return of a child.
The Central Authorities are bound by the obligations of co-operation
which are set forth in Article 7 to promote the peaceful enjoyment
of access rights and the fulfillment of any conditions to which the
exercise of those rights may be subject.  The Central Authorities
shall take steps to remove, as far as possible, all obstacles to
the exercise of such rights.  The Central Authorities, either directly
or through intermediaries, may initiate or assist in the institution
of proceedings with a view to organizing or protecting these rights
and securing respect for conditions to which the exercise of these
rights may be subject.


CHAPTER V - GENERAL PROVISIONS

Article 22

No security, bond or deposit, however described, shall be required
to guarantee the payment of costs and expenses in the judicial or
administrative proceedings falling within the scope of this Convention.

Article 23

No legalization or similar formality may be required in the context
of this Convention.

Article 24

Any application, communication or other document sent to the Central
Authority of the requested State shall be in the original language,
and shall be accompanied by a translation into the official language
or one of the official languages of the requested State or, where
that is not feasible, a translation into French or English.
However, a Contracting State may, by making a reservation in accordance
with Article 42, object to the use of either French or English, but
not both, in any application, communication or other document sent
to its Central Authority.

Article 25

Nationals of the Contracting States and persons who are habitually
resident within those States shall be entitled in matters concerned
with the application of this Convention to legal aid and advice in
any other Contracting State on the same conditions as if they themselves
were nationals of and habitually resident in that State.

Article 26

Each Central Authority shall bear its own costs in applying this Convention.
Central Authorities and other public services of Contracting States
shall not impose any charges in relation to applications submitted
under this Convention.  In particular, they may not require any payment
from the applicant towards the costs and expenses of the proceedings
or, where applicable, those arising from the participation of legal
counsel or advisers.  However, they may require the payment of the
expenses incurred or to be incurred in implementing the return of the child.
However, a Contracting State may, by making a reservation in accordance
with Article 42, declare that it shall not be bound to assume any
costs referred to in the preceding paragraph resulting from the participation
of legal counsel or advisers or form court proceedings, except insofar
as those costs may be covered by its system of legal aid and advice.
Upon ordering the return of the child or issuing an concerning rights
of access under this Convention, the judicial or administrative authorities
may, where appropriate, direct the person who removed or retained
the child, or who prevented the exercise of rights of access, to
pay necessary expenses incurred or payments made for locating the
child, the costs of legal representation of the applicant, and those
of returning the child.

Article 27

When it is manifest that the requirements of this Convention are
not fulfilled or that the application is otherwise not well founded,
a Central Authority is not bound to accept the application.  In that
case, the Central Authority shall forthwith inform the applicant
or the Central Authority through which the application was submitted,
as the case may be, of its reasons.

Article 28

A Central Authority may require that the application be accompanied
by a written authorization empowering it to act on behalf of the
applicant, or to designate a representative so to act.

Article 29

This Convention shall not preclude any person, institution or body
who claims that there has been a breach of custody or access rights
within the meaning of Article 3 or 21 from applying directly to the
judicial or administrative authorities of a Contracting State, whether
or not under the provisions of this Convention.

Article 30

Any application submitted to the Central Authorities or directly
to the judicial or administrative authorities of a Contracting State
in accordance with the terms of this Convention, together with documents
and any other information appended thereto or provided by a Central
Authority, shall be admissible in the courts or administrative authorities
of the Contracting States.

Article 31

In relation to a State which in matters of custody of children has
two or more systems of law applicable in different territorial units -

(a)  any reference to habitual residence in that State shall be construed
as referring to habitual residence in a territorial unit of that State;

(b)  any reference to the law of the State of habitual residence
shall be construed as referred to the law of the territorial unit
in that State where the child habitually resides.

Article 32

In relation to a State which in matters of custody of children has
two or more systems of law applicable to different categories of
persons, any reference to the law of that State shall be construed
as referring to the legal system specified by the law of that State.

Article 33

A State within which different territorial units have their own rules
of law in respect of custody of children shall not be bound to apply
this Convention where a State with a unified system of law would
not be bound to do so.

Article 34

This Convention shall take priority in matters within its scope over
the "Convention of 5 October 1961 concerning the powers of authorities
and the law applicable in respect of the protection of minors." as
between Parties to both Conventions.  Otherwise the present Convention
shall not restrict the application of an international instrument
in force between the State of origin and the State addressed or other
law of the State addressed for the purposes of obtaining the return
of a child who has been wrongfully removed or retained or of organizing
access rights.

Article 35

This Convention shall apply as between Contracting States only to
wrongful removals or retentions occurring after its entry into force
in those States.
Where a declaration has been made under Article 39 or 40, the reference
in the preceding paragraph to a Contracting State shall be taken
to refer to the territorial unit or units in relation to which this
Convention applies.

Article 36

Nothing in this Convention shall prevent two or more Contracting
States, in order to limit the restrictions to which the return of
the child may be subject, from agreeing among themselves to derogate
from any provisions of this Convention which may imply such a restriction.


CHAPTER VI - FINAL CLAUSES

Article 37

The Convention shall be open for signature by the States which were
Member of the Hague Conference on Private International Law at the
time of its Fourteenth Session.
It shall be ratified, accepted or approved and the instruments of
ratification, acceptance or approval shall be deposited with the
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

Article 38

Any other State may accede to the Convention.
The instrument of accession shall be deposited with the Ministry
of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
The Convention shall enter into force for a State acceding to it
on the first day of the third calendar month after the deposit of
its instrument of accession.

The accession will have effect only as regards the relations between
the acceding State and such Contracting States as will have declared
their acceptance of the accession.  Such a declaration will also
have to be made by any Member State ratifying, accepting or approving
the Convention after an accession.  Such declaration shall be deposited
at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of the Netherlands;
this Ministry shall forward, through diplomatic channels, a certified
copy to each of the Contracting States.

The Convention will enter into force between the acceding State and
the State that has declared its acceptance of the accession on the
first day of the third calendar month after the deposit of the declaration
of acceptance.

Article 39

Any State may, at the time of signature, ratification, acceptance,
approval or accession, declare that the Convention shall extend to
all the territories for the international relations of which it is
responsible, or to one or more of them.  Such a declaration shall
take effect at the time the Convention enters into force for that State.
Such declaration, as well as any subsequent extension, shall be notified
to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

Article 40

If a Contracting State has two or more territorial units in which
different systems of law are applicable in relation to matters dealt
with in this Convention, it may at the time of signature, ratification,
acceptance, approval or accession declare that this Convention shall
extend to all its territorial units or only to one or more of them
and may modify this declaration by submitting another declaration at any time.
Any such declaration shall be notified to the Ministry of Foreign
Affairs of the Kingdom of the Netherlands and shall state expressly
the territorial units to which the Convention applies.

Article 41

Where a Contracting State has a system of government under which
executive, judicial and legislative powers are distributed between
central and other authorities within that State, its signature or
ratification, acceptance or approval of, or accession to this Convention,
or its making of any declaration in terms of Article 40 shall carry
no implication as to the internal distribution of powers within that State.

Article 42

Any State may, not later than the time of ratification, acceptance,
approval or accession, or at the time of making a declaration in
terms of Article 39 or 40, make one or both of the reservations provided
for in Article 24 and Article 26, third paragraph.  No other reservation
shall be permitted.

Any State may at any time withdraw a reservation it has made.  The
withdrawal shall be notified to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of
the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
The reservation shall cease to have effect on the first day of the
third calendar month after the notification referred to in the preceding
paragraph.

Article 43

The Convention shall enter into force on the first day of the third
calendar month after the deposit of the third instrument of ratification,
acceptance, approval or accession referred to in Articles 37 and 38.
Thereafter the Convention shall enter into force -

(1)  for each State ratifying, accepting, approving or acceding to
it subsequently, on the first day of the third calendar month after
the deposit of its instrument of ratification, acceptance, approval
or accession;

(2)  for any territory or territorial unit to which the Convention
has been extended in conformity with Article 39 or 40, on the first
day of the third calendar month after the notification referred to
in that Article.

Article 44

The Convention shall remain in force for five years from the date
of its entry into force in accordance with the first paragraph of
Article 43 even for States which subsequently have ratified, accepted,
approved or acceded to it.
If there has been no denunciation, it shall be renewed tacitly every
five years.
Any denunciation shall be notified to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
of the Kingdom of the Netherlands at least six months before the
expiry of the five year period.  It may be limited to certain of
the territories or territorial units to which the Convention applies.
The denunciation shall have effect only as regards the State which
has notified it.  The Convention shall remain in force for the other
Contracting States.

Article 45

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of the Netherlands
shall notify the States Members of the Conference, and the States
which have acceded in accordance with Article 38, of the following -

(1)  the signatures and ratifications, acceptances and approvals
referred to in Article 37;

(2)  the accessions referred to in Article 38;

(3)  the date on which the Convention enters into force in accordance
with Article 43;

(4)  the extensions referred to in Article 39;

(5)  the declarations referred to in Articles 38 and 40;

(6)  the reservations referred to in Article 24 and 26, third paragraph,
and the withdrawals referred to in Article 42;

(7)  the denunciations referred to in Article 44.
In witness whereof the undersigned, being duly authorized thereto,
have signed this Convention.

Done at The Hague, on the 25th day of October, 1980, in the English
and French languages, both texts being equally authentic, in a single
copy which shall be deposited in the archives of the Government of
the Kingdom of the Netherlands, and of which a certified copy shall
be sent, through diplomatic channels, to each of the States Members
of the Hague Conference on Private International Law at the date
of its Fourteenth Session.

HAGUE CONVENTION ON THE CIVIL ASPECTS OF INTERNATIONAL CHILD ABDUCTION
PARTY COUNTRIES AND EFFECTIVE DATES WITH U.S.

Australia

Canada

France

Hungary

Luxembourg

Portugal

Spain

Switzerland

United Kingdom

United States  7/1/88

Austria  10/1/88

Norway  4/1/89

Sweden  6/1/89

Belize  9/1/89

Netherlands  9/1/90

Germany  12/1/90

Argentina  6/1/91

Denmark  7/1/91

New Zealand  10/1/91

Mexico  10/1/91

Ireland  10/1/91

Israel  10/1/91

N.B.  -  Effective dates are important because Convention is NOT retroactive.

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#ENDCARD
#CARD:Consular Topics:Citizenship

(Consular Affairs Topics)


POSSIBLE LOSS OF U.S. CITIZENSHIP

The Department of State is responsible for determining the citizenship
status of a person located outside the United States or in connection
with the application for a U.S. passport while in the United States.


POTENTIALLY EXPATRIATING STATUTES

Section 349 of the Immigration and Nationality Act, as amended, states
that U.S. citizens are subject to loss of citizenship if they perform
certain acts voluntarily and with the intention to relinquish U.S.
citizenship.  Briefly stated, these acts include:

(1)  Obtaining naturalization in a foreign state;

(2)  Taking an oath, affirmation or other formal declaration to a
foreign state or its political subdivisions;

(3)  Entering or serving in the armed forces of a foreign state engaged
in hostilities against the U.S. or serving as a commissioned or non-commissioned
officer in the armed forces of a foreign state;

(4)  Accepting employment with a foreign government if (a) one has
the nationality of that foreign state or (b) a declaration of allegiance
is required in accepting the position;

(5)  Formally renouncing U.S. citizenship before a U.S. consular
officer outside the United States;

(6)  Formally renouncing U.S. citizenship within the United States
(only "in time of war");

(7)  Conviction for an act of treason.


ADMINISTRATIVE STANDARD OF EVIDENCE

As already noted, the action listed above can cause loss of U.S citizenship
only if performed voluntarily and with the intention of relinquishing
U.S. citizenship.  THE DEPARTMENT HAS A UNIFORM ADMINISTRATIVE STANDARD
BASED ON THE PREMISE THAT U.S. CITIZENS INTEND TO RETAIN UNITED STATES
CITIZENSHIP WHEN THEY OBTAIN NATURALIZATION IN A FOREIGN STATE, SUBSCRIBE
TO ROUTINE DECLARATIONS OF ALLEGIANCE TO A FOREIGN STATE, OR ACCEPT
NON-POLICY LEVEL EMPLOYMENT WITH A FOREIGN GOVERNMENT.


DISPOSITION OF CASES WHEN ADMINISTRATIVE PREMISE IS APPLICABLE

In light of the administrative premise discussed above, a person who:

(1)  is naturalized in a foreign country;
(2)  takes a routine oath of allegiance; or
(3)  accepts non-policy level employment with a foreign government

and in so doing wishes to retain U.S. citizenship need not submit
prior to the commission of a potentially expatriating act a statement
or evidence of his or her intent to retain U.S. citizenship since
such an intent will be presumed.

When such cases come to the attention of a U.S. consular officer,
the person concerned will be asked to comlete a questionnaire to
ascertain his or her intent toward U.S. citizehsip.  Unless the person
affirmatively asserts in the questionnaire that it was his or her
intention to relinquish U.S. citizenship, the consular officer will
certify that it was NOT the person's intent to relinquish U.S. citizenship
and, consequently, find that the person has retained U.S. citizenship.


DISPOSITION OF CASES WHEN ADMINISTRATIVE PREMISE IS INAPPLICABLE

The premise that a person intends to retain U.S. citizenship is NOT
applicable when the individual:

(1)  formally renounces U.S. citizenship before a consular officer;
(2)  takes a policy level position in a foreign state;
(3)  is convicted of treason; or
(4)  performs an act made potentially expatriating by statute accompanied
by conduct which is so inconsistent with retention of U.S. citizenship
that it compels a conclusion that the individual intended to relinquish
U.S. citizenship.  (Such cases are very rare.)

Cases in categories 2, 3, and 4 will be developed carefully by U.S.
consular officers to ascertain the individual's intent toward U.S.
citizenship.


PERSONS WHO WISH TO RELINQUISH

An individual who has performed ANY of the acts made potentially
expatriating by statute who wishes to lose U.S. citizenship may do
so by affirming in writing to a U.S. consular officer that the act
was performed withan intent to relinquish U.S. citizenship.  Of course,
a person always has the option of seeking to formally renounce U.S.
citizenship in accordance with Section 349(a)(5) INA.


APPLICABILITY OF ADMINISTRATIVE PREMISE TO PAST CASES

The premise established by the administrative standard of evidence
is applicable to cases adjudicated previously.  Persons who previously
lost U.S. citizenship may wish to have their cases reconsidered in
light of this policy.  A person may initiate such a reconsideration
by submitting a request to the nearest U.S. consular office or by
writing directly to:

Director, Office of Citizens Consular Services
(CA/OCS/CCS), Room 4811 NS
Department of State
Washington, DC  20520-4818

Each case will be reviewed on its own merits taking into consideration,
for example, statements made by the person at the time of the potentially
expatriating act.


QUESTIONS

For further information, please contact the appropriate geographic
division of the Office of Citizens Consular Services:

Europe and Canada Division............................[phone]

Inter-American Division...............................[phone]

East Asia and Pacific Division........................[phone]

Near Eastern and South Asia Division..................[phone]

Africa Division:......................................[phone]


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#ENDCARD
#CARD:Consular Topics:Crime

(Travel Advisories)

Crime - Notice
June 29, 1992

The U.S. Department of State provides the following travel notice for U.S.
citizens traveling abroad.

When planning your trip abroad, take steps to protect yourself from crime or
theft.  Crimes against travelers are a growing problem worldwide.  Tourists
are particularly targeted by criminals because they are usually carrying
cash and are often easy to distract.  Any traveler can become a victim of
crimes such as pick-pocketings, robberies, sexual assaults and muggings.  To
keep yourself safe while traveling, follow the same common-sense precautions
you would exercise at home:

-- Do not take valuable items on your trip.  Carry travelers checks and
major credit cards, not large amounts of cash.

-- Hide your valuables on your person.  Wrapping rubber bands around your
wallet makes it more difficult for a pickpocket to remove.  Don't carry
money or identification in a handbag; all too often, thieves simply take the
bag, sometimes breaking arms in the process.  If possible, don't carry a
handbag at all.

-- Before leaving, make a copy of the identification page of your passport.
Take the copy with you on your trip, keeping it separate from the passport
itself.  While traveling, leave your passport and any money you don't expect
to need that day locked in a hotel safety deposit box.  If local law does
not require you to keep your passport with you, carry only the photocopy of
your passport when you leave your hotel.

-- Find out which parts of town local inhabitants consider risky.  If you
are out alone at night, stay in well-lit areas; don't use short cuts or
narrow alleys.

-- Be especially alert in crowds.  The most common sites for purse, bag or
camera snatching are the central train stations, crowded shopping areas and
places heavily frequented by tourists, such as on public buses, trams and
subways.

-- Thieves often strike when travelers are distracted.  A bag casually left
at one's feet or on a cart while checking a train schedule or using a
telephone is an easy target.  Money belts or pouches worn on the outside of
clothing or loosely hung around the neck are easily cut or ripped off.
Wearing them on the outside highlights where you keep all your valuables.

-- Travel with several passport size photos.  It can be hard to get
replacement photos on short notice if your passport is lost or stolen.  Keep
a record of your passport number, and the date and place of issuance
separate from the passport itself.

-- If driving, keep your car doors locked and suitcases out of sight.

-- Don't leave valuables in parked cars. Thieves particularly target rental
cars and cars with out of town or foreign license plates.

If you should fall victim to crime, remember that the U.S. Embassy is there
to help you.  Every embassy and consulate has a duty officer on-call around
the clock to assist in an emergency.  If you need emergency medical care,
the duty officer will try to help you get in touch with a doctor or clinic.
If you lose your passport, report the loss to the local police and go to the
nearest U.S. embassy or consulate on the next business day to apply for a
new one.  If you have a police report, photos and proof of identification
(or are accompanied by someone who can identify you), a new passport can
often be issued the same day.

The following pamphlets are published by the Department of State to assist
Americans traveling abroad.  Single copies of these publications are
available for $1.00 each from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S.
Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C.  20402. Please send checks or
money orders.

Your Trip Abroad
A Safe Trip Abroad
Travel Tips for Older Americans
Tips for Americans Residing Abroad

Tips for Travelers to the Caribbean
Tips for Travelers to Central and South America
Tips for Travelers to Eastern Europe (under revision)

Tips for Travelers to Mexico
Tips for Travelers to the Middle East and North Africa
Tips for Travelers to the People's Republic of China
Tips for Travelers to South Asia
Tips for Travelers to Sub-Saharan Africa
Tips for Travelers to the USSR (under revision)

No. 92-136

This travel advisory replaces the travel advisory dated May 22, 1991 with
minor changes.


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#ENDCARD
#CARD:Consular Topics:HIV testing
(Consular Affairs Topics)


HUMAN IMMUNODEFICIENCY VIRUS (HIV) TESTING REQUIREMENTS FOR ENTRY  INTO
FOREIGN COUNTRIES

MARCH 6, 1991

An increasing number of countries require that foreigners be tested for
HIV  (AIDS  virus)  prior  to entry.  This  is  particularly  true  for
students  or  long-term  visitors.   The  following  list  of   country
requirements is based on information available as of March 1990 and  is
subject to change.  Before traveling abroad, check with the embassy  of
the country to be visited to learn entry requirements and  specifically
whether  or not AIDS testing is a requirement.  If the  list  indicates
U.S.  test  results  are acceptable "under  certain  conditions"  in  a
particular country, prospective travelers should inquire at the embassy
of  that  country for details (i.e., which laboratories in  the  United
States  may  perform  tests and where to  have  results  certified  and
authenticated) before departing the United States.

COUNTRY             REQUIRED FOR                            U.S.  TEST
ACCEPTED

Antigua and         University students and those           Yes
 Barbuda            suspected of having the HIV
                    virus

Australia           All applicants for permanent            Yes
                    residence over age 16. Students
                    or temporary residents staying
                    over 12 months may be tested

Bahrain             Foreign workers in certain              N/A
                    job categories, i.e. hotel
                    staff, hair dressers, etc.
                    are screened after entry

Belize              Certain foreign workers                 Yes,if within
                                                            past 3 months


British Virgin      Intending immigrants and those          Yes
Islands             wishing to work must certify
                    they are free of HIV virus

Bulgaria            Certain groups of foreigners,           No
                    such as university students who
                    stay for prolonged periods of
                    time.  Holders of tourist
                    passports staying over 30 days
                    may be tested

China,              Those staying more than 6 months.       Yes, under
People's                                                    certain
Republic of                                                 conditions*


Costa Rica          All applicants for temporary            No, testing
                    residence permits or permanent          performed by
                    resident status and students or         Ministry of
                    tourists staying over 90 days           Public Health


Cuba                All foreigners, excluding               No, testing to
                    tourists                                be performed on
                                                            arrival


Cyprus              All foreigners working as               Yes
                    entertainers

Czechoslovakia      Students and workers from               No, testing
                    countries with high number of           required to be
                    AIDS cases                              performed on
                                                            arrival

Ecuador             All foreigners coming as                Yes
                    residents, students, or for
                    any other long-term purposes

Egypt               All foreigners working or               No
                    studying in Egypt for more
                    than 30 days

German Demo-        Those staying over 3 months             Yes, under
cratic                                                      certain
Republic                                                    conditions*


Germany, Federal    Applicants for residence                No
 Republic of        permits staying over 180 days
 (Bavaria only)     in Bavaria

Greece              Students receiving Greek                No
                    Government scholarships and
                    performing artists working
                    in Greece

India               All students and anyone over            Yes, under
                    18 staying over 1 year,                 certain
                    excluding accredited journ-             conditions*
                    alists, and those working in
                    foreign missions

Iraq                Anyone staying over 5 days              Yes, under
                    (Failure to have the test               certain
                    done will result in a fine              conditions*
                    of $1600.)                              (To avoid
                                                            $330 fee
                                                            have test
                                                            done in the
                                                            U.S. before
                                                            departing.)

Kuwait              Those planning to obtain a              Yes
                    residence permit for longer                                  than 6 months

Libya               Those seeking residence permits,        Yes
                    excluding official visitors

Marshall            Although not yet implemented,           Yes,  under
 Islands,           regulations would require those         certain
 Republic of the    planning to reside over 6 months        conditions*
                    to be tested

Mongolia            Students and anyone planning to         Yes
                    stay longer than 3 months must
                    be tested before arrival

Pakistan            Those staying for over 1 year           Yes
                    must certify they are free of HIV

Papua New           Those planning to work and              Yes
 Guinea             those applying for
                    long-term residence visas

Philippines         Applicants for permanent                Yes
                    resident visas

Qatar               Those going to work or study            Yes, if
                                                            within six
                                                            months

Saudi Arabia        Applicants for work permits only        Yes

South Africa        Mine workers                            Yes

St.Kitts and        Applicants for work permits or          Yes
 Nevis              residency

Syria               Students and others staying             Yes, under
                    over 1 year                             certain
                                                            conditions*

Taiwan              Proposed legislation would              Uncertain
                    require those planning to reside
                    over 3 months to be tested

Thailand            Those  suspected  or  confirmed  of     N/A
                    carrying AIDS are refused entry

Union of Soviet     Those staying more than 3               Yes
 Socialist          months
 Republics

United Arab         Applicants for work or resi-            No, testing
 Emirates           dence permits                           required to be
                                                            performed on
                                                            arrival

*Check with embassy in Washington, D.C. for detailed requirements.


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#ENDCARD
#CARD:Consular Topics:Immigration numbers
(Consular Affairs Topics)

IMMIGRANT NUMBERS FOR DECEMBER 1992

A.  STATUTORY NUMBERS

This bulletin summarizes the availability of immigrant numbers during
December.  Consular officers are required to report to the Department of State
documentarily qualified applicants for numerically limited visas; the
Immigration and Naturalization Service reports applicants for adjustment of
status.  Allocations were made, to the extent possible under the numerical
limitations, for the demand received by November 6th in the chronological
order of the reported priority dates.  If the demand could not be satisfied
within the statutory or regulatory limits, the category or foreign state in
which demand was excessive was deemed oversubscribed.  The cut-off date for an
oversubscribed category is the priority date of the first applicant who could
not be reached within the numerical limits.  Only applicants who have a
priority date earlier than the cut-off date may be allotted a number.
Immediately that it becomes necessary during the monthly allocation process to
retrogress a cut-off date, supplemental requests for numbers will be honored
only if the priority date falls within the new cut-off date.

Section 201 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), as amended, sets an
annual minimum family-sponsored preference limit of 226,000.  The worldwide
level for annual employment-based immigrants effective with FY 1992 is at
least 140,000.  Section 202, as amended, prescribes that the foreign state
per-country limit for preference immigrants is set at 7% of the total annual
family-sponsored and employment-based preference limits, i.e., a minimum of
25,620.  The dependent area limit is set at 2%, or a minimum of 7,320.  The
limit for Hong Kong is set at 10,000 through FY 1993, after which the regular
foreign state limit will apply to Hong Kong.

Section 203 of the INA, as amended, prescribes preference classes for
allotment of immigrant visas as follows:

FAMILY-SPONSORED PREFERENCES

First:  Unmarried Sons and Daughters of Citizens:  23,400 plus any numbers not
required for fourth preference.

Second:  Spouses and Children, and Unmarried Sons and Daughters of Permanent
Residents:  114,200, plus the number (if any) by which the worldwide family
preference level exceeds 226,000, and any unused first preference numbers:

A.  Spouses and Children:  87,934 minimum, i.e., 77% of the overall second
preference limitation, of which 75% are exempt from the per-country limit;

B.  Unmarried Sons and Daughters (21 years of age or older):  26,266 minimum,
i.e., 23% of the overall second preference limitation.

Third:  Married Sons and Daughters of Citizens:  23,400, plus any numbers not
required by first and second preferences.

Fourth:  Brothers and Sisters of Adult Citizens:  65,000, plus any numbers not
required by first three preferences.

EMPLOYMENT-BASED PREFERENCES

First: Priority Workers: 28.6% of the worldwide employment-based preference
level, plus any numbers not required for fourth and fifth preferences.

Second: Members of the Professions Holding Advanced Degrees or Persons of
Exceptional Ability: 28.6% of the worldwide employment-based preference level,
plus any numbers not required by first preference.

Third: Skilled Workers, Professionals, and Other Workers: 28.6% of the
worldwide level, plus any numbers not required by first and second
preferences, not more than 10,000 of which to "Other Workers".

Fourth:  Certain Special Immigrants:  7.1%, not more than 5,000 of which to
the Religious Workers described in INA Section 101(a)(27)(C)(ii)(II) and
(III).

Fifth:  Employment Creation:  7.1% of the worldwide level, not less than 3,000
of which reserved for investors in a targetted rural or high-unemployment
area.

INA Section 203(e) provides that family-sponsored and employment-based
preference visas be issued to eligible immigrants in the order in which a
petition in behalf of each has been filed.  Section 203(d) provides that
spouses and children of preference immigrants are entitled to the same status,
and the same order of consideration, if accompanying or following to join the
principal.  The visa prorating provisions of Section 202(e), as revised by the
Immigration Act of 1990, will apply to allocations for a foreign state or
dependent area in any fiscal year when visa demand exceeds the per-country
limit.  These provisions apply at present to the following oversubscribed
chargeability areas:  CHINA-mainland born, DOMINICAN REPUBLIC, INDIA, MEXICO,
and PHILIPPINES.

SPOUSES AND CHILDREN OF LEGALIZATION BENEFICIARIES:  Section 112 of the
Immigration Act of 1990 (P.L. 101-649) provides 55,000 immigrant visas during
each of fiscal years 1992, 1993 and 1994 to spouses and children of persons
legalized under the three programs established by the Immigration Reform and
Control Act of 1986 (P.L. 99-603).  The total available for each fiscal year
must be reduced, however, by the extent to which immediate relative
immigration in the previous year exceeds 239,000.  (This category is indicated
below by the symbol "LB".)

On the chart below, the listing of a date for any class indicates that the
class is oversubscribed (see paragraph 1); "C" means current, i.e., numbers
are available for all qualified applicants; and "U" means unavailable, i.e.,
no numbers are available.

PREFERENCES

All Charge-
ability Areas CHINA-Except Those mainland DOMINICAN
Listed        born     REPUBLIC  INDIA   MEXICO PHILIPPINES
Family

1st         C          C         C        C     15NOV91  23MAY85

2A Exempt  08JUL90  08JUL90   08JUL90  08JUL90  08JUL90  08JUL90
from per-country
limit

2A Subject 01AUG90  01AUG90   01AUG90   01AUG90    U     01AUG90
to per-
country limit

LB         08DEC90  08DEC90   08DEC90   08DEC90 08DEC90  08DEC90

2B         15SEP89  15SEP89   08JAN88   15SEP89 08AUG89  01APR86

3rd        01FEB91  01FEB91   01FEB91   01FEB91 08JUL84  26OCT82

4th        15AUG83  15AUG83   15AUG83   15OCT82 15SEP80  27APR77


All Charge-
ability Areas CHINA-
Except Those  mainland DOMINICAN
Listed        born     REPUBLIC  INDIA MEXICO PHILIPPINES
Employment-
Based

1st         C          C         C         C       C       C

2nd         C       08JUN91      C      15AUG91    C       C

3rd         C       01MAY91      C      01JUN91    C    01MAR88

Other    15OCT87    15OCT87   15OCT87   15OCT87 15OCT87 15OCT87
Workers

4th         C          C         C         C       C    15JUL92

Certain     C          C         C         C       C    15JUL92
Religious
Workers

5th         C          C         C         C       C       C

Targeted    C          C         C         C       C       C
Employment
Areas

The Department of State has available a recorded message with visa
availability information which can be heard at:  (area code 202) 663-1541.
This recording will be updated in the middle of each month with information on
cut-off dates for the following month.


B.  TRANSITION IMMIGRANT VISA CATEGORY FOR EMPLOYEES OF CERTAIN UNITED STATES
BUSINESSES OPERATING IN HONG KONG

Section 124 of the Immigration Act of 1990 (P.L. 101-649) provides 12,000
immigrant visas during each of fiscal years 1991, 1992, and 1993 for employees
of certain United States businesses operating in Hong Kong, and their spouses
and children.  Any numbers unused in fiscal years 1991 or 1992 are to be added
to the limit for the succeeding year.

At the present time immigrant numbers in this category are available to
qualified applicants on a "CURRENT" basis.


C.  TRANSITION IMMIGRANT (AA-1) CATEGORY FOR NATIVES OF CERTAIN "ADVERSELY
AFFECTED" FOREIGN STATES

Section 132 of the Immigration Act of 1990 (P.L. 101-649) provides 40,000
immigrant visas during each of fiscal years 1992, 1993 and 1994 for natives of
certain countries which had been identified as "adversely affected" for
purposes of the "NP-5" immigrant program established under Section 314 of the
Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 (P.L. 99-603).  At least 40 percent
of AA-1 numbers are designated for natives of the country which received the
greatest number of visas under the NP-5 program (i.e., Ireland).

Everyone selected for AA-1 visa status during the recent application period
has been registered, and the last of the notification letters will be mailed
by the end of November.  (Persons who were NOT selected for registration will
NOT be sent any response to their AA-1 application.)

For December immigrant numbers in the AA-1 category are available to qualified
applicants chargeable to all AA-1 countries on a "CURRENT" basis.

ENTITLEMENT TO VISA STATUS BASED ON THE RECENT REGISTRATION PERIOD WILL LAST
ONLY THROUGH SEPTEMBER 1993, AND SINCE AA-1 VISA NUMBERS COULD BE EXHAUSTED
EVEN BEFORE SEPTEMBER IF RESPONSE TO VISA LETTERS IS VERY HEAVY, APPLICANTS
WHO WISH TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THEIR AA-1 REGISTRATION ARE URGED TO RESPOND AS
QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE TO THE VISA NOTIFICATION LETTER.


D.  TRANSITION IMMIGRANT VISA CATEGORY FOR DISPLACED TIBETANS

Section 134 of the Immigration Act of 1990 (P.L. 101-649) provides 1,000
immigrant visas over the three fiscal year period 1991 through 1993 for
natives of Tibet residing in India or Nepal, and their spouses and children.
The processing of applications for visas in this category, including the
allocation of visa numbers under its numerical limitation, is under the
control of the United States Embassy at New Delhi, India.


E.  AVAILABILITY OF ASYLEE NUMBERS FOR ADJUSTMENT OF STATUS CASES

The following information has been provided by the Refugees, Asylum and Parole
Office of the Immigration and Naturalization Service:

Asylees who filed their application to adjust on or before October 1, 1992 and
whose names are included on the Immigration and Naturalization Service
centralized computer list may be adjusted at this time.


F.  RECENT AMENDMENT TO THE VISA PORTION OF THE FOREIGN AFFAIRS MANUAL (FAM)

Transmittal Letter (TL) No. VISA-66 dated September 30, 1992 which updates the
visa portion (Vol. 9) of the FAM, is now available.

VISA-66 amends Part III, Sections 42.81 Notes, Procedural Notes, and Exhibits,
42.82 Procedural Notes; and 42.83 Notes, Procedural Notes, and Exhibits.
These sections have been amended primarily as a result of the Immigration Act
of 1990.

There is a charge of $3.00 per copy of VISA-66.  A check payable to the
Department of State must accompany the order.  This TL may be obtained from:

Distribution Services (OIS/PS/PR)
Room B845 NS
Department of State
Washington, D.C.  20520-0845

VISA BULLETIN SUBSCRIPTION AND CHANGE OF ADDRESS INFORMATION:  Additions or
changes to the mailing list should be sent to:  Visa Bulletin, Visa Office,
Department of State, Washington, D.C. 20522-0113.  Only addresses within the
U.S. postal system may be placed on the mailing list.  Please include a recent
mailing label when reporting changes or corrections of address; the Postal
Service does NOT automatically notify the Visa Office of address changes.

Department of State Publication 9514
CA/VO:November 6, 1992


-------------------------------------------------------------------------------


#ENDCARD
#CARD:Consular Topics:Medical tips
(Consular Affairs Topics)


Medical  Information  for  Americans  Traveling  Abroad

If an American becomes seriously ill or injured abroad, a U. S. consular
officer, when notified of the problem, can assist in locating appropriate
medical services and help in informing the next-of-kin, family or friends.
If necessary, a consular officer can also assist in the transfer
of funds from the United States, but payment of hospital and other
expenses is your responsibility.

Before going abroad, learn what medical services your health insurance
will cover overseas.  If your health insurance policy provides coverage
outside the United States, REMEMBER to carry both your insurance
policy identity card as proof of such insurance and a claim form.
Although many health insurance companies will pay "customary and
reasonable" hospital costs abroad, very few will pay for your medical
evacuation back to the United States which can easily cost $5,000
and up, depending on your location and medical condition.

THE SOCIAL SECURITY MEDICARE PROGRAM DOES NOT PROVIDE FOR PAYMENT OF HOSPITAL
OR MEDICAL SERVICES OUTSIDE THE U.S.A.

The American Association of Retired Persons offers foreign medical
care coverage at no extra charge with its Medicare supplement plans.
This coverage is restricted to treatments considered eligilble under
Medicare.  In general, it covers 80% of the "customary and reasonable"
charges, subject to a $50 deductible for the covered care during
the first 60 days.  There is a ceiling of $25,000 per trip.  This
is a reimbursement plan so you must pay the bills first and obtain
receipts for submission to the plan.

To facilitate identification in case of an accident, complete the
information page on the inside of your passport providing the name,
address and telephone number of someone to be contacted in an emergency.
The name given should not be the same as your traveling companions
in case the entire party is involved in the same accident.

Travelers going abroad with any preexisting medical problems should
carry a letter from their attending physician.  The letter should
describe their condition and include information on any prescription
medications, including the generic name of any prescribed drugs,
that they need to take.  Any medications being carried overseas should
be left in their original containers and be clearly labeled.  Travelers
should check with the foreign embassy of the country they are visiting
to make sure any required medications are not considered to be illegal
narcotics.

A listing of addresses and telephone numbers of U.S. embassies and
consulates abroad is contained in "Key Officers of Foreign Service
Posts."  This booklet may be obtained through the Superintendent
of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402,
for $1.75 (Publication No. 7877).  An annual global rundown of disease
and immunization advice and other health guidance, including risks
in particular countries, by the Centers for Disease Control may also
be obtained from the Government Printing Office in "Health Information
for International Travelers" (Publication No. HHS-CDC 90-8280, $5.00
).  The Centers for Disease Control in Atlanta also maintains a travelers
hotline that can be reached by calling 404-332-4559.

For detailed information on physicians abroad, the authoritative
reference is the "Directory of Medical Specialists" published for
the American Board of Medical Specialists and its 22 certifying member
boards.  This publication should be available in your local library.
If abroad, a list of hospitals and physicians can be obtained from
the nearest American embassy or consulate.

A number of countries require foreign visitors to be tested for the
AIDS virus as a requirement for entry.  This applies mostly to those
planning to reside overseas.  Before traveling, check the latest
entry requirements with the foreign embassy of the country to be
visited.  A listing of "Foreign Entry Requirements" is available
for 50 cents from the Consumer Information Center, Pueblo, CO 81009.
The Citizens Emergency Center maintains a travel notice on HIV/AIDS
entry requirements.  Call 202-647-5225 to obtain these requirements.

Several private organizations will provide medical information and
insurance for overseas travelers.  The following is provided FOR
INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY and in no way constitutes an endorsement,
expressed or implied, by the Department of State:

PUBLISHED MEDICAL INFORMATION

BOOKS:  How to Stay Healthy Abroad,  Dr. Richard Dawood, Penguin
U.S.A., P.O. Box 999, Bergenfield, NJ  07621

        How To Stay Healthy While Traveling: A Guide For Today's World
Traveler  by Bob Young, M.D., Box 567, Dept. 2, Santa Barbara, CA  93102

DIABETES TRAVEL SERVICES, INC., 39 East 52nd Street, New York, NY
10022 - Worldwide information on diabetic treatments and physicians.

EMERGENCY MEDICAL PAYMENT AND INFORMATION SERVICES c/o your nearest
American Express Office.  Available to American Express CARDHOLDERS ONLY:
    1) A directory of "U.S. Certified Doctors Abroad" (Price: $3.00)
    2) A health insurance plan is available through the Firemens Fund
Life Insurance Company, 1600 Los Gamos Rd., San Raphael, CA 94911,
Attention:  American Express Card Service.

IAMAT, 736 Center Street, Lewiston, NY  14092   Phone [phone]
International Association for Medical Assistance to Travelers:  A
medical directory, clinical record, and a malaria risk chart are
sent without charge; however, a contribution is requested for World
Climate Charts.

IMMUNIZATION ALERT, P.O. Box 406, Storrs, CT  06268   Phone [phone]
For $25 a traveler is provided with an up-to-date, detailed and personalized
health report on up to 6 countries to be visited.  It will tell you
what diseases are prevalent and what precautions are recommended or advisable.

AIR AMBULANCE SERVICES

AERO AMBULANCE INTERNATIONAL Executive Airport Philadelphia, PA Ft.
Lauderdale, FL San Juan, Puerto Rico 305-776-6800 800-443-8042 (U.S.,
Canada & Caribbean) Service Area:  Worldwide

AIR AMBULANCE NETWORK Miami, FL 305-447-0458

AIR AMBULANCE OF AMERICA Chicago, IL 800-321-4444

NATIONAL AIR AMBULANCE Ft. Lauderdale, FL 305-525-5538 Service Area:
Caribbean & Central America

AIR MEDIC Pittsburgh, PA 800-423-2667 Service Area:  Canada & Caribbean

ALPHA AVIATION, INC.  Dallas, TX 214-352-4801

INTERNATIONAL SOS ASSISTANCE Philadelphia, PA 800-523-8930/215-244-1500
Service Area:  Worldwide

MERCY MEDICAL AIRLIFT Reston, VA 703-361-1191 (Caribbean and Canada
only.  Will meet commercial
incoming patient flights at JFK International Airport in New York/New
Jersey area and at Miami International Airport, other airports if necessary.)

WORLD CARE TRAVEL ASSISTANCE 1150 S. Olive St.  Suite T-2233 Los
Angeles, CA  90015 800-253-1877



-------------------------------------------------------------------------------



#ENDCARD
#CARD:Consular Topics:Mexico travel

(Consular Affairs Topics)


    TIPS FOR TRAVELERS TO MEXICO

    Between  4  and 6 million U.S. citizens visit Mexico each  year,  while
    more  than  300,000  Americans reside  there.   Although  the  majority
    thoroughly  enjoy their stay, some experience difficulties and  serious
    inconvenience.

    The Department of State and its Foreign Service posts in Mexico offer a
    wide  range  of  services to assist U.S. citizens  in  distress.   U.S.
    consular  officials meet regularly with Mexican authorities to  promote
    the  safety  of U.S. citizens in Mexico.  To keep you among  the  happy
    majority who do not experience difficulties, here are some  precautions
    you can take.



    How to Have a Safe and Healthy Trip
.
    Before You Go

    Give  your  family  or  friends in the United States  a  copy  of  your
    proposed  itinerary  --  and keep them informed if  your  travel  plans
    change.   This will help them find you in an emergency.  Carry a  photo
    identification  with  you and include with it the name of a  person  to
    contact in the event of serious illness or other emergency.
    Safety  begins before you leave home.  Do not bring anything you  would
    hate to lose.  Leave things like unnecessary credit cards and expensive
    jewelry  at home.  Bring travelers checks, not cash.  Use a money  belt
    or  concealed pouch for passport, cash, and other valuables.It is  also
    wise  to  photocopy  your airline or other tickets  and  your  list  of
    travelers checks, leave a copy with someone at home, and carry an extra
    copy with you.
    Learn  about  your route from an auto club, guide book,  or  a  Mexican
    government  tourist  office.   Some routes have  heavy  truck  and  bus
    traffic, some have poor or nonexistent shoulders, and many have animals
    on the loose.  Also, some of the newer roads have very few restaurants,
    motels,  gas  stations, or auto repair shops.  You may not be  able  to
    avoid  all problems, but at least you will know what to expect  if  you
    have  done  some research.  Caution:  See page 4 for  routes  to  avoid
    because of highway crime.


    For  your safety, have your vehicle serviced and in  optimum  condition
    before  you leave for Mexico.  Pack a basic first-aid kit and carry  an
    emergency  water  supply  in  your vehicle.   Be  aware  that  unleaded
    gasoline  may  not be available away from the main highways.   Bring  a
    flexible  funnel to fill your gas tank because some gas  stations  have
    nozzles too large to fit unleaded gas tanks.

    After You Arrive -- Emergency Help

    In  an  emergency, call {91} (5) 250-0123, the 24-hour hotline  of  the
    Mexican Ministry of Tourism.  The hotline is for immediate  assistance,
    but  it can give you general, nonemergency guidance as well.  It is  an
    important number to keep with you.  If necessary, in an emergency,  you
    may  also  call  the  U.S. Embassy or the  nearest  U.S.  consulate  or
    consular  agency.  (See addresses at the end of this  pamphlet.)If  you
    have an emergency while driving, call the Ministry of Tourism's hotline
    to  obtain  help from the "Green Angels," a fleet  of  radio-dispatched
    trucks  with  bilingual  crews that operate  daily.   Services  include
    protection,  medical first aid, mechanical aid for your car, and  basic
    supplies.   You will not be charged for services, only for  parts,  gas
    and  oil.  The Green Angels patrol daily, from dawn until  sunset.   If
    you  are unable to call them, pull well off the road and lift the  hood
    of your car; chances are good that they will find you.


    Safety Tips

    As a visitor to Mexico, be alert to your new surroundings.  Hazards  in
    Mexico  may  be  different  from those you  are  used  to,  and  safety
    regulations and their enforcement are generally not equivalent to  U.S.
    standards.


    By Foot

    Watch  out  for irregular pavement and open manholes.In  large  cities,
    take the same precautions against assault, robbery, or pickpockets that
    you would take in any large U.S. city.  Avoid dark alleys, crowds,  and
    marginal  areas.   Be aware that women and small children, as  well  as
    men,  can be pickpockets or purse snatchers.  Keep your billfold in  an
    inner  front pocket; carry your purse tucked securely under  your  arm;
    and  wear the shoulder strap of your camera or bag across  your  chest.
    To  guard against thieves on motorcycles, walk away from the  curb  and
    carry your purse away from the street.


    By Car

       and, if at all possible, do not drive at night.  Loose livestock can
    appear at any time.  Construction sites or stranded vehicles are  often
    unmarked by flares or other warning signals.  Sometimes cars have  only
    one headlight; bicycles seldom have lights or reflectors.  Be  prepared
    for  a  sudden stop at any time.  Mexican driving conditions  are  such
    that, for your safety, you must drive more slowly than you do at home..
    In  Mexico, a blinking left turn signal on the vehicle in front of  you
    could  mean that it is clear ahead and you may pass, or it  could  mean
    the driver is making a left turn.  An outstretched left arm may mean an
    invitation  for  you to pass.  When in doubt, do not  pass.An  oncoming
    vehicle  flashing its headlights is a warning for you to slow  down  or
    pull over because you are both approaching a narrow bridge or place  in
    the road.  The custom is that the first vehicle to flash has the  right
    of way and the other must yield.C
     to a crawl.  Freshly wet roads are dangerous because oil and road dust
    mix  with water and form a lubricant.  Until this mixture washes  away,
    driving  is extremely hazardous.  Beware of sudden rains.  Stop, or  go
    extremely slowly, until conditions improve.

    To avoid highway crime, try not to drive at night and never drive alone
    at  night.   Never sleep in vehicles along the road.  If  your  vehicle
    breaks down, stay with it and wait for the police or the Green  Angels.
    Do not, under any circumstances, pick up hitchhikers who not only  pose
    a  threat to your physical safety, but also put you in danger of  being
    arrested   for   unwittingly  transporting   narcotics   or   narcotics
    traffickers  in your vehicle.  Your vehicle can be confiscated  if  you
    are  transporting marijuana or other narcotics.  There are  checkpoints
    and temporary roadblocks where vehicles are checked.

     Beware of Highway 15 in the state of Sinaloa and of Highway 40 between
    the city of Durango and the Pacific coast, areas that are  particularly
    dangerous and where a number of criminal assaults have occurred.  Avoid
    express  Highway  1 (limited access) in Sinaloa altogether --  even  in
    daytime -- because it is remote and subject to bandits.

    On Public Transport

      Be  vigilant in bus and train stations and on public  transport.   Do
    not accept beverages from other passengers.  On occasion, tourists have
    been drugged and robbed while they slept.

    On Streets and Highways

    Be aware of persons representing themselves as Mexican police or  other
    local officials.
    Some  Americans have been the victims of harassment, mistreatment,  and
    extortion by criminals masquerading as officials.  Mexican  authorities
    are   concerned   about  these  incidents  and   have   cooperated   in
    investigating such cases.  You must, however, have the officer's  name,
    badge number, and patrol car number to pursue a complaint.  Make a note
    of  this  information  if you are ever involved with  police  or  other
    officials.

    Do not be surprised if you encounter several types of police in Mexico.
    The  Preventive  Police, the Transit Police, and  the  Federal  Highway
    Police all wear uniforms.  The Judicial Police who work for the  public
    prosecutor are not uniformed.


    At the Pool or Beach

    Do not leave your belongings on the beach while you are swimming.  Keep
    your passport and other valuables in the hotel safe.

    Carefully assess the risk potential of recreational activities.  Sports
    equipment  that  you rent or buy may not meet the safety  standards  to
    which  you  are accustomed.  For example, unless you are  certain  that
    scuba   diving   equipment  is  up  to  standard,   do  not   use   it.
    Inexperienced scuba divers should beware of dive shops that promise  to
    "certify"  you  after a few hours instruction.   Safe  diving  requires
    lengthy training.

    Do not use pools or beaches without lifeguards, or, if you do, exercise
    extreme  caution.   Do not dive into unknown bodies  of  water  because
    hidden rocks or shallow depths can cause serious injury or death.  Some
    Mexican  beaches,  such as those in Cancun, have  warning  signs  about
    undertow;  take  them seriously.  Be aware that the newer  resorts  may
    lack comprehensive medical facilities.

    Reporting a Crime

     If You are in Danger

     Call the Mexican Ministry of Tourism's emergency hotline,{91} (5) 250-
    0123, for immediate assistance.  Or, in Mexico City, dial 06 for police
    assistance.

    If You Have Been the Victim of a Crime.

      Immediately contact the U.S. Embassy or the nearest U.S. consulate or
    consular  agency.  For addresses and telephone numbers, see the end  of
    this pamphlet.  Also, immediately report the crime to the local police.
    If  you have difficulty filing this report, the Mexican police  have  a
    complement  to the Green Angels, called the Silver Angels.  This  group
    helps tourists who are victims of crime file a police report.  Call the
    Silver Angels on (5) 588-5100.

    Avoiding Legal Problems

    Tourists  who  commit illegal acts have no special privileges  and  are
    subject to full prosecution under the Mexican judicial system.

    Mexico rigorously prosecutes drug cases.  Under Mexican law, possession
    of  and  trafficking in illegal drugs are federal  offenses.  For  drug
    trafficking, bail does not exist.
    Mexican law does not differentiate between types of narcotics:  heroin,
    marijuana,  and  amphetamines,  for  example,  are  treated  the  same.
    Offenders  found guilty of possessing more than a token amount  of  any
    narcotic  substance are subject to a minimum sentence of  seven  years,
    and  it  is not uncommon for persons charged with drug offenses  to  be
    detained for up to one year before a verdict is reached.

    Remember,  if narcotics are found in your vehicle, you are  subject  to
    arrest and your vehicle can be confiscated.

    Avoid Public Drunkeness

    It  is  against the law in Mexico.  Certain border  towns  have  become
    impatient  with teenaged (and older) Americans who cross the border  to
    drink and carouse.  This behavior can lead to fights, arrests,  traffic
    accidents, and even death.

    Do not bring firearms or ammunition of any kind into Mexico unless  you
    have  first  obtained a consular firearms certificate  from  a  Mexican
    consulate.  To hunt in Mexico, you must obtain a hunting permit ,  also
    available  from the consulate.  Travelers carrying guns  or  ammunition
    into Mexico without a Mexican certificate have been arrested, detained,
    and  sentenced to stiff fines and lengthy prison terms.   The  sentence
    for  clandestine importation of firearms is from 6 months to  6  years.
    If  the  weapon  is  greater then .38 caliber,  it  is  co0nsidered  of
    military type, and the sentence is from 5 to 30 years.  When you  enter
    Mexico,  make  certain that Mexican customs officials  check  both  the
    firearms  and  your  certificate.  When  you  reach  your  destination,
    register your firearms with the appropriate military zone headquarters.

    Be aware that, even when you enter Mexican waters on your private boat,
    you are subject to the ban on importing firearms.

    NOTE:   Before  you  leave the United States, you  must  register  your
    firearms  and  ammunition with U.S. Customs if you wish to  bring  them
    back with you.

    In some areas of Mexico, it is not wise to carry anything that might be
    construed  as  a  weapon.   Some cities, such  as  Nuevo  Laredo,  have
    ordinances  prohibiting the possession of knives and  similar  weapons.
    Tourists have even been arrested for possessing souvenir knives.   Most
    arrests  for  knife  possession occur in  connection  with  some  other
    infraction, such as drunk and disorderly behavior.

    Failure  to  pay  hotel  bills or failure to  pay  for  other  services
    rendered is considered fraud under Mexican law.  Those accused of these
    offenses are subject to arrest and conviction with stiff fines and jail
    sentences.

    Be   Cautious   When  Purchasing  Real  Estate.   There   are   various
    restrictions  on foreigners purchasing property in Mexico.  Before  you
    invest  money, be certain that you are in compliance with  Mexican  law
    and  that  you  are  dealing with  a  reputable  developer,  time-share
    company,  or  real  estate agent.  For information  and  for  names  of
    Mexican lawyers, contact the American Society of Mexico or the American
    Chamber  of  Commerce.  You may also obtain a list of  Mexican  lawyers
    from  the  U.S.  Embassy  or a U.S. Consulate or  from  the  Office  of
    Citizens   Consular  Services,  Inter-American  Division,  Room   4817,
    Department  of  State, Washington, DC 20520, [phone].   If  your
    investment in Mexican property is illegal, you risk confiscation by the
    government of Mexico.

    Be aware that most time-share condo companies are not registered in the
    U.S. and do not abide by U.S. rules.  For instance, there is no day  or
    two "remorse period" in which you can change your mind and back out  of
    a contract that you have signed.

    To Avoid Disputes With Merchants, Ba a Careful Shopper.  Make sure  the
    goods you buy are in good condition and always get a receipt.  There is
    a  federal  consumer protection office, the  Procuraduria  Federal  del
    Consumidor,  to  assist you if you have a major problem with  a  faulty
    product  or service.  However, if the problem is with a service of  the
    tourist industry, you should bring the matter to the Mexican Government
    Tourist Office (Secretaria de Turismo).

    Staying Healthy

    In  some places, particularly at resorts, medical costs can be as  high
    or higher than in the United States.  If your insurance policy does not
    cover  you  in Mexico, it is strongly recommended that you  purchase  a
    policy  that  does.   There are short-term  health  insurance  policies
    designed  specifically to cover travel.  Medical facilities  in  Mexico

    differ from those in the United States, and treatment for some types of
    illnesses  or  injuries  may be only remedial.  Some  remote  areas  or
    coastal  islands  may  have few or no medical  facilities.   For  these
    reasons,  in addition to medical insurance that you can use in  Mexico,
    consider obtaining insurance or joining a membership organization  that
    will cover the exorbitant cost of medical evacuation in the event of an
    accident  or  serious  illness.   As  part  of  the  coverage,  medical
    evacuation companies usually offer emergency consultation by telephone.
    They  may refer you to the nearest hospital or call directly  for  help
    for  you; they may translate your instructions to a health care  worker
    on the scene.  The cost of medical evacuation coverage can be as low as
    $50  for  a  trip  of 30 days.  On the  other  hand,  escorted  medical
    evacuation can cost in the tens of thousands of dollars.

    If your travel agent cannot direct you to a medical evacuation company,
    look for information on them in travel magazines.  The U.S.  government
    cannot pay to have you medically evacuated to the United States.

    Immunizations  are  recommended  against  diphtheria,  tetanus,  polio,
    typhoid, and hepatitis A.  For visitors coming directly from the United
    States,  no  vaccinations  are required to enter Mexico.   If  you  are
    traveling  from  an  area known to be infected  with  yellow  fever,  a
    vaccination certificate is required.

    Malaria is found in some rural areas of Mexico, particularly those near
    the southwest coast.  Travelers to malarial areas should consult  their
    physician  or the U.S. Public Health Service and take  the  recommended
    dosage   of  chloroquine.   Although  chloroquine  is  not   considered
    necessary  for travelers to the major resort areas on the  Pacific  and
    Gulf  coasts, travelers to those areas should use insect repellent  and
    take  other  personal  protection  measures  to  reduce  contact   with
    mosquitoes, particularly from dusk to dawn when malaria transmission is
    most likely.

    Drink Only Bottled Water or Water That Has Been Boiled for 20  Minutes.
    Avoid ice cubes.  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.  Medication to prevent travelers'  diarrhea  is
    not  recommended.   If symptoms present themselves  and  persist,  seek
    medical attention because diarrhea is potentially dangerous.

    Air  pollution  in  Mexico City is severe.  It is  the  most  dangerous
    during  thermal  inversions which occur most from in December  to  May.
    Air pollution plus Mexico City's high altitude are a particular  health
    risk  for the elderly and persons with high blood pressure, anemia,  or
    respiratory or cardiac problems.  If this applies to you, consult  your
    doctor before traveling to Mexico City.

    In  high altitude areas, such as Mexico City, most people need a  short
    adjustment  period.   Spend the first few days in a  leisurely  manner,
    with  a  light  diet and reduced intake of  alcohol.   Avoid  strenuous
    activity  --  this includes everything from sports to  rushing  up  the
    stairs.  Reaction signs to high altitude are lack of energy, a tendency
    to  tire  easily,  shortness  of  breath,  occasional  dizziness,   and
    insomnia.



    U.S. Assistance in Mexico


    Where  to  Turn  If  You  Have  Serious  Legal,  Medical  or  Financial
    Difficulties

    Legal  Problems.  If you find yourself in serious difficulty  while  in
    Mexico,  contact a consular officer at the U.S. Embassy or the  nearest
    U.S. Consulate for assistance.  U.S. consular officers cannot serve  as
    attorneys  or give legal assistance.  They can, however, provide  lists
    of local attorneys and advise you of your rights under Mexican laws.

    Worldwide, Mexico has the highest number of arrests of Americans abroad
    --  over  2,000 per year -- and the highest prison population  of  U.S.
    citizens outside of the United States -- about 425 at any one time.  If
    you are arrested, ask permission to notify the U.S. Embassy or  nearest
    U.S. Consulate.  Under international agreements and practice, you  have
    the  right  to contact an American consul.  Although U.S.  consuls  are
    restricted  by Mexican law on what they can do to assist you  in  legal
    difficulties, they can monitor the status of detained U.S. citizens and
    make  sure  they are treated fairly under local laws.  They  will  also
    notify your relative or friends upon request.

    An   individual  is  guaranteed  certain  rights  under   the   Mexican
    constitution,   but  those  rights  differ  significantly   from   U.S.
    constitutional  guarantees.  The Mexican judicial system  is  based  on
    Roman and Napoleonic law and presumes a person accused of a crime to be
    guilty  until proven innocent.  There is no trial by jury nor  writ  of
    habeas  corpus in the Anglo-American sense.  Trial under  tthe  Mexican
    system is a prolonged process based largely on documents examined on  a
    fixed  date in court by prosecution and defense counsel.     Sentencing
    usually takes 6 to 10 months.  Bail can be granted after sentencing  if
    the sentence is less than 5 years.  Pre-trial bail exists but is  never
    granted  when the possible sentence upon conviction is greater  than  5
    years.

    Medical  or  Financial  Problems.  If you become  seriously  ill,  U.S.
    consular officers can assist in finding a doctor and in notifying  your
    family  and friends about your condition.  Consular officers  can  also
    help  arrange  the  transfer of emergency funds to you  if  you  become
    destitute as a result of robbery, accident, or other emergency.

    Advice on Dual Nationality

    U.S.  law  recognizes  that Americans may also  be  citizens  of  other
    countries.

    Under  Mexican law, an individual born in Mexico of an American  parent
    or  parents  may  acquire both nationalities at birth.   Also,  a  U.S.
    citizen  born  in  the United States of a Mexican father  --  or  after
    December 26, 1969, of a Mexican mother -- may have dual nationality.

    If you are a U.S.-Mexican dual national, you must have evidence of your
    U.S. citizenship with you when you travel between the United States and
    Mexico.    Such  evidence  can  be  a  U.S.  passport,   naturalization
    certificate,   consular   report  of  birth  abroad,   certificate   of
    citizenship, or a certified copy of your U.S. birth certificate.

    If  you  are a dual national, be aware that you could  lose  your  U.S.
    nationality  if you obtain a Certificate of Mexican  Nationality.   The
    Mexican Government recognizes a child's dual nationality from birth  to
    age 18 without requiring an oath of allegiance.  Starting at age 18, in
    order to obtain a Mexican passport or to obtain other benefits such  as
    the  right  to own property in a restricted zone, to  pay  a  favorable
    resident tuition rate at a Mexican university, or to vote in a  Mexican
    election,  a  dual  national is required by Mexican  law  to  obtain  a
    Certificate  of Mexican Nationality (CMN).  To obtain a CMN,  a  person
    must  complete an application in which he or she subscribes to an  oath
    of allegiance to Mexico and renounces any other nationality that he  or
    she  might  possess.   Under U.S. law, subscribing  to  this  oath  and
    obtaining  a CMN normally results in the loss of U.S. nationality.   If
    you  contemplate obtaining a CMN, it is strongly recommended  that  you
    first consult the U.S. Embassy or the nearest U.S. Consulate.



    A Guide to Entry and Exit Regulations


    Getting Into Mexico

    U.S.  citizens visiting Mexico for no more than 72 hours and  remaining
    within  20  kilometers  of the border do not need a  permit  to  enter.
    Those  transiting Mexico to another country need a transit  visa  which
    costs a nominal fee and is valid for up to 30 days.

    Tourist Cards.  All U.S. citizens visiting Mexico for tourism or  study
    for up to 180 days need a document, called a tourist card in English or
    FMT  in Spanish, to enter and leave Mexico.  The tourist card  is  free
    and  may be obtained from Mexican consulates, Mexican tourism  offices,
    Mexican border crossing points, and from most airlines serving  Mexico.
    If you fly to Mexico, you must obtain your tourist card before boarding
    your  flight  ;  it cannot be obtained upon arrival at  an  airport  in
    Mexico.

    The  tourist card is issued upon presentation of proof  of  citizenship
    such as a U.S. passport or a U.S. birth certificate, plus a photo  I.D.
    such as a driver's license.  Tourist cards are issued for up to 90 days
    with  a single entry, or if you present proof of sufficient funds,  for
    180 days with multiple entries.

    Upon entering Mexico, retain and safguard the pink copy of your tourist
    card  so you may surrender it to Mexican immigration when  you  depart.
    You  must  leave  Mexico before your tourist card expires  or  you  are
    subject  to  a  fine.  A tourist card for less than  180  days  may  be
    revalidated  in  Mexico by the Mexican immigration  service  (Direccion
    General de Servicios Migratorios).

    Visas.  If you wish to stay longer than 180 days, or if you wish to  do
    business  or  conduct  religious work in Mexico,  contact  the  Mexican
    Embassy  or the nearest Mexican consulate to obtain a visa  or  permit.
    Persons  conducting  religious work on a tourist card  are  subject  to
    deportation.

    Residing  or  Retiring  in Mexico.  If you plan to live  or  retire  in
    Mexico,  consult a Mexican consulate on the type of long-term visa  you
    will need.  As soon as possible after you arrive in the place you  will
    live,  it is a good idea to register with the U.S. Embassy  or  nearest
    U.S.  consulate  or  consular  agent.  Bring  your  passport  or  other
    identification  with you.  Registration makes it easier to contact  you
    in  an emergency.  (Registration information is confidential  and  will
    not be released to inquirers without your express authorization.)

    Travel Requirements for Children

    A child under age 18 traveling with only one parent must have  written,
    notarized  consent from the other parent to travel, or must  carry,  if
    applicable,  a decree of sole custody for the accompanying parent or  a
    death certificate for the other parent.  A child traveling alone or  in
    someone else's custody must have notarized consent from both parents to
    travel,  or if applicable, notarized consent from a single parent  plus
    documentation that that parent is the only custodial parent.


    Driving Your Car to Mexico

    Permits.  When you drive to Mexico, you must obtain a temporary vehicle
    import permit.
    You must show:  your proof of ownership or notarized authorization from
    the owner to bring the car into Mexico, a valid driver's license, proof
    of auto liability insurance, and current registration and plates.   The
    permit is issued free at border entry points and is generally valid for
    the  same  period of time as your tourist card (up to 180  days).   You
    must remove your motor vehicle from Mexico before the permit expires or
    have  the permit extended by the Temporary Importation Department of  a
    Mexican customs office.  If you do not do so, your motor vehicle may be
    confiscated.

    You  may  not sell, transfer, or otherwise dispose of a  motor  vehicle
    brought  into  Mexico on a temporary importation permit,  nor  may  you
    leave Mexico without the vehicle.
    In case of emergency, or following an accident where the vehicle cannot
    be  removed, the owner may request permission to depart Mexico  without
    the  vehicle through the Mexican Customs Office in Mexico City, or  the
    local office of the Treasury Department (Hacienda) in other cities.

    If  you bring spare auto parts to Mexico, declare them when  you  enter
    the  country.  When you leave, be prepared to show that you are  taking
    the  unused  parts  with you or that you have  had  them  installed  in
    Mexico.  Save your repair receipts for this purpose.

    If  you wish to authorize another person to drive your car, record  the
    authorization with Mexican officials when you enter Mexico --  even  if
    you  expect  to be a passenger when the other person drives.   Do  not,
    under  any  circumstances, allow an unauthorized person to  drive  your
    vehicle when you are not in the car.  Such a person could have to pay a
    fine amounting to a substantial percentage of the vehicles's value,  or
    your vehicle could be confiscated.

    Insurance.  Mexican auto insurance is sold in most cities and towns  on
    both  sides of the border.  U.S. automobile liability insurance is  not
    valid in Mexico nor is most collision and comprehensive coverage issued
    by U.S. companies.  Therefore, when you cross the border, purchase auto
    insurance  adequate for your needs in Mexico.  A good rule of thumb  is
    to buy coverage equivalent to that which you carry in the U.S.

    Motor vehicle insurance is invalid in Mexico if the driver is found  to
    to  be under the influence of alcohol or drugs.  Regardless of  whether
    you  have  insurance, if you are involved in an accident, you  will  be
    taken into police custody until it can be determined who is liable  and
    whether  you have the ability to pay any judgment.  If you do not  have
    Mexican liability insurance, you are almost certain to spend some  time
    in  jail until all parties are satisfied that responsibility  has  been
    assigned and adequate financial satisfaction has been received.   There
    may also be criminal liability assigned if the injuries or damages  are
    serious.

    Rental Cars

    Renting  in the United States.  Many car rental companies in  the  U.S.
    have  clauses in their contracts which prohibit drivers from  traveling
    out of the country.  The Mexican police are aware of these regulations,
    and  will  sometimes  impound rental vehicles driven  from  the  United
    States.   When renting a vehicle in the United States, check  with  the
    company to see if your contract allows you to drive it into Mexico.

    Renting a Car in Mexico.  The standard insurance included with many car
    rental  contracts in Mexico provides only nominal  liability  coverage,
    often as little as the equivalent of $200.  Because Mexican law permits
    the  jailing  of drivers after an accident until they  have  met  their
    obligations to third parties and to the rental company, renters  should

    read  their contracts carefully and purchase additional  liability  and
    comprehensive insurance if necessary.

    Bringing Your Own Plane or Boat to Mexico

    Private  aircraft  and boats are subject to the  same  Mexican  customs
    regulations  as are motor vehicles.  When you arrive at a Mexican  port
    in  your private boat, you can obtain a temporary import permit for  it
    similar to the one given for motor vehicles.

    Flying  your own plane to Mexico, however, is more  complicated.   Well
    before  your  trip,  inquire about  private  aircraft  regulations  and
    procedures  from  a  Mexican consulate or  Mexican  Government  Tourist
    Office.

    Operation of Citizen's Band (CB) Equipment

    American  tourists are permitted to operate CB radios in  Mexico.   You
    may  obtain a 180 day permit for a nominal fee by presenting your  U.S.
    citizen's  band radio authorization at a Mexican consulate  or  Mexican
    Government  Tourist  Office.   This permit cannot be  obtained  at  the
    border.

    Transmissions  on CB equipment are allowed only on channels 9, 10,  and
    11, and only for personal communication and emergency road  assistance.
    Any  device  which  increases transmission power to  over  5  watts  is
    prohibited.   CB equipment may not be used near radio installations  of
    the aeronautical and marine services.

    What You May Bring Into Mexico

    Customs Regulations.  Tourists should enter Mexico with only the  items
    needed  for  their trip.  Entering with large quantities of an  item  a
    tourist might not normally be expected to have,  particularly expensive
    appliances,  such as televisions, stereos, or other items, may lead  to
    suspicion  of  smuggling  and possible confiscation of  the  items  and
    arrest of the individual.

    Unless you prepare ahead, you may have difficulty bringing computers or
    other expensive electronic equipment into Mexico for your personal use.
    To  prevent being charged an import tax, write a statement  about  your
    intention  to use the equipment for personal use and to remove it  from
    Mexico  when you leave.  Have this statement signed and certified at  a
    Mexican  consulate  in  the United States and  present  it  to  Mexican
    customs as you enter Mexico.

    Land  travelers should verify from Mexican customs at the  border  that
    all items in their possession may be legally brought into Mexico.   You
    will be subject to a second immigration and customs inspection south of
    the Mexican border where unlawful items may be seized, and you could be
    prosecuted  regardless of whether or not the items passed  through  the
    initial customs inspection.

    Firearms.   Do  not bring firearms or ammunition  into  Mexico  without
    first obtaining a permit from a Mexican consulate in the United States.
    See the previous section concerning firearms for more information

    Currency.  In 1982, the Mexican government lifted currency controls and
    modified  its  exchange rate system, permitting  tourists  to  exchange
    dollars  for pesos at the fluctuating free market rate.  There  are  no
    restrictions  on  the import or export of bank notes and  none  on  the
    export  of reasonable quantities of ordinary Mexican  coins.   However,
    gold or silver Mexican coins may not be exported.

    Take travelers checks with you because personal U.S. checks are  rarely
    accepted  by Mexican hotels or banks.  Major credit cards are  accepted
    in  many hotels, shops, and restaurants.  An exchange office  (casa  de
    cambios)  usually  gives  a better rate of  exchange  than  do  stores,
    hotels, or restaurants.

    Pets.   U.S.  visitors to Mexico may bring a dog, cat, or  up  to  four
    canaries by presenting the following certificates at the border:
    (1)   a pet health certificate signed by a registered  veterinarian  in
    the  United States and issued not more than 72 hours before the  animal
    enters Mexico; and

    (2)   a  pet vaccination certificate showing that the animal  has  been
    treated for rabies, hepatitis, pip, and leptospirosis.

    Certification  by Mexican consular authorities is not required for  the
    health or vaccination certificate.  A permit fee is charged at the time
    of entry into Mexico.


    Shopping - Some Things To Beware of Buying

    Wildlife  and Wildlife Products.  Beware of purchasing  souvenirs  made
    from  endangered  wildlife.   Mexican markets and  stores  abound  with
    wildlife  and  wildlife  products, almost all  of  it  prohibited  from
    international  traffic.  You risk confiscation and a possible  fine  by
    U.S.  Customs  if  you attempt to import virtually  any  wildlife  from
    Mexico.  In particular, watch out for and avoid:
    --All  products made from sea turtles, including such items  as  turtle
    leather boots, tortoise-shell jewelry, and sea turtle oil cosmetics.
    --Fur from spotted cats.
    --Mexican birds, stuffed or alive, such as parrots, parakeets, or birds
    of prey.
    --Crocodile and caiman leather.
    --Black coral jewelry.
    --Wildlife curios, such as stuffed iguanas.

    When  driving  across state lines within Mexico, you can expect  to  be
    stopped at agricultural livestock inspection stations.

    Antiques.    Mexico  considers  all  pre-Columbian  objects   are   the
    "inalienable  property  of the Nation" and considers  the  unauthorized
    export of such objects as theft and is punishable by arrest, detention,
    and  judicial  prosecution.  Under U.S. law,  to  import  pre-Columbian
    monumental  and  architectural sculpture and murals, you  must  present
    proof that they were legally exported from the country of origin.  U.S.
    law  does not prohibit the import of nonmonumental or  nonarchitectural
    artifacts from Mexico.

    Glazed  Ceramics.  According to the U.S. Food and Drug  Administration,
    it  is  possible  to  suffer lead poisoning  if  you  consume  food  or
    beverages  that  have  been  stored  or  served  in  improperly  glazed
    ceramicware.   Analysis  of many ceramic pieces from Mexico  has  shown
    them  to  contain dangerous levels of lead.  Unless you have  proof  of
    their  safety, use glazed ceramics purchased in Mexico  for  decorative
    purposes only.

    Returning to the United States

    You  must present the pink copy of your tourist card at your  point  of
    departure  from Mexico.  If you are returning to the United  States  by
    motor vehicle, you will need to show your registration certificate when
    you  cross  the  border.   At the  time  of  publication,  the  airport
    departure  tax is $10 or the equivalent in Mexican currency  for  those
    returning by commercial airline.

    The U.S. Customs Service currently permits U.S. citizens returning from
    international travel to bring back $400 worth of merchandise, including
    1  liter of alcohol, duty free.  The next $1000 worth of items  brought
    back is subject to a duty of 10%.

    In addition to U.S. customs regulations, be aware that some U.S. border
    states (most notably, Texas) have imposed state restrictions on liquor,
    wine, and beer imports from Mexico.  If you are planning to bring  back
    alcoholic  beverages, inquire about these restrictions from the  liquor
    control office of the state through which you plan to return.



    Useful Addresses and Telephone/Telex Numbers

    American Embassy
    Paseo de la Reforma 305
    Mexico 06500, D.F.
    Tel [52] (5) 211-0042
    Telex 017-73-091 and 017-75-685
    FAX [52] (5) 511-9980U

    U.S. Export Development Office/U.S. Trade Center
    31 Liverpool
    Mexico 06600, D.F.
    Tel [52] (5) 591-0155
    Telex 017-73-471


    Consulates General and Consulates

    American Consulate General
    Avenue Lopez Mateos 924-N
    Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua
    Tel [52] (16) 134-048
    After Hours (emergencies) [phone]
    Telex 033-840
    FAX [52] (161) 34048 ext. 210 or [52] (161) 34050 ext. 210

    American Consulate General
    Progreso 175
    Guadalajara, Jalisco
    Tel [52] (36) 25-2998, [52] (36) 25-2700
    Telex 068-2-860 ACDMC
    FAX [52] (36) 26-6549

    American Consulate
    Calle Monterrey 141, Poniente
    Hermosillo, Sonora
    Tel [52] (621) 723-75
    After Hours (emergencies) Tel [52] (621) 725-85
    Telex 058-829 ACHEME
    FAX [52] (62) 172375 ext. 49

    American Consulate
    Ave. Primera No. 2002
    Matamoros, Tamaulipas
    Tel [52] (891) 2-52-50 or [52] (891) 2-52-51
    Telex 035-827 ACMTME
    FAX [52] (89) 138048

    American Consulate
    Circunvalacion No. 120 Centro
    Mazatlan, Sinaloa
    Tel [52] (678) 5-22-05
    Telex 066-883 ACMZME
    FAX [52] (678) 2-1775

    American Consulate
    Paseo Montejo 453,
    Merida, Yucatan
    Tel  [52] (99) 25-5011
    After Hours (emergencies) [52] (99) 25-5409
    Telex 0753885 ACMEME
    FAX [52] (99) 25-6219

    American Consulate General
    Avenida Constitucion 411 Poniente
    Monterrey, Nuevo Leon
    Tel [52] (83) 45-2120
    Telex 0382853 ACMYME
    FAX [52] (83) 42-0177

    American Consulate
    Avenida Allende 3330, Col. Jardin
    Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas
    Tel [52] (871) 4-0696 or [52] (871) 4-9616
    After Hours (emergencies) [phone]
    Telex 036-849 ACMLME
    FAX [52] (871) 4-0696 ext. 128
    American Consulate General
    Tapachula 96
    Tijuana, Baja California
    Tel [52] (66) 81-7400 or  [phone]
    After Hours (emergencies) [phone]
    Telex 056-6836 ACTJMEX
    FAX [52] (66) 81-8016


    Consular Agents

    Resident consular agents have been designated in 10 other locations  in
    Mexico  to assist U.S. citizens in serious emergencies.  Each  consular
    agent  is  supervised  by one of the above-listed offices  and  may  be
    contacted through it or by calling the consular agent's direct  number.
    The  following list gives each consular agent's city and state,  direct
    phone number, and the name of its supervisory office.

    Acapulco, Guerrero; [52] (748) 5-7207 ext. 273;
                   U.S. Embassy, Mexico City
    Cancun, Quintana Roo; [52] (988) 4-63-99;
                   U.S. Consulate, Merida
    Durango, Durango; [52] (181) 1-2217;
                   U.S. Consulate General, Monterrey
    Mulege, Baja California Sur; [52] (68) 5-3-0111;
                   U.S. Consulate General, Tijuana
    Oaxaca, Oaxaca; [52] (951) 6-0654;
                   U.S. Embassy, Mexico City
    Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco; [52] (322) 2-0069;
                   U.S. Consulate General Guadalajara
    San Luis Potosi, San Luis Potosi;[52] (481) 7-2501;
                   U.S. Consulate General, Monterrey
    San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato;[52] (465) 2-2357;
                   U.S. Consulate General, Guadalajara
    Tampico, Tamaulipas; [52] (121)-3-2217;
                   U.S. Embassy, Mexico City
    Vera Cruz, Vera Cruz; [52] (29) 32-0142;
                   U.S. Embassy, Mexico City


    For general travel information, the following pamphlets may be  ordered
    for  $1  each  from the Superintendent of  Documents,  U.S.  Government
    Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402;tel:  [phone]:
    --  Your Trip Abroad
    --  A Safe Trip Abroad
    --  Travel Tips for Senior Citizens
    --  Tips for Americans Residing Abroad

    Copies of the following publications in this series are also  available
    for $1 each from the U.S. Government Printing Office:

    --Tips for Travelers to Sub-Saharan Africa
    --Tips for Travelers to the Caribbean
    --Tips for Travelers to Central and South America
    --Tips for Travelers to the People's Republic of China
    --Tips for Travelers to Cuba
    --Tips for Travelers to Eastern Europe and Yugoslavia
    --Tips for Travelers to the Middle East and North Africa
    --Tips for Travelers to South Asia
    --Tips for Travelers to the USSR

    General visa information for these and other countries is available  in
    "Foreign Entry Requirements."

    This  publication  can  be  ordered for  50  cents  from  the  Consumer
    Information Center, Pueblo, Colorado 81009.


    DEPARTMENT OF STATE PUBLICATION
    Bureau of Consular Affairs
    Revised September 1989
    TIPS FOR TRAVELERS TO MEXICO




-------------------------------------------------------------------------------



#ENDCARD
#CARD:Consular Topics:Older Americans travel tips
(Consular Affairs Topics)


TRAVEL TIPS FOR OLDER AMERICANS

International travel can be a rich and rewarding adventure.  Whether
you have waited a lifetime to take the perfect trip or are an experienced
world traveler, we would like to offer some advice to help you plan
a safe and healthy trip.

American consuls at U.S. embassies and consulates abroad are there
to help if you encounter serious difficulties in your travels.  They
are happy to meet you if you come in to register your passport at
the consular section of the U.S. embassy or consulate.  But it is
also their duty to assist American citizens abroad in times of emergency--at
hospitals or police stations, for instance. This pamphlet is written
in the hopes that it will help you to prevent such emergencies from arising.

Preparation  for Your Trip

Start Early.  Apply for your passport as soon as possible.  Three
months before your departure date should give you plenty of time.
See the section, "Passports and Visas," on page 6 for details on
how to apply.

Learn About the Countries You Plan to Visit.  The countries you visit
will seem like old friends if, before you go, you read up on their
culture, people, and history.  Bookstores and libraries are good
resources.  Travel
magazines and the travel sections of major newspapers tell about
places to visit and also give advice on everything from discount
airfares to international health insurance.  Many travel agents and
foreign tourist bureaus provide free information on travel abroad.

Travel Advisories.  The Department of State issues travel advisories
concerning serious health or security conditions that may affect
U.S. citizens.  If you are traveling to an area where there may be
problems, you may contact the nearest U.S. passport agency or the
Department of State's Citizens Emergency Center on [phone]
to learn whether there are travel advisories in effect for the countries
you plan to visit.

Charter Flights.  Before you pay for a charter flight or travel package,
read your contract carefully and see what guarantee it gives that
the company will deliver the services that it is trying to sell you.
Tour operators sometimes go out of business in the middle of a season,
leaving passengers stranded, holding unusable return tickets and
unable to obtain a refund for the unused portion of their trip.
Unless you are certain a company is reputable, check its credentials
with your local Better Business Bureau (BBB).  The BBB maintains
complaint files for a year.  You can also check with the consumer
affairs office of the American Society of Travel Agents, 1101 King
Street, Alexandria, VA 22314, tel. [phone] to learn if a travel
company has a complaint record.

Trip Insurance.  One sure way to ruin a vacation is to lose money
because an emergency forces you to postpone or cancel your trip.
Except for tickets on regularly scheduled airlines, almost any travel
package you purchase will have a penalty for cancellation and some
companies will give no refund at all.  Regularly scheduled airlines
usually give a refund if an illness or death in the family forces
you to cancel.  They require a note from the doctor or a death certificate.
Take careful note of the cancellation penalty for any other large
travel purchase you make such as a tour package, charter flight,
or cruise.  Unless you can afford to lose that amount, protect yourself
by buying trip insurance.  If you invest in trip insurance, make
sure your policy covers all reasonable possibilities for your having
to cancel.  For instance, if an emergency with a family member would
force you to cancel, insure against that as well.

Some trip insurance policies will also give a refund if the company
goes out of business or otherwise does not make good on its offering.
The best insurance against company default is to choose a reputable
company that guarantees a refund if they do not deliver the goods.
If, however, you  are tempted to purchase a tour at a great bargain
price and you can't find a guarantee of delivery in the fine print,
protect yourself by purchasing trip insurance that covers company default.

Shop around for the trip insurance policy that offers the most benefits.
Some credit card and traveler's check companies offer travel protection
packages for an additional fee.  Benefits may even include accident
and illness coverage while traveling.

Health Insurance.  The Social Security Medicare program does not
provide for payment of hospital or medical services obtained outside
the U.S.   However, some Medicare supplement plans offer foreign
medical care coverage at no extra cost for treatments considered
eligible under Medicare.  These are reimbursement plans.  You must
pay the bills first and obtain receipts in order to submit them later
for compensation. Many of these plans have a dollar ceiling per trip.

Review your health insurance policy.  Obtaining medical treatment
and hospital care abroad can be expensive.  If your Medicare supplement
or other medical insurance does not provide protection while traveling
outside the United States, we strongly urge you to buy coverage that
does.   There are short-term health and emergency assistance policies
called medical assistance programs that are designed specifically
for travelers.

Medical Assistance Programs.  One strong advantage of medical assistance
programs is that they also cover the exorbitant cost of medical evacuation
in the event of an accident or serious illness.  As part of the coverage,
these companies usually offer emergency consultation by telephone.
They may refer you to the nearest hospital or call directly for
help for you.  If you need an interpreter, they may translate your
instructions to a health care worker on the scene.  Another benefit
that is normally part of such coverage is payment for the return
of remains to the United States in case of death.

If your regular health insurance already covers you for medical expenses
abroad, you can buy a medical assistance program that offers all
the consultative and evacuation services listed above except for
the health insurance itself.  The cost of medical assistance coverage
can be as low as $25 for a 2-week trip without health insurance coverage
or $49 for the complete medical assistance program including health
insurance. On the other hand, escorted medical evacuation can cost
thousands of dollars.

If your travel agent cannot direct you to a medical assistance company,
look for information on such services in travel magazines.  Once
you  have adequate coverage, carry your insurance policy identity
cards and claim forms with you when you travel.

Medication.  If you require medication, bring an ample supply in
its original containers.  Because of strict laws concerning narcotics
throughout the world, bring along copies of your prescriptions and,
if you have an unusual prescription, carry a letter from your physician
explaining your need for the drug.  As an extra precaution, carry
the generic names of your medications with you because pharmaceutical
companies overseas may use different names from those used in the
United States.

If you wear eyeglasses, take an extra pair with you.  Pack medicines
and extra eyeglasses in your hand luggage so they will be available
in case your checked luggage is lost.  To be extra secure, pack a
backup supply of medicines and a third pair of eyeglasses in your
checked luggage.  If you have allergies, reactions to certain medications,
foods, or insect bites, or other unique medical problems, consider
wearing a "medical alert" bracelet.
You may also wish to carry a letter from your physician explaining
desired treatment should you become ill.

Immunizations.  Information on immunizations and health precautions
for travelers can be obtained from local health departments, the
U.S. Public Health Service, private doctors, or travel clinics.
General guidance can also be found in the U.S. Public Health Service
book, Health Information for International Travel.  To order this
book, see page 12.

Passport.  Pack an "emergency kit" to help you get a replacement
passport in case yours is lost or stolen.  To make a kit:  photocopy
the data page at the front of your passport; write down the addresses
and telephone numbers of the U.S. embassies and consulates in the
countries you plan to visit; and put this information along with
two passport-size photographs in a place separate from your passport.

Leave a Detailed Itinerary.  Give a friend or relative your travel
schedule.  Include:  names, addresses, and telephone numbers of persons
and places to be visited; your passport number and the date and place
it was issued; and credit card, traveler's check, and airline ticket
numbers.  Keep a copy of this information for yourself in a separate
place from your purse or wallet.  If you change your travel plans--for
example, if you miss your return flight to the United States or extend
your trip--be sure to notify relatives or friends at home.

Don't Overprogram.  Allow time to relax and really enjoy yourself.
Even if this is your once-in-a-lifetime trip, don't feel you have
to fill every available minute.

If you are visiting a country such as China, where physical activity
can be quite strenuous and sudden changes in diet and climate can
have serious health consequences for the unprepared traveler, consult
your physician before you depart.

What to Pack.  Carefully consider the clothing you take.  Don't pack
more than you need and end up lugging around heavy suitcases.  Wash-and-wear
clothing and sturdy walking shoes are good ideas.  Consider the climate
and season in the countries you will visit and bring an extra outfit
for unexpectedly warm or cool weather.  A sweater or shawl is always
useful for cooler evenings and air-conditioned planes and hotels.
Dress conservatively--a wardrobe that is flashy or too causal may
attract the attention of thieves or con artists.

Include a change of clothing in your carry-on luggage.  Otherwise,
if your bags are lost, you could be wearing the same clothes you
were traveling in during the entire time it takes to locate your
luggage--an average of 72 hours.

Do not pack anything that you would hate to lose such as valuable
jewelry, family photographs, or objects of sentimental value.

PASSPORTS AND VISAS

Passports.  It is a good idea to apply 3 months before you plan to
travel.  If you also need visas, allow more time as you must have
a valid passport before applying for a visa.  If this is your first
passport, you must apply in person, bringing with you proof of U.S.
citizenship (usually a certified copy of your birth certificate,
a naturalization certificate, or a consular report of birth abroad);
2 identical recent front-view photos (2" x 2"); a completed passport
application (Form DSP-11); proof of identity such as a valid driver's
license or other photo or physical-description I.D.; and the fee
of $42 for a passport valid for 10 years.

You may apply at any passport agency (see list at the end of this
pamphlet) or at one of the many clerks of court or post offices designated
to accept passport applications.  Your birth certificate or other
documents will be returned to you by mail, along with your new passport.

You may be eligible to apply for a passport by mail.  If you have
had a full-validity passport issued within the past 12 years and
you are able to mail the passport with your application, you can
use Form DSP-82, "Application for Passport by Mail," to apply.  Obtain
this form from any office that accepts passport applications or from
your travel agent.  Follow the instructions on the back of the form.
The renewal passport fee is $35.

When you receive your passport, be sure to sign it on page 1 and
to pencil in on page 4 the requested information.  This wi1l help
us notify your family or friends in case of an accident or other
emergency.  Do not designate your traveling companion as the person
to be notified in case of an emergency.

Visas.  Many countries require a visa--an endorsement or stamp placed
in your passport by a foreign government that permits you to visit
that country for a specified purpose and a limited time.  Many countries
require you to obtain a visa from their consular office nearest to
your residence.  The addresses of foreign consular offices can be
found in telephone directories of large cities or in the Congressional
Directory, available in most libraries; or you may write to the appropriate
embassy in Washington, D.C. and request the address of their consulate
that is nearest to you.  Apply for your visa directly to the embassy
or consulate of each country you plan to visit or ask your travel
agent to assist you with visas.  U.S. passport agencies cannot obtain
visas for you.

An increasing number of countries are establishing entry requirements
regarding AIDS testing, particularly for long-term residents and
students.  Check with the embassy or consulate of the countries you
plan to visit for the latest information.

MONEY AND VALUABLES

Don't Take Your Money in Cash.  Bring most of your money in traveler's
checks.  Have a reasonable amount of cash with you, but not more
than you will need for a day or two.  Convert your traveler's checks
to local currency as you use them rather than all at once.

You may also wish to bring at least one internationally-recognized
credit card.  Before you leave, find out what your credit card limit
is and do not exceed it.  In some countries, travelers who have innocently
exceeded their limit have been arrested for fraud.  Leave unneeded
credit cards at home.

If you must take jewelry or other valuables, use hotel security vaults
to store them.  It is wise to register such items with U.S. Customs
before leaving the United States to make customs processing easier
when you return.

It is a violation of law in some countries to enter or exit with
that country's currency.  Check with a travel agent or the embassy
or consulate of the countries you plan to visit to learn their currency
restrictions.  Before departing from the U.S., you may wish, if allowed,
to purchase small amounts of foreign currency and coins to use for
buses, taxis, telephone calls, and other incidentals when you first
arrive in a country.  You may purchase foreign currency from some
banks or from foreign exchange dealers.  Most international airports
also have money exchange facilities.

Once you are abroad, local banks generally give more favorable rates
of exchange than hotels, restaurants, or stores for converting your
U.S. dollars and traveler's checks into foreign currency.

YOUR TRIP

Driving.  U.S. auto insurance is usually not valid outside of the
United States and Canada.  When you drive in any other country, be
sure to buy adequate auto insurance in that country. When renting

a car abroad, make certain that adequate insurance is part of your
contract; otherwise, purchase additional coverage in an amount similar
to that which you carry at home.

Flying.  On long flights, break up long periods of sitting.  Leave
your seat from time to time and also do in-place exercises.  This
will help prevent your arriving tired and stiff-jointed.  Also, get
some exercise after a long flight.  For example, take a walk or use
your hotel's exercise room.

Reconfirm.  Upon arrival at each stopover, reconfirm your onward
reservations.  When possible, obtain a written confirmation.  International
flights generally require confirmation 72 hours in advance.  If your
name does not appear on the reservation list, you could find yourself
stranded.

Register.  If you plan to be in a location  for 2 weeks or more or
in an area where there is civil unrest or any other emergency situation,
register with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.  This will help
in locating you, should someone in the United States wish to confirm
your safety and welfare or need to contact you urgently.

Practical Safety Tips

Respect the Local Laws and Customs.  While abroad, you are subject
to the laws and regulations of your host country and are not protected
by the U.S. Constitution.  If you should be detained by local authorities,
ask them to notify a U.S. consular officer.  Under international
agreements and practice, you have a right to contact an American
consul.  Although U.S.consuls cannot act as your attorney or get
you out of jail, they can provide you with a list of local attorneys
and inform you of your rights under local laws.  They will also monitor
the status of detained Americans and make sure they are treated fairly
under local laws.

Guard your Passport.  Your passport is the most valuable document
you carry abroad.  It confirms that you are an American citizen.
Do not carry your passport in the same place as your money, use
it as collateral for a loan, or pack it in your luggage.  Remember
to keep your passport number in a separate location in case it is
lost or stolen.  In some countries, you may be required to leave
your passport overnight or for several days with the hotel management.
This may be local practice--do not be concerned unless the passport
is not returned as promised.  If your passport is lost or stolen
abroad, immediately report it to the local police, obtain a copy
of the report, and contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate
to apply for a new passport.

Be Alert.  Move purposefully and confidently.  If you should find
yourself in a crowded area, such as in an elevator, subway, marketplace,
or at a parade, exercise special caution to avoid theft.

Robbery.  Help prevent theft by carrying your belongings securely.
Carry purses tucked under an arm and not dangling by a strap.  Carry
valuables in an inside front pocket or in a money belt, not in a
hip pocket.  You may wish to wrap your wallet with rubber bands to
make it more difficult for someone to slip it from your pocket unnoticed.
Money belts or pouches that fit around your shoulder or waist are
available through travel magazines and at some luggage shops and
department stores.

Assistance From U.S. Embassies and Consulates

Emergencies.  If you encounter serious legal, medical, or financial
difficulties or other problems abroad, contact the nearest U.S. embassy
or consulate for assistance.  Although, as mentioned above, consular
officers cannot serve as attorneys, they can help you find legal
assistance. Consular officers cannot cash checks, lend money, or
act as travel agents.  However, in an emergency, they can help you
get in touch with your family back home to inform them on how to
wire funds to you and to let them know of your situation.  They can
also provide you with the latest travel advisories to alert you to
adverse conditions abroad.

Nonemergencies.  Consular officers can also provide nonemergency
services such as information on absentee voting and acquisition or
loss of U.S. citizenship.  They can arrange for the transfer of Social
Security and other benefits to Americans residing abroad, provide
U.S. tax forms, notarize documents, and advise U.S. citizens on property
claims.

Safeguarding Your Health.  If you are injured or become seriously
ill abroad, a U.S. consular officer will assist you in finding a
physician or other medical services, and, with your permission, will
inform your family members or friends of your condition.  If needed,
consular officers can assist your family in transferring money to
the foreign country to pay for your treatment.

Death Abroad.  Each year, about 6,000 Americans die abroad.  Two
thirds of them are Americans who live overseas, but approximately
2,000 Americans per year die while traveling abroad.  Consular officers
will contact the next of kin in the United States and will explain
the local requirements.  It is a worthwhile precaution to have insurance
that covers the cost of local burial or shipment of remains home
to the United States (see information on medical assistance programs
on page 3).  Otherwise, this cost must be borne by next of kin and
can be extremely expensive.  The U.S. Government cannot pay for shipment
of remains to the United States.

Shopping--Some Things to Avoid

Beware of purchasing souvenirs made from endangered wildlife.  Much
wildlife and wildlife products are prohibited either by U.S. or foreign
laws from import into the United States.  You risk confiscation and
a possible fine if you attempt to import such things.  Watch out
for and avoid purchasing the following prohibited items:

    --      All products made from sea turtles.
    --      All ivory, both Asian and African.
    --      Furs from spotted cats.
    --      Furs from marine mammals.
    --      Feathers and feather products from wild birds.
    --      All live or stuffed birds from Australia,
            Brazil, Columbia, Costa Rica, Ecuador,
            Guatemala, Mexico, Paraguay, Venezuela, and
            some Caribbean countries.
    --      Most crocodile and caiman leather.
    --      Most coral, whether in chunks or in jewelry.

When You  Return

Be Prepared.  On arrival in the United States, have your passport
ready when you go through immigration and customs controls.  Keep
receipts for any items you purchased abroad. U.S. citizens may bring
back and orally declare $400 worth of merchandise duty free.  The
next $1000 is taxed at a flat rate of 10%.  Check with U.S. Customs
for further information.

Currency.  There is no limit on the amount of money or negotiable
instruments which can be brought into or taken out of the United
States. However, any amount over $10,000 must be reported to U.S.
Customs on Customs Form 4790 when you depart from or enter into the
United States.

Don't bring home any fresh fruits or vegetables.  Such items will
be confiscated.

Useful Travel Publications

For the official word on immunizations, customs, and what you can
legally bring into the United States, you may order one of the following
U.S. Government publications:

Health Information for International Travel is a comprehensive listing
of immunization requirements of foreign governments.  In addition,
it gives the U.S. Public Health Service's recommendations on immunizations
and other health precautions for the international traveler.  Copies
are available for $4.75 from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S.
Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402; tel. [phone].

Know Before You Go, Customs Hints for Returning U.S. Residents gives
detailed information on U.S. Customs regulations, including duty
rates.  Single copies are available free from any local Customs office
or by writing to the Department of the Treasury, U.S. Customs Service,
P.O. Box 7407, Washington, D.C. 20044.

Travelers Tips on Bringing Food, Plant, and Animal Products Into
the United States lists the regulations on bringing these items into
the United States from most parts of the world.  Fresh fruits and
vegetables, meat, potted plants, pet birds, and other items are prohibited
or restricted.  Obtain the publication free from the Animal and Plant
Health Inspection Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 732 Federal
Bldg., 6505 Belcrest Road, Hyattsville, Maryland 20782.  The following
publication is prepared by the World Wildlife Fund:

Buyer Beware! tells about restrictions on importing wildlife and
wildlife products.  For a free copy, write to the Publications Unit,
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior, Washington,
D.C. 20240; [phone].

The following three publications from the Department of State may
be ordered for $1 each from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S.
Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402; tel. [phone]:

Your Trip Abroad provides basic travel information -- tips on passports,
visas, immunizations, and more.  It will help you prepare for your
trip and make it as and trouble-free as possible.

A Safe Trip Abroad gives travel security advice for any traveler,
but particularly for those who plan trips to areas of high crime or terrorism.

Tips for Americans Residing Abroad is prepared for the more than
2 million Americans who live in foreign countries.

The following three publications are also from the Department of
State (see ordering information below):

Foreign Entry Requirements lists visa and other entry requirements
of foreign countries and tells you how to apply for visas and tourist
cards.  Order this publication for 50ó from the Consumer Information
Center, Dept.  438T, Pueblo, CO 81009.

Key Officers of Foreign Service Posts gives addresses and telephone,
telex, and FAX numbers for all U.S. embassies and consulates abroad.
(NOTE:  When writing to a U.S. embassy or consulate, address the
envelope to the appropriate section, such as Consular Section, rather
than to a specific individual.)  This publication is updated 3 times
a year and may be purchased from the Superintendent of Documents,
U.S Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402; tel. [phone].

Background Notes are brief, factual pamphlets on each of 170 countries.
They give current information on each country's people, culture,
geography, history, government, economy, and political condition.
They also include a factual profile, brief travel notes, a country
map, and a suggested reading list.  For information on their price
and to order copies contact:  Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government
Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402; tel. [phone].  Passport
Agencies

APPLY EARLY FOR YOUR PASSPORT!

Boston Passport Agency Thomas P. O'Neill Federal Building, Room 247
10 Causeway Street Boston, Massachusetts 02222 *Recording:  617-565-6998
Public Inquiries:  617-565-6990

Chicago Passport Agency Kluczynski Federal Building, Suite 380 230
South Dearborn Street Chicago, Illinois 60604-1564 *Recording:  312-353-5426
Public Inquiries:  312-353-7155 or 7163

Honolulu Passport Agency New Federal Building, Room C-106 300 Ala
Moana Boulevard P.O. Box 50185 Honolulu, Hawaii 96850 *Recording:
808-541-1919 Public Inquiries:  808-541-1918

Houston Passport Agency Concord Towers 1919 Smith Street, Suite 1100
Houston, Texas 77002 *Recording:  713-653-3159 Public Inquiries:  713-653-3153

Los Angeles Passport Agency 11000 Wilshire Boulevard, Room 13100
Los Angeles, California 90024-3615 *Recording:  213-209-7070 Public
Inquiries:  213-209-7075

Miami Passport Agency Federal Office Building, 16th Floor 51 Southwest
First Avenue Miami, Florida 33130-1680 *Recording:  305-536-5395 (English)
         305-536-4448 (Spanish) Public Inquiries:  305-536-4681

New Orleans Passport Agency Postal Services Building, Room T-12005
701 Loyola Avenue New Orleans, Louisiana 70113-1931 *Recording:
504-589-6728 Public Inquiries:  504-589-6161

New York Passport Agency Rockefeller Center, Room 270 630 Fifth Avenue
New York, New York 10111-0031 *Recording:  212-541-7700 Public Inquiries:
212-541-7710

Philadelphia Passport Agency Federal Office Building, Room 4426 600
Arch Street Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19106-1684 *Recording:  215-597-7482
Public Inquiries:  215-597-7480

San Francisco Passport Agency 525 Market Street, Suite 200 San Francisco,
California 94105-2773 *Recording:  415-974-7972 Public Inquiries:
415-974-9941

Seattle Passport Agency Federal Office Building, Room 992 915 Second
Avenue Seattle, Washington 98174-1091 *Recording:  206-442-7941 Public
Inquiries:  206-442-7945

Stamford Passport Agency One Landmark Square Broad and Atlantic Streets
Stamford, Connecticut 06901-2767 *Recording:  203-325-4401 Public
Inquiries:  203-325-3538 or 3530

Washington Passport Agency 1425 K Street, N.W.  Washington, D.C.
20524-0002 *Recording:  202-647-0518 Public Inquiries (M-F 8-4:45):
202-647-0518

*Twenty-four hour recording includes general passport information,
passport agency location, and hours of operation.  Where Do You Plan
to Go Next?

The following area or country pamphlets may be ordered for $1 each
from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office,
Washington, DC 20402; tel. [phone]:

    *       Tips for Travelers to Sub-Saharan Africa
    *       Tips for Travelers to the Caribbean
    *       Tips for Travelers to Central and South
            America
    *       Tips for Travelers to the People's
            Republic of China
    *       Tips for Travelers to Cuba
    *       Tips for Travelers to Eastern Europe
            and Yugoslavia
    *       Tips for Travelers to Mexico
    *       Tips for Travelers to the Middle East
            and North Africa
    *       Tips for Travelers to South Asia
    *       Tips for Travelers to the USSR




#ENDCARD
#CARD:Consular Topics:OSAC organization

(Special Topics)

OSAC COUNTRY COUNCILS
09/14/92
ST00002

COUNTRY COUNCILS HAVE BEEN ESTABLISHED IN THE FOLLOWING LOCATIONS:
AMMAN, JORDAN                          MADRID, SPAIN
ANKARA, TURKEY                         MANAMA, BAHRAIN
ATHENS, GREECE                         MANILA, PHILIPPINES
BANGKOK, THAILAND                      MILAN, ITALY
BONN, GERMANY                          PARIS, FRANCE
BRUSSELS, BELGIUM                      RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL
CAIRO, EGYPT                           RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA
GUATEMALA CITY, GUATEMALA              SANTIAGO, CHILE
ISTANBUL, TURKEY                       SAO PAOLO, BRAZIL
LIMA, PERU                             SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA
LISBON, PORTUGAL                       VIENNA, AUSTRIA
LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT THE REGIONAL SECURITY
OFFICER (RSO) AT THE APPROPRIATE U.S. EMBASSY OR CONSULATE.
19921218***



#ENDCARD
#CARD:Consular Topics:Residing abroad
(Consular Affairs Topics)


TIPS  FOR  AMERICANS RESIDING  ABROAD

FOREWORD

The Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs has prepared
this publication for Americans considering residence abroad as well
as for those U.S. citizens who are currently residing in a foreign
country.  Our primary goal is to provide assistance to and protect
the welfare of American citizens who live abroad.

Before taking up a foreign residence, there are many details that
you will need to consider.  This brochure will acquaint you with
the wide range of services provided to American citizens by U.S.
embassies and consulates worldwide.  We are committed to providing
prompt, courteous, and effective assistance.

There are approximately two million private U.S. citizens living
overseas worldwide.  We strongly recommend this publication to all
Americans living or planning to reside abroad.  Any additional guidance
not specifically addressed in this publication may be obtained from
the Bureau of Consular Affairs in the Department of State or from
the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate if you are living overseas.


BEFORE YOU GO

LEARN ABOUT THE HOST COUNTRY

Read as much as possible about the country where you plan to reside.
Learning about a nation's culture, customs, people, and history
will make your stay more meaningful.  Libraries, bookstores and tourist
bureaus are good resources for this information.  Keep abreast as
well of the international news for the latest political developments
in the country where you will live.  Although English is spoken in
many countries, learning the language of the nation in which you
plan to reside will make the transition to your new environment easier.

One of the best ways to learn about living in a foreign country is
to get advice from U.S. citizens already residing there.  Countries
with large numbers of U.S. expatriates often have a U.S. Chamber
of Commerce, a bicultural organization, or an American women's club
that could give you information on living in that country.  In countries
with fewer U.S. residents, you may be able to meet fellow expatriates
through a local international club.  The consular section of the
U.S. embassy or consulate may be able to assist you in finding these
organizations.

Background Notes

The Department of State publishes Background  Notes  on countries
around the world.  These are brief, factual pamphlets with information
on each country's people, culture, geography, history, government,
economy, and political conditions.  They are available for about
170 countries worldwide and often include a reading list, travel
notes, and maps.  Single copies are $1.  A 1-year subscription for
all updated issues is $16.  To obtain copies write to the Superintendent
of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402
or call [phone].

Travel Advisories
The Department of State issues travel advisories to alert U.S. citizens
traveling or residing overseas to potential problems that could adversely
affect them.  The advisories are available through U.S. passport
agencies, travel agents' computer reservation systems, major airlines,
and American embassies and consulates abroad.  If you are contemplating
establishing residence in a country where there may be concern about
existing conditions, contact the nearest U.S. passport agency or
the Department of State's Citizens Emergency Center, Room 4800, Washington,
D.C. 20520 at [phone] to learn if there is a travel advisory
in effect.  You can call this number 24 hours a day to hear recorded
travel advisories.

Tips for Travelers
The Department of State publishes a series of pamphlets on travel
to specific regions of the world.  The brochures cover topics such
as entry requirements, currency and customs regulations, import and
export controls, dual nationality, and photography restrictions.
The following publications are available for $1 each from the Superintendent
of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402.

Tips for Travelers to  Sub-Saharan Africa
Tips for Travelers to the Caribbean
Tips for Travelers to  Central and South America
Tips for Travelers to the People's Republic
of China
Tips for Travelers to  Cuba
Tips for Travelers to Eastern Europe and
Yugoslavia
Tips for Travelers to Mexico
Tips for Travelers to the Middle East and
North Africa
Tips for Travelers to South Asia
Tips for Travelers to the USSR


REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Passports
U.S. citizens should have a valid passport before taking up residence
abroad.  Once living overseas, Americans should continue to maintain
a valid passport.

Applying in Person for a Passport
In the United States, application for a U.S. passport may be presented
in person at  a passport agency or at one of the several thousand
Federal or state courts or post offices which accept passport applications.
If you are overseas, you may apply at the nearest U.S. embassy or
consulate.  U.S. citizens who must appear in person need to bring
a certified copy of their birth certificate, a Certificate of Naturalization,
or a previous U.S. passport.  This should be accompanied by a completed
DSP-11, Passport Application, two recent 2x2 inch identical photographs,
proof of identity (a valid driver's license or other valid photo
i.d. will suffice), and the $42 application fee.  For more information
on obtaining a U.S. passport, you may wish to obtain a copy of the
publication Your Trip Abroad.  This brochure provides basic information
on preparation and travel overseas, and is available for $1 from
the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office,
Washington, D.C. 20402.

Passports-by-Mail
You can apply for a passport by mail (without a personal appearance)
if you meet the following requirements:

l   You have had a passport issued within 12 years prior to the
date of a new application;
l   You are able to submit your most recent U.S. passport with your
new application; and
l   Your previous passport was issued on or after your 16th birthday.

For further information and to obtain Form DSP-82, Application for
Passport by Mail, contact the nearest U.S. passport agency or, if
you are overseas, consult the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.
Not all embassies and consulates abroad are authorized to accept
passport applications by mail or via a third party courier.  Contact
the U.S. embassy or consulate in your consular district to find out
if it accepts passport applications by mail or via a third party courier.

Your previous passport, two identical photographs (2"x2"), and the
$35 passport fee must accompany your application.  Since it may take
several days to prepare and mail your new passport to you, do not
wait until it expires to apply for it.

Visas
All governments require foreigners to have an appropriate visa in
order to reside in their country.  This endorsement or stamp placed
in your passport by a foreign government permits you to enter that
country for a specified purpose.  If you are planning to reside in
a country for an indefinite period of time, most countries will require
you to seek residence status.  See the section on Citizenship to
learn what effect this may have on your U.S. citizenship.

Applying for a Visa
In most instances you must obtain the necessary visa before you leave
the United States.  Apply for your visa directly from the embassy
or nearest consulate of the country in which you plan to reside.
The publication Foreign Consular Offices in the United States lists
all foreign diplomatic offices in the United States and is for sale
from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office,
Washington, D.C. 20402 for $6.50.  The Department of State cannot
help you obtain visas or work permits.

HEALTH MATTERS

Health Insurance
The Social Security Medicare Program does not cover hospital or medical
services outside the United States.  The Department of Veterans Affairs
will only pay for hospital and medical service outside the United
States if you are a veteran with a service-related disability.

When considering medical insurance, first find out how citizens of
the country where you will reside pay their medical bills and if
the same coverage is available to resident foreigners.  Some countries
have government-sponsored health insurance that  may also provide
coverage to foreign residents, while others have a dual system with
national health supplemented by private insurance.  In countries
where many American expatriates reside, such as Mexico, you may find
that local private international health insurance companies will
offer coverage to U.S. citizen residents.  Once you arrive, check
with organized groups in the American community to learn about these
companies.

Wherever possible, try to get the best medical insurance available.
If good coverage is not available where you will live, you may have
to rely on a U.S. medical insurance company.  Before taking up residence
abroad, learn which U.S. medical services or health insurance plans
provide coverage for Americans living overseas.  Check with the insurance
company on whether the coverage  offered abroad includes both routine
and emergency medical treatment, hospitaliza-tion, and medical evacuation
should it be necessary.  Once you obtain health insurance, remember
to carry your policy's identity card and to keep a supply of insurance
claim forms handy.  The U.S. Government cannot pay for hospital or
medical services for Americans overseas and cannot pay to evacuate
you for treatment in the United States.

There are a number of emergency medical assistance companies operating
internationally who offer urgent medical treatment for their member
travelers.  Although the service is designed primarily for tourists
who encounter a medical or personal emergency while on vacation,
some companies offer yearly memberships which may be available to
Americans residing overseas.  To learn about these emergency assistance
companies contact a travel agent.

Medication
For your protection, leave all medicines in their original, labeled
containers.  If you require medication containing habit-forming drugs
or narcotics, carry a copy of the doctor's prescription attesting
to that fact.  These precautions will make customs processing  easier
and also will ensure you do not violate the laws of the country in
which you live.

If you have allergies, reactions to certain medicines, or other unique
medical problems, consider wearing a medical alert bracelet or carrying
a similar warning at all times.

Immunizations
Under the International Health Regulations adopted by the World Health
Organization, some countries require International Certificates of
Vaccination against yellow fever from international travelers.  A
few countries still require a certificate of cholera immunization
as well.  A helpful guide to immunizations and preventive measures
for international travel is the booklet, Health Information for International
Travel.  It is available for $5.00 from the Superintendent of Documents,
U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402.  Specific
information may also be obtained from local and state health departments,
physicians, or travel clinics that advise international travelers.
You may also call the U.S. Public Health Service's Quarantine division
on [phone] for immunization recommendations.

AIDS Testing
Many countries require long-term foreign residents and students to
submit  proof that they are free of the HIV virus.  Some of the countries
that require this proof may accept certified test results from the
United States.  Consult the embassy of the country you will be residing
in on whether an AIDS test is required and if test results from the
United States are accepted.  If not, check on the type of test to
be performed and if it is permissible to supply your own disposable
needle.  If you are overseas, consult the nearest U.S. embassy or
consulate for information and advice, keeping in mind that you are
in a foreign country and are subject to its laws and requirements.

PRACTICAL MATTERS

Federal Benefits
If you are receiving monthly benefits from a Federal or state agency
(Social Security, Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Personnel
Management, etc.), contact the appropriate agency prior to your departure
from the United States to advise them of your residence abroad and
to inquire about the procedures for having your benefits checks sent
overseas.

Customs Hints
The pamphlet Know Before You Go contains information about U.S. Customs
regulations and procedures.  Single copies are available from any
U.S. Customs office abroad or by writing to U.S. Customs, P.O. Box
7407, Washington, D.C. 20044.

Taking A Pet Overseas
If you decide to bring your pet with you overseas, check specific
requirements with the country's embassy.  Many countries have strict
health, quarantine, agriculture, wildlife, and customs requirements
and prohibitions.

LIVING OVERSEAS

HELP FROM THE U.S. GOVERNMENT

Assistance From American Consuls
U.S. consular officers are located in over 250 foreign service posts
abroad.  They are available to advise and help you, especially if
you are in any kind of serious trouble.  In addition, consular agents
in approximately 35 foreign cities without U.S. consulates provide
a limited range of emergency and other consular services.

Consular officers are responsive to the needs of Americans traveling
or residing abroad.   However, the majority of their time is devoted
to assisting Americans who are in serious legal, medical, or financial
difficulties.  They can provide the names of local doctors, dentists,
medical specialists, and attorneys, and give you information about
travel advisories.  Consular officers also perform non-emergency
services, including information on absentee voting, selective service
registration, and acquisition and loss of U.S. citizenship.  They
can arrange for the transfer of Social Security and other U.S. Government
benefits to beneficiaries residing abroad, provide U.S. tax forms,
and notarize documents.  They may also provide information on how
to obtain foreign public documents.

Because of the limited number of consular officers and the growing
number of U.S. tourists and residents abroad, consuls cannot provide
tourism or commercial services.  For example, consuls cannot perform
the work of travel agencies, lawyers, information bureaus, banks,
or the police.  They cannot find you jobs, get residence or driving
permits, act as interpreters, search for missing luggage, or settle
commercial disputes.


Registration at U.S. Embassies or Consulates
As soon as you arrive abroad, you should register in person or by
telephone with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.  Registration
will make your presence and whereabouts known in case it is necessary

to contact you in an emergency.  In accordance with the Privacy Act,
information on your welfare or whereabouts may not be released to
inquirers without your express authorization.  If you register in
person, you should bring your U.S. passport with you.  Your passport
data will be recorded at the embassy or consulate, thereby making
it easier for you to apply for a replacement passport should it be
lost or stolen.

Missing Persons

When a U.S. citizen abroad loses contact with friends or relatives
in the United States, the U.S. consul is often requested to give
information about that individual's welfare and whereabouts.  Similar
requests often come from American private and official welfare organizations
attempting, for example, to track down an errant parent who failed
to make child support payments.  The U.S. consul tries to comply
with such requests after determining carefully the reasons for the
inquiry.  If the consul has the address of the U.S. citizen about
whom the inquiry is being made, the consul will inform the American
of the inquirer's interest in getting in touch with them and pass
on any urgent messages.  Consistent with the Privacy Act, the consul
then reports back to the inquirer the results of their search efforts.
Except in emergency situations, the consul will not release any
details about a U.S. citizen's welfare and whereabouts without the
citizen's expressed consent.

Arrests

Legal Aid for Americans Arrested Abroad

When living abroad, you are subject to local╤i.e. foreign╤laws.
If you experience difficulties with

the local authorities, remember American officials are limited by
foreign laws, U.S. regulations, and geography as to what they can
do to assist you.  The U.S. Government cannot fund your legal fees
or other related expenses.
Should you find yourself in a dispute that may lead to police or
legal action, consult the nearest U.S. consular officer.  Although
consular officers cannot get you out of jail, serve as your attorneys
or give legal advice, they can provide lists of local attorneys and
help you find legal representation.  However, neither the Department
of State nor U.S. embassies or consulates can assume any responsibility
for the caliber, competence, or professional integrity of these attorneys.

If you are arrested, immediately ask to speak to the consular officer
at the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.  Under international agreements
and practice, you have a right to get in touch with the U.S. consul.
If you are turned down, keep asking╤politely, but persistently.
If unsuccessful, try to have someone get in touch for you.

Consular officers will do whatever they can to protect your legitimate
interests and ensure that you are not discriminated against under
local law.  Upon learning of your arrest, a U.S. consular officer
will visit you, provide a list of local attorneys and, if requested,
contact family and friends.  In cases of arrest, consuls can help
transfer money, food, and clothing from your family and friends to
you.  They also try to get relief if you are held under inhumane
or unhealthful conditions or being treated less equitably than others
in the same situation.

Drug Arrests
Despite repeated warnings, drug arrests and convictions of American
citizens are still a problem.  If you are caught with any type of
narcotics overseas, you are subject to local╤not U.S. laws.  Penalties
for possession or trafficking

are often the same.  If you are arrested, you will find the following:

l   Few countries provide a jury trial.
l   Most countries do not accept bail.
l   Pre-trial detention, often in solitary confinement, may last many months.
l   Prisons may lack even minimal comforts╤bed, toilet, washbasin.
l   Diets are often inadequate and require supplements from relatives
and friends.
l   Officials may not speak English.
l   Physical abuse, confiscation of personal property, degrading
or inhumane treatment, and extortion are possible.

If you are convicted, you may face one of the following sentences:

l   Two to ten years in most countries.
l   A minimum ofsix year's hard labor and a stiff fine.
l   The death sentence in some countries.

Learn what the local laws are and obey them.

Marriage Abroad
Consular officers abroad cannot perform a marriage for you.  Marriages
abroad are generally performed by local civil or religious officials.
Once your marriage is performed overseas, U.S. consular officers
can authenticate your foreign marriage documents for a fee (currently
$36).  A marriage which is valid under the laws of the country where
the marriage was performed is generally recognized by most states
in the United States.  If you are married abroad and need confirmation
that your marriage will be recognized in the United States, consult
the Attorney General of your state of residence in the United States.

Marriages abroad are subject to the residency requirements of the
country where the marriage is

performed.  There is almost always a lengthy waiting period.  Some
countries require that the civil documents which are presented to
the marriage registrar abroad be translated and authenticated by
a foreign consular official in the United States.  This process can
be time consuming and expensive.  Unlike in the United States, civil
law countries require proof of legal capacity to enter into a marriage
contract.  If it is necessary to obtain this proof overseas, you
can execute an affidavit of eligibility to marry at a U.S. embassy
or consulate for a small fee (currently $4).  There are also individual
requirements which vary from country to country, i.e. parental consent
and blood tests.  Before going abroad, check with the embassy or
tourist information bureau of the country where you plan to marry
to learn of any specific requirements.  In addition, the Office of
Citizens Consular Services, Room 4817, Department of State, Washington,
D.C. 20520 has some general information on marriage in a number of
countries overseas.  If you are already abroad, consult with the
nearest  U.S. embassy or consulate.

Divorce Abroad
The validity of divorces obtained overseas will vary according to
the requirements of an individual's state of residence.  Consult
the authorities of your state of residence in the United States for
these requirements.

Birth Abroad of a U.S. Citizen
Most children born abroad to a U.S. citizen parent or parents acquire
U.S. citizenship at birth.  As soon as possible after the birth,
the U.S. citizen parent should contact the nearest American embassy
or consulate.  When it is determined that the child has acquired
U.S. citizenship, a consular officer prepares a Report of Birth Abroad
of a Citizen of the United States of America.  This document is recognized
by U.S. law as proof of acquisition of U.S. citizenship and is acceptable

evidence of citizenship for obtaining a passport, entering school,
and most other purposes.

Death of a U.S. Citizen Abroad
When a U.S. citizen dies abroad, the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate
should be notified as soon as possible.  Upon notification, the consular
officer, in accordance with local laws, may do the following:

l   Require proof of the decedent's citizenship (for example, U.S.
passport, birth certificate, or naturalization certificate).
l   Report the death to the next of kin or legal representative.
l   Obtain instructions and funds from the family to make arrangements
for local burial or return of the body to the United States.
l   Obtain the local death certificate and prepare a Report of Death
of an American Citizen Abroad (Form OF-180) to forward to the next
of kin or legal representative.  (This document may be used in U.S.
courts to settle estate matters.)
l   Serve as provisional conservator of a deceased American's estate
and arrange for disposition of those effects.

Because the costs for local burial or transporting a deceased body
back to the United States can be quite expensive, you may wish to
obtain insurance to cover this cost.  Otherwise, your relative or
next of kin must bear these expenses.  The U.S. Government cannot
pay to have your body buried overseas or returned to the United States.

Federal Benefits Services Abroad

Federal agency monthly benefits checks are generally sent from the
Department of the Treasury to the U.S. embassies or consulates in
the countries where the beneficiaries are residing.  When you move
overseas, report your change of residence to the nearest U.S. embassy
or consulate.  The usual procedure is for the embassy or consulate

to then forward the check through the local mail system to you.
It may be possible to make arrangements to have your check deposited
directly into a bank account located in the United States or in the
country where you reside.  Check with the benefits paying agency
or the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate for further information.

If your check does not arrive or you have other questions about your
benefits, contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.  If they
cannot answer your inquiry, they will contact the appropriate paying
agency, such as the Social Security Administration, and make inquiries
on your behalf.  If you move, notify the nearest U.S. embassy or
consulate at least 60 days before the move.  This will enable the
Federal agency to update its records so your checks are sent to the
correct address.

Assistance In Voting in U.S. Elections

Americans who reside abroad are usually eligible to vote by absentee
ballot in all Federal elections and may also be eligible to vote
in many state and local U.S. elections.  Eligibility depends upon
the laws and regulations of your state of residence in the United
States.  To vote absentee, you must meet state voter registration
requirements and apply for the ballot as early as possible from the
state of your last domicile.  Should your state ballot not arrive
in sufficient time, you may be eligible to use a Federal write-in
ballot known as a F.W.A.B.  You should consult the nearest U.S. embassy
or consulate for additional information.

Selective Service Registration

Section I-202 of the Presidential Proclamation of July 2, 1980, reinstituting
registration under the Military Selective Service Act, states:

Citizens of the United States who are to be registered and who are
not in the United States on any of the days set aside for their registration,

shall present themselves at a U.S. embassy or consulate for registration
before a diplomatic or consular officer of the United States or before
a registrar duly appointed by a diplomatic or consular officer of
the United States.

FAMILY MATTERS

Adopting A Child Overseas

If you plan to adopt a child overseas, you should be aware that the
U.S. Government considers foreign adoptions to be a private legal
matter within the judicial sovereignty of the nation where the child
is residing.  U.S. authorities have no right to intervene on behalf
of American citizens in the courts in the country where the adoption
takes place.  However, there are a number of ways that U.S. embassies
and consulates can assist prospective parents.

The U.S. embassy or consulate can provide you with information on
the adoption process in the country where you reside.  Consular officers
can make inquiries on your behalf regarding the status of your case
in the foreign court and will assist in clarifying documentary requirements
if necessary.  Embassies and consulates will also ensure that as
an American you are not being discriminated against by foreign courts
and will provide you with information on the visa application process
for your adopted child.

Because children in foreign adoptions are considered to be nationals
of the country of origin, prospective parents must comply with local
laws.  One way to achieve this is by dealing only with a reputable
international adoption agency experienced in handling adoptions in
the country where you are living.  In the case of a private adoption,
you should hire a local attorney with expertise in adoptions.  Because
of the potential for fraud in international adoptions, you need to
be aware of the pitfalls.  The U.S. embassy or

consulate can offer you advice on what problems you might encounter.

Foreign children adopted overseas by U.S. citizens can gain U.S.
citizenship if the adoptive parents apply for the child's naturalization
after they return to the United States.  In most cases, the adoptive
parents would merely apply for a Certificate of Citizenship from
the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) after the adoption.
However, until they return to the United States, the adopted child
remains a national of their country of origin.  Before returning
to the United States with your adopted child, you will need to petition
the INS for your child's immigrant visa.  For further information
on adoption procedures, obtain INS Form M-249 entitled, The Immigration
of Adopted and Prospective Adoptive Children.  You can also contact
the Department of State, Office of Citizens Consular Services, Washington,
D.C. 20520 to learn more about U.S. citizenship requirements and
adoption procedures.

International Child Custody Disputes

For parents involved in a child custody dispute, there are limits
on the assistance that U.S. authorities can provide.  In cases where
an American child is abducted overseas by a parent, the U.S. Government's
role is confined to helping the remaining parent locate the child,
monitoring the child's welfare, and providing general information
about child custody laws and procedures in the country where the
abduction took place.  Consular officers overseas can issue a U.S.
passport to a child involved in a custody dispute if the child appears
in person at the U.S. embassy or consulate and there is no court
order issued by the foreign court of that country which bars the
child's departure from the country.

U.S. consuls cannot take custody of a child, force the child's return
to the United States, or attempt

to influence child custody proceedings in foreign courts.  If the
parents cannot work out an amicable settlement of a child custody
dispute, the only recourse is usually court action in the country
where the child is residing.  A custody decree originating in the
United States is not automatically recognized overseas.  On the contrary,
foreign courts will decide custody in accordance with the laws of
that country.  If you are involved in a custody dispute, you will
need to obtain a foreign attorney to represent you in court.  You
can obtain a list of such attorneys from the U.S. embassy or consulate
in the country where your child has been taken.

If you are a parent involved in a custody battle overseas find out
whether the country you are in is a party to the Hague Convention
on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction.  Under the

Hague Convention, a child who has been wrongfully removed may be
returned to his or her place of habitual residence.  For further
information on the Hague Convention contact the Office of Citizens
Consular Services, Bureau of Consular Affairs, Department of State,
Room 4817, Washington, D.C. 20520.  That office also has copies of
the booklet International Parental Child Abduction which contains
helpful information on what U.S. citizen parents can do to prevent
their child from becoming a victim of parental child abduction.
If you are overseas and would like information on this subject, contact
the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate for guidance.

PRECAUTIONS

Safeguarding Your Passport

Your passport is a valuable document which should be carefully safeguarded.
When living overseas, the Department of State recommends that you
keep your passport at home in a safe,

secure place.  Although a passport kept at an available storage facility
outside the home might offer maximum security, keep in mind that
an emergency requiring immediate travel may make it difficult or
impossible to obtain your passport before departure.  In such a case,
it may not be possible to obtain a replacement or temporary passport
in time to make the intended travel.

Loss or Theft of a U.S. Passport

If your passport is lost or stolen abroad, report the loss immediately
to the nearest foreign service post and to local police authorities.
If you can provide the consular officer with the information in
the passport, it will facilitate issuance of a new passport.  Therefore,
you should photocopy the data page of your passport and keep it in
a separate place where it can be easily retrieved.

Passport Fraud

Multiple and fraudulent U.S. passports are used in many types of
criminal activity, including illegal entry into the United States.
In processing lost passport cases, the Department of State must
take special precautions that may delay the issuance of a new passport.
If you suspect a U.S. passport is being used fraudulently, do not
hesitate to contact the nearest  passport  agency in the United States
or American foreign service post overseas.

Glazed Ceramic Purchases

Be careful when purchasing ceramic tableware and clay pottery while
overseas.  The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has determined that
there are dangerous levels of lead found in the glazes of some ceramic
dinnerware and pottery sold abroad.  Because there is no way of knowing
whether a particular item is safe, the Food and Drug Administration
recommends that you use such wares for decorative purposes only.

CITIZENSHIP AND NATIONALITY

U.S. Citizenship and Residence Abroad

U.S. citizens who take up residence abroad or who are contemplating
doing so frequently ask whether this will have any effect on their
citizenship.  Residence abroad, in and of itself, has no effect on
U.S. citizenship.  However, a person who becomes a U.S. citizen through
naturalization and then takes up a permanent residence abroad within
1 year thereafter is subject to possible revocation of naturalization
on the grounds that he/she did not intend to reside permanently in
the United States when the petition for naturalization was filed.
Each particular case is judged on its own merits.  Clearly, some
persons may have intended to reside in the United States but due
to unexpected circumstances, it became necessary for them to take
up residence abroad.  Revocation of naturalization is the responsibility
of the court where the naturalization occurred.  The initial steps
leading to revocation are taken by the Departments of State and Justice.
Contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate if you have any questions
about nationality.

Acquisition and Loss of Citizenship

U.S. citizenship may be acquired by birth in the United States or
by birth abroad to a U.S. citizen parent or parents.  However, there
are certain residency or physical presence requirements that U.S.
citizens may need to fulfill before the child's birth in order to
transmit citizenship to their child born overseas.  A child born
abroad in wedlock to one citizen parent and one alien parent acquires
U.S. citizenship only if the citizen parent was physically present
in the United States for 5 years prior to the child's birth, at least
2 years of which were after the age of 14.  Living abroad in military
service or U.S. Government employment, or as an unmarried dependent
in the household of someone so employed, can be considered as presence

in the United States.  A child born out of wedlock to a U.S. citizen
mother acquires citizenship if the mother was physically present
in the United States for 1 year.  A child born out of wedlock to
a U.S. citizen father must establish a legal relationship to the
father before age 18 or be legitimated before reaching age 21, depending
on the date of birth, if he/she is to acquire U.S. citizenship through
the father.  For further information on these legal requirements,
consult the nearest foreign service post.  Citizenship may also be
acquired subsequent to birth through the process of naturalization
(see previous page).

Loss of citizenship can occur only as the result of a citizen's voluntarily
performing an act of expatriation as set forth in the Immigration
and Nationality Act with the intent to relinquish citizenship.  Such
acts most frequently performed include the following:

l   Naturalization in a foreign state;
l   Taking an oath or making an affirmation of allegiance to a foreign state;
l   Service in the armed forces of a foreign state;
l   Employment with a foreign government; or
l   Taking a formal oath of renunciation of allegiance before a U.S.
consular or diplomatic officer.

If you have any question about any aspect of loss of nationality,
contact the nearest foreign service post or the Office of Citizens
Consular Services, Bureau of Consular Affairs, Room 4817, Department
of State, Washington, D.C. 20520.

Dual Nationality

A foreign country might claim you as a citizen of that country if:

l   You were born there.
l   Your parent or parents are or were citizens of that country.

l   You are a naturalized U.S. citizen but are still considered a
citizen under that country's laws.

If you are in any of the above categories, consult the embassy of
the country where you are planning to reside or are presently living.
While recognizing the existence of dual nationality, the
U.S. Government does not encourage it as a matter of policy because
of the problems it may cause.  Claims of other countries upon dual-national
U.S. citizens often place them in situations where their obligations
to one country are in conflict with U.S. law.  Dual nationality may
hamper efforts by the U.S. Government to provide diplomatic and consular
protection to individuals overseas.  When a U.S. citizen is in the
other country of their dual nationality, that country has a predominant
claim on the person.  If you have any question about dual nationality,
contact the nearest foreign service post or the Office of Citizens
Consular Services at the address on the previous page.

FINANCIAL AND BUSINESS MATTERS

U.S. Taxes

U.S. citizens must report their worldwide income on their Federal
income tax returns.  Living or earning income outside the United
States does not relieve a U.S. citizen of responsibility for filing
tax returns.  However, U.S. citizens living and/or working abroad
may be entitled to various deductions, exclusions, and credits under
U.S. tax laws, as well as under international tax treaties and conventions
between the United States and a number of foreign countries.  Consult
the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) for further information.

For information on taxes and locations of IRS offices overseas, contact
any office of the IRS or write to the Forms Distribution Center,
Post Office Box 25866, Richmond, Virginia 23289.  That office

also has copies of Publication 54, Tax Guide for U.S. Citizens  and
Resident Aliens Abroad, Publication 901, U.S. Tax Treaties, Publication
514, Foreign Tax Credit  for Individuals and Publication 520, Scholarships
and Fellowships.  The IRS has also put together a package of forms
and instructions (Publication 776) for U.S. citizens living abroad.
You can get the package by writing to the Forms Distribution Center
at the address on page 22.  During the filing period, you can usually
obtain the necessary Federal income tax forms from the nearest U.S.
embassy or consulate.

Foreign Country Taxes

If you earn any income while you are overseas, you may be required
to pay tax on that income.  You should check the rules and regulations
with that country's embassy or consulate before you leave the United
States, or consult the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate abroad.

Bank Accounts

Some countries will permit you to maintain a local bank account denominated
in dollars or in another foreign currency of your choice.  This may
be a good idea if the U.S. dollar is strong and the local currency
in the country you reside in is weak.  If that country does not permit
you to maintain U.S. dollar bank accounts, another  idea would be
to keep your dollars in a bank in the United States.  That way you
could convert them to the local currency as you need them rather
than all at once.  This would protect you in the event that the country
you are living in devalues its currency.

Wills

To avoid the risk of running afoul of foreign laws, if you own property
or other assets both in the United States and overseas, consider
the idea of having two wills drawn up.  One should cover your assets
in your adopted country and the other your U.S. assets.  Each will
should mention the other.

Having two wills should ensure that your foreign property is disposed
of in accordance with your wishes in the event of your death.

Property Investment

A major decision that you will have to face when you live abroad
is whether or not to purchase a home or property.  Because prices
in many foreign countries may seem like a bargain compared to the
United States, there may be some merit to investing in real estate.
However, you will need to keep several things in mind.  First, check
to see whether the country where you plan to invest permits foreigners
to own property.  Many foreign countries do not permit foreigners
without immigrant status to buy real estate.  Also, there may be
restrictions on areas in which you may buy property and on the total
number of foreigners who may purchase property in any one year.

One way for a foreigner to purchase real estate overseas may be to
set up a bank trust and then lease the property.  For your protection,
you should first consult with a local real estate agent and then
hire a reputable attorney.  Check with the U.S. embassy or consulate
in the country where you plan to purchase property to obtain a list
of lawyers.  A good lawyer will provide you with information about
having your real estate contract notarized, registered, and if necessary,
translated.  Your attorney should also be able to advise you on protection
against unscrupulous land deals.

Before you make a real estate purchase, learn the customs and laws
of the foreign government with regard to real estate.  In the event
of a dispute, you will have to abide by local and not U.S. laws.
A good rule to follow is that before you invest in any real estate
take the same precautions which you normally would take before you
make a sizeable investment in the United States.

RETURNING TO THE U.S.
U.S. IMMIGRATION AND CUSTOMS
If you leave the U.S. for purposes of traveling, working, or studying
abroad, and return to resume U.S. residence, you are considered a
returning U.S. resident by the U.S. Customs Service.

When you go through immigration and customs at the port of entry,
have your passport ready.  Where possible, pack separately the articles
you have acquired abroad to make inspection easy.  Have your receipts
handy in case you need to support your customs declaration.  If
you took other documents with you, such as an International Certification
of Vaccination, a medical certificate, or a customs certificate of
registration for foreign-made personal articles, have them ready
also.  If you are returning to the U.S. by car from either Mexico
or Canada, a certificate of vehicle registration should be available.

Articles acquired abroad and brought back with you are subject to
duty and internal revenue tax.  As a returning U.S. resident, you
are allowed to bring back $400 worth of merchandise duty free.  However,
you must have been outside the United States for at least 48 hours,
and you must not have used this exemption within the preceding 30-day
period.  The next $l,000 worth of items you bring back with you for
personal use or gifts are dutiable at a flat 10% rate.

Restrictions on  Products Entering the U. S.
Fresh fruit, meat, vegetables, plants in soil, and many other agricultural
products are prohibited from entering the United States because they
may carry foreign insects and diseases that could damage U.S. crops,
forests, gardens, and livestock.  Other items may also be restricted,
so be sure to obtain details of regulations before departing for
your trip back to the U.S.  These restrictions also apply to mailed
products.  Prohibited items confiscated and destroyed at U.S. international
postal facilities have almost doubled in recent

years.  For more information and to request the pamphlet, Travelers
Tips on Prohibited Agricultural Products contact the agricultural
affairs office at the nearest U.S. embassy or con-sulate, or write
to the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, U.S. Department
of Agri-culture, 613 Federal Building, 6505 Belcrest Road, Hyattsville,
Maryland 20782.

Importing A Car
If you plan to bring a car back with you, before purchasing it,
make sure it conforms to U.S. emission standards established by the
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).  If your vehicle does not
conform to standards, it may be banned from entering the country.
For further information, obtain the pamphlet, Buying a Car Overseas?
Beware! from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Public Information
Center, PM-211B, 401 M Street, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20460.

Wildlife and Wildlife Products
While you were overseas, if you purchased any articles made from
endangered animals and plants or any live wild animals to bring back
as pets, you need to be aware that U.S. laws and international treaties
make it a crime to bring many wildlife souvenirs into the United
States.  Some prohibited items include those made from sea turtle
shell, most reptile skins, crocodile leather, ivory, furs from endangered
cat species, and those from coral reefs.  Do not buy wildlife souvenirs
if you are unsure of being able to bring them legally into the United

States.  The penalties you risk are severe and your purchases could
be confiscated.  To learn more about endangered wildlife and guidelines
governing restrictions on imports into the United States, you can
obtain the pamphlet, Buyer Beware!  For a free copy, contact the
Publications Unit, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of
the Interior, Washington, D.C. 20240.   Additional information on
the import of wildlife and wildlife products can be obtained through
TRAFFIC (U.S.A.), World Wildlife Fund╤U.S., 1250 24th Street, N.W.,
Washington, D.C. 20037.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
U.S. Embassies and Consulates
Key Officers of Foreign Service Posts : Guide for Business Representatives
has names of key officers and addresses for U.S. embassies, consulates,
and missions abroad.  Updated 3 times a year; a 1-year subscription
is $5.  Order from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government
Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402.

Older Americans
Travel Tips for Older Americans provides general information on passports,
visas, health, currency, and other travel tidbits for elderly U.S.
citizens planning to travel overseas.  Copies are available for $1
from the U.S. Government Printing Office.

Safe Travel
A Safe Trip Abroad contains helpful precautions to minimize the chance
of becoming a victim of terrorism and also provides other safety
tips for Americans traveling overseas.  To obtain a copy, send $1
to the U.S. Government Printing Office.

Crisis Abroad
Crisis Abroad╤What the State Department Does  summarizes the work
by the State Department during a crisis and its efforts to obtain
reliable information from local authorities abroad for concerned
relatives and friends of Americans located in the disaster area.
Copies are free from CA/PA, Room 5807, Department of State, Washington,
D.C. 20520.

The Citizens Emergency Center
The Citizens Emergency Center contains information about the assistance
that office provides in four major categories: deaths, arrests, welfare/whereabouts
inquiries, and financial-medical emergencies.  The leaflet is free
from CA/PA at the address above.


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#ENDCARD
#CARD:Consular Topics:Russian travel

(Consular Affairs Topics)


    Tips for Travelers to Russia

    --  including  information useful for:  Armenia,  Azerbaijan,  Belarus,
    Georgia,  Kazakhstan,  Kyrgyzstan, Moldova,  Tajikistan,  Turkmenistan,
    Ukraine, and Uzbekistan


    Introduction

    In December 1991, the Soviet Union was dissolved.  In its place emerged
    12  independent  countries:  Armenia,  Azerbaijan,  Belarus,   Georgia,
    Kazakhstan,  Kyrgyzstan,  Moldova,  Russia,  Tajikistan,  Turkmenistan,
    Ukraine, and Uzbekistan.  The information in this pamphlet is mainly on
    Russia.  However, much of the information and particularly the sections
    on  health,  safety,  and travel planning is applicable  to  the  other
    former Soviet republics.

    Consular Information Sheets
    To find specific travel information for any country you plan to  visit,
    see the Department of State Consular Information Sheet for the country.
    Consular Information Sheets contain information on such matters as  the
    location  and  telephone  number of the  nearest  U.S.  embassy,  crime
    problems, and health or security problems that may affect travel.

    In addition to Consular Information Sheets, Travel Warnings may also be
    issued  about certain countries.  Travel Warnings advise  Americans  to
    defer  travel to all or part of a country.  There are several  ways  to
    access Consular Information Sheets and Travel Warnings.  You can listen
    to them 24 hours a day by calling 202-647-5225 from a touchtone  phone.
    You can receive copies of them of by sending a self-addressed,  stamped
    envelope  to  the Citizens Emergency Center, Room 4800,  Department  of
    State,  Washington, D.C. 20520-4818.  (Write the name of the  requested
    country or countries on the outside of the envelope.)

    You  can  also  find Consular Information Sheets  and  Travel  Warnings
    posted  at the 13 regional passport agencies and at American  embassies
    and consulates abroad.  They can also be accessed through an airline or
    travel agent's computer reservation system or by computer through  many
    electronic bulletin boards.

    Geography
    Russia is the largest country that emerged from the former U.S.S.R.  It
    stretches  from the Baltic Sea, across the northern Eurasian  landmass,
    to the Bering Strait where a Russian island lies only three miles  from
    an  island that is part of Alaska.  Russia and the other  republics  of
    the  former  Soviet  Union are going  through  profound  political  and
    economic  changes.   At  present,  the  tourism  industry,  like  other
    industries  that  were  strictly  regulated  in  the  former  USSR,  is
    undergoing a transformation that can be confusing to customers as  well
    as to the industry itself.  Throughout the entire former Soviet region,
    major  structures  of  civil authority and  service  organizations  are
    either  being  replaced  by new bodies or are  withering  away  without
    replacement.

    In   addition  to  Consular  Information  Sheets,  a  good  source   of
    information on current conditions is Intourist, telephone [phone].
    Before 1991, Intourist was the official and only Soviet tour  operator.
    It is now a non-governmental body and is still by far the largest  tour
    operator in Russia and the other 11 former Soviet republics.  Intourist
    has  contracts with a large network of hotels and restaurants,  but  it
    must now compete with other Russian tour operators such as Sputnik  and
    Intratours.   There  are also a number of specialized  tour  operators.
    For example, the Host Family Association and Wild World specialize  in,
    respectively,  stays with families and adventure tours.  You  can  book
    travel with Russian tour operators through U.S. travel agents.

    Before You Go

    Visas

    A U.S. citizen must have a valid U.S. passport and a visa to travel  to
    any  country of the former USSR.  At present, only Russia  and  Ukraine
    are issuing visas.  At the time of publication, the other countries  of
    the  former  USSR had either not established embassies  in  the  United
    States or, in the case of Armenia and Belarus, had opened embassies but
    were not yet issuing visas.  To travel to a country of the former  USSR
    that is not yet issuing visas, a Russian visa is still required, and it
    is valid for all such countries.  At present, travel between  countries
    that  require  a Russian visa is still considered  internal  travel  by
    local authorities, and passports are not normally checked upon  arrival
    or departure.

    You may obtain a visa for Ukraine from the Ukrainian Embassy (see  page
    23).  All of the following visa information pertains to Russian  visas.
    Travelers arriving without a visa in a country that requires a  Russian
    visa cannot register at a hotel and must leave the country  immediately
    by  the  same route they entered.  Even for a brief transit,  you  must
    have  a  visa.   If possible, obtain your Russian visa  in  the  United
    States,  because a Russian visa can be difficult and time-consuming  to
    obtain abroad.  In some countries like Ukraine, Estonia, and Lithuania,
    you cannot obtain a Russian visa.

    Visas  are valid for specific dates.  Before starting on your trip,  be
    sure  your  visa  is  valid for the dates of  your  planned  entry  and
    departure.   Delays  caused  by illness or changes  in  plans  must  be
    approved  in  advance  by  the  office  that  issued  your  visa.   The
    categories  of  Russian  visa that a U.S. citizen  can  apply  for  are
    transit,  tourist,  business,  or, for a private visit  to  friends  or
    relatives, a visitor or 'homestay' visa.

    Tourist, Business, and Transit Visas
    Most  travelers  to Russia and the other countries of the  former  USSR
    arrange  for their visas and accommodations through an American  travel
    agent.   A  business  visa requires a letter of  invitation  from  your
    foreign  business  contact.   A transit visa requires a  copy  of  your
    confirmed ticket and visa (if required) to your onward destination.

    Visitor or 'Homestay' Visas
    Visas  for  private trips to stay in a private home are issued  by  the
    consular  division of either the Russian Embassy in Washington,  DC  or
    the Russian Consulate General in either San Francisco or New York  (see
    page  23). You may request application forms  by mail.  The person  you
    wish  to visit must also apply for permission well in advance  of  your
    visit.  In larger cities, your host can apply at the local visa  office
    (called  OVIR,  an acronym for Otdel Viz i Registratsii).   In  smaller
    towns,  your  host  can  apply to the local  police.   OVIR  or  police
    consideration  of  these  applications can be  a  slow  process.   Upon
    approval  of your application, your host will be issued a  notification
    of  permission (izveshcheniye) for your visit.  Your host  should  send
    this notification to you.

    Private Visits During Group Tours
    An  American traveling on a group tour may request permission to  visit
    local  acquaintances or take short individual excursions away from  the
    group itinerary to places of personal interest.  Arrangements for  side
    trips  should  be  made through your American   travel  agent  and,  if
    possible,   before  you  leave  the  United  States.   On   your   visa
    application,  include  the  names and addresses of  those  citizens  of
    countries of the former USSR whom you hope to visit.

    How to Obtain Visa Information
    You  can  obtain visa information from  your  travel  agent.   However,
    authoritative  information  on  visas can only  be  obtained  from  the
    embassies  or consulates of the countries you plan to visit.   Whatever
    your  source,  make certain that your visa information is up  to  date,
    because,  during  this period of transition,  visa   requirements  will
    change  frequently.   When you inquire about visas,  ask  about  price,
    length of validity, and the number of entries that are permitted.

    Your U.S.  Passport

    Theft  of  U.S.  passports  continues  to  increase  rapidly.    Stolen
    passports  are  reportedly sold for large sums of hard  currency.   The
    theft  or  loss  of  a passport, particularly  when  the  nearest  U.S.
    consular  office  is hundreds or thousands of miles away,  is  a  major
    source  of  inconvenience and expense to travelers in  Russia  and  the
    other countries of the former USSR.  Before starting your trip, make  a
    record  or  photocopy of the data from your  passport's  identification
    page  and  from your visa(s).  Also make a copy of  the  addresses  and
    telephone numbers of the U.S. embassies and consulates in the countries
    you  will  visit (see page 24).  Put this information  along  with  two
    passport photos in a place separate from your passport to be  available
    in case of loss or theft.

    Leave  a  second copy of your passport information and  your  itinerary
    with  a relative or friend in the U.S.   Complete the address  page  of
    your passport in pencil and update it as necessary.

    While  in the former Soviet Union, you may be asked to turn  over  your
    passport to hotel personnel or a tour leader for short periods of  time
    for  registration  with police or for other  purposes.   Your  passport
    should be returned within two or three days.  Be sure to safeguard your
    passport  at  all  other times, as its loss can cause  you  delays  and
    problems.   If  your passport is lost or stolen, you must apply  for  a
    replacement passport at a U.S.  embassy or consulate and then obtain  a
    new or duplicate visa from the nearest visa office (OVIR).  If you  are
    with a tour, your guide can assist you with the visa.

    Planning Your Trip

    Many geographic names throughout the region are being changed.  Try  to
    obtain  maps  before  your trip, but keep in mind that  some  names  of
    places may be out of date.  You may need to correct city names and even
    some  street names.  In these countries, if your street sign  does  not
    agree with your map, you may not be lost, you may just be dealing  with
    a new name.

    Previously, in the former Soviet Union, departure and arrival times for
    planes,  trains,  and boats were quoted in Moscow time.  In  the  post-
    Soviet period, that practice has changed, and timetables for travel  in
    and  between  former Soviet countries usually use local  time.   Within
    Russia   itself,   however,  you  may  still  find   Moscow   time   in
    useQregardless of which of the 11 time zones you are in.  Whenever  you
    make  reservations  or  purchase tickets, learn which  time  zones  the
    schedule  refers  to  and, as you travel,  confirm  all  departure  and
    arrival times.

    Air Travel Within Russia
    Aeroflot still dominates air travel in Russia and the region.  Although
    many international airlines have flights to Russia and the other former
    Soviet  republics, and some, like Turkish Airlines, even  have  flights
    between  a  few of the countries, the domestic service of  Aeroflot  is
    still  the  major carrier in and between the countries  of  the  former
    USSR.  Since late 1991, domestic Aeroflot flights have been delayed for
    hours  or  days and sometimes canceled because of jet  fuel  shortages.
    Travelers should be prepared for long waits or for the possibility that
    their  itineraries  will have to be changed with little or  no  advance
    notice.

    In  the  United  States,  booking  domestic  Aeroflot  flights  can  be
    difficult.  You may discover, once you are in Russia or another country
    of the former USSR, that a domestic Aeroflot flight you booked does not
    exist,  or at least does not exist on the day you are confirmed to  go.
    Or, before you leave the U.S., you may be told flights do not exist  to
    a  certain  city, when in fact they do.  Because of the  difficulty  in
    using Aeroflot's domestic service, it is advisable to use international
    carriers,  including  Aeroflot, wherever possible  when  planning  your
    itinerary.   While  Aeroflot  is in transition  to  meet  international
    standards,  flexibility  and patience are the keys  to  successful  air
    travel in Russia and all countries of the former USSR.

    Overland Travel
    It  is  a good idea when traveling  by train or  automobile  in  former
    Soviet countries to bring food and water with you.

    If you travel overland between Central European countries and countries
    of  the former USSR, be certain that you have visas for  all  countries
    through  which  you  will pass.  For example, the  train  from  Warsaw,
    Poland  to  Vilnius,  Lithuania passes  through  Grodno,  Belarus,  and
    transit  visas are not available on the train.  On occasion,  Americans
    have  been  required to leave the train in Grodno and return  to  their
    point  of departure to obtain a Russian visa for Belarus.  (There is  a
    direct  rail  route, however, that does not pass through  Belarus.   It
    goes to Sestokai, Lithuania via Suwalki, Poland.)

    Auto Travel
    Driving conditions in Russia and the other former Soviet republics  are
    more rugged than in Western Europe, service stations are few, and  fuel
    may  be  scarce  at  those  stations.   Adhere  to  all  local  driving
    regulations.   They are strictly enforced and violators are subject  to
    legal  penalties.   All  tourists entering  Russia  by  automobile  are
    required  to  sign an obligation guaranteeing the  re-export  of  their
    automobiles.  This obligation also applies to damaged vehicles.

    Auto Insurance
    Your automobile should be fully insured under a policy valid for Russia
    and  for any other country you will enter.  Insurance policies  may  be
    purchased  from Lloyds of London or from Ingosstrakh, Kuybyshev  Street
    11/10,  Moscow, a Russian organization that insures  foreigners.   Auto
    insurance  obtained  in Russia is still accepted in some of  the  other
    former Soviet republics.  Be aware that Russian law allows the  company
    to  refuse  compensation for damage if a driver is  pronounced  by  the
    authorities  to  be under the influence of alcohol at the  time  of  an
    accident.   Such determinations can be made without the benefit of  any
    tests.

    Health

    Precautions
    Travel  in  the  former USSR can be  strenuous,  particularly  for  the
    elderly  and individuals with special health problems.  When  you  plan
    your  trip,  be careful not to overschedule; leave time  for  rest  and
    relaxation.   Tourists  in  frail health are strongly  advised  not  to

    visit.

    Immunizations
    No immunizations are required for travelers to the former Soviet Union.
    However,  diphtheria, tetanus, polio, typhoid, and gamma  globulin  are
    recommended  for  the region and in particular for  the  Central  Asian
    countries.

    Review Your Health Insurance Policy
    If  your  insurance  does not cover  you  abroad,  consider  purchasing
    temporary  insurance  that  does.  In addition  to  medical  insurance,
    consider  obtaining  insurance to cover evacuation in the event  of  an
    accident or serious illness.  Because conditions in many hospitals  are
    not  adequate  to  ensure recovery, medical  evacuation  is  frequently
    necessary  for illnesses or injuries which could be treated locally  in
    other  countries.  Minimum cost from Moscow to New York on a  stretcher
    is  more than $10,000.  Medical evacuation by hospital aircraft on  the
    same  route approaches $100,000.  Insurance companies as well  as  some
    credit card and travelers check companies offer  short-term health  and
    emergency assistance policies designed for travelers.  Ask your  travel
    agent about them or look for ads in travel publications.

    Bring Your Own Medicines
    Bring  with  you  any  necessary medications and  keep  them  in  their
    original,  labeled containers in your hand luggage.  Because of  strict
    laws  on narcotics, carry a letter from your physician explaining  your
    need  for any prescription drugs in your possession.  Also bring  along
    any  toiletries and personal hygiene items that you will  need.   These
    items  can  be difficult to find in major cities and even  more  scarce
    elsewhere.

    About Medical Care in the Region
    Medical  care  in  the  former  Soviet  Union  does  not  meet  Western
    standards.   There  is  a severe shortage of  basic  medical  supplies,
    including  disposable  needles, anesthetics,  common  medications,  and
    antibiotics.   X-rays  are  of poor quality,  and  advanced  diagnostic
    equipment, such as CAT scan machines, is not widely available.  Patient
    support services, including basic hygiene measures, are inadequate, and
    travelers  may  expect  the length of  hospitalization  to  exceed  the
    duration of stay they would expect in Western facilities.  In addition,
    full,  frank, and empathic discussions between doctor and  patient  are
    hampered  by  language barriers as well as the lack of a  tradition  of
    patient rights.  If you need medical care, ask your hotel or tour guide
    to  direct  you to an appropriate facility.  You may also  contact  the
    nearest U.S. embassy or consulate for a list of local medical services.

    Drinking Water
    The U.S. Public Health Service warns that many U.S. visitors to Russia,
    particularly  to  St. Petersburg, have returned to  the  United  States
    infected with the intestinal parasite Giardia lamblia.  This  infection
    is probably contracted by drinking tap water.  Some travelers to Russia
    and  surrounding  countries  bring drinking water with  them  in  their
    luggage.  If you cannot import your drinking water, drink only  bottled
    carbonated drinks or beverages that have been boiled for at least  five
    minutes.   Avoid ice cubes, use bottled water for brushing  teeth,  and
    avoid salads or uncooked vegetables and fruits which cannot be  peeled.
    In  addition,  carry  iodine  tablets  to  disinfect  drinking   water.
    Travelers  returning  from the region who develop a  diarrheal  illness
    lasting more than five days should consult a physician and have a stool
    specimen examined for parasites.

    The Chernobyl Nuclear Accident of April 1986
    Recent tap water samples from Moscow, St. Petersburg, and Kiev show  no
    detectable radiation.  Background radiation levels in areas outside the
    immediate accident site and fallout path have been tested  periodically
    and  are  considered  to be within acceptable ranges.   Access  to  the
    Chernobyl zone is strictly controlled by Ukrainian authorities.

    Currency

    Russia,  like the other 11 countries of the former Soviet Union, has  a
    cash-only economy.  During periodic cash shortages, it can be difficult
    to  impossible  to  cash  travelers  checks  for  dollars,  for   other
    convertible  (hard)  currency,  or even for rubles.  The  fee  to  cash
    travelers  checks may be high (for example, 5 %).  In Moscow, cash  may
    be  available  at Dialogbank or American Express.  In  St.  Petersburg,
    rubles  may be available but not hard currency.  In Kiev, cash  may  be
    available at the Agroprombank, Export/Import Bank, or Bank Ukraina.

    Some  travelers  avoid  a number of the difficulties  of  the  currency
    shortage  by taking a prepaid tour that includes all meals and  hotels.
    Travelers  find it useful to bring major credit cards because they  are
    accepted at some hotels and restaurants, particularly those in  Moscow.
    Most travelers, however, solve the problem of the currency shortage  by
    coming  to  Russia  and  the  other  former  Soviet  republics  with  a
    sufficient  supply of hard currency to cover their obligations  in  the
    country.  Some hotel restaurants and shops will accept payment only  in
    dollars or other hard currency.  Beware!  Make it your practice to keep
    your excess cash in the hotel safe.

    Before you leave home, check with your credit card and travelers  check
    companies  to learn where these instruments can be used in  the  former
    Soviet Union.

    Customs  and  currency  laws  are strict.  When  you  arrive,  make  an
    accurate  and  complete  customs declaration of  all  money,  travelers
    checks,  and  valuables  in  your  possession.   Include  all  personal
    jewelry,  such  as  wedding  rings  and  watches.   Have  your  customs
    declaration  stamped by the authorities and keep it with you until  you
    leave the country.  Keep your exchange receipts in order to account for
    your   expenditures.   Without these records, customs  officials  could
    confiscate your cash and valuables upon departure.

    The  Russian  ruble  is  still the currency of  the  12  former  Soviet
    republics.   In Ukraine, 'coupons' have been introduced in  preparation
    for issuing a national currency.  The coupons are used in Ukraine along
    with the Russian ruble, but cannot be used outside of the country.

    Customs Regulations

    Attempts to bring any of the following articles into the former  Soviet
    Union have caused difficulties for U.S. citizens in the past:

    Narcotics  -  Drug laws are strict.  U.S. citizens have  received  long
    sentences for trying to enter or transit with illegal narcotics.

    Pornography - Magazines with sexually explicit photographs, that may be
    considered  commonplace  in  Western  countries,  may  be  regarded  as
    pornography and are often confiscated.

    Gifts for Persons in the Former USSR - A high rate of customs duty  may
    be  assessed  on  gifts that you bring into a  foreign  country.   U.S.
    citizens  have had to abandon gifts at the airport because they  lacked
    funds to pay the customs duty.

    Video  Cassettes  - Customs regulations allow for the  import  and  re-
    export  of  a limited number of blank or  commercially  recorded  video
    cassettes  for  personal use.  Some travelers with a  large  number  of
    cassettes  have  had them confiscated upon  departure.   Travelers  are
    advised  to leave blank video cassettes sealed in their  wrappers  when
    entering a country.

    Customs  regulations  prohibit  the  import  or  export  of  personally
    recorded  video  cassettes.  To avoid confiscation of  valuable  travel
    memories,  travelers  should either leave those  cassettes  some  place
    outside  of the country to be picked up later or mail them home  before
    entering the country.

    Legal Matters

    Dual Nationality

    Russia's  new citizenship law that went into effect February  6,  1992,
    recognizes  dual nationality only if there is an agreement between  the
    two  countries that covers dual nationality.  At this time, the  United
    States and Russia do not have a dual nationality agreement.  This means
    that  if you are a dual national and encounter problems in Russia,  you
    may  not  be  permitted to leave and the ability of a  U.S.  consul  to
    assist you may be limited.

    The  U.S.  government  has  notified  the  governments  of  the  Soviet
    successor  states  that  the U.S. government  considers  the  U.S.-USSR
    consular  convention of 1968 to be still in force.  The  United  States
    recognizes as an established principle of international law that  every
    sovereign state has the right to decide under the provisions of its own
    laws  who  is  and who is not its citizen.   The  Department  of  State
    maintains the following:

    U.S.  citizens,  whether  by  birth  or  naturalization,  possess  full
    American     citizenship    and   its   accompanying    benefits    and
    responsibilities   despite   any  additional   entitlement   to   other
    citizenships.

    A  U.S.  citizen  entering a country of the former  USSR  with  a  U.S.
    passport  and a valid visa is to be regarded as a U.S. citizen by  that
    country  for purposes of the visit, regardless of whether  the  foreign
    government might also consider them to be their citizen.

    U.S.  citizens cannot lose their U.S. citizenship because of  automatic
    acquisition  of  foreign  citizenship.   However,  if  a  U.S.  citizen
    contemplates voluntarily accepting dual nationality in connection  with
    assuming duties as a government official in one of the Soviet successor
    states,  he or she should first consult with the Department of  State's
    Office  of  Citizens  Consular Services on  202-647-3445  or  with  the
    nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.

    The  countries  of  the former USSR generally do  not  prevent  a  U.S.
    citizen possessing a U.S. passport and appropriate visas from  visiting
    those  countries and returning to the United States, or to his  or  her
    country of permanent residence, even if under foreign laws he or she is
    considered  a citizen of a Soviet successor state.  Any  dual  national
    U.S.  citizen  traveling in Russia or any other country of  the  former
    Soviet  Union  should  contact the nearest U.S.  embassy  or  consulate
    immediately  if  any question arises about his or her U.S.  or  foreign
    citizenship.

    To  avoid any possible inconvenience or uncertainty, the Department  of
    State  urges any U.S. citizen who is or believes they may be a  citizen
    of  a country of the former USSR to consider formally  renouncing  that
    citizenship  before visiting any of the former Soviet  republics.   For
    information  on  how to renounce foreign citizenship, contact,  in  the
    United States, the embassy or consulate of the country concerned before
    traveling.

    In any case, possible dual nationals who travel to Russia or any of the
    other countries of the former Soviet Union should register upon arrival
    in  writing  or in person at the Consular Section of the  nearest  U.S.
    embassy  or consulate.  Give your full name, passport number, date  and
    place  of  birth,  occupation, hotel and  room  number,  phone  number,
    purpose  and dates of your visit, home address, and the name,  address,
    and telephone number of any relatives that you have in the countries of
    the former Soviet Union.

    Permanent   legal  U.S.  residents   should  travel  with   appropriate
    documentation  of  their legal permanent residence status in  the  U.S.
    Those  who are citizens of a country of the former Soviet Union  should
    ensure  that  they  have the correct  entry/exit  permission  from  the
    Russian  or other appropriate embassy in the United States before  they
    travel.

    Adopting A Child Abroad

    Current  law  allows  adoptions in Russia and  Ukraine,  although  U.S.
    citizens  report  the  process  in  these  republics  to  be  long  and
    difficult.   The status of adoptions in Armenia,  Azerbaijan,  Belarus,
    Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and
    Uzbekistan remains uncertain.

    Russia  has established a quasi-governmental bureaucratic structure  in
    an  attempt to regulate foreign adoptions.  The agency, "Rights of  the
    Child"  (Pravo  Rebyonka),  was  formed  to  coordinate   international
    adoptions,  ensure  that  Russian legal procedures  are  followed,  and
    establish  a centralized data bank for information on Russian  children
    adoptable by foreigners.

    U.S. citizens interested in adopting a child from one of the  countries
    of  the former Soviet Union are encouraged to contact the U.S.  embassy
    or consulate in that country, or, in the United States, the  Department
    of  State's  Office of Citizens Consular Services  on  202-647-3444  to
    obtain information on the adoption process in that country.

    While You Are Abroad

    Registration

    All U.S. citizens who visit Russia or any of the other countries of the
    former Soviet Union are encouraged to register in writing or in  person
    at  the  nearest U.S. embassy or consulate (see  directory,  page  24).
    Registration is especially important if you are in an area experiencing
    civil  unrest or a natural disaster, if you are going to a place  where
    communications are poor, or if you plan to stay for any length of time.
    Registration takes only a few moments, and it may be invaluable in case
    of an emergency.  If your passport is lost or stolen, having previously
    registered at an embassy or consulate can make it easier to issue you a
    new passport without a delay.

    Safety Tips Against Crime

    In  Russia  and  much of the rest of the former USSR,  crimes  such  as
    robbery,  mugging,  and  pickpocketing are an  increasing  problem  for
    tourists,  particularly  in  cities and  around  major  tourist  sites.
    Crimes  are perpetrated not only by adults, but also by adolescents  or
    even children, often operating in groups.

    Crime  aboard trains has also increased.  For example,  travelers  have
    been  drugged  without  their knowledge and robbed on  the  train  from
    Moscow  to St. Petersburg.  Crime is also a problem on  trains  between
    Moscow  and  Warsaw  and armed robberies have occurred  on  the  trains
    between Moscow and Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.  On some trains, thieves have
    been able to open locked compartment doors.

    Although  officials in Russia have expressed willingness  to  cooperate
    with   U.S.   officials  in  emergencies   involving   U.S.   citizens,

    communications  and transportation can be slow and difficult,  and  the
    nearest U.S. embassy or consulate may be more than a day's travel away.
    To  reduce  the risk of becoming a victim of crime, exercise  the  same
    precautions that you would in any large city and follow these tips:

    Safety  begins  when you pack.  Leave  expensive  jewelry,  unnecessary
    credit cards, and anything you would hate to lose at home.

    Never  display  large sums of money when paying a bill.   Conceal  your
    passport, cash, and other valuables on your person.  Do not trust waist
    packs or fanny packs because pickpockets have learned that is where the
    valuables are.

    Do  not  leave valuables in your hotel room, have them  locked  in  the
    hotel safe.

    Be  vigilant  on public transport and at tourist sites,  food  markets,
    flea markets, art exhibitions, and all places where crowds gather.

    Even slight intoxication is noted by professional thieves.   Therefore,
    if  you drink in a public place, do so only with a trusted  friend  who
    has agreed to remain sober.

    If  you  are the victim of crime, report it immediately  to  the  local
    police and to the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.  It is  worthwhile
    to report a theft, because stolen items are sometimes retrieved.

    Russian Law

    How to Avoid Legal Problems
    While  in a foreign country, a U.S. citizen is subject to its laws  and
    regulations.   Laws  in the countries of the former  Soviet  Union  can
    differ significantly from those in the United States and do not  afford
    the  protections available to the individual under U.S. law.   Exercise
    caution and carefully obey local laws.  Penalties for breaking the  law
    can  be  more severe than in the United States  for  similar  offenses.
    Persons violating the law, even unknowingly, may have difficulties with
    the  authorities and may be expelled and forced to forfeit  the  unused
    part  of  a prepurchased tour.  Serious transgressions of the  law  can
    lead to arrest and imprisonment.

    Under  Article 12 of the U.S.-USSR Consular Convention of  1968  (which
    the  U.S.  considers  to still be in force, see  page  16),  government
    authorities in the Soviet successor states are required to  immediately
    inform  the U.S. Embassy or consulate of the arrest or detention  of  a
    U.S.  citizen  and  to permit, without delay,  communication  with  the
    detained citizen.  If you are detained by authorities, ask that a  U.S.
    consular  officer  be informed and that you be allowed to meet  with  a
    U.S. consular officer without delay.

    Avoid  breaking the law.  Never take 'souvenirs' from local hotels,  no
    matter  how  insignificant  in value they may  appear.   Pay  for  your
    souvenirs,  handicrafts,  or artwork in local  currency,  because  most
    vendors  do  not  have  permission to  accept  dollars  or  other  hard
    currency.   Travelers have been arrested by plainclothes  police  after
    paying  for  a  souvenir with hard currency. The  traveler  is  usually
    released  after several hours of detention, but both the hard  currency
    and  the item purchased are usually confiscated.  Only special  tourist
    stores,  usually  found in large hotels, are permitted to  accept  hard
    currency.

    Marriage Abroad
    Americans  contemplating  marriage to a citizen of  the  former  Soviet
    Union  should  contact  the Consular Section of  the  nearest  American
    embassy  or  consulate  before  the  marriage  takes  place.   Consular
    officers  cannot perform marriages, but can provide  information  about
    local regulations concerning marriage.

    Photography Restrictions

    Regulations on photography are strict, particularly regarding  military
    installations.   Because of unwitting violations of these  regulations,
    U.S. citizens have had film confiscated, have been temporarily detained
    or  interrogated,  and have even been asked to leave the  country.   Be
    sure that your photographs do not contain forbidden subjects, not  even
    in the background.  When in doubt, ask your tour guide or someone  else
    in authority.

    1.   Photographs  are permitted of architectural  monuments;  cultural,
    educational, and medical buildings; theaters; museums; parks; stadiums;
    streets and squares; and living quarters and landscape scenes which  do
    not include subjects listed below under item 3.

    2.   If prior permission is obtained from officials of the  institution
    concerned,  photographs  may be taken of industrial  enterprises  which
    manufacture non-military products, farms, railroad stations,  airports,
    river ports, and governmental, educational, and social organizations.

    3.  All photographs are prohibited within the 25-kilometer-wide  border
    zones, except in those portions not closed to foreigners.   Photographs
    of  the following are forbidden:  all military  objects,  institutions,
    and   personnel;   storage  facilities  for   combustibles;   seaports;
    hydroelectric installations (sluices); pumping stations; dams; railroad
    junctions;  railroad and highway bridges; industrial,  scientific,  and
    research  establishments; electric, telephone, and telegraph  stations;
    and  radio facilities.  Photographs from airplanes and panoramic  shots
    of industrial cities are prohibited.

    4.  Foreigners may not mail exposed film out of Russia.

    Shopping-Be Wary of Antiques

    Artwork,  souvenirs,  and handicrafts purchased at special  stores  for
    tourists  may  be  taken  out of Russia and  the  other  former  Soviet
    republics.  However, antiques (defined as virtually anything which  may
    be  deemed  of historical or cultural value) and  artifacts,  including
    samovars,  purchased at regular stores and secondhand shops  often  may
    not  be  taken  out  of these countries  without  inspection  by  local
    cultural  authorities  and payment of substantial  export  duty.   This
    procedure  is  almost  prohibitively  cumbersome  and  time  consuming.
    Samovars  not purchased at tourist stores and not cleared  by  cultural
    authorities   are   normally  confiscated  at   pre-departure   customs
    inspections.


    Foreign Embassies and Consulates in the United States

    Embassy of ARMENIA
    122 C Street, NW
    Suite 360
    Washington, DC  20001
    [phone]

    Embassy of BELARUS
    1511 K Street, NW
    Suite 619
    Washington, DC  20005
    [phone]

    Embassy of RUSSIA
    Consular Division
    1825 Phelps Place, NW
    Washington, DC  20008
    [phone]/11/13/18

    Russian Consulate General
    9 East 91 Street
    New York, NY  10128
    [phone]

    Russian Consulate General
    2790 Green Street
    San Francisco, CA  94123
    [phone]

    Embassy of UKRAINE
    1828 L Street, NW
    Suite 711
    Washington, DC  20036
    [phone]


    U.S. Embassies and Consulates Abroad

    ARMENIA
    American Embassy
    18 General Bagramian Street
    Yerevan, ARMENIA
    Tel. [phone];
        151-144

    AZERBAIJAN
    American Embassy
    Hotel Intourist
    77 Prospekt Neftyanikov
    Baku, AZERBAIJAN
    Tel. [phone]

    BELARUS
    American Embassy
    Starovilenskaya Ulitsa 46
    Minsk, BELARUS
    Tel. [phone]

    GEORGIA
    American Embassy
    25 Atoneli Street
    Tbilisi, GEORGIA
    Tel. [phone]

    kazakhstan
    American Embassy
    551 Seyfullina
    Alma Ata, KAZAKHSTAN
    Tel. [phone]

    kyrgyzstan
    American Embassy
    Erkindik 66 (old name:
       Derzhinskiy)
    Bishkek, KYRGYZSTAN
    Tel. [phone]

    moldova
    American Embassy
    103 Strada Alexei Mateevich
    Chisinau, MOLDOVA
    Tel. [phone]; 233-698

    RUSSIA
    American Embassy
    Novinskiy Bulvar 19/23 (old
        name:  Chaykovskogo)
    Moscow, RUSSIA
    Tel. [phone] to 9;
    after hours: 252-1898;
        255-5123

    American Consulate General
    Ulitsa Furshtadskaya 15 (old
        name: Ul. Petra Lavrova)
    St. Petersburg, RUSSIA
    Tel. [phone]

    tajikistan
    American Embassy
    Hotel Independence (old
       name:  Oktyabrskaya)
    39 Ainii Street
    Dushanbe, TAJIKISTAN
    Tel. [phone]

    Turkmenistan
    American Embassy
    Yubilenaya Hotel
    Ashgabat
    TURKMENISTAN
    Tel. [phone]

    Ukraine
    American Embassy
    10 Yuria Kotsyubinskoho
    252053 Kiev 53, UKRAINE
    Tel. [phone];
       244-7354

    Uzbekistan
    American Embassy
    Chilanzarskaya 82
    Tashkent, UZBEKISTAN
    Tel. [phone]


    Planning Another Trip?

    For general travel information, the following  pamphlets may be ordered
    for $1 each from the Superintendent of Documents,
    U.S. Government Printing Office,
    Washington, DC 20402; tel:  [phone]:

    Your Trip Abroad
    A Safe Trip Abroad
    Travel Tips for Older Americans
    Tips for Americans Residing Abroad


    Country   specific   information  can  be  found   in   the   following
    publications,  also  available  for $1 each from  the  U.S.  Government
    Printing Office:

    Tips for Travelers to Sub-Saharan Africa
    Tips for Travelers to the Caribbean
    Tips for Travelers to Central and South America
    Tips for Travelers to the PeopleUs Republic of China
    Tips for Travelers to Eastern Europe
    Tips for Travelers to Mexico
    Tips for Travelers to the Middle East and North Africa
    Tips for Travelers to South Asia


    General visa information for these and other countries is available  in
    Foreign  Entry Requirements.  You may order Foreign Entry  Requirements
    for 50 cents from the Consumer Information Center, Pueblo, CO  81009.



#ENDCARD
#CARD:Consular Topics:Safe trip tips
(Consular Affairs Topics)


A SAFE TRIP ABROAD

Forward

    Foreign travel can be a rich and rewarding experience and the odds
are very much in your favor for an incident-free trip.

    The individual traveler's chances of having to face the trials and
tribulations of losing valuables or coping with an unexpected illness
or injury far from home are considerably greater, for instance, than
of becoming involved a victim of violence.  You can narrow the  chances
of becoming involved in an unpleasant incident or in a dangerous
situation even further with an increased awareness of potential problems
and careful planning.  We hope the following suggestions will help.

BEFORE YOU GO

- Learn about the places you plan to visit.  Familiarize yourself
  with local laws and customs in those areas.  (Consult your library,
  a travel agent, airline, or the tourist bureaus of the specific countries
  you plan to visit.)  Keep track as well of what is being reported
  in the media about any recent developments.

- Don't take anything you would hate to lose.  Leave at home all
  unnecessary credit cards, expensive jewelry
  or irreplaceable family objects.

- Pack an extra set of eye glasses.  Carry these and any
  medicines you need in your carry-on luggage.  Take
  along a copy of the prescription for necessary medicines
  and the generic name of the drug.  Keep medicines in their
  original labeled container to make customs  processing easier.
  If any medications contain narcotics, carry with you a letter from
  your physician attesting to your need to take the drug in question.

- Lock your luggage, and put your name and address
  inside each piece.

- Make photocopies of your airline tickets, passport
  identification page, driver's license and the credit   cards you
  take with you.  Leave one set at home and keep another with you in
  a separate place from these  valuables.  Leave a copy of the serial
  numbers of your travelers checks at home; take another with you
  separate from the checks themselves and, as you cash in the checks,
  keep a tally of which ones remain unredeemed.

- Leave a copy of your medical and dental records with your
 family or other contact person

- Have your affairs at home in order:  an up-to-date will,
  insurance documents and a power of attorney left with your
  family, so you can feel secure about traveling and are prepared
  for any emergency that may occur while you are away.
  Consider guardianship arrangements for your children.

- Leave a copy of your itinerary with family or friends at home
  should they need to contact you in an emergency.

- Find out from your credit card company what your credit
  limit is and be sure not to charge over that amount on  your
  trip.  Americans have been arrested in some countries for
  innocently exceeding their limit.

- Find out whether your own insurance will cover you for loss
  or theft abroad and in case of accident or illness.  If not,
  consider taking out additional insurance.

PRECAUTIONS WHILE TRAVELING

Normal common sense should prevail when traveling abroad, just as
it would at home.  Be especially cautious in, or avoid situations
or areas where you are more likely to be victimized such as crowded
subways, train stations, elevators, market places and festivals.
Do not, for instance, get on an elevator alone if there is a suspicious-looking
individual inside.  You may wish to consider staying in larger hotels
that have more elaborate security.

Find out about local rules and obey them.  American citizenship
cannot protect you if you break the laws of the foreign country you
are visiting.

In addition to these common-sense suggestions, keep track of the
news to be aware of any potential problems in areas where you may
travel.  Your own state of alertness and the precautions you take
should increase as you travel in areas where the potential for violence
or terrorism is greater.  Before continuing on to such areas, inquire
at the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate whether there are any adverse
conditions of which you should be aware.  Ask for the American Citizens
Service Unit in the consular section.  (For general information on
travel advisories, see the concluding section of this publication.)

In short, assess your situation and surroundings, and try to remain
in that healthy gray area between complacency and paranoia.

GUARDING YOUR VALUABLES

- Carry travelers checks instead of cash.  Change some checks
  for local currency before you leave or upon arrival.  Don't flash
  large amounts of money when  paying a bill.  Only counter sign
  travelers checks in   front of the person who will cash them,
  and be sure your  credit card is returned to you after each
  transaction.

- Make sure you receive a claim check for each piece of luggage
  you check.

- Instead of keeping all your money, airline tickets, passport,
  and other valuables in your wallet, conceal  them in several
  places to prevent easy theft.  Keep them  in your
  accompanying hand-luggage, on your person, or in  a hotel
  safety deposit box.  Do not leave them in your  room while you
  are out.

- Don't leave your bags unattended.  (Traveling light will help.)

- Women should carry handbags in a secure manner to prevent
  snatch-and-run type thievery and men should  place their
  wallets in their inside jacket pockets.  To  guard against
  thieves on motorcycles, walk on the inside of sidewalks and
  carry your purse on the side away from  the street.  Wrapping
  rubber-bands around your wallet or keeping it in a zipped
  portion of a handbag makes it more difficult for a pickpocket
  to remove.

- Be wary of con artists.  They exist around the world.

- Keep hotel and car keys on your person.

- Be alert to the possibility of street gangs operating in large
  cities abroad.

- If confronted by superior force, don't fight attackers: give up
  valuables.

- If any of your possessions are lost or stolen, report the loss
  immediately to the police and other  appropriate authorities.
  Keep a copy of the police  report for insurance claims and as an
  explanation of your plight.  Also report the loss of:

- travelers checks to the nearest office of the issuing
   company or its agent.

- airline tickets to the airline company or travel agent.

- passport to the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.

PERSONAL SECURITY

- Keep a low profile.  Dress and behave conservatively,
  Avoiding flashy dress, jewelry, luggage, rental cars or
  conspicuous behavior which would draw attention to you as a
  potentially wealthy or important foreigner.

- Be polite and low-key.  Avoid loud conversations and
  arguments.

- Avoid dangerous areas; don't use short cuts, narrow alleys or
  poorly-lit streets.  Try not to travel alone at  night.

- Let someone know when you expect to return, especially if
  out late at night.

- Don't give your room number to persons you don't know well.
  Meet visitors in the lobby.

- Keep your hotel door locked at all times.

- Remember when you are in a foreign country, you are subject
  to its laws and are not protected by the U.S. Constitution.
  Penalties for drug violations, including  possession of small
  amounts of marijuana or cocaine, are  severe in many foreign
  countries and rigorously enforced.

- Deal only with authorized agents when you exchange money,
  buy airline tickets, or purchase souvenirs; don't make
  exchanges for local currency at black market rates.  In  many
  countries travelers should refrain from  photographing police
  and military personnel and installations, border areas, and
  transportation facilities.  Be wary about selling personal
  effects such as clothing or jewelry.  The penalties you risk may
  be  severe.

- If possible, book a room between the second and seventh
  floors - above ground level to prevent easy entrance  from
  outside and low enough for fire equipment to reach.

- Read the fire safety instructions in your hotel room, know
  how to report a fire and make sure you know where the
  nearest fire exit and an alternate are.  Count the  doors
  between your room and the nearest exit - this could be a
  life-saver if you have to crawl through a  smoke-filled
  corridor.

- Make note of emergency telephone numbers you may need:
  police, fire, your hotel, the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.
  Know how to use a pay telephone and   have the proper change
  or token on hand.

- Learn a few phrases in the local language so you can signal
  your need for help, the police, or a doctor.

VEHICLE SECURITY

- Drive the more common kinds of locally available cars;  if
  there are not many American cars in use, don't insist on an
  American model.

- Make sure the car is in good repair.

- Keep car doors locked at all times.

- Wear seatbelts.

- Don't park your car on the street overnight if the hotel has a
  garage or secure area.  If you must park it  on the street, select
  a well-lit area.  Don't leave  valuables in the car.

- Never pick up hitchhikers.

- Don't get out of the car if there are suspicious individuals
  nearby.  Drive away.

PROTECTING YOURSELF AGAINST THE POSSIBILITY OF TERRORISM

Terrorist acts occur in a random and unpredictable fashion which
makes it impossible to protect oneself absolutely.  The first and
best way is to avoid travel to unsafe areas - areas where there have
been a persistent record of terrorist attacks or kidnappings.  The
vast majority of foreign states have a good record of maintaining
public order and protecting residents and visitors within their borders
from terrorism.  Most terrorist attacks are the result of long and
careful planning.  Just as a car-thief will first be attracted to
an unlocked car with the key in the ignition, terrorists are looking
for undefended, easily accessible targets who follow predictable
patterns.  The chances that a tourist, traveling with an unpublicized
program or itinerary, would be the victim of terrorism are slight:
the random possibility of being in the wrong place at the wrong
time.  In addition, many terrorist groups, seeking publicity for
political causes within their own country or region, are not looking
for American targets.

Nevertheless, the pointers below may help you avoid becoming an
American "target of opportunity".  They should be considered as adjuncts
to the tips listed in the previous section for ways to protect oneself
against the far greater likelihood of falling prey to ordinary criminal
activity.  The following are additional reasonable precautions which
may provide some degree of protection, and can serve as practical
and psychological deterrents to would-be terrorists.

-- Schedule direct flights if possible and avoid stops in
   high-risk airports or areas.  Consider all of your options for
   traveling, such as trains.

-- Be aware of what you discuss with strangers, or what may
   be overheard by others.

-- Try to minimize the time spent in the public area of an
   airport, which is a less protectable area.  Move quickly from
   the check-in counter to the secured areas.   On arrival, leave
   the airport as soon as possible.

-- Avoid luggage tags, dress, and behavior which may identify
   you as an American.  While sweatshirts and T-shirts with
   American university logos are commonly worn throughout
   Europe, leave other obvious U.S. logos or apparel at home.

-- Keep an eye out for suspicious abandoned packages or
   briefcases.  Report them to airport security or other authorities
   and leave the area promptly.

-- Avoid obvious terrorist targets and places where Americans
   and westerners are known to congregate.

HIGH-RISK AREAS

If you must travel in an area where there has been a
history of terrorist attacks or kidnappings, also make it a
habit to:

- Discuss with your family what they would do in case of an
  emergency, in addition to making sure your affairs  are in
  order before leaving home.

- Register with the U.S. Embassy upon arrival.

- Remain friendly, but be cautious about discussing personal
  matters, your itinerary or program.

- Leave no personal or business papers in your hotel room.

- Watch for people following you or "loiterers" observing your
  comings and goings.

- Keep a mental note of safehavens, such as police stations,
  hotels, hospitals.

- Let someone else know what your travel plans are.  Keep
  them informed if you make any changes.

- Avoid predictable times and routes of travel, and report
  any suspicious activity to local police, and the nearest U.S. embassy
  or consulate.

- Select your own taxi cabs at random - don't take a cab which
  is not clearly identified as a taxi.  Compare the the face of the
  driver with the one posted on his license.

- If possible, travel with others.

- Be sure of the identity of visitors before opening the door of
  your hotel room.  Don't meet strangers at unknown or remote
  locations.

- Refuse unexpected packages.

- Formulate a plan of action for what you will do if a bomb
  explodes or there is gunfire nearby.

- Check for loose wires or other suspicious activities
  pertaining to your car.

- Be sure your vehicle is in good operating condition in
  case you need to resort to high-speed or evasive driving.

- Drive with the windows closed in crowded
  streets; bombs can be thrown through open windows.

- If you are ever in a situation where somebody starts
  shooting, drop to the floor or get down as low as possible and
  don't move until you are sure the danger   has passed.  Do not
  attempt to help rescuers and do not  pick up a weapon.  If
  possible shield yourself behind or  under a solid object.  If you
  must move, crawl on your  stomach.

HIJACKING/HOSTAGE SITUATION

While every hostage situation is different and the chance of becoming
a hostage is remote, some considerations are important.

The U.S. Government's policy not to negotiate with terrorists is
firm - doing so only increases the risk of further hostage-taking
by terrorists.  When Americans are abducted overseas, we look to
the host government to exercise its responsibility under international
law to protect all persons within its territories and to bring about
the safe release of the hostages.  We work closely with these governments
from the outset of a hostage-taking incident to ensure that our citizens
and other innocent victims are released as quickly and safely as possible.

The most dangerous phases of most hijacking or hostage situations
are the beginning and, if there is a rescue attempt, the end.  At
the outset, the terrorists typically are tense, high-strung and may
behave irrationally.  It is extremely important that you remain calm
and alert and manage your own behavior.

- Avoid resistance, sudden or threatening movements.  Do not
  struggle or try to escape unless you are certain of being
  successful.

- Make a concerted effort to relax.  Breathe deeply and prepare
  yourself mentally, physically and emotionally for the

  possibility of a long ordeal.

- Try to remain inconspicuous, avoid direct eye contact and the
  appearance of observing your captors' actions.

- Avoid alcoholic beverages.  Consume little food and drink.

- Consciously put yourself in a mode of passive cooperation.
  Talk normally.  Do not complain, avoid  belligerency, and
  comply with all orders and  instructions.

- If questioned, keep your answers short.  Don't  volunteer
  information or make unnecessary overtures.

- Don't try to be a hero, endangering yourself and others.

- Maintain your sense of personal dignity, and gradually
  increase your requests for personal comforts.  Make  these
  requests in a reasonable low-key manner.

- If you are involved in a lengthier, drawn-out situation,  try to
  establish a rapport with your captors, avoiding  political
  discussions or other confrontational subjects.

- Establish a daily program of mental and physical activity
  Don't be afraid to ask for anything you need or want -
  medicines, books, pencils, papers.

- Eat what they give you, even if it does not look or taste
  appetizing.  A loss of appetite and weight is normal.

- Think positively; avoid a sense of despair.  Rely on your inner
  resources.  Remember that you are a valuable  commodity to
  your captors.  It is important to them to keep you alive and
  well.

TRAVEL ADVISORIES

The Department of State tries to alert American travelers to adverse
conditions abroad--including violence--through the travel advisory
program.  In consultation with our embassies and consulates overseas,
and various bureaus of the Department of State, the Office of Overseas
Citizens Services in the Bureau of Consular Affairs issues travel
advisories about conditions in specific countries.  Advisories generally
do not pertain to isolated international terrorist incidents since
these can occur anywhere and at any time.  The majority of these
advisories deal with short-term or temporary difficulties which Americans
may encounter when they go abroad.  Some mention conditions of political
or civil unrest which could pose a threat to personal safety.  These
types of advisories may sometimes be short-term in nature, e.g. at
the time of a military or political coup.  Such advisories are either
lifted or amended when the situation no longer poses a threat to travelers.

There are only a few advisories in effect which advise avoiding
all travel to a particular country because of a high incidence of
terrorism within the region or because a long-term problem exists.
Most of the security-related advisories do not recommend against
travel to an entire country but suggest avoiding specific areas within
a country where unrest is endemic.

Ask about current travel advisories for specific countries at any
of the 13 regional U.S. passport agencies and at U.S. embassies and
consulates abroad.  Travel advisories are also widely disseminated
to interested organizations, travel associations, and airlines.

Assistance Abroad

U.S. consular officers are located at American embassies and consulates
in most countries abroad.  Consular officers can advise you of any
adverse conditions in the places you are visiting and can help you
in emergencies.  If you plan more than a short stay in one place
or if you are in an area experiencing civil unrest or some natural
disaster, it is advisable to register with nearest U.S. embassy or
consulate.  This will make it easier should someone at home need
to locate you urgently or in the unlikely event that you need to
be evacuated due to an emergency.  It will also facilitate the issuance
of a new passport should yours be lost or stolen.

Should you find yourself in any legal difficulty, contact a consular
officer immediately.  Consular officers cannot serve as attorneys
or give legal advice but they can provide lists of local attorneys
and help you find legal representation.  Consular officers cannot
get you out of jail.  However, if you are arrested, ask permission
to notify a consular official -- it is your right.  American consular
officials will visit you, advise you of your rights under local laws,
ensure that you aren't held under inhumane conditions, and contact
your family and friends for you if you desire.  They can transfer
money, and will try to get relief for you, including food and clothing
in countries where this is a problem.

If you become destitute overseas, consular officers can help you
get in touch with your family, friends, bank, or employer and inform
them how to wire funds to you.

Additional Information

    The booklet, "Your Trip Abroad" contains some valuable information
on loss and theft of a passport as well as other travel tips.  To
obtain a copy, write to the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government
Printing Office, Washington, D.C.  20402.  The single copy purchase
price is $1.

    Country Information Notices provide advice on travel to specific
areas of the world.  Notices include topics such as currency and
customs regulations, entry requirements, dual nationality, import
and export controls, vaccination
requirements, and drug warnings.  Copies of the following publications
are available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government
Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402 for $1.00 each.

    Tips for Travelers to the Caribbean
    Tips for Travelers to Cuba: A U.S. Government Warning
    Tips for Travelers to Eastern Europe and Yugoslavia
    Tips for Travelers to Mexico
    Tips for Travelers to the Middle East
    Tips for Travelers to the People's Republic of China
    Tips for Travelers to Saudi Arabia
    Tips for Travelers to the USSR


-------------------------------------------------------------------------------


#ENDCARD
#CARD:Consular Topics:South Asia travel

(Consular Affairs Topics)


    TIPS FOR TRAVELERS TO SOUTH ASIA

    Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan,  and
    Sri Lanka

    General Information

    Your trip to South Asia can be a rich and rewarding experience -- there
    are ancient cultures and artistic traditions to appreciate and a wealth
    of  natural  wonders  to see -- all of  this  co-existing  with  modern
    societies.

    However, the  customs and local conditions can be as distant from  home
    as the miles, and travelers should plan their trips carefully.

    The  Department  of  State issues travel  advisories  when  appropriate
    concerning  serious  health  or security conditions  which  may  affect
    Americans.   Current  advisories  are  available  at  the  13  regional
    passport  agencies  in  the  United  States,  at  U.S.  embassies   and
    consulates  abroad  or from the Citizens Emergency Center,  Room  4811,
    Department  of  State,  Washington,  DC   20520  (Tel.   [phone]).
    Travelers  to areas where conditions are unsettled or communication  is
    poor  are  encouraged  to  register at  the  nearest  U.S.  embassy  or
    consulate  (see list at end of book).  All travelers are encouraged  to
    leave  a detailed itinerary and their passport numbers at home in  case
    of an emergency.

    Visa and other Entry Requirements

    A U.S. passport is required for travel to all countries in the  region.
    India,  Pakistan,  and most other South Asian  countries  also  require
    entry visas.  Travel to certain areas of many South Asian countries  is
    restricted  and  special  permits may be required for  these  areas  in
    addition  to the entry visa.  Prospective travelers should contact  the
    embassy  or  consulate of the country they plan to visit  for  specific
    information (see list of foreign embassies at end of book).

    All  South Asian countries require travelers who have been  in  yellow-
    fever  infected  areas within the last six days to show  valid  yellow-
    fever immunization certificates.  Yellow fever is found in some African
    and  some Latin American countries.  If you plan to travel from  Africa
    or Latin America directly to South Asia, check with the embassy of  the
    South Asian country where you are going to see if your itinerary  makes
    the yellow-fever certificate required.  If the certificate is  required
    and  you  do  not have it, you will be refused  entry  unless  you  are
    inoculated and kept in quarantine for up to six days.

    Customs and Currency Regulations

    Most South Asian countries require that foreign currency and  valuables
    be  declared  upon entry as a means of enforcing  restrictions  on  the
    importation of items such as gold, electronic equipment, firearms,  and
    prescription  drugs.  Failure to make an accurate declaration or  other
    violations  of  these  restrictions  can  lead  to  high  fines  and/or
    imprisonment.

    Shopping for Antiques

    Most  South  Asian  countries  have  strict  regulations  against   the
    unlicensed  export  of antiquities.  Items that are  antique,  or  even
    appear  to  be,  may be confiscated by  customs  officials  unless  the
    traveler  has  proof of authorization from the  appropriate  government
    office to export the antique, or proof that the item is not an antique.

    U.S. Wildlife Regulations

    The  United States prohibits importation of Asian ivory  because  Asian
    elephants  are  an  endangered  species.   Most  lizardskin  and   many
    snakeskin  products  cannot  be brought into the  United  States.   The
    penalty  for  importing  products derived from  endangered  species  is
    seizure of the product and a substantial fine.

    Health

    In the United States, local health departments, the U.S. Public  Health
    Service, private doctors, and travel clinics can provide information on
    health  precautions  for travelers to South Asia.   Depending  on  your
    destination,    immunization    is   recommended    against    cholera,
    diptheria/tetanus,  hepatitis,  Jap anese B  encephalitis,  meningitis,
    polio,  and  typhoid.   Drug prophylaxis against malaria  may  also  be
    necessary.   General  guidance  may also be found in  the  U.S.  Public
    Health Service booklet, "Health Information for International  Travel,"
    which is available for $4.25 from the U.S. Government Printing  Office,
    Washington, DC  20402, or from local and state health departments.

        Travelers should be careful to drink only boiled water (or  bottled
    drinks),  to  avoid  ice cubes in beverages  and  unpeeled  fruits  and
    vegetables, to take precautions against mosquitos, and to guard against
    overexertion  at  high altitudes.  Trekkers and mountain  climbers,  in
    particular,  should take precautions to avoid  frostbite,  hypothermia,
    and altitude sickness.  The latter two can be fatal if not detected  in
    time.  Modern health facilities are not always available,  particularly
    in  rural  areas.   Prospective travelers should  review  their  health
    insurance  policies  to see if they provide  coverage  while  overseas,
    including medical evacuation service.

    Afghanistan

    All  of  Afghanistan  is  effectively  a "war  zone"  in  view  of  the
    continuing  conflict  between Soviet occupation forces and  the  Afghan
    resistance  fighters.  All American citizens are urged to avoid  travel
    to  Afghanistan.  The U.S. Embassy can provide only limited  assistance
    to  American citizens in distress in the capital city of Kabul, and  no
    assistance outside the Kabul city limits.

    Bangladesh

    No  visa is required for a tourist stay of up to two weeks if you  have
    an  onward  ticket; all business travelers must  have  visas,  however.
    Bangladesh is an Islamic country, and visitors should dress modestly --
    shorts  are  considered inappropriate.  Travelers  should  pay  special
    attention  to  preventive health measures because  medical  facilities,
    especially in rural areas, are not always available.  River ferries are
    necessary for travel thoughout much of Bangladesh, but travelers should
    exercise  caution  when  using them, bearing  in  mind  that  accidents
    frequently occur from overcrowding and from hazardous navigation during
    poor weather.  Trekkers may not go to the Chittagong Hill Tracts, which
    are off-limits to foreigners.

    Kingdom of Bhutan

    While  Bhutan  and  the United States do  not  have  formal  diplomatic
    relations,  informal contact is maintained through the U.S. Embassy  in
    New Delhi.  Tourism to Bhutan is restricted; tourists are admitted only
    in  groups by prearrangement with the Ministry of Tourism  in  Thimphu.
    Entry  must be via India.  For information, contact the  Bhutan  Travel
    Service, 120 East 56 Street, New York, NY 10022 (tel. [phone]).

    India

    India  is  the  South Asian country most  frequently  visited  by  U.S.
    citizens.   Visas  must be obtained before arrival.   Persons  arriving
    without visas must leave on the next plane.  If you plan to travel from
    India  to  Nepal  or another country and return to India,  be  sure  to
    request a multiple entry visa.  Tourist visas are issued for a  maximum
    of 90 days.  Once in India, visitors who wish to extend their stay must
    apply  to  a Foreigners Regional Registration Office.   Extensions,  if
    granted,  may  not  bring  the total visit to  more  than  six  months.
    Customs  regulations  prohibiting  the importation of  gold  or  Indian
    currency, and regulating importation of electronics, foreign  currency,
    and firearms are strictly enforced.  Offenders of these regulations may
    be jailed, fined and/or charged duty at rates exceeding 300 percent  of
    the  item's value.  Laws against drug smuggling carry heavy  penalties,
    including a ten-year prison term.

    Due to the threat of political or ethnic violence, security  conditions
    pose  some  danger in the State of Punjab and in several  other  areas.
    Whether  dangerous or not, many areas of India have been declared  off-
    limits  to foreigners by the Indian authorities.  Permits are  required
    for:   Punjab,  Sikkim, all of India east of West  Bengal,  all  island
    territories,  and  parts of the states of Himachal Pradesh,  Jammu  and
    Kashmir, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal.  Persons of Indian origin  can
    usually  obtain permits to visit relatives in restricted areas.   Other
    visitors  may  have to wait a long time for a permit or  be  unable  to
    obtain one.  Consult the latest Department of State travel advisory  on
    which  areas  are restricted. Once in India, consult the  nearest  U.S.
    embassy or consulate for information on restricted areas and advice  on
    obtaining  permits  to visit them.  With the exception  of  the  Golden
    Temple,  in the Punjab, none of the popular tourist sites in India  are
    in restricted areas.

    Republic of Maldives

    The  islands  of the Maldives have long been  popular  vacation  sites.
    Diplomatic relations are maintained and consular services are  provided
    through  the  U.S.  Embassy  in  Colombo,  Sri  Lanka.   In   emergency
    situations there is a U.S. consular agent on the capital island of Male
    (for  address,  ask  at  a resort or  hotel)  who  can  help  travelers
    communicate  with  the U.S. Embassy in Colombo.  A no-fee  visa  for  a
    tourist  visit of up to 30 days is issued upon arrival at the  airport.
    Foreign  currency  may  be  taken in or out  of  the  Maldives  without
    restriction.  Pork foodstuffs and alcohol may not be imported.

    Nepal

    Tourism to Nepal is increasing; over 20,000 Americans visit Nepal  each
    year.   A visa valid for one week can be obtained upon arrival  at  the
    Kathmandu  airport or at any authorized border-crossing point.  It  can
    be  renewed  for an additional three weeks at the  nearest  immigration
    office.   After  that,  tourists may renew their  month-long  visa  two
    consecutive times, allowing a total three-month visit.  Departure  from
    Nepal  is  mandatory  at  the  end of  a  three  month  tourist  visit.
    Travelers can avoid initial immigration-processing delays by  obtaining
    a  30-day  visa  prior to arrival in  Nepal.   Nepalese  customs  laws,
    particularly  those  forbidding smuggling of drugs, gold  and,  foreign
    currency, are strictly enforced.  The penalty for smuggling is a  stiff
    fine and/or a prison sentence.  Travelers should take adequate funds in
    the  form  of travelers checks.  It is difficult to  obtain  additional
    funds  through  bank transfers and, except at major  Kathmandu  hotels,
    credit cards are rarely accepted.

    Trekking is very popular in Nepal.  Tourists are cautioned to obtain  a
    trekking permit from the Central Immigration Office, to avoid  trekking
    alone,  to  be alert for signs of altitude sickness, and  to  obtain  a
    meningococcal meningitis vaccination if trekking outside the  Kathmandu
    Valley.   Those  wishing  to  climb the high  peaks  should  write  for
    permission  to  the  Ministry  of  Tourism  to  the  attention  of  the
    mountaineering  division,  well  in  advance  of  planned  expeditions.
    Travelers  should  note  that  there  are  no  forms  of  international
    communication  in rural areas.  In the event of an emergency, the  U.S.
    Embassy may assist Americans in contacting family or friends.

    Americans  planning to travel from Nepal to Tibet should be aware  that
    Chinese   authorities   strictly  regulate  such   trips.    Additional
    information  is contained in the State Department's travel advisory  on
    China and in "Tips for Travelers to the People's Republic of China".

    Pakistan

    A  visa  must  be  obtained before arrival.   Pakistan  is  an  Islamic
    country,  and  visitors  must respect Islamic  standards  of  behavior.
    Travelers (especially women) should dress modestly, i.e., wear  clothes
    with  high  necks and long sleeves; do not wear  shorts.   The  import,
    manufacture,   and  consumption  of  alcohol  or  drugs  are   strictly
    forbidden.    Major  hotels  have  special  rooms   where   non-Islamic
    foreigners may buy and drink alcoholic beverages.

    A  special permit is required for travel to the tribal areas  bordering
    Afghanistan, including the Khyber Pass, and to transit the tribal  area
    of  Darra Adam Khel.  Persons traveling to restricted areas  without  a
    perm  it  are subject to arrest.  Onward overland travel  to  India  is
    difficult because of border crossing restrictions (see travel  advisory
    for India).

    Major  cities in Pakistan are safe for tourists, but travel  to  remote
    rural areas, especially in Baluchistan, Sind and the Northwest Frontier
    Province  is  not recommended.  Security conditions vary;  some  unsafe
    areas  are considered safe for daytime travel in groups.   Because  the
    security  situation  can change with little  warning,  visitors  should
    check  at the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate for  up-to-date  travel
    information.

    Sri Lanka

    The insurgency of Tamil separatists against the government in Sri Lanka
    (formerly  Ceylon) has caused tension and violence within the  country.
    For this reason, Americans should avoid all travel to the northern  and
    eastern provinces.  This includes the cities of Jaffna, Batticaloa, and
    Trincomalee.   There have been isolated incidents of violence in  other
    parts  of Sri Lanka, including Columbo.  Because public  transportation
    has  often  been targeted by terrorists, travel on  trains  and  public
    buses  should  be avoided.  Travel to the major tourist  sites  in  the
    southern  and  western  parts  of the island  has  usually  been  safe.
    However, security conditions throughout the country can change quickly,
    and  travelers  should get current information from the  latest  travel
    advisory or from the U.S. Embassy in Colombo.  No visa is required  for
    a tourist stay of up to 30 days.

    Foreign Embassies in the United States

    Embassy  of Afghanistan 2341 Wyoming Ave., N.W.  Washington, DC   20008
    [phone]

    Embassy of Bangladesh 2201 Wisconsin Ave., N.W.  Washington, DC   20007
    [phone]

    Bhutan Mission to the United Nations New York, NY 10017 [phone]

    People's  Republic of China * 2300 Connecticut Ave., N.W.   Washington,
    DC  20008 [phone]

    Embassy  of India 2107 Massachusetts Ave., N.W.  Washington, DC   20008
    [phone]

    Republic  of Maldives Mission to the United Nations 820 Second  Avenue,
    Suite 800C New York, NY 10017 [phone]


    Embassy  of Nepal 2131 Leroy Place, N.W.  Washington, DC   20008  (202)
    667-45503

    Embassy  of  Pakistan  2315 Massachusetts Ave.,  N.W.   Washington,  DC
    20008 [phone]

    Embassy  of  Sri Lanka 2148 Wyoming Ave., N.W.  Washington,  DC   20008
    [phone]

    * for travel to Tibet


    U.S. Foreign Service Posts

    AFGHANISTAN:  U.S. Embassy, Wazir Akbar Khan Mina, Kabul
         Tel:   [phone] or 62436 (Saturday-Wednesday workweek)  BANGLADESH:
    U.S. Embassy, Adamjee Court Bldg. (5th Fl.),
        Motijheel Commercial Area, GPO Box 323, Ramna,
        Dhaka
        Tel:  [phone] and 235081/9
        Telex:   642319  AEDKA BJ (Workweek:   Sunday-Thursday).   PEOPLE'S
    REPUBLIC OF CHINA (Tibet):
        U.S. Consulate General, Jinjiang Hotel, 180 Renmin
        Rd., Chengdu, Sichuan
        Tel: [phone]
        Telex:   ACGCH  CN  60128 INDIA: New Delhi:  U.S.  Embassy,  Shanti
    Path,
        Chanakyapuri 110021
        Tel: [phone]
        Telex:  031-65269 USEM IN Bombay:  U.S. Consulate General,  Lincoln
    House,
        78 Bhulabhai Desai Rd. 400026
        Tel: [phone]
        Telex: 011-75425 ACON IN Calcutta:  U.S. Consulate General, 5/1  Ho
    Chi Minh
        Sarani 700071
        Tel: [phone]
        Telex:  021-2483 Madras:  U.S. Consulate General, Mount Rd. 600006
        Tel:   [phone] or 477542 MALDIVES:  (See Sri Lanka)  NEPAL:
    U.S. Embassy, Pani Pokhari, Kathmandu
        Tel: [phone], 412718, or 411601
        Telex:   NP 2381 AEKTM PAKISTAN:  (All posts  have  Sunday-Thursday
    workweek) Islamabad:  U.S. Embassy, Diplomatic Enclave, Ramna 5
        Tel:  [phone]
        Telex:  825-864 Karachi:  U.S. Consulate General, 8 Abdullah Haroon
    Rd.
        Tel:  [phone]
        Telex:  822-611 Lahore:  U.S. Consulate General, 50 Zafar Ali Rd.,
        Gulberg 5
         Tel:   (92)(42)  870221/5 Peshawar:  U.S. Consulate,  11  Hospital
    Road
        Tel:  [phone]
        Telex:  52-364 SRI LANKA:  U.  S. Embassy, 210 Galle Rd. (P.O.  Box
    106),
        Colombo 3
        Tel:  [phone]
        Telex:  21305 AMEMB CE




#ENDCARD
#CARD:Consular Topics:South/Central America travel

(Consular Affairs Topics)


    Tips for Travelers to Central and South America

    Argentina,  Belize,  Bolivia,  Brazil,  Chile,  Colombia,  Costa  Rica,
    Ecuador,  El  Salvador,  French Guiana,  Guatemala,  Guyana,  Honduras,
    Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Uruguay, Venezuela

    Travelers  to  Central  and South America  are  usually  welcomed  with
    courtesy and warmth.  There is great diversity in the region - you  can
    visit  some of the largest cities in the world as well as some  of  the
    most unspoiled primitive environments.  You can have a wonderful  trip;
    however, there are some precautions to take.

    [Please  note  that travel to Mexico and the Caribbean  is  covered  in
    separate publications.  See the last page of this pamphlet.]

    Travel Advisories

    The  Department  of State issues travel advisories  concerning  serious
    health  or security conditions that may affect U.S. citizens.   Current
    advisories  are available at the 13 regional passport agencies  in  the
    United  States  and  from the Citizens  Emergency  Center,  Room  4811,
    Department   of   State,  Washington,   D.C.   20520,   (202-647-5225).
    Advisories are also available at U.S. embassies and consulates abroad.

    At  time of publication, travel advisories are in effect for  Columbia,
    El   Salvador,  Guatemala,  Honduras,  Nicaragua,  Panama,  Peru,   and
    Suriname.   Some  of  the  dangers  covered  in  these  advisories  are
    guerrilla  or terrorist activity, banditry, and areas under control  of
    narcotics  producers.   If you plan travel to one of  these  countries,
    check  with the Emergency Center or the nearest passport agency to  see
    if a travel advisory is still in effect.

    As  you travel, keep abreast of local news coverage.  If you plan  more
    than  a  short stay in one place, if you plan travel to an  area  where
    communications  are poor, or if you are in an area  experiencing  civil
    unrest  or some natural disaster, you are encouraged to  register  with
    the  nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.  Registration takes only a  few
    moments, and it may be invaluable in case of an emergency.  Remember to
    leave  a detailed itinerary and your passport number with a  friend  or
    relative in the United States.

    Getting In and Out

    All Central and South American countries except Guatemala require  U.S.
    citizens  to have a valid U.S. passport.  (Guatemala requires proof  of
    U.S.  citizenship  such  as a birth  certificate  or  passport.)   Visa
    requirements  for  U.S. citizens vary from country  to  country:   some
    countries do not require a visa for a tourist stay of 90 days or  less;
    some only require that a tourist card be obtained at an airline  office
    or at the destination airport; other countries require you to obtain  a
    visa  in advance from their embassy or consulate.  Some countries  have
    additional  entry  requirements such as proof of  sufficient  funds  or
    proof of onward or return tickets.

    In  addition,  all South American countries and most  Central  American
    countries  require  a  departure  tax.   If  you  are  departing  to  a
    neighboring country, the tax may be small, but, if you are returning to
    the  U.S.,  the tax could be as high as $20 per person,  regardless  of
    age.   Be sure to have enough money at the end of your trip to be  able
    to get on the plane!

    For   authoritative   information  on  a  country's  entry   and   exit
    requirements,  contact  its embassy or consulate (see list  of  foreign
    missions  at  the end of pamphlet).  When you make your  inquires,  ask
    about:

    o    where to obtain a tourist card or visa;

    o    visa price, length of validity, and number of entries;

    o    financial requirements--proof of sufficient funds, proof of
          onward or return ticket;

    o    special requirements for children traveling alone or with
          only one parent (see below);

    o    yellow fever immunization or other health requirements;

    o     currency  regulations--how much local or dollar  currency  can  be
    brought in or out;

    o    export/import restrictions; and

    o    departure tax--how much and who must pay.

    Restrictions on Minors

    Many countries impose restrictions on minor children who travel  alone,
    with only one parent, or with someone who is not their parent.  A child
    must  present written authorization for travel from the absent  parent,
    parents,  or legal guardian.  If the parent or guardian traveling  with
    the child is the sole custodian, the court order granting custody  may,
    in some cases, serve as the authorization document.

    If  any  of  this applies to you, inquire about the  following  at  the
    embassy or consulate of the country your child plans to visit:

    o     the  age of majority at which the restriction  no  longer  applies
    (e.g., age 15 in Argentina, age 18 in Brazil);

    o    the type of document that can overcome the restriction (e.g., court
    order, statement of absent parent or parents);

    o    whether notarizing the document is sufficient or if it must also be
    authenticated by the country's embassy or consulate;

    o    whether the document must be translated.

    Note:   in  Brazil,  a child may travel with  its  father  without  the
    mother's  authorization,  but, if traveling alone or with  its  mother,
    must have notarized authorization from its father.  In Brazil, a  woman
    may  authorize a child's travel only when she is the sole legal  parent
    or guardian.

    Bringing a Car

    If  you plan to drive to Central or South America, contact the  embassy
    or  consulate  of  each  country you plan to visit  to  learn  what  is
    required  for  entry  and  exit by  private  car.   Besides  title  and
    ownership,  at  most borders you will need to show  insurance  coverage
    effective  for  the country you are entering.  If your  U.S.  insurance
    does not cover you abroad, you can usually purchase insurance when  you
    enter a country.  In some countries, if you are involved in an accident
    that causes injury, you will automatically be taken into police custody
    until  it  can  be determined who is liable and whether  you  have  the
    insurance or financial ability to pay any judgment.
     There  may  also  be criminal liability assigned if  the  injuries  or
    damages are serious.

    If  you are a visitor, you will not ordinarily have to pay import  duty
    on  your  car,  but you may have to post a bond  or  otherwise  satisfy
    customs  officials that you will not sell or dispose of the vehicle  in
    the  country.   To  enter  some  countries,  you  must  have  your  car
    documented at the embassy or consulate of the country before you  leave
    home.   Before you get behind the wheel, be sure you are in  compliance
    with the automobile import regulations of your destination countries.

    U.S. Wildlife Regulations

    Endangered species and products made from them may not be brought  into
    the  United States.  The penalty is confiscation and a  possible  fine.
    These   items  are  prohibited  from  import:   virtually   all   birds
    originating  in  Brazil, Ecuador, Paraguay, and  Venezuela;  furs  from
    spotted  cats; most lizardskin products from Brazil and Paraguay;  many
    snakeskin  products from Brazil, Ecuador, and Paraguay; skins from  the
    Orinoco crocodile; and all sea turtle products.

    Shopping for Antiquities

    Most  countries  in  Central and South America control  the  export  of
    objects from their pre-Columbian and colonial heritage.  Some countries
    claim  ownership  of  all  such material and  consider  the  export  of
    antiques,  without  the permission of the government, to be an  act  of
    theft.   In  addition, under U.S. law, importers of  all  pre-Columbian
    monumental   and   architectrual   sculpture,   murals,   and   certain
    archaeological and ethnological materials are required to provide proof
    to  the U.S. Customs Service that these artifacts are legally  exported
    from the country of origin.  Beware of purchasing artifacts unless they
    are accompanied by an export permit issued by the government of origin.

    Health

    Information  on health precautions for travelers can be  obtained  from
    local  health  departments,  the U.S. Public  Health  Service,  private
    doctors, or travel clinics.  General guidance can also be found in  the
    U.S.  Public Health Service book, Health Information for  International
    Travel,  available for $4.75 from the U.S. Government Printing  Office,
    Washington, D.C. 20402.

    Depending on your destination, immunization may be recommended  against
    diphtheria,  tetanus,  hepatitis, polio, rabies,  typhoid,  and  yellow
    fever.

    Malaria  is found in rural areas of every country in the region  except
    Chile and Uruguay.  Malaria prophylaxis and mosquito avoidance measures
    are recommended.  If possible, avoid contact with mosquitoes from  dusk
    to  dawn  by wearing long clothing, using insect repellent  on  exposed
    skin, using a flying insect spray in living and sleeping quarters,  and
    using  a bed net.  Prophylaxis should begin 2 weeks before going to  an
    area where malaria is endemic and should continue for at least 4  weeks
    after  leaving.   Chloroquine is the malaria  prophylaxis  most  easily
    tolerated  by  humans.  However, malaria resistant to  chloroquine  has
    been  reported  in  an  area beginning east of  the  Panama  Canal  and
    extending  through  northern South America as far south as  the  Amazon
    Basin.   If  you plan to visit this area, consult a medical  expert  to
    work  out  an additional prophylaxis.  Malaria may at  times,  however,
    break  through  any drug or drug combination.  If you  develop  chills,
    fever,  and headaches while taking a malaria prophylaxis, seek  medical
    attention  promptly.  Early treatment of malaria can be effective,  but
    delaying therapy could have serious consequences.

    Mosquito  avoidance  measures,  if used day and night,  may  also  help
    prevent  other less prevalent insect-borne diseases found in  parts  of
    Central  and  South  America such as  Chagas'  disease,  dengue  fever,
    leishmaniasis, and yellow fever.

    Throughout  most  of Central and South America, fruits  and  vegetables
    should  be  washed  with care and meats  and  fish  thoroughly  cooked.
    Problems of food contamination are less prevalent in Argentina,  Chile,
    and  Uruguay,  and tapwater is potable in those  countries.   Elsewhere
    water  is  generally  not potable and should be  boiled  or  chemically
    treated.  Diarrhea caused by contaminated food or water is  potentially
    serious.  If it persists, seek medical attention.

    Certain  beaches  in the region, including some at Lima and at  Rio  de
    Janeiro,  are  dangerously polluted.  Avoid swimming  at  beaches  that
    might  be contaminated with human sewage or dog feces.  Avoid  swimming
    in  fresh water in the areas where schistosomiasis is  found:   Brazil,
    Suriname, and north-central Venezuela.

    Visitors in the Andes may experience symptoms of altitude sickness such
    as insomnia, headache, and nausea.  If you become sick, wait until your
    symptoms  disappear  before  you attempt to  go  higher.   Mountaineers
    should  learn  about the symptoms of high altitude pulmonary  edema,  a
    condition that is fatal unless remedied by immediate descent.

    Another  hazard of high altitudes is sunburn.  Exposure to  ultraviolet
    radiation  increases not only as you approach the equator, but also  as
    you ascend in altitude.  Sunscreens may help prevent this.

    Safety Tips - Crime

    Like  many large cities throughout the world, major cities  in  Central
    and   South  American  experience  assaults,  robberies,  and   thefts.
    Visitors should take common sense precautions:

    o     Safety  begins  when you pack.  Leave  expensive  jewelry  behind.
    Dress  conservatively; a flashy wardrobe or one that is too casual  can
    mark  you  as  a  tourist.  Use  travelers  checks,  not  cash.   Leave
    photocopies  of  your passport personal information page  and  of  your
    airline tickets with someone at home and carry an extra set with you.

    o     In a car, keep doors locked, windows rolled up, and valuables  out
    of sight.  A common trick is for a thief to reach through a car  window
    and  grab a watch from a person's wrist or a purse or package from  the
    seat while you are driving slowly or stopped in traffic.

    o     When you leave your car, try to find a guarded parking  lot,  lock
    the car, and keep valuables out of sight.

    o     When  walking, avoid marginal areas of cities,  dark  alleys,  and
    crowds.  Avoid being stopped or approached on the street by  strangers,
    including  street vendors and beggars.  Be aware that women  and  small
    children  as well as men can be pickpockets or purse  snatchers.   Keep
    your  billfold in an inner front pocket, keep your hand on your  purse,
    and wear the shoulderstap of your camera or bag across your chest.   To
    guard against thieves on motorcycles, walk away from the curb, carrying
    your purse away from the street.

    o     Do  not  travel  alone when you can avoid it.   If  you  visit  an
    isolated area, go with a group or a reputable guide.

    o    Avoid travel at night.

    o    Do not take valuables to the beach.

    Any U.S. citizen who is criminally assaulted should report the incident
    to the local police and to the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.

    Safety Tips - Civil Unrest

    Several   countries  in  Central  and  South  America  have  areas   of
    instability  or  war  zones that are  off-limits  to  visitors  without
    special permits.  Others have simlar areas that are open but surrounded
    by  security check points where travelers must show their  passport  or
    tourist  card.  Always carry your papers with you, and do not  overstay
    the validity of your visa or tourist card.

    Avoid public demonstrations.  American citizens have been arrested when
    local  authorities  have  thought  they  were  participating  in  civil
    demonstrations.

    Drug Offenses

    Most Central and South American countries strictly enforce laws against
    the  use, possession, and sale of narcotics.  Foreigners  arrested  for
    possession of even small amounts of narcotics are not deported, but are
    charged  and  tried as international traffickers.  There  is  no  bail,
    judicial  delays  are lengthy, and you can spend two to four  years  in
    prison awaiting trial and sentencing.  If you carry prescription drugs,
    keep them in their original container clearly labeled with the doctor's

    name,  pharmacy, and contents.  In addition, check with the embassy  of
    the  country  you plan to visit for specific customs  requirements  for
    prescription drugs.

    Photography

    Be  cautious  when  taking  pictures.   Frequently  local   authorities
    consider  all  airports,  police  stations,  military  locations,   oil
    installations,  harbors,  mines,  and bridges to  be  security-related.
    Photography  of  demonstrations or civil disturbances is  also  usually
    prohibited.   Tourists  have had their film confiscated and  have  been
    detained, so, when in doubt, ask.

    Adopting a Child Abroad

    Because  of  continuing scandals over the illegal  activities  of  some
    adoption  agencies and attorneys both in the United States and  abroad,
    U.S. citizens have recently experienced difficulties when attempting to
    adopt children from Central or South America.  Several countries in the
    region  have either outlawed adoptions by foreigners or have  passed  a
    law requiring formal court adoption of the child in the country  before
    the  child  is permitted to immigrate to the United  States.   Although
    this  has  resulted in adoptions less likely to be  challenged  from  a
    legal  standpoint,  it has made the process more  difficult  and  time-
    consuming.

    Any  U.S.  citizen  interested in adopting a child from  a  country  in
    Central  or  South  America is encouraged to contact  either  the  U.S.
    embassy  in  the country, or, in the United States, the  Department  of
    State's  Office of Citizen Consular Services,  Inter-American  Division
    (telephone [phone]) to obtain information on the adoption  process
    in that country.

    Dual Nationality

    Some   countries  in  Central  and  South  America  do  not   recognize
    acquisition  of  U.S. citizenship unless the naturalized  U.S.  citizen
    renounces his or her original nationality at an embassy or consulate of
    the country of origin.
     A  person  born in the United States of a parent or parents  who  were
    citizens  of another country may also be considered by that country  to
    be  their  national.  If arrested, a dual national may  be  denied  the
    right  to  communicate  with the U.S. embassy  or  consulate.   Another
    consequence  could be having to serve in the military of  one's  former
    country.   If you are a naturalized U.S. citizen, a dual  national,  or
    have  any  reason  to  believe another country  may  consider  you  its
    national, check with the embassy of that country as to your citizenship
    status and any obligations you may have while visiting.  Dual nationals
    who have not researched their citizenship status before traveling  have
    sometimes,  to  their surprise, encountered difficulties, such  as  not
    being allowed to depart or being drafted for military service.

    Even  countries that recognize acquired U.S. citizenship  may  consider
    their  former citizens as having resumed original citizenship  if  they
    take up residence in their country of origin.  This can happen even  if
    the  embassy of the country stamps a visa in the U.S. passport  of  its
    former citizen.

    Dual nationals should also be aware that they may be required to use  a
    passport  from their country of origin in order to enter or leave  that
    country.   The U.S. government does not object to the use of a  foreign
    passport  in  such situations.  U.S. citizens may not, however,  use  a
    foreign passport to enter or leave the United States.

    If you have any questions about dual nationality, contact the Office of
    Citizens Consular Services, Room 4817, Department of State, Washington,
    D.C. 20520 (202-647-3712).

    Additional Information for Certain Countries

    Belize

    Belize  enforces a strict policy of refusing admittance to persons  who
    an immigration officer suspects of drug use.

    Brazil

    Obtain your visa in advance.  Brazilian immigration authorities do  not
    hestitate  to  require a traveler without a visa to leave on  the  next
    available flight.

    Street  crime can be a major problem in large cities in Brazil.   Guard
    against  it--see  "Safety  Tips"  on page   .  In  Sao  Paulo,  if  you
    encounter  difficulties or need emergency assistance, dial  1-0,  radio
    police  patrol, from any public telephone--no coin or token  is  needed
    for the call.

    Chile

    Anyone considering scientific, technical, or mountaineering expeditions
    to regions in Chile classified as frontier areas or to Antarctica  must
    apply for authorization to a Chilean embassy or consulate a minimum  of
    90 days prior to the beginning of the expedition.  The application will
    be   forwarded  to  the  Chilean  government  for  decision.    Chilean
    authorities  reserve  the  right to request  Chilean  participation  in
    foreign  expeditions, and require the submission of  a  post-expedition
    report on the activities undertaken and the results obtained.

    Foreign Embassies in the United States

    Embassy  of  Argentina  1600 New Hampshire Avenue,  NW  Washington,  DC
    20008 [phone]

    Embassy of Belize Suite 2J 3400 International Drive, NW Washington,  DC
    20008 [phone]

    Embassy  of Boliva 3014 Massachusetts Avenue, NW Washington, DC   20008
    [phone]

    Embassy  of Brazil 3006 Massachusetts Avenue, NW Washington, DC   20008
    [phone]

    Embassy  of Chile 1732 Massachusetts Avenue, NW Washington,  DC   20036
    [phone]

    Embassy  of Colombia 2118 Leroy Place, NW Washington, DC   20008  (202)
    387-8338

    Embassy of Costa Rica Suite 211 1825 Connecticut Avenue, NW Washington,
    DC  20009 [phone]

    Embassy  of  Ecuador 2535 15th Street, NW Washington, DC   20009  (202)
    234-7200

    Embassy of El Salvador 2308 California Street, NW Washington, DC  20008
    [phone]

    French Guiana: Embassy of France 4101 Reservoir Road, NW Washington, DC
    20007 [phone]

    Embassy of Guatemala 2220 R Street, NW Washington, DC  20008 (202) 745-
    4952

    Embassy of Guyana 2490 Tracy Place, NW Washington, DC  20008 (202) 265-
    6900

    Embassy  of Honduras Suite 100 4301 Connecticut Avenue, NW  Washington,
    DC  20008 [phone]

    Embassy  of  Nicaragua  1627 New Hampshire Avenue,  NW  Washington,  DC
    20009 [phone]

    Embassy  of Panama 2862 McGill Terrace, NW Washington, DC  20008  (202)
    483-1407

    Embassy of Paraguay 2400 Massachusetts Aveneu, NW Washington, DC  20008
    [phone]

    Embassy  of  Peru 1700 Massachusetts Avenue, NW Washington,  DC   20036
    [phone]

    Embassy  of Suriname Suite 108 4301 Connecticut Avenue, NW  Washington,
    DC  20008 [phone]

    Embassy  of Uruguay 1918 F Street, NW Washington, DC  20006 (202)  331-
    1313

    Embassy  of  Venezuela  2445 Massachusetts Avenue,  NW  Washington,  DC
    20008 [phone]

    U.S. Embassies and Consulates Abroad

    Note:    APO and FPO addresses may only be used for mail originating
    in  the  United  States.  When you use an APO or FPO  address,  do  not
    include the local street address.

    ARGENTINA  American  Embassy  4300 Colombia,  1425  Buenos  Aires  Tel:
    (54)(1) 774-7611 Telex:  18156 USICA AR

    Mailing address:
        American Embassy Buenos Aires
        APO Miami 34034

    BELIZE  American  Embassy Gabourel Lane and Hutson Street  Belize  City
    Tel:  [phone] Telex:  213 AMEMBASSY BZ

    BOLIVIA American Embassy Banco Popular Del Peru Bldg.  Corner of Calles
    Mercado and Colon La Paz Tel: [phone] Telex:  AMEMB BV 3268

    Mailing address:
        American Embassy La Paz
        APO Miami 34032

    BRAZIL  American  Embassy  Avenida das Nocoes,  Lote  3  Brasilia  Tel:
    (55)(6) 321-7272 Telex: 061-1091

    Mailing address:
        American Embassy Brasilia
        APO Miami 34030

    American Consulate General Avenida Presidente Wilson 147 Rio de Janeiro
    Tel: [phone] Telex: AMCONSUL 21-22831

    Mailing address:
        American Consulate General Rio de Janeiro
        APO Miami 34030

    American  Consulate General Rua Padre Joao Manoel, 933 Sao  Paulo  Tel:
    (55)(11) 881-6511 Telex: 11-31574

    Mailing address:
        American Consulate General Sao Paulo
        APO Miami 34030

    American Consulate Rua Coronel Genuino, 421 (9th Fl.) Porto Alegre Tel:
    (55)(512) 26-4288 Telex: 051-2292 CGEU BR

    Mailing address:
        American Consulate Porto Alegre
        APO Miami 34030

    American  Consulate Rua Goncalves Maia, 163 Recife Tel:  (55)(81)  221-
    1412 Telex: 081-1190

    Mailing address:
        American Consulate Recife
        APO Miami 34030

    CHILE  American  Embassy  Codina Bldg., 1343  Agustinas  Santiago  Tel:
    (56)(2) 710133 Telex: 240062-USA-CL

    Mailing address:
        American Embassy Santiago
        APO Miami 34033

    COLOMBIA  American Embassy Calle 38, No. 8-61 Bogota Tel: (57)(1)  285-
    1300 Telex: 44843

    Mailing address:
        American Embassy Bogota
        APO Miami 34038

    American  Consulate  Calle  77 Carrera 68  Centro  Comercial  Mayorista
    Barranquilla Tel: [phone] Telex: 33482 AMCO CO

    Mailing address:
        American Consulate Barranquilla
        APO Miami 34038

    COSTA  RICA American Embassy Avenida 3 and Calle I San Jose Tel:  (506)
    331-155

    Mailing address:
        American Embassy San Jose
        APO Miami 34020

    ECUADOR  American Embassy Avenida 12 de Octubre y Avenida Patria  Quito
    Tel: [phone]

    Mailing address:
        American Embassy Quito
        APO Miami 34039

    American Consulate General 9 de Octubre y Garcia Moreno Guayaquil  Tel:
    (593)(4) 323-570 Telex: 04-3452 USICAG ED

    Mailing address:
        American Consulate General Guayaquil
        APO Miami 34039

    EL  SALVADOR  American Embassy 25 Avenida Norte No. 1230  San  Salvador
    Tel: [phone]

    Mailing Address:
        American Embassy San Salvador
        APO Miami 34023

    FRENCH  GUIANA American Consulate General 14 Rue Blenac B.P. 561  Fort-
    de-France 97206 Martinique Tel: [phone] Telex: 912670; 912315 MR

    GUATEMALA  American  Embassy  7-01  Avenida  de  la  Reforma,  Zone  10
    Guatemala Tel: [phone]

    Mailing Address:
        American Embassy Guatemala
        APO Miami 34024

    GUYANA American Embassy 31 Main Street Georgetown Tel: [phone]-
    9 Telex: 213 AMEMSY GY

    HONDURAS American Embassy Avenido La Paz Tegucigalpa Tel: [phone]

    Mailing Address:
        American Embassy Tegucigalpa
        APO Miami 34022

    NICARAGUA  American  Embassy  Km.  4-1/2  Carretera  Sur  Managua  Tel:
    (505)(2) 66010

    Mailing Address:
        American Embassy Managua
        APO Miami 34021

    PANAMA  American  Embassy Apartado 6959 Panama 5 Rep.  de  Panama  Tel:
    (507) 27-1777

    Mailing Address:
        American Embassy Panama
        APO Miami 34002

    PARAGUAY  American Embassy 1776 Mariscal Loipez Avenida  Asuncion  Tel:
    (595)(21) 201-041

    Mailing Address:
        American Embassy Asuncion
        APO Miami 34036-0001

    PERU   American  Embassy  Consular  Section  Grimaldo  Del  Solar   346
    Miraflores Lima 18 Lima Tel: [phone] Telex: 25028PE USCOMATT

    Mailing Address:
        American Embassy Lima
        APO Miami 34031

    SURINAME American Embassy Dr. Sophie Redmondstraat 129 Paramaribo  Tel:
    (597) 72900 Telex: 373 AMEMSU SN

    URAGUAY American Embassy Lauro Muller 1776 Montevideo Tel: (598)(2) 40-
    90-51

    Mailing Address:
        American Embassy Montevideo
        APO Miami 34035

    VENEZUELA  American  Embassy  Avenida Francisco de  Miranda  y  Avenida
    Principal  de  la Floresta Caracas Tel: [phone]  Telex:  25501
    AMEMB VE

    Mailing Address:
        American Embassy Caracas
        APO Miami 34037

    American  Consulate Edificio Sofimara, Piso 3 Calle 77 Con  Avenida  13
    Maracaibo Tel: [phone] Telex: 62213 USCON VE

    Mailing Address:
        American Consulate Maracaibo
        APO Miami 34037



#ENDCARD
#CARD:Consular Topics:Sub-Saharan travel
(Consular Affairs Topics)


    TIPS FOR TRAVELERS TO SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA

    General Information

    Your  trip  to Africa will be an adventure off the  beaten  path.   The
    estimated  90,000  U.S citizens who travel to sub-Saharan  Africa  each
    year  are only a fraction of the more than 40 million Americans who  go
    overseas annually.

    The  Department  of  State seeks  to  encourage  international  travel.
    Conditions  and  customs in sub-Saharan Africa, however,  can  contrast
    sharply with what you are used to.  These pages contain advice to  help
    you  avoid inconvenience and difficulties as you go.  Take  our  advice
    seriously  but do not let it keep you at home.  Africans are  happy  to
    share not just their scenery, but their culture and traditions as well.

    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.
    Another  source  is the Department of State's Background  Notes  series
    which  includes a pamphlet for each country in Africa.  You  may  order
    the  pamphlets for $2 each from the Superintendent of  Documents,  U.S.
    Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402.

    This  brochure covers all of Africa except the five  nations  bordering
    the  Mediterranean.   Sub-Saharan  Africa includes  46  nations  and  1
    territory,  Namibia.   Forty of these nations and Namibia  are  on  the
    mainland.   In  addition, four island nations in the  southwest  Indian
    Ocean  (Madagascar, 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 travel tips  for
    the  five  northern  African nations, see "Tips for  Travelers  to  the
    Middle East and North Africa."


    TRAVEL ADVISORIES

    The  Department  of State issues travel advisories  concerning  serious
    health  or security conditions which may affect U.S. citizens.  If  you
    are  traveling  to  areas of Africa where  security  conditions  are  a
    concern,  you may wish to inquire whether an advisory is in effect  for
    the country you plan to visit.  Current advisories are available at the
    13  regional passport agencies in the United States, at U.S.  embassies
    or  consulates  abroad, and from the Citizens  Emergency  Center,  Room
    4811, Department of State, Washington, D.C.  20520 (202/647-5225).

    As you travel, keep abreast of local news coverage.  If you plan a long
    stay  in  one place or if you are in an area where  communications  are
    poor or that is experiencing civil unrest or some natural disaster, you
    are encouraged to register with the nearest U.S. embassy or  consulate.
    Remember to leave a detailed itinerary with a friend or relative in the
    United States in case of an emergency.


    HEALTH

    Health  problems  affect  more  visitors  to  Africa  than  any   other
    difficulty.   Information  on health precautions can be  obtained  from
    local  health  departments,  the U.S. Public  Health  Service,  private
    doctors, or travel clinics.
     General  guidance can also be found in the U.S. Public Health  Service
    book, Health Information for International Travel, available for  $4.75
    from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing  Office,
    Washington,  D.C. 20402.  Depending on your  destination,  immunization
    may  be  recommended against cholera,  diptheria,  tetanus,  hepatitis,
    meningitis, polio, typhoid, and yellow fever.

    Malaria  is  found  in at least part of every  country  of  sub-Saharan
    Africa  except Cape Verde and Lesotho.  Falciparum, the malignant  form
    of  malaria,  is present in most sub-Saharan  malaria  areas.   Malaria
    prophylaxis  and  mosquito  avoidance  measures  are  recommended.   If
    possible,  avoid contact with mosquitoes from dusk to dawn  by  wearing
    long  clothing,  using insect repellent on exposed skin,  and  using  a
    flying insect spray in living and sleeping quarters.
     Prophylaxis  should  begin  two weeks before going to  an  area  where
    malaria  is  endemic  and should continue for at least  4  weeks  after
    leaving  the area.  Chloroquine is the malaria prophylaxis most  easily
    tolerated by humans.
     However,  in  much  of Africa, mosquitoes are  becoming  resistant  to
    chloroquine.   If  you  are going to an area where  mosquitoes  may  be
    chloroquine-resistant,  consult  a  medical  expert  for  an  alternate
    prophylactic  regimen.    Even  if you  take  appropriate  prophylaxis,
    malaria sometimes breaks through any drug or drug combination.   Should
    you  develop  chills, fever, and headaches  while  taking  antimalarial
    drugs, promptly seek medical attention.

    Sleeping  sickness,  borne by the tsetse fly, is generally not  a  high
    risk  for  international  travelers.  However, you may be  at  risk  in
    certain game parks and savannah regions.  These insects bite in the day
    and are attracted by movement and bright colors.  Insect repellent  and
    long   clothing  that  blends  with  the  background  environment   are
    recommended.  Insect repellent also provides protection against  ticks.
    If  you are going into wooded areas where ticks might be  present,  use
    repellent,  wear close fitting clothes, and search your body for  ticks
    afterwards.

    Schistosomiasis  (or bilharzia) is found throughout sub-Saharan  Africa
    except in Cape Verde, Lesotho, and the Seychelles.  These parasites can
    penetrate unbroken skin and are best avoided by not swimming or  wading
    in  fresh water.  Safe and effective oral drugs are available to  treat
    schistosomiasis.

    Some countries have shortages of medicines; bring an adequate supply of
    any prescription and over-the-counter medicines that you are accustomed
    to   taking.   Keep  all  prescriptions  in  their  original,   labeled
    containers.

    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  recommended  local hospitals  and  English-speaking  doctors.
    Consular officers can also 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.  If your policy does not provide medical  coverage
    overseas, consider buying supplemental insurance.  It is also advisable
    to obtain insurance to cover the exorbitant cost of medical  evacuation
    in the event of a medical emergency.

    Except  in  first-class  hotels, drink only  boiled  water  or  bottled
    beverages.   Avoid  ice  cubes.   Unless  you  are  certain  they   are
    pasteurized,  avoid  dairy products.  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.  Diarrhea caused by  eating
    contaminated food or drinking impure water is potentially very serious.
    If it persists, seek medical attention.

    An   increasing  number  of  countries  have  established   regulations
    regarding  AIDS  testing,  particularly  for  long-term  residents  and
    students.  Check with the embassy or consulate of the country you  plan
    to visit for up-to-date information.


    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, and if  possible,  you
    should  plan  your trip in the cooler months.  If  traveling  to  rural
    areas,  avoid  the rainy months which generally run  from  May  through
    October, since roads may be washed out.


    VISA AND OTHER ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

    A 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.
    If  you  decide  to  visit additional countries en  route,  it  may  be
    difficult  or impossible to obtain visas.  In most  African  countries,
    you  will not be admitted into the country and will have to  depart  on
    the next plane,if you arrive without a visa.  This can be  inconvenient
    if the next plane does not arrive in 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   Visa  Requirements,"  gives  basic  information   on   entry
    requirements and tells where and how to apply for visas.  You can order
    a  copy  for  $.50 from the Consumer Information  Center,  Dept.  438T,
    Pueblo, Colorado 81009.

    Allow  plenty of time to apply for visas.  An average of two weeks  for
    each visa is recommended.  Before you apply, check the following:

    o  visa price, length of validity, and number of entries;

    o  financial data required - proof of sufficient funds, proof
       of onward/return ticket;

    o  immunizations required;

    o  currency regulations;

    o  import/export restrictions; and

    o  departure tax.  If required, be sure to keep sufficient
       hard currency so that you may leave the country on schedule.

    o  AIDS clearance certification.  Some countries require
       travelers to submit certification or be tested upon
       arrival for AIDS.

    Some  African  countries  will refuse to admit you if  you  have  South
    African visas or entry and exit stamps in your passports.  If you  have
    such  notations  in  your passport or plan to  visit  South  Africa  in
    conjunction  with  a trip to other countries, contact a  U.S.  passport
    agency for guidance.


    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.   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.  At night, turn on the interior light of
    the  car.   In areas of instability, however, try to  avoid  travel  at
    night.   For information on restricted areas and security  risk  areas,
    consult Department of State travel advisories (see p. 1) or, if you are
    already in Africa, the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.

    In  some areas, when U.S. citizens are arrested or detained, police  or
    prison  officials have failed to inform the U.S. embassy or  consulate.
    If  you  are  ever detained for any reason, ask to  talk  with  a  U.S.
    consular officer.


    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  the  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.  Once overseas, you  are
    subject to the laws of the country you are in; 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 retain 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.


    U.S. WILDLIFE REGULATIONS

    The  United  States prohibits the import of  products  from  endangered
    species,  including  the  furs  of  any  spotted  cats.   Most  African
    countries  have  enacted  laws protecting wildlife,  but  poaching  and
    illegal  trafficking in wildlife are still commonplace.   By  importing
    products made from endangered species, you risk seizure of the  product
    and  a possible fine.  African ivory can be imported legally, but  much
    of what is offered for sale is illegal.  If you do decide to buy  ivory
    products,  your chances of making legal purchases are increased if  you
    obtain a government export permit with each purchase.

    The import of some types of parrots and other wild birds from Africa is
    generally legal but is subject to licensing and other controls.   There
    are  also  restrictions  which  require  the  birds  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,
    consult TRAFFIC (U.S.A.), World Wildlife Fund--U.S., 1250 24th  Street,
    N.W., Washington, D.C.  20037.


    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 cancelled 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.  All problems cannot be avoided,  but
    you can:

    --     Learn the reputation of the airline and the airports you will  use
    to forestall problems and avoid any unpleasant surprises.

    --    When possible, reserve your return passage before you go; 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 youself
    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 photogenic 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  photographs
    without prior permission can result in your arrest or the  confiscation
    of your film.


    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 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, or disrupted by floods in the rainy season.


    SPECIFIC COUNTRY INFORMATION


    Angola.  Individuals arriving in Angola without a visa may be arrested.
    Foreigners  are  restricted to certain areas  and  should  scrupulously
    follow  Angolan laws and regulations.  Shortages of  medical  services,
    food,  and  consumer  goods as well as  disruptions  in  utilities  are
    commonplace.

    The  United States does not maintain diplomatic relation  with  Angola.
    There is no U.S. embassy in Luanda, and the United States Government is
    not in a position to accord normal consular protective services to U.S.
    citizens who travel to Angola.

    Travel  to  Angola  is considered dangerous.  Although  travel  in  the
    capital city of Luanda is relatively safe, travel by road, rail, or air
    within  Angola  is unsafe due to the possibility  of  guerilla  attack.
    UNITA has publicly warned that it cannot be responsible for the  safety
    of foreigners who live or travel in contested areas, or for the  timely
    release of foreigners captured by UNITA.


    Benin.  (formerly Dahomey)  Photography of the Presidential Palace  and
    military  and economic facilities is strictly prohibited.   During  the
    rainy  season many roads are impassable.  Credit cards are accepted  at
    only one major hotel in Cotonou.  Big game hunting must be licensed and
    game trophies cannot be exported without a permit.  Big game hunting is
    sometimes suspended.  Check with the Benin authorities before traveling
    or with the U.S. Embassy when you arrive for further details.


    Botswana.   No visa is needed for a visit of up to 90 days.  Tap  water
    is  potable  in  major towns.  Travelers may  be  stopped  at  roadside
    checkpoints.   Consumables,  medicines, and gas are all  imported  from
    South Africa and are not in short supply.


    Burkina   Faso.   (formerly  Upper  Volta)   Travelers  must  stop   at
    occasional police roadblocks or other checkpoints.  A government permit
    is required for photography, particularly in cities.


    Burundi.   Travelers  are urged to obtain a visa in  advance  to  avoid
    delays  upon  arrival.   Because  tourist  accommodations  are  limited
    outside   Bujumbura,  make  reservations  well  in  advance.    Medical
    facilities  are  also limited and some consumer goods may be  in  short
    supply.


    Cameroon.  Airport security is stringent and visitors may be subject to
    baggage searches.  Cameroon has a good domestic transportation  system.
    Roadside  security checkpoints are maintained on all major  roads.   Be
    sure  to carry your passport and a valid visa with you at all times  in
    case you are stopped.


    Cape  Verde.   These  rugged volcanic islands  have  a  dry,  temperate
    climate.  Tourist facilities are limited.


    Central  African Republic.  Emergency medical care is inadequate.   The
    tap water is not potable, but bottled water is available.  Confirm your
    onward flights before you arrive because confirmation is difficult once
    in  the country.  Do not display or use photographic equipment  without
    permission from the Ministry of Information.  Roads often flood in  the
    rainy season, from May through October.

    Chad.   Government permits are required for photography and for  travel
    outside  N'Djamena.   Several former combat zones in  the  country  are
    still  heavily mined.  Travel in most parts of southern Chad  is  safe,
    although the roads are poor and facilities are limited.  Upon  arrival,
    consult the U.S. Embassy for a situation report on current conditions.


    Comoros.   Visas  are issued at the airport upon arrival, and  an  exit
    permit is required for departure.  Visitors must have an  onward/return
    ticket.


    Congo.   Visa applicants must show that they have a hotel  reservation,
    an  invitation from a relative or friend in the Congo, or, if  visiting
    on  business,  documentation of their business status.   To  cross  the
    Congo River by ferry from Brazzaville to Kinshasa, you need a visa  for
    Zaire  and  a  special  permit  issued  by  the  Embassy  of  Zaire  in
    Brazzaville.   Photography  of  public buildings  or  installations  is
    restricted.


    Cote  D'Ivoire.   Visitors arriving without a visa are not  allowed  to
    enter  the  country.   A good network of paved roads  links  all  major
    towns.   Unpaved roads are dusty in the dry season and slippery in  the
    rainy season.  Metered taxis and rental cars are available.


    Djibouti.  Visas must be obtained before arrival.  Outside the capital,
    there  is only one surfaced road.  For travel inside the country,  take
    an experienced guide and use a vehicle equipped for rough terrain.


    Equatorial Guinea.  Two photos must be submitted to airport authorities
    upon  arrival.   Visitors should carry passport-size  photographs  with
    them  since it may be difficult to find a photographer  after  arrival.
    Visas must be obtained in advance.

    Medical facilities are limited, and there are no dentists or  opticians
    in the country.  Water is not potable and many visitors bring their own
    bottled  water.   Consumer  goods are  in  short  supply.   Snorkeling,
    boating  and  fishing  are available, but  bring  your  own  equipment.
    Tourist facilities are limited.


    Ethiopia.  Airlines and hotels do not usually accept credit cards.  All
    bills must be paid in cash or travelers checks.

    For  travel  outside  Shoa province, you must have a  permit  from  the
    National  Tourist Organization (NTO).  Permits are not always  granted.
    Many  areas  of  the country are off-limits  to  foreigners.   The  NTO
    generally  requires tourists traveling outside of Addis Ababa  to  take
    along,  and pay the expenses of, an NTO guide.  Travel within  Ethiopia
    may involve serious inconvenience and/or danger.  The civil war between
    the Ethiopian regime and rebels continues in the Northern provinces and
    the  famine in those areas and others poses problems for travelers.   A
    midnight  to 5 a.m. curfew is in effect in Addis Ababa and  most  other
    urban areas.

    Certain  buildings and public places may not be photographed.   Consult
    your  NTO  guide or another authority before using either a  camera  or
    binoculars  in  Ethiopia.  To import a video camera, you  must  have  a
    permit  in  advance  and be prepared for a  delay  and  questioning  at
    customs,  both on arrival and departure.  A permit is also required  to
    export antiques and animal skins.  It is not unusual for foreigners and
    their Ethiopian acquaintances to be stopped by government officials and
    questioned.


    Gabon.   Visas  must be obtained before  arrival.   Travelers  arriving
    without  a visa may be detained by airport officials or confined in  an
    airport jail.

    Taxis  are  plentiful  along major routes  in  Libreville.   There  are
    roadblock  checkpoints in Libreville and between towns.  Train  service
    is  available  between  Libreville  and Franceville  and  there  is  an
    extensive domestic airline network.


    Gambia.  Tourist facilities are good, but unpaved roads in the city and
    surrounding  areas make travel difficult, especially during  the  rainy
    season from May through September.  Tap water is potable, but boiled or
    bottled water is recommended outside of Banjul.


    Ghana.   Ghana has strict laws on currency exchange, and on the  import
    and export of gold, diamonds, and other natural resources.  Attempts to
    evade  these regulations are punishable by a 3 to 7-year  prison  term.
    Before  conducting any business transactions, visitors  should  contact
    the  commercial and consular sections at the U.S. Embassy in Accra  for
    specific  advice.   Smuggling is a serious crime in Ghana  and  airport
    officials have the authority to conduct body searches.  If detained for
    any reason, request that the American Embassy be notified.

    There  are  roadblock  checkpoints  where  automobiles  and   sometimes
    passengers  may be searched.  Use cameras cautiously.  Possession of  a
    camera  in some areas is considered suspicious.  Individuals have  been
    arrested for taking pictures near sensitive installations.

    Prices  are high and there are shortages of medicines, consumer  goods,
    and   gasoline   as   well  as  disruptions   in   utilitiies.    Hotel
    accommmodations  are  limited, so reserve well in advance.   All  hotel
    bills must be paid in hard currency.


    Guinea.   All  travelers  must surrender  their  passports  to  Guinean
    immigration  authorities  at  the airport  in  Conakry.   Visitors  may
    reclaim  their passports at the Central Immigration Office in  downtown
    Conakry 24 hours after arrival.

    Most  hotels  accept payment only in hard currency or by  credit  card.
    Local  currency  may  not  be imported or  exported.   Road  travel  is
    difficult,  particularly  in  the rainy season  from  May  to  October.
    Exercise  caution  if taking photographs, since Guinean  officials  and
    private citizens may object even if you have a permit.


    Guinea-Bissau.  Visas must be obtained in advance.  Local currency  may
    not  be  exported  or  imported.  Hotel bills must  be  paid  in  local
    currency  and credit cards are not accepted.  It is advisable to  carry
    U.S.  currency in small denominations of twenty dollars or less as  the
    banks and hotels will not change large bills into local currency.

    Road conditions make overland travel to Senegal difficult and to Guinea
    almost impossible.  Water is not potable and bottled water is generally
    unavailable.   All  fruits and vegetables must  be  chemically  treated
    before consumption.


    Kenya.   Obtain  visas before arrival to avoid delays at  the  airport.
    U.S. citizens should not have trouble entering Kenya from South Africa,
    provided their visit there was less than 3 months.

    Adequate  medical services and potable water are available in  Nairobi.
    Outside  of Nairobi, medical facilities are limited and drinking  water
    must  be  boiled.  Kenya has no shortages of food and  consumer  goods.
    Most  major towns are linked by scheduled air service,  good  passenger
    train  service,  and  intercity bus service.  Taxis  are  plentiful  in
    Nairobi.

    Severe  penalties  are  incurred  for  the  unauthorized  exchange   of
    currency.  No local currency may be imported or exported.  The  airport
    departure  tax must be paid in hard currency.  A permit is required  to
    export animal skins or game trophies.


    Lesotho.  A visa is not required for a tourist stay of up to 3  months.
    Visas  may be extended after arrival.  Because most routes  to  Lesotho
    pass  through South Africa, visitors should have a multiple-entry  visa
    to  South Africa.  Tap water in Maseru is considered potable, but  many
    foreigners  boil or chemically treat their water,  particularly  during
    the rainy season.

    Rental  cars  are available.  Visitors should  be  especially  cautious
    driving  on  mountainous roads and at night.  The border  crossings  to
    South Africa are closed from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.


    Liberia.   Use  extreme caution taking photographs  because  restricted
    areas are not easily identifiable.  Tourists have had their camera  and
    film confiscated and have been detained for simply possessing a  camera
    in areas which are off-limits for photography.

    Tourist  facilities  are adequate in and around Monrovia,  but  limited
    elsewhere.   The  international  airport is  36  miles  from  Monrovia.
    Unpaved roads make travel difficult, particularly in the rainy  season.
    Travelers should carry proof of identity documents at all times.  Visas
    must be obtained in advance and exit permits are issued upon arrival.


    Madagascar.   International  air service is limited  but  domestic  air
    connections  are good.  Some sections of the country may be visited  by
    train,  bus, or rural taxi.  Four-wheel drive vehicles are  recommended
    for travel on rural roads.


    Malawi.   Visas are not required for visits up to 1  year.   Travelers'
    luggage  may be searched upon arrival and books and video tapes may  be
    held  for clearance by the censorship board.  Visitors are  subject  to
    the  government dress code which prohibits women from  wearing  shorts,
    trousers,  or  skirts that expose the knee in public.  Such  attire  is
    allowed, however, at beaches, game parks, and for athletic  activities.
    Men  are  prohibited  from  wearing hair long  enough  to  touch  their
    collars.   Journalists and writers will be refused entry  unless  prior
    government clearance has been obtained.



    Mali.   Visas must be obtained before arrival.  Taxis are available  in
    Bamako.  The road from Bamako to Mopti and a few other roads  branching
    to   the  south  are  paved;  travel  on  other  roads  is   difficult,
    particularly in the rainy season.


    Mauritania.   Visas must be obtained before arrival.  Mauritania  is  a
    Muslim  country  and  conservative dress  is  recommended;  this  means
    garments  with sleeves, dress length to cover the knee, and no  shorts.
    Taxis are plentiful in Nouakchatt.  Local currency may not be  imported
    or exported.

    Mauritius.   Visas not required for a stay of up to 3 months,  provided
    visitor  has  an  onward/return ticket.  Tap water  is  potable;  avoid
    uncooked  vegetables.   Rental  cars and taxis are  plentiful  and  bus
    service between towns is good.


    Mozambique.   Due  to insurgent activities of the  Mozambican  National
    Resistance  (RENAMO), road and rail travel outside major cities can  be
    hazardous.   On  certain  highways,  visitors  should  be  careful   of
    occasional  roadblocks and searches.  Keep your valid entry permit  and
    passport with you at all times.  Entry permits must be obtained  before
    arrival in Mozambique.  Obtain current security information at the U.S.
    Embassy, particularly if planning travel outside of Maputo.

    Food  is  scarce,  consumer goods are in short supply,  and  there  are
    disruptions  in  utilities.  Bills must usually be paid in  dollars  or
    travelers checks.  Bring sufficient cash for your stay as U.S.  dollars
    are  not available through local banks.  Currency should  be  exchanged
    only at authorized locations.


    Namibia.   Several  areas in Namibia have  experienced  bombings,  mine
    explosions,  shootings, and other acts of terrorism.  Most of  northern
    Namibia should be avoided.  South Africa administers Namibia, therefore
    your  visa  for  South  Africa is good  for  Namibia.   Check  security
    conditions with U.S. Consulate in Capetown before traveling to Namibia.

    Photography  is  not permitted at military  installations,  at  diamond
    mining areas, or anywhere in the north.


    Niger.  Visas must be obtained in advance as they are not available  at
    the  airport.   Taxis  are the only form of public  transport  easy  to
    obtain.   Roadside  checkpoints  should  be  respected.   A  permit  is
    required to take pictures.
     Photographing the airport or government facilities is prohibited.


    Nigeria.   Although  it  is  not required  for  a  visa,  yellow  fever
    vaccinations  are recommended, especially for travel outside  of  urban
    areas.   All  currency must be declared in writing upon arrival  and  a
    minimum  of  $100  must be exchanged  into  local  currency.   Currency
    control regulations should be strictly observed because violations  are
    punishable  by arrest, prosecution by military tribunal, and  prolonged
    detention.

    Air travel is adequate for both international and domestic flights  but
    is   often   overcrowded,  overbooked,  and  subject   to   unscheduled
    cancellations  and delays.  In Lagos and other cities, beware  of  high
    crime  areas and avoid traveling at night.  Export of  antiquities  and
    ceremonial  objects  must  be approved by the  Nigerian  Department  of
    Antiquities.


    Rwanda.  Although there are some shortages, food supplies are adequate.
    A permit is needed to export game trophies.  Visits to the gorillas  in
    Parc de Volcans must be booked at least a month in advance.


    Sao  Tome  and  Principe.  Tourist visas are  available  upon  arrival.
    There  is no U.S. Embassy in this country, but the American  Ambassador
    to  Gabon  is  also  accredited to Sao  Tome  and  Principe.   Consular
    services  for  U.S. citizens are handled through the  U.S.  Embassy  in
    Libreville, Gabon.


    Senegal.   To  avoid  delays upon arrival,  obtain  visas  in  advance.
    Although  Dakar  is  a  major  port  of  entry  into  western   Africa,
    international air service is often overcrowded, overbooked, and subject
    to unscheduled cancellations and delays.


    Seychelles.   Visas are issued upon arrival and may be extended for  up
    to  one  year,  provided  visitors have  an  onward/return  ticket  and
    sufficient  funds for their stay.  Firearms and spearfishing  equipment
    may not be imported.


    Sierra  Leone.   Visitors  must  declare all  foreign  currency  on  an
    official  exchange control form.  This form is certified, stamped,  and
    used  to record all currency exchanges while in the country.  You  must
    exchange $100 of hard currency upon arrival.  Allow extra time for  the
    river ferry on the route between the airport and Freetown.


    Somalia.   All  foreign  currency must be declared  upon  entering  the
    country.   Banks are the only legal place to exchange  money.   Private
    currency transactions and trading on the black market are illegal,  and
    offenders  are prosecuted.  Prices can be high and consumer  goods  are
    often scarce.  Outside of Mogadishu, tourist accommodations are rustic.
    Unnecessary  travel  to the northern and central provinces  of  Somalia
    should  be  avoided because of occasional  dissident  activity.   Check
    security conditions with the U.S. Embassy upon arrival.


    South  Africa.   Obtain visas in advance.  Strict  government  security
    measures are in effect and travel in regular tourist areas is generally
    safe.   However,  the  security situation should  be  considered.   The
    greatest  unrest  has  been in urban  black  townships,  although  city
    centers  and  some  shopping areas have  experienced  random  terrorist
    bombings and sporadic unrest.  Daylight muggings and robberies are also
    common  in  some  areas.  Avoid travel to  the  so-called  "independent
    homelands" of Bophuthatswana, Venda, Ciskei, and Transkei.  Consult the
    U.S. Embassy or consulates if you plan to visit these areas.

    Severe   restrictions  are  imposed  on  reporting   or   photographing
    demonstrations,  funerals,  and any incident of  civil  unrest.   South
    African emergency regulations allow the arrest and indefinite detention
    of  persons considered a threat to public order.  If you  are  detained
    for any reason, ask to talk with a U.S. consular officer.

    Despite  security  problems, air travel is efficient.  You  can  travel
    throughout  the  country  by plane, train, or highway.   There  are  no
    shortages  or disruptions in services and utilities, and the tap  water
    is potable.


    Sudan.   When  visiting  Khartoum  exercise  caution  because  of   the
    potential for terrorism.  Travelers should avoid Equatoria, Upper Nile,
    and Bahr El-Ghazal, the three provinces of southern Sudan.  The  latter
    two are usually off-limits to foreigners.  The U.S. Embassy is not able
    to  provide  normal consular protection and services  in  these  areas.
    Visitors  are  required to register their place of residence  with  the
    local police within three days of arrival, to obtain police  permission
    to  change residence, and to register within 24 hours of arriving at  a
    new  location.   Consult  the  U.S. Embassy  in  Khartoum  on  security
    conditions during your stay.

    Travelers  by  air are advised to purchase  round-trip  tickets  before
    traveling to Sudan.  When leaving the country, arrive at the airport  2
    hours  in  advance.  Unforeseen circumstances, such as  sandstorms  and
    electrical  outages may cause flight delays.  Disruptions of water  and
    electricity  are  frequent and telecommunication is slow.   Because  of
    shortages,  travelers  should bring adequate supplies of  medicine  and
    personal items for their stay.

    The possession, sale, and consumption of alcohol are strictly forbidden
    in Sudan.  Persons with alcoholic beverages in their possession at  the
    port  of  entry  are subject to immediate arrest.  A  license  to  take
    photographs must be obtained from the Department of Hotels and Tourism.
    Photographing  military  areas, bridges, drainage  stations,  broadcast
    stations, public utilities, and slum areas or beggars is prohibited.


    Swaziland.   No  visa  is needed for a visit of up to  2  months.   For
    longer  stays, temporary residence permits are available after  arrival
    in  Mbabane.   Visitors  entering  from South  Africa  must  report  to
    Immigration  authorities  or  police station within  48  hours,  unless
    lodging in a hotel.  Tap water is potable in the cities.


    Tanzania.   Visitors  must obtain visas before arrival or they  may  be
    denied  entry.  Travelers with a multiple-entry South African  visa  in
    their  passports or other evidence of prior or planned travel to  South
    Africa  may  be detained for many hours, threatened  with  deportation,
    denied  entry for several days or altogether.  Even tourists  with  new
    passports have been delayed at Tanzanian immigration because they  were
    suspected of concealing second passports with South African markings.

    All  foreign  currency  must be declared  upon  entering  the  country.
    Undeclared  currency  may  be confiscated.  Visitors  must  exchange  a
    minimum of $50 into local currency.  Nonresidents must pay hotel  bills
    and game park fees in foreign currency.  Banks are the only legal place
    to  exchange money.  Private currency transactions and trading  on  the
    black  market  are  illegal, and offenders  are  prosecuted.   Tourists
    should  not  change  more money than they will use because  it  may  be
    confiscated on departure.  Departure tax must be paid in hard currency.

    Travel  in  Tanzania  is  generally  safe.   Beware  of  street  crime,
    especially  after  dark.   Be  cautious at  public  beaches  and  avoid
    secluded areas.  Consult authorities before traveling to remote regions
    and  obtain updated information on conditions in the country  from  the
    U.S. Embassy.  U.S. citizens have had problems on a number of occasions
    when  they  attracted the suspicion of authorities, violated  laws,  or
    entered  the  country in private aircraft without  adequate  notice  or
    clearance.   Police,  immigration  officers and  prison  officials  are
    sensitive to matters that may affect national security, such as  travel
    near the Mozambique border.  If you are detained for any reason, ask to
    talk with a U.S. consular officer.

    Visitors  have been detained or had their cameras and film  confiscated
    for  taking  pictures of military  installations,  hospitals,  schools,
    industries,  airports, harbors, railway stations,  bridges,  government
    buildings,   and  similar  facilities.   These  structures  are   often
    picturesque  and  not  clearly  identified  as  being  off-limits   for
    photography.  Photography in game parks is unrestricted.

    Conservative  dress  is recommended.  Outside of Dar  es  Salaam,  some
    consumer goods are in short supply.


    Togo.   No visa is required for a stay of up to three months;  however,
    travel to some remote areas may require a permit.


    Uganda.  Visas must be obtained before arrival.  Visitors must  declare
    all currency and exchange $150 for local currency upon arrival.  Travel
    in  Kampala is generally safe.  Travelers should have no difficulty  at
    the  roadblocks  outside  of Kampala and Entebbe if  they  carry  their
    passports with them.  The southern and southwestern districts of Uganda
    are  normally safe for travel.  Travel to the northern regions  of  the
    country  should  be  avoided.  Consult the  U.S.  Embassy  for  updated
    information on security conditions in those areas.


    Zaire.  Credit cards are not widely accepted.  To cross the Congo River
    from Kinshasa to Brazzaville, you must obtain a special permit from the
    Immigration Department in Zaire and a visa for the country of Congo.

    Most  intercity roads are difficult to impassable in the rainy  season.
    Certain  mining  areas are off-limits to foreigners.  When  driving  in
    cities,  keep windows rolled up and doors locked; at  roadblocks,  open
    your  window  only  partially and display  your  passport  through  the
    window.   Photography of public buildings or installations is  strictly
    forbidden.


    Zambia  Visas must be obtained in advance.  Foreign currency cannot  be
    obtained  locally.   If possible, carry travelers checks  since  credit
    cards are seldom accepted outside of major hotels.  Use cameras only in
    tourist  areas  or  other locations specifically  approved  by  Zambian
    authorities.   Avoid  clothing  that  could  be  mistaken  as  military
    apparel.

    Visitors should be cautious when traveling in Zambia.  Because  several
    military  incidents  have  occurred in the south,  Zambian  police  and
    security   forces  are  suspicious  of  foreigners.   Foreigners   have
    sometimes  been  detained for no apparent reason and  authorities  have
    been slow in informing embassies of their citizens' detention.  If  you
    are detained, ask to talk with a U.S. consular officer.

    Major roads are open but police roadblocks are common, and vehicles and
    passengers  are  searched.  Take precautions against  crime  and  avoid
    travel  at night.  Also avoid driving off major roads because  military
    restricted zones are often unmarked.  In the north, be cautious in  the
    area of the Zambia-Zaire border because of police and military  actions
    aimed at curbing smuggling.  Flying directly from Lusaka to the Luangwa
    Valley  game park or its major attraction, Victoria Falls is safe,  but
    travel to the west of the Zambezi River is discouraged.


    Zimbabwe.   No  visa  is  required.  However, you  must  have  both  an
    onward/return  ticket  and sufficient funds for the stay.   Prices  are
    high  in Zimbabwe.  There are no shortages of food but occasional  spot
    shortages of consumer goods occur.  All currency must be declared  upon
    arrival.  Failure to declare currency can result in confiscation and  a
    fine.  Exchange money only where authorized and save all receipts until
    departure.  Hotel bills must be paid in hard currency.

    Due  to  periodic unsafe security conditions,  travelers  should  avoid
    certain  roads  and rail routes in Zimbabwe.  Security  conditions  are
    particularly  uncertain  along  the  Mozambique  border.   The  tourist
    destinations  of  Victoria Falls, the Hwange safari area,  and  Matopos
    National Park have been safe, although some areas of the park have been
    off-limits for visitors.  You should travel to unsettled areas by  air.

    If  road travel is unavoidable, stay on the main roads, travel only  in
    daylight  and avoid unnecessary stops.  Consult with the  U.S.  Embassy
    and  the  local  police before setting out.   Hitchhiking  or  off-road
    travel  is  strongly  discouraged.   There  are  police  and   military
    roadblocks throughout the country.

    Photography  is  off-limits in certain regions of  the  Zambezi  Valley
    where  anti-poaching operations are in progress.  Zimbabwe  authorities
    are  also  extremely sensitive about photographing  certain  buildings,
    such as government offices, official residences, and embassies.

    FOREIGN EMBASSIES AND MISSIONS IN THE UNITED STATES:

    Permanent Mission of ANGOLA to the U.N.  747 3rd Avenue 18th Floor  New
    York, NY  10017

    Embassy of BENIN 2737 Cathedral Avenue, NW Washington, DC  20008  (202)
    232-6656

    Embassy  of BOTSWANA 4301 Connecticut Avenue, NW Suite 404  Washington,
    DC  20008 [phone]

    Embassy  of BURKINA FASO 2340 Massachusetts Avenue, NW  Washington,  DC
    20008 [phone]

    Embassy  of BURUNDI 2233 Wisconsin Avenue, NW Suite 212 Washington,  DC
    20008 [phone]

    Embassy of CAMEROON 2349 Massachusetts Avenue, NW Washington, DC  20008
    [phone]

    Embassy  of  CAPE VERDE 3415 Massachusetts Avenue,  NW  Washington,  DC
    20007 [phone]

    Embassy of CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC 1618 22d Street, NW Washington,  DC
    20008 [phone]

    Embassy of CHAD 2002 R Street, NW Washington, DC  20009 [phone]

    Permanent  Mission  of COMOROS to the U.N.  336 East 45th  Street,  2nd
    Floor New York, NY  10017 [phone]

    Embassy  of  the CONGO 4891 Colorado Avenue, NW Washington,  DC   20011
    [phone]

    Embassy  of COTE D'IVOIRE 2424 Massachusetts Avenue, NW Washington,  DC
    20008 [phone]

    Embassy of DJIBOUTI 1430 K Street, NW Suite 600 Washington, D.C.  20005
    [phone]

    Embassy of EQUATORIAL GUINEA 801 Second Avenue, Suite 1403 New York, NY
    10017 [phone]

    Embassy of ETHIOPIA 2134 Kalorama Road, NW Washington, DC  20008  (202)
    234-2281

    Embassy of GABON 2034 20th Street, NW Washington, DC  20009 (202)  797-
    1000

    Embassy  of  GAMBIA  1030 15th Street, NW Suite  720  Washington,  D.C.
    20005 [phone]

    Embassy of GHANA 2460 16th Street, NW Washington, DC  20009 (202)  462-
    0761

    Embassy of GUINEA 2112 Leroy Place, NW Washington, DC  20008 (212) 483-
    9420

    Permanent  Mission of GUINEA-BISSAU to the U.N.  211 East  43rd  Street
    Suite 604 New York, NY  10017 [phone]

    Embassy of KENYA 2249 R Street, NW Washington, DC  20008 [phone]

    Embassy  of LESOTHO 2511 Massachusetts Avenue, NW Washington, DC  20008
    [phone]

    Embassy  of  LIBERIA 5201 16th Street, NW Washington, DC   20011  (212)
    723-0437

    Embassy  of  MADAGASCAR 2374 Massachusetts Avenue,  NW  Washington,  DC
    20008 [phone]

    Embassy  of MALAWI 2408 Massachusetts Avenue, NW Washington, DC   20008
    [phone]

    Embassy of MALI 2130 R Street, NW Washington, DC  20008 [phone]

    Embassy of MAURITANIA 2129 Leroy Place, NW Washington, DC  20008  (212)
    232-5700

    Embassy of MAURITIUS 4301 Connecticut Avenue, NW Suite 134  Washington,
    DC  20008 [phone]

    Embassy of MOZAMBIQUE 1990 M Street, NW Suite 570 Washington, DC  20036
    [phone]

    Embassy of NIGER 2204 R Street, NW Washington, DC  20008 [phone]

    Embassy  of NIGERIA 2201 M Street, NW Washington, DC  20037 (202)  822-
    1500

    Embassy  of RWANDA 1714 New Hampshire Avenue, NW Washington, DC   20009
    [phone]

    Embassy  of  SAO TOME AND PRINCIPE 801 Second Avenue,  Suite  1504  New
    York, NY 10017 [phone]

    Embassy of SENEGAL 2112 Wyoming Avenue, NW Washington, DC  20008  (202)
    234-0540

    Permanent  Mission of SEYCHELLES to the U.N.  820 Second Avenue,  Suite
    203 New York, NY 10017 [phone]

    Embassy  of  SIERRA LEONE 1701 19th Street, NW  Washington,  DC   20009
    [phone]

    Embassy  of SOMALIA 600 New Hampshire Avenue, NW Suite 710  Washington,
    DC  20037 [phone]

    Embassy  of SOUTH AFRICA 3051 Massachusetts Avenue, NW  Washington,  DC
    20008 [phone]

    Embassy  of SUDAN 2210 Massachusetts Avenue, NW Washington,  DC   20008
    [phone]

    Embassy of SWAZILAND 4301 Connecticut Avenue, NW Washington, DC   20008
    [phone]

    Embassy of TANZANIA 2139 R Street, NW Washington, DC  20008 (202)  939-
    6125

    Embassy  of  TOGO 2208 Massachusetts Avenue, NW Washington,  DC   20008
    [phone]

    Embassy of UGANDA 5909 16th Street, NW Washington, DC 20011 (202)  726-
    7100

    Embassy  of ZAIRE 1800 New Hampshire Avenue, NW Washington,  DC   20009
    [phone]

    Embassy  of ZAMBIA 2419 Massachusetts Avenue, NW Washington, DC   20008
    [phone]

    Embassy  of  ZIMBABWE 2852 McGill Terrace, NW,  Washington,  DC   20008
    [phone]


    U.S. EMBASSIES AND CONSULATES ABROAD

    Note:     Workweek is Monday-Friday except where noted.  Mail to  APO
    and  FPO  addresses  must originate in the United  States;  the  street
    address must not appear in an APO or FPO address.


    BENIN American Embassy Rue Caporal Anani Bernard B.P. 2012 Cotonou Tel:
    (229) 300-650

    BOTSWANA American Embassy P.O. Box 90 Gaborone Tel:  [phone]

    BURKINO FASO American Embassy B.P. 35 Ouagadougou Tel:  [phone]

    BURUNDI  American  Embassy Avenue du Zaire, B.P.  1720  Bujumbura  Tel:
    (257)(2) 23454

    CAMEROON  American Embassy Rue Nachtigal, B.P. 817 Yaounde Tel:   (237)
    234-014

    CAPE  VERDE American Embassy Rua Hojl Ya Yenna 81 C.P. 201  Praia  Tel:
    (238) 614-363, 614-253

    CENTRAL  AFRICAN REPUBLIC American Embassy Avenue President Dacko  B.P.
    294 Bangui Tel:  610-200, 612-578, 614-333

    CHAD American Embassy Ave. Felix Eboue, B.P. 413 N'Djamena Tel:   (235)
    516-211, 516-233

    COMOROS American Embassy B.P. 1318 Moroni Tel:  731-203

    CONGO  American  Embassy  Avenue  Amilcar  Cabral  B.P.  1015,  Box   C
    Brazzaville Tel:  832-070, 832-624

    COTE  D'IVOIRE American Embassy 5 Rue Jesse Owens 01 B.P. 1712  Abidjan
    Tel:  [phone]

    DJIBOUTI  American  Embassy Plateau de Serpent, Blvd.  Marechal  Joffre
    B.P.  185  Djibouti  Tel:  [phone],  353-995,  352-916  Workweek:
    Sunday-Thursday

    EQUATORIAL GUINEA American Embassy Calle de Los Ministros P.O. Box  597
    Malabo Tel:  2406, 2507

    ETHIOPIA  American Embassy Entoto St., P.O. Box 1014 Addis  Ababa  Tel:
    (251)[phone]

    GABON American Embassy Blvd. de la Mer B.P. 4000 Libreville Tel:  (241)
    762-003, 743-492

    GAMBIA  American  Embassy Fajara, Kairaba Ave; P.M.B.  No.  19,  Banjul
    Banjul Tel:  [phone], 92858, 91970

    GHANA American Embassy Ring Road East P.O. Box 194 Accra Tel:  775-347

    GUINEA  American  Embassy 2d Blvd. and 9th Ave, B.P. 603  Conakry  Tel:
    441-520

    GUINEA-BISSAU  American Embassy Avenida Domingos Ramos C.P. 297  Bissau
    Tel:  [phone]

    KENYA American Embassy Moi/Haile Selassie Ave.  P.O. Box 30137  Nairobi
    Tel:  [phone]

    American  Consulate Palli House, Nyerere Ave.  P.O. Box  88079  Mombasa
    Tel:  [phone]

    LESOTHO  American Embassy P.O. Box 333, Maseru 100 Maseru  Tel:   (266)
    312-666

    LIBERIA  American Embassy 111 United Nations Dr.  P.O. Box 98  Monrovia
    Tel:  [phone]

    MADAGASCAR  American Embassy 14 and 16 Rue Rainitovo, Antsahavola  B.P.
    620 Antananarivo Tel:  [phone], 20956, 20089

    MALAWI American Embassy P.O. Box 30016 Lilongwe Tel:  [phone]

    MALI American Embassy Rue Testard and Rue Mohamed V B.P. 34 Bamako Tel:
    (223)(22) 225-834

    MAURITANIA  American Embassy B.P. 222 Nouakchott Tel:  (222)(2)  52660,
    52663

    MAURITIUS  American Embassy Rogers Bldg. (4th Fl.) John Kennedy  Street
    Port Louis Tel:  082-347

    MOZAMBIQUE  American  Embassy Avenida Kaunda 193, P.O. Box  783  Maputo
    Tel:  [phone], 743-167, 744-163

    NIGER American Embassy B.P. 11201 Niamey Tel:  [phone]

    NIGERIA  American  Embassy 2 Eleke Crescent, P.O. Box  554  Lagos  Tel:
    (234)(1) 610-097

    American  Consulate  General  2 Maska Rd., P.O.  Box  170  Kaduna  Tel:
    (234)(1) 201-070

    RWANDA  American  Embassy Blvd. de la Revolution, B.P. 28  Kigali  Tel:
    (205) 75601, 72126

    SENEGAL  American Embassy Avenue Jean XXIII, B.P. 49 Dakar Tel:   (221)
    214-296

    SEYCHELLES American Embassy Box 148 Victoria Tel:  [phone]

    SIERRA  LEONE  American Embassy Corner Walpole and  Siaka  Stevens  St.
    Freetown Tel:  26481

    SOMALIA  American  Embassy Corso Primo Luglio, P.O. Box  574  Mogadishu
    Tel:  [phone] Workweek:  Sunday-Thursday

    SOUTH  AFRICA  American  Embassy  Thibault  House,  225  Pretorius  St.
    Pretoria Tel:  [phone]

    American  Consulate  General Broadway Industries  Center  Heerengracht,
    Foreshore Cape Town Tel:  [phone], 214-287

    American  Consulate General Durban Bay House, 29th Fl.  333  Smith  St.
    Durban  4001 Tel:  [phone]

    American  Consulate  General Kine Center, 11th  Fl.,  Commissioner  and
    Krulis Sts., P.O. Box 2155 Johannesburg Tel:  [phone]

    SUDAN  American Embassy Sharia Ali Abdul Latif, P.O. Box  699  Khartoum
    Tel:  74700, 75680, 74611 Workweek:  Sunday-Thursday

    SWAZILAND  American Embassy Central Bank Bldg., Warner Street P.O.  Box
    199 Mbabane Tel:  [phone]

    TANZANIA  American  Embassy 36 Laibon Rd. (off Bagamoyo Rd.)  P.O.  Box
    9123 Das Es Salaam Tel:  [phone]

    TOGO  American  Embassy Rue Pelletier Caventou & Rue Vauban,  B.P.  852
    Lome Tel:  [phone], 213-609

    UGANDA  American  Embassy Parliament Ave., P.O. Box 7007  Kampala  Tel:
    (256)(41) 259-791, 259-795

    ZAIRE   American  Embassy  310  Avenue  des  Aviateurs  Kinshasa   Tel:
    (243)(12) 25881

    American  Consulate General 1029 Blvd. Kamanyola, B.P. 1196  Lubumbashi
    Tel:  [phone]

    ZAMBIA American Embassy Corner of Independence and United Nations Aves.
    P.O. Box 31617 Lusaka Tel:  [phone]

    ZIMBABWE  American Embassy 172 Rhodes Ave., P.O. Box 3340  Harare  Tel:
    (263)(4) 794-521 Planning Another Trip?

    For general travel information, the following pamphlets may be  ordered
    for  $1  each  from the Superintendent of  Documents,  U.S.  Government
    Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402:

    --  Your Trip Abroad --  A Safe Trip Abroad --  Travel Tips for  Senior
    Citizens --  Tips for Americans Residing Abroad

    Copies of the following publications in this series are also  available
    for $1 from the U.S. Government Printing Office:

    Tips for Travelers to the Caribbean.
    Tips for Travelers to the People's Republic of China.
    Tips for Travelers to Cuba.
    Tips for Travelers to Eastern Europe and Yugoslavia.
    Tips for Travelers to Mexico.
    Tips for Travelers to the Middle East and North Africa.
    Tips for Travelers to South Asia.
    Tips for Travelers to the U.S.S.R.


    General visa information for these and other countries are available in
    "Foreign  Visa Requirements."  This publication may be ordered  for  50
    cents from the Consumer Information Center, Pueblo, Colorado  81009.


-------------------------------------------------------------------------------


#ENDCARD
#CARD:Consular Topics:Trips abroad

(Consular Affairs Topics)


YOUR TRIP ABROAD

Before You Go

There is a lot you can do to prepare for your trip, depending upon
where, how long and why you are going.

LEARN ABOUT THE PLACES YOU WILL VISIT

Here are some good sources:

A travel agent can provide brochures and tourist information about
the countries you plan to visit.

Your travel agent should also be able to provide you with the Department
of State travel advisory for any country you plan to visit, if an
advisory has been issued for the country.  If your travel agent cannot
provide travel advisories, you can obtain them 24-hours a day by
calling [phone] (see page 4).

Look in your local bookstore and public library for books on foreign travel.

Many countries have tourist information offices in large cities that
can give you brochures and, in some cases, maps.  International airlines
may also supply you with travel brochures on the countries they serve.

Foreign embassies or consulates in the United States can provide
up-to-date information on their countries.  Addresses and telephone
numbers of the embassies of foreign governments are listed in the
Congressional Directory, available at most public libraries.  In
addition to their embassies, some countries also have consulates
in major U.S. cities.  Look for their addresses in your local telephone
directory, or find them in the publication, Foreign Consular Offices
in the United States, available in many public libraries.
Check on Travel Advisories

The Department of State issues travel advisories to alert U.S. citizens
to conditions overseas that may affect them adversely.  There are
three types of travel advisories:

Warning:  recommends deferral of travel to all or part of a country.

Caution:  advises about unusual security conditions, including the
potential for unexpected detention, unstable political conditions,
or serious health problems.  It is not intended to deter travel to a country.

Notice:  provides information on situations that do not present a
broad scale risk, but which could result in inconvenience or difficulty
for traveling Americans.

Travel advisories are posted at U.S. passport agencies, Department
of Commerce field offices, and at U.S. embassies and consulates around
the world.  They are distributed to the travel and airline industry
and can be found through airline computer reservation systems.  If
you plan travel to an area or country where there is some concern
about existing conditions, find out if there is a travel advisory
by contacting the nearest passport agency or your travel agent or
airline.  You may also listen to recorded travel advisories, 24-hours
a day.  Call the Department of State's Citizens Emergency Center
on 202-647-5225.

THINGS TO BE SURE YOU HAVE

Travel document requirements vary from country to country, but you
will need the following:  a passport or other proof of citizenship,
plus a visa or a tourist card.  You may also need evidence that you
have enough money for your trip and/or have ongoing or return transportation
tickets.

A VALID PASSPORT

WHO NEEDS A PASSPORT?

A U.S. citizen needs a passport to depart or enter the United States
and to enter and depart most foreign countries.  Exceptions include
short-term travel between the United States and Mexico, Canada, and
some countries in the Caribbean.  Your travel agent or airline can
tell you if you need a passport for the country you plan to visit.

WARNING!  Even if you are not required to have a passport to visit
a country, U.S. Immigration requires you to prove your U.S. citizenship
and identity when you reenter the United States.  Make certain that
you take with you adequate documentation to pass through U.S. Immigration
upon your return.  A U.S. passport is the best proof of U.S. citizenship.
Other documents to prove U.S. citizenship include an expired U.S.
passport, a certified copy of your birth certificate, a Certificate
of Naturalization, a Certificate of Citizenship, or a Report of Birth
Abroad of a Citizen of the United States.  To prove your identity,
either a valid driver's license or a government identification card
that includes a photo or a physical description is adequate.

With the number of international child custody cases on the rise,
several countries have instituted passport requirements to help prevent
child abductions.  For example, Mexico has a law that requires a
child traveling alone or with only one parent to carry written, notarized
consent from the absent parent or parents.  No authorization is needed
if the child travels alone and is in possession of a U.S. passport.
A child traveling alone with a birth certificate requires written,
notarized authorization from both parents.

Beware of a Passport That Is About to Expire!  Certain countries
will not permit you to enter and will not place a visa in your passport
if the remaining validity is less than 6 months.  If you return to
the United States with an expired passport, you are subject to a
passport waiver fee of $100, payable to U.S. Immigration at the port of entry.

All persons must have their own passport.  Since January 1981, family
members are not permitted to be included in each others' passports.

WHEN TO APPLY

Every year, demand for passports becomes heavy in January and begins
to decline in August.  You can help reduce U.S. Government expense
and avoid delays by applying between September and December.  However,
even in those months, periods of high demand for passports can occur.
Apply several months in advance of your planned departure, whenever
possible.  If you need visas, allow additional time╨ approximately
two weeks per visa.

HOW TO APPLY IN PERSON

For your first passport, you must appear in person with a completed
Form DSP-11, Passport Application, at one of the 13 U.S. passport
agencies or at one of the several thousand federal or state courts
or U.S. post offices authorized to accept passport applications.
You may be able to find the addresses of passport acceptance facilities
in your area in the government listings of your telephone book.
If you cannot find a listing, contact one of the 13 U.S. passport
agencies listed on page 39 at the end of this pamphlet.

Applicants between age 13 and 18 must appear in person, accompanied
by a parent or legal guardian.  For children under age 13, a parent
or legal guardian may appear on their behalf.

If you have had a previous passport and wish to obtain another, you
may be eligible to apply by mail (see page 10 below for details).

WHAT TO BRING WHEN YOU APPLY

1.  A properly completed, but unsigned, passport application (DSP-11).
Do not sign it!

2.  Proof of U.S. citizenship (a, b, or c):

a.  Use your previously issued passport or one in which you were
included.  If you are applying for your first passport or cannot
submit a previous passport, you must submit other evidence of citizenship.

b.  If you were born in the United States, you should produce a certified
copy of your birth certificate.  This must show that the birth record
was filed shortly after birth and must be certified with the registrar's
signature and raised, impressed, embossed, or multicolored seal.
Certified copies of birth records can be obtained from the Bureau
of Vital Statistics in the city, state, county, or territory where
you were born.  (Notifications of Birth Registration or Birth Announcements
are not normally accepted for passport purposes.)  A delayed birth
certificate (one filed more than one year after the date of birth)
is acceptable provided it shows a plausible basis for creating this record.

If you cannot obtain a birth certificate, submit a notice from a
state registrar stating that no birth record exists, accompanied
by the best secondary evidence possible.  This may include a baptismal
certificate, a hospital birth record, affidavits of persons having
personal knowledge of the facts of your birth, or other documentary
evidence such as an early census, school records, family Bible records,
and newspaper files.  A personal knowledge affidavit should be supported
by at least one public record reflecting birth in the United States.

c.  If you were born abroad, you can use:

-- A Certificate of Naturalization.
-- A Certificate of Citizenship.
-- A Report of Birth Abroad of a Citizen of the United States of
   America (Form FS-240).
-- A Certification of Birth (Form FS-545 or DS-1350).

If you do not have any of these documents and are a U.S. citizen,
you should take all available proof of citizenship to the nearest
U.S. passport agency and request assistance in proving your citizenship.

3.  Proof of identity.

You must also establish your identity to the satisfaction of the
person accepting your application.  The following items are generally
acceptable documents of identity if they contain your signature and
if they readily identify you by physical description or
photograph:

-- A previous U.S. passport.
-- A certificate of naturalization or citizenship.
-- A valid driver's license.
-- A government (federal, state, municipal)
-- identification card.

The following are NOT acceptable:

-- Social Security card.
-- Learner's or temporary driver's license.
-- Credit card of any type.
-- Any temporary or expired identity card or document.
-- Any document that has been altered or changed in any manner.

If you are unable to present one of the first four documents to establish
your identity, you must be accompanied by a person who has known
you for at least 2 years and who is a U.S. citizen or a permanent
resident alien of the United States. That person must sign an affidavit
in the presence of the same person who executes the passport application.
The witness will be required to establish his or her own identity.
You must also submit some identification of your own.

4.  Photographs.

Present two identical photographs of yourself that are sufficiently
recent (normally taken within the past 6 months) to be a good likeness.
Passport Services encourages photographs where the applicant is
relaxed and smiling.

The photographs must not exceed 2x2 inches in size.  The image size
measured from the bottom of your chin to the top of your head (including
hair) must be not less than 1 inch or more than 1-3/8 inches with
your head taking up most of the photograph.  Passport photographs
may be either black and white or color.

Photographs must be clear, front view, full-face, and printed on
thin white paper with a plain, white or off-white background.  Photographs
should be portrait-type prints taken in normal street attire without
a hat and must include no more than the head and shoulders or upper
torso.  Dark glasses are not acceptable except when worn for medical
reasons.  Head coverings are only acceptable if they are worn for
religious reasons.

Applicants may use photographs in military uniform only if they are
on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces and are proceeding abroad
in the discharge of their duties.

Newspaper, magazine and most vending machine prints are not acceptable
for use in passports.

5.  The correct fee.

Applicants age 18 and over who are required to appear in person,
must pay $65 for their passport.  This includes a $10 execution fee.
Their passport is valid for 10 years.  Applicants under age 18 must
pay $40 for their passport.  It is valid for 5 years.

You may pay in person by check, bank draft, or money order.  You
may also pay in cash at a passport agency and at some, but not all
post offices and clerks of court.

HOW TO APPLY BY MAIL

You may apply by mail if all of the following are true:

-- You have been issued a passport within 12 years prior to your
   new application.
-- You are able to submit your most recent U.S. passport with your
   new application.
-- Your previous passport was issued on or after your 16th birthday.
-- You use the same name as that on your most recent passport or
   you have had your name
   changed by marriage or court order.

HOW TO PROCEED

Obtain Form DSP-82, Application for Passport by Mail, from one of
the offices accepting applications or from your travel agent, and
complete the information requested on the reverse side of the form.

(1)    Sign and date the application.
(2)    Include your date of departure.  If no date is included, passport
agents will assume that your travel plans are not immediate, and
your passport will be processed in about two to three weeks.
(3)    Enclose your previous passport.
(4)    Enclose two identical 2x2 photographs (Specifications listed
later in this file.).
(5)    The $55 passport fee.  (The $10 acceptance fee is not required
for applicants eligible to apply by mail.)
(6)    If your name has changed, submit the original or certified
copy of the court order or marriage certificate that shows the change of name.
(7)    For processing, mail the completed application and attachments
to one of the passport agencies listed at the back of this pamphlet.
An incomplete or improperly prepared application will delay issuance
of your passport.

HOW TO PAY THE PASSPORT FEE

The following forms of payment are acceptable when you apply by mail:

-- Bank draft or cashier's check.
-- Check:  either certified, personal, or travelers (for exact amount).
-- Money order:  U.S. postal, international, currency exchange, or bank.

Do NOT send cash through the mail!

WHEN YOU RECEIVE YOUR PASSPORT

Sign it right away!  Then fill in page 4, the personal notification
data page.  Your previous passport and the original documents that
you may have submitted will be returned to you with your new passport.

OTHER PASSPORT INFORMATION

OBTAINING A PASSPORT IN AN EMERGENCY

Passport agencies will expedite issuance in cases of genuine, documented
emergencies.  If you are leaving within five days and need a passport,
you can pay to have your passport delivered to you by express mail.
But you must arrange and pay for this in advance. Check with the
post office or court house that accepts your application or with
the nearest passport agency for specific details.

If you plan to travel abroad frequently or if you stay overseas for
long periods of time, your relatives or associates in the United
States should have valid passports as well.  That way, should you
become seriously ill or involved in some other emergency, they could
travel without delay.

DIPLOMATIC AND OFFICIAL PASSPORTS

If you are being assigned abroad on U.S. government business and
are eligible to apply by mail for a no-fee passport (no-fee regular,
official, diplomatic), you must submit the mail-in application form,
your authorization to apply for a no-fee passport, your previous
passport, and two photographs to the Passport Agency in Washington,
D.C. for processing.

ADDITIONAL VISA PAGES

If you require additional visa pages before your passport expires,
obtain them by submitting your passport to one of the passport agencies

listed at the back of this pamphlet.  If you travel frequently to
countries requiring visas, you may request a 48-page passport at
the time you apply.  There is no additional charge for extra pages
or for a 48-page passport.

CHANGE OF NAME

If you have changed your name, you will need to have your passport
amended.  Fill out Form DSP-19, Passport Amendment/Validation Application,
which is available from any office that is authorized to accept passport
applications.  Submit the DSP-19 along with proof of the name change
(a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or certified court order)
to the nearest passport agency.  There is no fee for this service.

AN ALTERED OR MUTILATED PASSPORT

If you mutilate or alter your U.S. passport in any way (other than
changing the personal notification data), you may render it invalid,
cause yourself much inconvenience, and expose yourself to possible
prosecution under the law (Section 1543 of Title 22 of the U.S. Code).

Mutilated or altered passports should be turned in to passport agents,
authorized postal employees, or U.S. consular officers abroad.

LOSS OR THEFT OF A U.S. PASSPORT

Safeguard your passport.  Its loss could cause you unnecessary travel
complications as well as significant expense.

If your passport is lost or stolen in the United States, report the
loss or theft immediately to Passport Services, 1425 K Street, N.W.,
Department of State, Washington, D.C. 20524 or to the nearest passport agency.
Should your passport be lost or stolen abroad, report the loss immediately
to the local police and to the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.
If you can provide the consular officer with the information contained
in your passport, it will facilitate issuance of a new passport.
Therefore, photocopy the data page of your passport and keep it
in a separate place.  In addition, leave the passport number, date,
and place of issuance with a relative or friend in the United States.

OTHER QUESTIONS ABOUT PASSPORTS?

Additional passport information may be obtained from the passport
agencies listed at the end of this pamphlet.

OBTAIN VISAS

A visa is an endorsement or stamp placed in your passport by a foreign
government that permits you to visit that country for a specified
purpose and a limited time╨for example, a 3-month tourist visa.
It is advisable to obtain visas before you leave the United States
because you will not be able to obtain visas for some countries once
you have departed.  Apply directly to the embassy or nearest consulate
of each country you plan to visit, or consult a travel agent.  Passport
agencies cannot help you obtain visas.

"Foreign Entry Requirements"
Department of State publication M-264, Foreign Entry Requirements,
gives entry requirements for every country and tells where and how
to apply for visas and tourist cards.  It can be ordered for $0.50
from the Consumer Information Center, Pueblo, Colorado 81009.  Note:
The publication is updated annually but may not reflect the most
current requirements.  It is advisable to verify the latest visa
requirements with the embassy or consulate of each country you plan to visit.

Because a visa is stamped directly onto a blank page in your passport,
you will need to give your passport to an official of each foreign
embassy or consulate.  You will also need to fill out a form, and
you may need one or more photographs.  Many visas require a fee.
The process may take several weeks for each visa, so apply well
in advance of your trip.

TOURIST CARD
If the country you plan to visit only requires a tourist card, obtain
one from the country's embassy or consulate, from an airline serving
the country, or at the port of entry.  There is a fee for some tourist cards.

PROOF OF CITIZENSHIP
Check with the embassy or consulate of each country you plan to visit
to learn what proof of citizenship is required of visitors.  Even
if a country does not require a visitor to have a passport, it will
require some proof of citizenship and identity.  Remember that no
matter what proof of citizenship a foreign country requires, U.S.
Immigration has strict requirements for your reentry into the United
States.  Information on U.S. Immigration requirements are later in this file..

IMMUNIZATIONS

Under international health regulations adopted by the World Health
Organization, a country may require international certificates of
vaccination against yellow fever and cholera.  Typhoid vaccinations
are not required for international travel, but are recommended for
areas where there is risk of exposure.  Smallpox vaccinations are
no longer given.  Check your health care records to insure that your
measles, mumps, rubella, polio, diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis
immunizations are up-to-date.  Medication to deter malaria and other
preventative measures are advisable for certain areas.  No immunizations
are needed to return to the United States.

Information on immunization requirements, U.S. Public Health Service
recommendations, and other health hints are included in the book,
Health Information for International Travel, available for $5.00
from the U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402.
You may also obtain such information from local and state health
departments or physicians.  This information is also available on
the Centers for Disease Control 24-hour hotline:  [phone].

It is not necessary to be vaccinated against a disease you will not
be exposed to and few countries refuse to admit you if you arrive
without the necessary vaccinations.  Officials will either vaccinate
you, give you a medical follow-up card, or, in rare circumstances,
put you in isolation for the incubation period of the disease you
were not vaccinated against.  Check requirements before you depart.

If vaccinations are required, they must be recorded on approved forms,
such as those in the booklet PHS-731, International Certificates
of Vaccination as Approved by the World Health Organization.  If
your doctor or public health office does not have this booklet, it
can be obtained for $2 from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S.
Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402 or Government
Printing Office bookstores.  Keep it with your passport.

Some countries require certification from long-term visitors that
they are free of the human immuno-deficiency virus (HIV).  Generally,
this has little bearing on tourists and short-term visitors.  Check
with the embassy or consulate of the countries you will visit for
the latest information.

HEALTH INSURANCE

For travelers who become seriously ill or injured overseas, obtaining
medical treatment and hospital care can be costly.  The Social Security
Medicare program does not cover hospital and medical services outside
the United States.  Before you leave the United States, learn what
medical services your health insurance will cover abroad.

If your health insurance policy does not cover you abroad, you are
urged to purchase a temporary health policy that does.  There are
short-term health and emergency assistance policies designed for
travelers.  You can find the names of such companies from your travel
agent, your health insurance company, or from advertisements in travel
publications.  In addition to health insurance, many policies include
trip cancellation, baggage loss, and travel accident insurance in
the same package.  Some travelers check companies have protection
policies available for those who purchase travelers checks.

MEDICAL EVACUATION
One of the chief advantages of health and emergency assistance policies
is that they often include coverage for medical evacuation to the
United States.  Medical evacuation can easily cost $5000 depending
upon your location and medical condition.  Even if your regular health
insurance covers you for emergencies abroad, consider purchasing
a supplemental insurance policy to cover medical evacuation.

Whichever health insurance coverage you choose for overseas, remember
to bring your policy identity card and claim forms with you.

HOW TO BRING MONEY

TRAVELERS CHECKS
Do not carry large amounts of cash.  Take most of your money in travelers
checks and remember to record the serial number, denomination and
the date and location of the issuing bank or agency.  Keep this information
in a safe and separate place so if you lose your travelers checks
you can get replacements quickly.

CREDIT CARDS
Some credit cards can be used worldwide, even for cash advances.
Keep track of your credit card purchases so as not to exceed your
limit.  Travelers have been arrested overseas for mistakenly exceeding
their credit limit!  Leave all unnecessary credit cards at home.
Record the numbers of the credit cards that you do bring and keep
the list in a separate place from the cards.

Always report the loss or theft of your credit cards or travelers
checks immediately to the companies and notify the local police.
If you will stay in one place for some time, consider opening an
account for check cashing and other transactions at a U.S. bank that
has an overseas affiliate.  U.S. embassies and consulates cannot
cash checks for you.

PREPARE FOR EMERGENCY FUNDS
Keep the telephone number for your bank in the United States with
you in the event you run out of cash and need to transfer money.
In some countries, major banks and certain travel agencies can help
you arrange a transfer of funds from your account to a foreign bank.
If you do not have a bank account from which you can obtain emergency
funds, make arrangements in advance with a relative or friend to
send you emergency funds should it become necessary.  If you find
yourself destitute, contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate
for assistance in arranging a money wire transfer from a relative
or friend in the United States.

FOREIGN CURRENCY
Before departing, you may wish to purchase small amounts of foreign
currency to use for buses, taxis, phones, or tips when you first
arrive.  Foreign exchange facilities at airports may be closed when
your flight arrives.  You can purchase foreign currency at some U.S.
banks, at foreign exchange firms, or at foreign exchange windows
or even vending machines at many international airports in the United States.

Some countries regulate the amount of local currency you can bring
into or take out of the country; others require that you exchange
a minimum amount of currency.  For currency regulations, check with
a bank, foreign exchange firm, your travel agent, or the embassy
or consulate of the countries you plan to visit.

If you leave or enter the United States with more than $10,000 in
monetary instruments of any kind, you must file a report, Customs
Form 4790, with U.S. Customs at the time.  Failure to comply can
result in civil and criminal proceedings.

VALUABLES╤DON'T BRING THEM!
Do not bring anything on your trip that you would hate to lose such
as expensive jewelry, family photographs, or objects of sentimental
value.  If you bring jewelry, wear it discreetly to help avoid grab-and-run
robbery.

OTHER THINGS TO ARRANGE AHEAD

LODGING

RESERVE IN ADVANCE
Many travelers wait until they reach their destination before making
hotel reservations.  Some train stations and airports have travel
desks to assist you in finding lodging.  However, when you arrive,
you may be tired and unfamiliar with your surroundings, and could
have difficulty locating a hotel to meet your needs.  Therefore,
when possible, reserve your lodging in advance and reconfirm your
reservations along the way.  During peak tourist season, it is important
have a hotel reservation for at least the first night you arrive
in a foreign city.

An alternative to hotels and pensions is the youth hostel system,
offering travelers of all ages clean, inexpensive, overnight accommodations
in more than 6,000 locations in over 70 countries worldwide.  Hostels
provide dormitory-style accommodations with separate facilities for
males and females.  Some hostels have family rooms that can be reserved
in advance.  Curfews are often imposed and membership is often required.
You may write to:  American Youth Hostels,
P.O. Box 37613, Washington, D.C. 20013-7613.

ORGANIZED PROGRAMS
The majority of private programs for vacation, study, or work abroad
are reputable and financially sound.  However, some charge exorbitant
fees, use deliberately false "educational" claims, and provide working
conditions far different from those advertised.  Even programs of
legitimate organizations can be poorly administered.  Be cautious.
Before committing yourself or your finances, find out about the
organization and what it offers.

STUDENT TRAVELERS
Students can save money on transportation and accommodations, and
obtain other discounts if they have an International Student Identity
Card.  This card is available with proof of student status and a
small fee from:  Council on International Educational Exchange; 205
East 42nd Street; New York, New York 10017.  Membership also provides
some accident and health insurance while abroad.

TRANSPORTATION

At the time of publication, U.S. citizens traveling abroad are required
to pay a $12 federal inspection fee and a $6 federal departure tax
that are included in the price of the air ticket.

CHARTER FLIGHTS AND AIRLINES
There have been occasions when airlines or companies that sell charter
flights or tour packages have gone out of business with little warning,
stranding passengers overseas.  If you know from the media or from
your travel agent that an airline is in financial difficulty, ask
your travel agent or the airline what recourse you would have if
the airline ceased to operate. Some airlines may honor the tickets
of a defunct airline, but they usually do so with restrictions.

Before you purchase a charter flight or tour package, read the contract
carefully.  Unless it guarantees they will deliver services promised
or give a full refund, consider purchasing trip insurance.  If you
are unsure of the reputation of a charter company or tour operator,
consult your local Better Business Bureau or the American Society
of Travel Agents at 1101 King Street, Alexandria, VA 22314, Tel.
(703)  739-2782, to learn if the company has a complaint record .

DRIVER'S LICENSE/AUTO INSURANCE

If you intend to drive overseas, check with the embassy or consulate
of the countries you will visit to learn their driver's license,
road permit, and auto insurance requirements.  If possible, obtain
road maps before you go.

Many countries do not recognize a U.S. driver's license.  Most, however,
accept an international driver's permit.  Before departure, obtain
one at a local office of an automobile association.  You must be
at least age 18, and you will need two passport-size photographs
and your valid U.S. license.  Certain countries require road permits

instead of tolls to use their divided highways and will fine drivers
without a permit.

Car rental agencies overseas usually provide auto insurance, but
in some countries, the required coverage is minimal.  A good rule
of thumb when renting a car overseas is to purchase insurance coverage
that is at least equivalent to that which you carry at home.

In general, your U.S. auto insurance does not cover you abroad.
However, your policy may apply when you drive to countries that neighbor
the United States.  Check with your insurer to see if your policy
covers you in Canada, Mexico, or countries south of Mexico.   Even
if your policy is valid in one of these countries, it may not meet
its minimum requirements.  For instance, in most of Canada, you must
carry at least $200,000 in liability insurance, and Mexico requires
that if vehicles do not carry theft, third party liability, and comprehensive
insurance, the owner must post a bond that could be as high as 50%
of the value of the vehicle.  If you are under-insured for a country,
auto insurance can usually be purchased on either side of the border.

U.S. CUSTOMS PRE-REGISTRATION

Learn about U.S. Customs regulations.  Foreign-made personal articles
taken abroad are subject to duty and tax unless you have proof of
prior possession such as a receipt, bill of sale, an  insurance policy,
or a jeweler's appraisal.  If you do not have proof of prior possession,
items such as foreign-made watches, cameras, or tape recorders that
can be identified by serial number or permanent markings may be taken
to the Customs office nearest you or at the port of departure for
registration before departing the United States.  The certificate
of registration provided can expedite free entry of these items when
you return.

DOCUMENTATION FOR MEDICATIONS

If you go abroad with preexisting medical problems, carry a letter
from you doctor describing your condition, including information
on any prescription medicines you must take.  You should also have
the generic names of the drugs.  Leave medicines in their original,
labeled containers.  These precautions make customs processing easier.
A doctor's certificate, however, may not suffice as authorization
to transport all prescription drugs to all foreign countries.  Travelers
have innocently been arrested for drug violations when carrying items
not considered to be narcotics in the United States.  To ensure you
do not violate the drug laws of the countries you visit, consult
the embassy or consulate of those countries for precise information
before leaving the United States.

If you have allergies, reactions to certain medicines, or other unique
medical problems, consider wearing a medical alert bracelet or carrying
a similar warning.

Several private organizations provide listings of physicians to international
travelers.  Membership in these organizations is generally free,
although a donation may be requested.  Membership entitles the traveler
to a number of traveler's medical aids, including a directory of
physicians with their overseas locations, telephone numbers and doctors'
fee schedules.  The physicians are generally English-speaking and
provide medical assistance 24 hours a day.  The addresses of these
medical organizations are in travel magazines or may be available
from your travel agent.

PLACES TO RECEIVE MAIL

If you are traveling for an extended period, you may want to arrange
to pick up mail or messages.  Some banks and international credit
card companies handle mail for customers at their overseas branches.
General Delivery (Poste Restante) services at post offices in most
countries will hold mail for you.  U.S. embassies and consulates
do not handle private mail.

LEARN ABOUT DUAL NATIONALITY

Whether you are a U.S. citizen from birth or were naturalized as
a U.S. citizen, a foreign country may claim you as its citizen if:

-- You were born there.
-- Your parent is or was a citizen of that country.
-- You are married to a citizen of that country.

If any of the possibilities for dual nationality applies to you,
check on your status (including military obligations) with the embassy
or consulate of the country that might claim you as a citizen.  In
particular, Americans may have problems with dual nationality in
certain countries in the Middle East, in South America, and in Africa.
Some foreign countries refuse to recognize a dual national's U.S.
citizenship and do not allow U.S. officials access to arrested Americans.

SOME THINGS TO LEAVE BEHIND

YOUR ITINERARY╤LEAVE A PAPER TRAIL

Leave a detailed itinerary (with names, addresses, and phone numbers
of persons and places to be visited) with relatives or friends in
the United States so you can be reached in an emergency.  Also include
a photocopy of your passport information page.

OTHER IMPORTANT NUMBERS

It is a good idea to make a list of all important numbers╤your passport
information as well as your credit card, travelers checks, and airline
ticket numbers.  Leave a copy at home and carry a copy with you,
separate from your valuables.

WHILE YOU ARE OVERSEAS

HOW TO DEAL WITH THE UNEXPECTED

If you change your travel plans, miss your return flight, or extend
your trip, be sure to notify relatives or friends back home.  Should
you find yourself in an area of civil unrest or natural disaster,
let them know as soon as you can that you are safe.  In addition,
contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate to register your presence
and to keep the U.S. consul informed of your whereabouts.

SAFETY TIPS

PROTECT YOUR PASSPORT

Your passport is the most valuable document you will carry abroad.
It confirms your U.S. citizenship.  Guard it carefully.  Do not
use it as collateral for a loan or lend it to anyone.  It is your
best form of identification.  You will need it when you pick up mail
or check into hotels, embassies or consulates.

When entering some countries or registering at hotels, you may be
asked to fill out a police card listing your name, passport number,
destination, local address, and reason for traveling.  You may be
required to leave your passport at the hotel reception desk overnight
so it may be checked by local police officials.  These are normal
procedures required by local laws.  If your passport is not returned
the following morning, immediately report the impoundment to local
police authorities and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.

PASSPORT FRAUD
Law enforcement records show that U.S. passports are sometimes used
for illegal entry into the United States or by criminals abroad seeking
to establish another identity.  This can cause embarrassment to innocent
citizens whose names become associated with illegal activities.
To protect the integrity of the U.S. passport and the security of
the person bearing it, consular officers overseas have found it necessary
to take precautions in processing lost passport cases.  These precautions
may involve some delay before a new passport is issued.

SAFEGUARD YOUR PASSPORT
Carelessness is the main cause for losing a passport or having it
stolen.  You may find that you have to carry your passport with you
because either you need to show it when you cash travelers checks
or the country you are in requires you to carry it as an identity
document.  When you must carry your passport, hide it securely on
your person.  Do not leave it in a handbag or an exposed pocket.
Whenever possible, leave your passport in the hotel safe, not in
an empty hotel room or packed in your luggage.  One family member
should not carry all the passports for the entire family.

GUARD AGAINST THIEVES

Coat pockets, handbags, and hip pockets are particularly susceptible
to theft.  Thieves will use all kinds of ploys to divert your attention
just long enough to pick your pocket and grab your purse or wallet.
These ploys include creating a disturbance, spilling something on
your clothing, or even handing you a baby to hold!

Prevent theft by carrying your belongings in a secure manner.  Consider
not carrying a purse or wallet when going on crowded streets.  Women
who carry a shoulder bag should keep it tucked under the arm and
held securely by the strap.  Men should put their wallets in their
front trouser pockets or use money belts instead of hip pockets.
A wallet wrapped in rubber bands is more difficult to remove undetected.
Be especially cautious in a large crowd╤in the subway, marketplace,
at a festival, or if surrounded by groups of vagrant children.  Do
not make it easy for thieves!

FINANCIAL AND SHOPPING TIPS

CURRENCY

Local banks usually offer better rates of exchange than hotels, restaurants,
or stores.  Rates are often posted in windows.  Above all, avoid
private currency transactions.  In some countries, you risk more
than being swindled or stuck with counterfeit currency╤you risk arrest.
Avoid the black market╤learn and obey the local currency laws wherever
you go.

SHOPPING

MAIL SMALL ITEMS
When you purchase small items, it is a good idea to mail them personally
to your home or to carry them in your luggage.  This will help prevent
misdirected packages, nonreceipt of merchandise, or receipt of wrong
merchandise.  When you mail purchases, be sure to ask about insurance.

American embassies and consulates abroad cannot serve as post offices.
They cannot accept, hold, or forward mail for U.S. citizens abroad.

THE VALUE ADDED TAX
Some European countries levy a value added tax (VAT) on the items
you buy.  In some places, if you ship your purchases home, the VAT
can be waived.  Other places may require you to pay the VAT, but
have a system to refund it to you by mail.  Ask the store clerk for
an application to apply for the refund.  The VAT refund is only for
items you can ship or carry with you.  It does not apply to food,
hotel bills, or other services.  Because the rules for VAT refunds
vary from country to country, check with the country's tourist office
to learn the local requirements.

THINGS TO BEWARE OF PURCHASING

WILDLIFE SOUVENIRS
Be careful when you buy articles made from animals and plants or
purchase live wild animals to bring back as pets.  Some items, such
as those made from elephant ivory, sea turtles, crocodile leather,
or fur from endangered cats, and many species of live animals cannot
be brought into the United States legally.  Your wildlife souvenirs
could be confiscated by government inspectors, and you could face
other penalties for attempting to bring them into the United States.
Do not buy wildlife or wildlife products unless you are certain
they are legal for import into the United States.  More information
follows later.

GLAZED CERAMICS
Beware of purchasing glazed ceramic ware abroad.  It is possible
to suffer lead poisoning if you consume food or beverages that are
stored or served in improperly glazed ceramics.  Unless the ceramics
are made by a firm with an international reputation, there is no
immediate way to be certain a particular item is safe.  The U.S.
Food and Drug Administration recommends that ceramic tableware purchased
abroad be tested for lead release by a commercial laboratory on your
return or be used for decorative purposes only.  More information
later on in this file.

ANTIQUES
Some countries consider antiques to be national treasures and the
"inalienable property of the nation."  In some countries, customs
authorities seize illegally purchased antiques without compensation
and may also levy fines on the purchaser.  Americans have been arrested
and prosecuted for purchasing antiques.  Americans have even been
arrested for purchasing reproductions of antiques from street vendors
because a local authority believed the purchase was a national treasure.

Protect yourself.  In countries where antiques are important, document
your purchases as reproductions if that is the case, or if they are
authentic, secure the necessary export permit.  The documentation
or export permit may be available through the country's national
museum.  A reputable dealer may provide the export permit or information
on how to secure one.

If you have questions about purchasing antiques, the country's tourist
office can guide you.  If you still have doubts, consult the Consular
Section of the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.  In places where
Americans have had problems because of purchasing antiques, the Consular
Section is well aware of the situation.  They can tell you about
the local laws and the correct procedures to follow.

CUSTOMS

Keep all receipts for items you buy overseas.  They will be helpful
in making your U.S. Customs declaration when you return.

LEGAL TIPS

OBEY FOREIGN LAWS

When you are in a foreign country, you are subject to its laws.
Learn about local laws and regulations and obey them.  Avoid areas
of unrest and disturbance.  Deal only with authorized outlets when
exchanging money or buying airline tickets and travelers checks.
Do not deliver a package for anyone unless you know the person well
and are certain the package does not contain drugs or other contraband.

Before you sell personal effects, such as clothing, cameras, or jewelry,
learn the local regulations regarding such sales.  Adhere strictly
to local laws because the penalties you risk are severe.

Some countries are particularly sensitive about photographs.  In
general, refrain from photographing police and military installations
and personnel; industrial structures including harbor, rail, and
airport facilities; border areas; and scenes of civil disorder or
other public disturbance.  Taking such photographs may result in
your detention, in the confiscation of your camera and films, and
the imposition of fines.  For information on photography restrictions,
check with the country's tourist office or its embassy or consulate
in the United States.  Once abroad, check with local authorities
or at the Consular Section of the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.

DRUG ARRESTS

About 3000 Americans are arrested abroad each year.  Of these, approximately
one-third are held on drug charges.  Despite repeated warnings, drug
arrests and convictions are still a common occurrence.  Many countries
have stiff penalties for drug violations and strictly enforce drug
laws.  You are subject to foreign, not U.S. laws overseas, and you
will find, if arrested, that:

-- Few countries provide a jury trial.
-- Most countries do not accept bail.
-- Pretrial detention, often in solitary confinement, may last months.
-- Prisons may lack even minimal comforts╤bed, toilet, wash basin.
-- Diets are often inadequate and require supplements from relatives
and friends.
-- Officials may not speak English.
-- Physical abuse, confiscation of personal property, degrading or
inhumane treatment, and     extortion are possible.

If you are convicted, you face a possible sentence of:

-- 2-10 years in many countries.

-- A minimum of 6 years hard labor and a stiff fine in some countries.
-- The death penalty in some countries.

Do not get involved with illegal drugs overseas.  It can spoil more
than your vacation.  It can ruin your life!

LEGAL AID

Because you are subject to local laws abroad, there is little that
a U.S. consul can do for you if you encounter legal difficulties.
For example, a consular officer cannot get you out of jail.  What
American officials can do is limited by both foreign and U.S. laws.
The U.S. Government has neither funds nor authority to pay your
legal fees or related expenses.

Although U.S. consular officers cannot serve as attorneys or give
legal advice, they can provide a list of local attorneys and help
you find adequate legal representation.  The lists of attorneys are
carefully compiled from local bar association lists and responses
to questionnaires, but neither the Department of State nor U.S. embassies
or consulates abroad can assume responsibility for the caliber, competence,
or professional integrity of the attorneys.

If you are arrested, ask the authorities to notify a consular officer
at the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.  Under international agreements
and practice, you have the right to talk to the U.S. consul.  If
you are denied this right, be persistent and try to have someone
get in touch for you.

When alerted, U.S. officials will visit you, advise you of your rights
according to local laws, and contact your family and friends if you
wish.  They will do whatever they can to protect your legitimate
interests and to ensure you are not discriminated against under local
law.  Consuls can transfer money, food, and clothing to the prison
authorities from your family or friends.  They will try to get relief
if you are held under inhumane or unhealthy conditions or treated
less favorably than others in the same situation.

HELP FROM AMERICAN CONSULS ABROAD

WHEN TO REGISTER WITH THE U.S. EMBASSY

REGISTER AT THE CONSULAR SECTION OF THE NEAREST U.S. EMBASSY OR CONSULATE:

╤If you find yourself in a country or area that is experiencing civil
unrest, has an unstable political climate, or is undergoing a natural
disaster, such as an earthquake or hurricane.

╤If you plan to go to a country where there are no U.S. officials.
In such cases, register in an adjacent country, leave an itinerary,
and ask about conditions in the country you will visit and what third
country may represent U.S. interests there.

╤If you plan to stay in a country for longer than one month.

Registration makes your presence and whereabouts known in case it
is necessary for a consular employee to contact you in an emergency.
During a disaster overseas, American consular officers offer assistance
to Americans and can even assist in evacuation when that becomes
necessary.  But they cannot assist you if they do not know where
your are.  Registration also makes it easier to apply for a replacement
passport if yours is lost or stolen.

If you are traveling with an escorted tour to areas experiencing
political uncertainty or other problems, find out if registration
is being done for you by your tour operator.  If it is not, or if
you are traveling on your own, leave a copy of your itinerary at
the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate soon after arrival.

WHAT U.S. CONSULS CAN DO

U.S. consular officers are located at U.S. embassies and consulates
in most countries overseas.  They are available to advise and help
you if you are in any serious trouble.

DESTITUTION
If you become destitute abroad, the U.S. consul can help you get
in touch with your family, friends, bank, or employer and tell you
how to arrange for them to send funds for you.  These funds can sometimes
be wired to you through the Department of State.

IF ILL OR INJURED
Should you become ill while abroad, contact the nearest U.S. embassy
or consulate for a list of local doctors, dentists, medical specialists,
clinics and hospitals.  If your illness or injury is serious, the
consul can help you find medical assistance from that list and, at
your request, will inform your family or friends of your condition.
If necessary, a consul can assist in the transfer of funds from
the United States.  Payment of hospital and other expenses is your
responsibility.  Consular officers cannot supply you with medication.

In an emergency when you are unable to communicate, the consul will
check your passport for the name and address of any relative, friend,
or legal representative whom you wish to have notified.  Because
the U.S. Government cannot pay for medical evacuations, it is advisable
to have private medical insurance to cover this.

MARRIAGE ABROAD
U.S. diplomatic and consular officials do not have the authority
to perform marriages overseas.  Marriage abroad must be performed
in accordance with local law.  There are always documentary requirements,
and in some countries, there is a lengthy residence requirement before
a marriage may take place.

Before traveling, ask the embassy or consulate of the country in
which you plan to marry about their regulations and how to prepare
to marry abroad.  Once abroad, the Consular Section of the nearest
U.S. embassy or consulate may be able to answer some of your questions,
but it is your responsibility to deal with local civil authorities.

BIRTH ABROAD
A child born abroad to a U.S. citizen parent or parents generally
acquires U.S. citizenship at birth.  The U.S. parent or parents should
contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate to have a Report of
Birth Abroad of a Citizen of the United States of America prepared.
This document serves as proof of acquisition of U.S. citizenship
and is acceptable evidence for obtaining a U.S. passport and for
most other purposes where one must show a birth certificate or proof
of citizenship.

ADOPTION ABROAD
The Department of State and its embassies and consulates abroad have
become increasingly concerned about international adoptions because
of an increase in illegal activities by some intermediaries and adoption
agencies.  Illegal adoption practices can cause great difficulty,
financial strain, and emotional upheaval for adopting parents.  If
you are a prospective adopting parent, beware of any agency or attorney
claiming to be able to streamline established procedures.  Because
of irregular activities, foreign governments sometimes determine
that an adoption in process is illegal and refuse to finalize the adoption.

For more information, you may write for a free pamphlet, International
Adoptions.  Send a self-addressed, triple-stamped 9"x12" envelope
to:  Citizens Consular Services (CA/OCS/CCS), Room 4817, Department
of State, Washington, D.C. 20520-4818.  If you are planning to adopt
from a particular country, mention that in your request, because
Citizens Consular Services has specific information on the adoption
process in certain countries.

DEATH ABROAD
When a U.S. citizen dies abroad, the consular officer reports the
death to the next of kin or legal representative and arranges to
obtain from them the necessary private funds for local burial or
return of the body to the United States.  Before you begin your trip,
complete the address page in the front of your passport.  Provide
the name, address and telephone number of someone to be contacted
in an emergency.  Do not give the names of your traveling companions
in case the entire party is involved in the same accident.

Because the U.S. Government cannot pay for local burial or shipment
of remains to the United States, it is worthwhile to have insurance
to cover this.  Following a death, a Report of the Death of An American
Citizen (Optional Form 180) is prepared by the consular officer to
provide the facts concerning the death and the custody of the personal
estate of the deceased.  Under certain circumstances, a consular
officer becomes the provisional conservator of a deceased American's
estate and arranges for the disposition of those effects.

A VARIETY OF NONEMERGENCY SERVICES
Consular employees provide nonemergency services as well.  These
include information on Selective Service registration, travel advisories,
absentee voting, and the acquisition or loss of U.S. citizenship.
They arrange for the transfer of Social Security and other federal
benefits to beneficiaries residing abroad, provide U.S. tax forms,
and notarize documents.  Consuls can also provide information on
how to obtain foreign public documents.

WHAT U.S. CONSULS CANNOT DO

Consular officers will do their best to assist U.S nationals abroad.
However, they must devote priority time and energies to those Americans
who find themselves in the most serious legal, medical, or financial
difficulties.

Because of limited resources, consuls cannot provide routine or commercial-type
services.  They cannot act as travel agents, information bureaus,
banks, or law enforcement officers.  U.S. federal law forbids a consular
officer from acting as your lawyer.  Consular officers cannot:  find
you employment; get you visas, residence permits or driving permits;
act as interpreters; search for missing luggage; call your credit
card company or bank; replace stolen travelers checks; or settle
disputes with hotel managers.  They can, how-ever, tell you how to
get assistance on these and other matters.

WHEN YOU RETURN

RETURN TRANSPORTATION

Reconfirm your return reservation at least 72 hours before departure.
Whenever possible, obtain a written confirmation.  If you do it
by phone, record the time, day, and the agent's name who took the
call.  If your name does not appear on the reservations list, you
have no recourse and may find yourself stranded.

DEPARTURE TAX

Some countries levy an airport departure tax on travelers that can
be as high as $50.  Ask the airline or a travel agent about this.
Make certain to have enough money at the end of your trip to be
able to get on the plane.

IMMIGRATION AND CUSTOMS

If a passport was required for your trip, have it ready when you
go through Immigration and Customs.  If you took other documents
with you, such as an International Certificate of Vaccination, a
medical letter, or a Customs certificate of registration for foreign-made
personal articles, have them ready also.  Have your receipts handy
in case you need to support your customs declaration.  When returning
to the United States by car from Mexico or Canada, have your certificate
of vehicle registration handy.  It is a good idea to pack your baggage
in a way to make inspection easier.  For example, pack the articles
you acquired abroad separately.

U.S. Customs currently allows each U.S. citizen to bring back $400
worth of merchandise duty free, provided the traveler has been outside
the United States for at least 48 hours, has not already used this
exemption within 30 days, and provided the traveler can present the
purchases upon his or her arrival at the port of entry.  The next
$1000 worth of items brought back for personal use or gifts is subject
to duty at a flat rate of 10%.

There are two groups of destinations from which the duty-free exemption
is higher.  These are a group of 24 countries and dependencies in
the Caribbean and Central America from which the exemption is $600
and a group of U.S. insular possessions (the U.S. Virgin Islands,
American Samoa, and Guam) from which the exemption is $1,200.  For
details, consult your travel agent or the U.S. Customs Service publication,
Know Before You Go, listed directly below.

ADDITIONAL SOURCES OF INFORMATION

CUSTOMS

Know Before You Go, Customs Hints for Returning U.S. Residents contains
information on key U.S. Customs regulations and procedures, including
duty rates.  Single copies are free from any local Customs office
or write:  U.S. Customs Service, P.O. Box 7407, Washington, D.C. 20044.

AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS

Travelers Tips on Bringing Food, Plant, and Animal Products Into
the United States lists entry requirements for these items from most
parts of the world.  Fresh fruit and vegetables, meat, potted plants,
pet birds, and other items are prohibited or restricted from entry
into the United States.  The publication is available from the U.S.
Department of Agriculture, 613 Federal Bldg., 6505 Belcrest Road,
Hyattsville, MD 20782.

WILDLIFE AND WILDLIFE PRODUCTS

Buyer Beware!  provides general guidelines governing restrictions
on imports of wildlife and wildlife products into the United States.
For a free copy, write to the Publications Unit, U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service, Department of the Interior, Washington, D.C. 20240.  Additional
information on importing wildlife and wildlife products can be obtained
through
TRAFFIC USA, World Wildlife Fund, 1250 24th Street, N.W., Washington,
D.C. 20037.

GLAZED CERAMIC PURCHASES

The article, An Unwanted Souvenir, Lead in Ceramic Ware, explains
the danger of lead poisoning from some glazed ceramic ware sold abroad.
For a free copy, write:  U.S. Food and Drug Administration, HFI-40,
Rockville, MD.  20857.

U.S. EMBASSY ADDRESSES

Key Officers of Foreign Service Posts gives the names of key officers
and the addresses for all U.S. embassies, consulates, and missions
abroad.  This publication is updated three times a year.  The single
copy price is $1.75.  To obtain a copy, write to:

    Superintendent of Documents
    U.S. Government Printing Office
    Washington, D.C. 20402.

You may also order by telephone: [phone].

OLDER AMERICANS

Travel Tips for Older Americans  provides information on passports,
visas, health, currency, and suggestions for older Americans planning
a trip abroad.  Copies are available for $1 from the U.S. Government
Printing Office (address above).

SAFE TRAVEL

A Safe Trip Abroad  contains helpful precautions to minimize the
chance of becoming a victim of terrorism and also provides other
safety tips.  To obtain a copy for $1, write to the U.S. Government
Printing Office.

FOREIGN COUNTRY INFORMATION

Background Notes are brief, factual pamphlets, one for each country
of the world and some for selected international organizations.
The approximately 170 Notes contain information on each country's
people, culture, geography, history, government, economy, and political
conditions.  Background Notes also include a reading list, travel
notes, and maps.  Single copies are available for $1 from the U.S.
Government Printing Office.

Tips for Travelers  pamphlets provide advice prepared by the Bureau
of Consular Affairs on travel to specific areas of the world.  Depending
on the region discussed, a Tips pamphlet will cover such topics as
currency and customs regulations, entry requirements, dual nationality,
import and export controls, vaccination requirements, restrictions
on use of photography, and warnings on the use of drugs.  Single
copies of the following Tips pamphlets are for sale for $l from the

U.S. Government Printing Office.

-- Tips for Travelers to the Caribbean
-- Tips for Travelers to Central and South America
-- Tips for Travelers to Eastern Europe
-- Tips for Travelers to Mexico
-- Tips for Travelers to the Middle East and North Africa
-- Tips for Travelers to the People's Republic of China
-- Tips for Travelers to South Asia
-- Tips for Travelers to Sub-Saharan Africa
-- Tips for Travelers to the USSR.

BROCHURES ON CONSULAR SERVICES
FOR AMERICANS ABROAD

Single copies of the following brochures can be obtained free by
sending a self-addressed, stamped envelope (SASE) to:  CA/PA, Room
5807; Department of State; Washington, D.C. 20520-4818.

Crisis Abroad╤What the State Department Does  summarizes the work
of the State Department during a crisis.  For example, for concerned
relatives and friends in the U.S., the Department attempts to obtain
information from local authorities abroad about Americans located
in the disaster area.

The Citizens Emergency Center gives information about the assistance
the Center provides to American citizens in four major categories:
deaths, arrests, welfare/whereabouts inquiries, and financial/medical
emergencies.

US Consuls Help Americans Abroad  explains the emergency and nonemergency
services that consular officers abroad provide to U.S. citizens.

OTHER INFORMATION SHEETS ON CONSULAR MATTERS

The Department of State has information on other subjects of interest
to traveling Americans.  Single copies of the following information
sheets are free.  Please send a SASE to:  CA/OCS/CCS, Room 4817;
Department of State; Washington, D.C.  20520-4818.  Ask for any of
the following:

╨  Dual Nationality (U.S./Other)
╨  Loss of U.S. Citizenship
╨  Marriage Abroad
╨  Foreign Military Service
╨  Claims to Inheritance Abroad
╨  Estates Abroad
╨  Tourist and Trade Complaints.

PASSPORT AGENCIES

Apply Early For Your Passport!

Boston Passport Agency
Thomas P. O'Neill Fed. Bldg., Room 247
10 Causeway Street
Boston, Massachusetts 02222
*Recording: 617-565-6698
Public Inquiries: 617-565-6990

Chicago Passport Agency
Suite 380, Kluczynski Federal Bldg.
230 South Dearborn Street
Chicago, Illinois 60604-1564
*Recording: 312-353-5426
Public Inquiries: 312-353-7155 or 7163

Honolulu Passport Agency
Room C-106, New Federal Bldg.
300 Ala Moana Blvd.
Honolulu, Hawaii 96850
*Recording: 808-541-1919
Public Inquiries: 808-541-1918

Houston Passport Agency
Suite 1100, Mickey Leland Fed. Bldg.
1919 Smith Street
Houston, Texas  77002
*Recording: 713-653-3159
Public Inquiries: 713-653-3153

Los Angeles Passport Agency
Room 13100, 11000 Wilshire Boulevard
Los Angeles, California 90024-3614
*Recording: 310-575-7070
Public Inquiries: 310-575-7075

Miami Passport Agency
3rd Floor, Federal Office Bldg.
51 Southwest First Avenue
Miami, Florida 33130-1680
*Recording: 305-536-5395 (English)
305-536-4448 (Spanish)
Public Inquiries: 305-536-4681

New Orleans Passport Agency
Postal Services Building
701 Loyola Avenue, Rm. T-12005
New Orleans, Louisiana 70013-1931
*Recording: 504-589-6728
Public Inquiries: 504-589-6161

New York Passport Agency
Room 270, Rockefeller Center
630 Fifth Avenue
New York, New York 10111-0031
*Recording: 212-541-7700
Public Inquiries: 212-541-7710

Philadelphia Passport Agency
Room 4426, Federal Bldg.
600 Arch Street
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19106-1684
*Recording: 215-597-7482
Public Inquiries: 215-597-7480

San Francisco Passport Agency
Suite 200, Tishman Speyer Bldg.
525 Market Street
San Francisco, California 94105-2773
*Recording: 415-744-4444
Public Inquiries: 415-744-4010

Seattle Passport Agency
Room 992, Federal Office Bldg.
915 Second Avenue
Seattle, Washington 98174-1091
*Recording: 206-553-7941
Public Inquiries: 206-553-7945

Stamford Passport Agency
One Landmark Square
Broad and Atlantic Streets
Stamford, Connecticut 06901-2767
*Recording: 203-325-4401
Public Inquiries: 203-325-3538, 3530

Washington Passport Agency
1425 K Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20524-0002
*Recording: 202-647-0518
Public Inquiries: 202-326-6020

*Twenty-four hour recording includes general passport information,
passport agency location, hours of operation, and information regarding
emergency passport services during non-working hours.

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#ENDCARD
#CARD:Consular Topics:West bank travel

(Travel Advisories)

WEST BANK, GAZA STRIP, EAST JERUSALEM - WARNING
March 12, 1992

Summary:  The Department of State continues to advise all U.S. citizens to
avoid travel to the West Bank and Gaza Strip until further notice.  U.S.
citizens traveling to East Jerusalem should contact the U.S. Consulate
General for an update on conditions and exercise caution at all times.  In
general, Americans should avoid demonstrations and protest activities.
Israel's strict security measures, particularly at Ben Gurion Airport and
Allenby Bridge, may affect visitors.  Americans arrested in the West Bank or
Gaza on security offenses are often denied timely communication with
consular officials.  End Summary.

I.  Travel and Safety

TRAVEL TO THE WEST BANK AND GAZA STRIP:  Due to recurrent disturbances and
tension in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, the Department of State
continues to advise all U.S. citizens to avoid travel to these areas until
further notice.  U.S. citizens who must travel to the West Bank and Gaza
Strip should be aware of continuing unrest and tension, including stone-
throwing, which can affect visitors.  If travel to the West Bank is
unavoidable, travelers should consult with the U.S. Consulate General in
Jerusalem.  In the case of travel to the Gaza Strip, travelers should
consult with the U.S. Embassy in Tel Aviv.  Americans residing in these
areas should exercise particular caution.  They should also register with
the U.S. Embassy in Tel Aviv or the U.S. Consulate General in Jerusalem.

TRAVEL TO EAST JERUSALEM:  There have been occasional disturbances in East
Jerusalem.  U.S. citizens who travel to East Jerusalem should be aware of
continuing unrest and tension, including stone-throwing, which can affect
visitors.  Travelers to all areas of East Jerusalem, including the walled
city, should exercise caution.  Travelers should contact the U.S. Consulate
General for an update on conditions.  Because of the potential for violent
incidents, tourists should be vigilant while using public transportation and
while traveling by car in areas of East Jerusalem less frequented by tourists.

DEMONSTRATIONS:  Under all circumstances, Americans should avoid
demonstrations, protest activities, and other situations that have the
potential to lead to violence.  American tourists should carry their U.S.
passports at all times

II. Consular Matters, Security, and Arrests

SECURITY MEASURES:  Israel has strict security measures which may affect
visitors.  Prolonged questioning and detailed searches may take place at the
time of entry and/or departure at the Allenby Bridge from Jordan and at Ben
Gurion Airport.  At the Allenby Bridge, American citizens with Arab surnames
may encounter delays or obstacles in bringing in cameras or electronics
equipment.  Items commonly carried by travelers such as toothpaste, shaving
cream, and cosmetics may be confiscated or destroyed.  During searches and
questioning, access may be denied to U.S. consular officers, lawyers, or
family members.  Should questions arise at the Allenby Bridge, Americans
should telephone the U.S. Consulate General in Jerusalem for assistance at
253-288.  If questions arise at Ben Gurion Airport, Americans should phone
the U.S. Embassy in Tel Aviv at 517-4338.

ARRESTS IN THE WEST BANK AND GAZA STRIP:  Americans arrested or detained in
the West Bank or Gaza on suspicion of security offenses often are not
permitted to communicate with consular officials, lawyers, or family members
in a timely manner during the interrogation period of their case.  Youths
who are over the age of fourteen have been detained and tried as adults. The
U.S. Embassy is not normally notified of the arrests of Americans in the
West Bank by Israeli authorities, and access to detainees is delayed.

No. 92-044

This updates the previous advisory, dated October 8, 1990, to reflect
changes in conditions in East Jerusalem.

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#ENDCARD