Wayzata World Factbook 1995/World Factbook - 1995 Edition - Wayzata Technology (1995).iso/mac/text/Build/tvlmactxt/CROATIA.TVL

Text File | 1994-12-07 | 5KB | 88 lines

Croatia - Consular Information Sheet
May 19, 1994

Country Description:  Croatia is an independent nation, formerly a
constituent republic of Yugoslavia.  Facilities for tourism are fully
developed although not always accessible in the unstable areas of the country.

Entry Requirements:  A passport is required and U.S. citizens must have a
visa.  While the visa can be obtained at the port of entry, obtaining it in
advance from a Croatian Embassy or consulate may prevent potential
complications at the border.  Croatian authorities require that foreigners
register with local police when they first arrive in a  new area of the
country,  This is usually handled in routine fashion during hotel
registration.  However, failure to register is technically a misdemeanor
offense, and some Americans have been subjected to arrest, short-term
imprisonment, and fines.  Additional information on entry requirements can
be obtained from the Embassy of Croatia at 2343 Massachusetts Ave. N.W.,
Washington, D.C. 20008, telephone: [phone].

Areas of Instability:  A general ceasefire was signed on March 30, 1994 by
the Croatian government and rebel Serb forces which still control over one-
quarter of Croatian territory, the United Nations Protected Areas (UNPA's).
Nonetheless, shelling or gunfire still occasionally occurs in part of
Croatia adjacent to the UNPA's.  The situation in Zagreb and in the majority
of areas controlled by the Croatian government, including the Istrian
Peninsula, is calm.  In September 1993, Serb forces launched a rocket attack
on Zagreb and two neighboring locales.  There has been no recurrence of
these attacks.  In addition, there were two separate attacks on United
Nations aircraft in early 1993 and in early 1994.  However, there have been
no incidents involving commercial aircraft.

Medical Facilities:  Health facilities in Croatia, although generally of
Western caliber, are under severe strain.  Some medicines are in short
supply.  Doctors and hospitals may expect immediate cash payment for health
services.  U.S. medical coverage is not always valid outside the United
States.  Travelers have found that supplemental medical insurance with
specific overseas coverage has proved to be useful.  Further information on
health matters can be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control's
international travelers hotline at [phone].

Crime Information:  Croatia has a relatively low crime rate, and violent
crime is rare.  Foreigners do not appear to be singled out; however, as in
many cities, displays of wealth increase chances of becoming the victim of a
pickpocket or mugger.  Such crimes are more likely to occur in bus or
railroad stations.  The emergency police number is 92.  Response time is
generally good, though long waits may occur.

The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately
to the local police and the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.  The
Department of State's pamphlet "A Safe Trip Abroad" is available from the
Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington,
D.C. 20402.

Currency Information:  Most major credit cards (except VISA) and traveler's
checks are accepted in Croatia.

Terrorist Activities:  There have been isolated terrorist bombing incidents
in Zagreb in recent years, but seldom resulted in personal injuries.  Though
no major incidents were reported in the last year, some crude, small-scale
bombs have been used against property in incidents that police suspect are
linked to crime or ethnic tensions.

Other Information:  If stopped at a check point, travelers are expected to
be courteous and follow instructions.  Many areas within the UNPAs are under
the control of undisciplined militia groups with whom the U.S. Embassy has
little contact or influence.

Drug Penalties:  U.S. citizens are subject to the laws of the country in
which they are traveling.

Registration:  U.S. citizens can register at the U.S.  Embassy in Zagreb and
receive updated information on travel and security within Croatia.  However,
assistance to U.S. citizens is limited by the difficulty of gaining access
to UNPAs and zones where fighting is occurring.

Embassy Location:  The U.S. Embassy in Zagreb is located at Andrije Hebranga
2, tel. (385) (41) 456-000.

No. 94-085

This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated April 29, 1993, to update
the information on terrorism and areas of instability, report the penalties
for not registering with local police, and update the telephone number of
the Croatian Embassy in Washington.