Wayzata World Factbook 1996/The World Factbook - 1996 Edition - Wayzata Technology (3079) (1996).iso/pc/text/tvltxt/iran.tvl

Text File | 1995-12-13 | 26KB | 472 lines

STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Iran
============================================================
Iran - Travel Warning
 October 4, 1995

The Department of State warns all U.S. citizens against travel to
Iran, which remains dangerous because of the generally anti-American
atmosphere and Iranian government hostility to the U.S. government.
U.S. citizens traveling to Iran have been detained without charge,
arrested, and harassed by Iranian authorities.  Former Muslims who
have converted to other religions, as well as persons who encourage
Muslims to convert, are subject to arrest and possible execution.
In addition, the Iranian government reportedly has the names of all
individuals who filed claims against Iran at the Iran-U.S. Claims
Tribunal at the Hague pursuant to the 1981 Algiers Accords.  There
are restrictions on both import and export of goods from Iran to the
United States.

The U.S. government does not currently have diplomatic or consular
relations with the Islamic Republic of Iran.  The Swiss government,
acting through its Embassy in Tehran, serves as the protecting power
for U.S. interests in Iran, but the Iranian government is reluctant
to permit the Swiss to provide protective services for American
citizens whom they consider to be Iranian nationals by birth or
naturalization.  Neither U.S. passports nor visas to the U.S. are
issued in Tehran.

 No. 95-032

This replaces the Department of State Travel Warning for Iran,
issued August 31, 1993, to include the following information:  That
former Muslims who have converted to other religions, as well as
those who encourage Muslims to convert, are subject to arrest and
possible execution; that the Iranian government has names of
individuals who filed claims against the government of Iran at the
Iran-U.S. Claims Tribunal at the Hague; and that there are trade
restrictions.


Iran - Consular Information Sheet
 October 5, 1995

Warning:  The Department of State warns all U.S. citizens against
travel to Iran, which remains dangerous because of the generally
anti-American atmosphere and Iranian government hostility to the
U.S. government.  U.S. citizens traveling to Iran have been detained
without charge, arrested, and harassed by Iranian authorities.
Former Muslims who have converted to other religions, as well as
persons who encourage Muslims to convert, are subject to arrest and
possible execution.  In addition, the Iranian government reportedly
has the names of all individuals who filed claims against Iran at
the Iran-U.S. Claims Tribunal at The Hague pursuant to the 1981
Algiers Accords.  There are restrictions on both import and export
of goods from Iran to the United States.  The U.S. government does
not currently have diplomatic or consular relations with the Islamic
Republic of Iran.  The Swiss government, acting through its Embassy
in Tehran, serves as the Protecting Power for U.S. Interests in
Iran, but the Iranian Government is reluctant to permit the Swiss to
provide protective services for American citizens whom they consider
to be Iranian nationals by birth or naturalizations.  Neither U.S.
passports nor visas to the U.S. are issued in Tehran.  For
additional information see paragraphs on "Dual Citizenship" and
"Embassy Location."

Country Description:  Iran is a constitutional Islamic Republic,
governed by executive and legislative branches that derive national
leadership primarily through the Muslim clergy.  Shia Islam is the
official religion of Iran, and Islamic law is the basis of the
authority of the state.  Islamic ideals and beliefs provide the
conservative foundation of the country's customs, laws and
practices.  Iran is a developing country.  The workweek in Iran is
Saturday through Thursday; however, many of the government offices
and private companies are closed on Thursdays.  Friday is a public
holiday for all establishments.  Offices in Iran are open to the
public generally during morning hours only.

Entry Requirements:  A passport and visa are required.  The Iranian
Interests Section of the Embassy of Pakistan is located at 2209
Wisconsin Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20007, telephone (202)
965-4990.  U.S. passports are valid for travel to Iran.  However,
U.S./Iranian dual nationals have often had their U.S. passports
confiscated upon arrival and have been denied permission to depart
Iran documented as U.S. citizens.  To prevent the confiscation of
U.S. passports, the Department of State suggests that dual nationals
leave their U.S. passports at a U.S. embassy or consulate overseas
for safekeeping before entering Iran.  To facilitate their travel in
the event of the confiscation of a U.S. passport, dual nationals
may, prior to entering Iran, obtain in their Iranian passports the
necessary visas for countries which they will transit on their
return to the U.S., and where they may apply for a new U.S.
passport.  In case of having failed to obtain in advance the
necessary visas for their return trip to the U.S., dual nationals
can obtain a "Confirmation of Nationality" from the Embassy of
Switzerland, U.S. Interests Section, addressed to the relevant
embassies in Tehran, only after their U.S. nationality is confirmed
to the said office - a procedure that would take some time which may
delay their plans and deadlines for their return trip.  The
"Confirmation of Nationality" issued by the U.S. Interests Section
in Tehran is meant to enable the dual nationals to apply for third
country visas in Tehran.  Dual nationals must enter and leave the
United States on U.S. passports.

Trade and Investment Restrictions:  On May 6, 1995, President
Clinton signed Executive Order 12959, 60 Federal Register 24757 (May
9, 1995), which prohibits exporting goods or services to Iran,
reexporting certain goods to Iran, new investments in Iran or in
property owned or controlled by the government of Iran and brokering
or other transactions involving goods or services of Iranian origin
or owned or controlled by the government of Iran.  These
restrictions have been added to those already contained in the
Iranian Transactions Regulations, 31 CFR Part 560, which prohibited
unauthorized importation of Iranian-origin goods or services into
the United States, effective October 19, 1987.  The Office of
Foreign Assets Control, Department of Treasury, provides guidance to
the public on the interpretation of the order.  For information
regarding the issuance of licenses, contact the Licensing Division
Office of Foreign Assets Control, Department of the Treasury at
202-622-2500.  For information regarding banking and compliance,
contact Compliance Programs Division at 202-622-2490.

Medical Facilities:  Basic medical care and medicines are available
in the principal cities of Iran, but may not be available in
outlying areas.  U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside
the United States.  In some cases, supplemental medical insurance
with specific overseas coverage has proven useful.  The
international travelers hotline at the Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention, tel. [phone], has additional useful health
information.

Information on Crime:  Major crime is generally not a problem for
travelers in Iran, though foreigners occasionally have been victims
of petty street crime.  The loss or theft of a U.S. passport abroad
should be reported immediately to local police and the U.S.
Interests Section or nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.  Useful
information on safeguarding valuables, protecting personal security,
and other matters while traveling abroad is provided in the
Department of State pamphlets, "A Safe Trip Abroad" and "Tips for
Travelers to The Middle East and North Africa."  They are available
from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing
Office, Washington, D.C. 20402.

Criminal Penalties:  U.S. citizens are subject to the laws and
legal practices of the countries in which they travel.  Fines,
public floggings, and long prison terms are common.  Former Muslims
who have converted to other religions, as well as persons who
encourage Muslims to convert, are subject to arrest and possible
execution.  Penalties in Iran for possession, use or trafficking in
illegal drugs are strict.  Iran executes scores of persons each year
on drug-related charges.

U.S. citizens in Iran who violate Iranian laws, including laws
which are unfamiliar to Westerners (such as laws regarding the
proper wearing apparel), may face severe penalties.

The Iranian government reportedly has obtained the names of all
claimants who filed claims against Iran at the Iran-U.S. Claims
Tribunal at The Hague pursuant to the 1981 Algiers Accords.  In
addition, the Iranian government reportedly has compiled a list of
the claimants who were awarded compensation in the Iran Claims
Program administered by the Foreign Claims Settlement Commission.
The Iranian government is allegedly targeting awardholders who
travel to Iran.  Upon the claimants' entry into Iran, Iranian
authorities are questioning them as to the status of payment of
their respective awards with a view to recouping the award money.
It is also reported that the Iranian government has threatened to
prevent claimants visiting in Iran from departing the country until
they make arrangements to pay part or all of their award money to
that government.

Dual Citizenship:  U.S. citizens who were born in Iran, who have
become naturalized citizens of Iran, or who were at one time
citizens of Iran, and the children of such persons, are considered
Iranian nationals by Iranian authorities.  Therefore, despite the
fact that these individuals possess U.S. citizenship, they usually
must enter and exit Iran bearing an Iranian passport.  Exit visas
are required for departure from Iran.  Recently we have been advised
that some former Iranian nationals have been issued visas in their
U.S. passports.

In addition, U.S./Iranian dual nationals are subject to Iranian
laws which impose special obligations upon Iranian nationals, such
as military service or taxes.  Exit permits for departure from Iran
for such persons may be denied until such obligations are met.  For
more specific information on Iranian passport and exit visa
requirements, you should contact the Iranian Interests Section of
the Embassy of Pakistan.  Dual nationals often have their U.S.
passports confiscated and may be denied permission to leave Iran, or
encounter other problems with Iranian authorities.

Measures which can be taken to facilitate travel, in the event a
U.S. passport is confiscated, are discussed in the section called
"Entry Requirements" of this Information Sheet. Specific questions
on dual nationality may be directed to the Office of American
Citizens Services, Department of State, Washington, D.C. 20520,
phone: [phone].

Embassy Location:  There is no U.S. embassy or consulate in Iran.
The U.S. Interests Section of the Swiss Embassy in Tehran is located
at Argentine Square, Bucharest Ave., 17th Street, no. 5, Tehran.
The local telephone numbers are (98-21) 87152 23/24 and 871 69 06.
The work week is Sunday through Thursday.  The U.S. Interests
Section does not issue U.S. visas or accept visa applications.  The
limited consular services provided by the U.S. Interests Section of
the Swiss Embassy in Tehran, Iran to U.S. citizens include:

(a) registering U.S. citizens;
(b) answering inquiries concerning the welfare and whereabouts of
U.S. citizens in Iran;
(c) rendering assistance in times of distress or physical danger;
(d) providing U.S. citizens with passport applications and other
citizenship forms for approval at the U.S. Embassy in Bern,
Switzerland;
(e) performing notarial services on the basis of accommodation; and
(f) taking provisional custody of the personal effects of deceased
U.S. citizens.

 No. 95-123

This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated August 31, 1993
to update the Travel Warning, the section on entry Requirements, and
the section on Drug Penalties (now called Criminal Penalties), and
to delete the section on Areas of Instability.


----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- -----
The "[e-mail]" mailing list is the official Internet and
BITNET distribution point for the U.S. State Department Travel Warnings and
Consular Information Sheets.  To unsubscribe, send a message containing the
word "unsubscribe" to:    [e-mail]

Archives of past "travel-advisories" postings are available at the URL:
"http://www.stolaf.edu/network/travel-advisories.html" or via Gopher:
gopher.stolaf.edu, Internet Resources/US-State-Department-Travel-Advisories

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


STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Iran
============================================================
Iran - Travel Warning
 October 4, 1995

The Department of State warns all U.S. citizens against travel to
Iran, which remains dangerous because of the generally anti-American
atmosphere and Iranian government hostility to the U.S. government.
U.S. citizens traveling to Iran have been detained without charge,
arrested, and harassed by Iranian authorities.  Former Muslims who
have converted to other religions, as well as persons who encourage
Muslims to convert, are subject to arrest and possible execution.
In addition, the Iranian government reportedly has the names of all
individuals who filed claims against Iran at the Iran-U.S. Claims
Tribunal at the Hague pursuant to the 1981 Algiers Accords.  There
are restrictions on both import and export of goods from Iran to the
United States.

The U.S. government does not currently have diplomatic or consular
relations with the Islamic Republic of Iran.  The Swiss government,
acting through its Embassy in Tehran, serves as the protecting power
for U.S. interests in Iran, but the Iranian government is reluctant
to permit the Swiss to provide protective services for American
citizens whom they consider to be Iranian nationals by birth or
naturalization.  Neither U.S. passports nor visas to the U.S. are
issued in Tehran.

 No. 95-032

This replaces the Department of State Travel Warning for Iran,
issued August 31, 1993, to include the following information:  That
former Muslims who have converted to other religions, as well as
those who encourage Muslims to convert, are subject to arrest and
possible execution; that the Iranian government has names of
individuals who filed claims against the government of Iran at the
Iran-U.S. Claims Tribunal at the Hague; and that there are trade
restrictions.


Iran - Consular Information Sheet
 October 5, 1995

Warning:  The Department of State warns all U.S. citizens against
travel to Iran, which remains dangerous because of the generally
anti-American atmosphere and Iranian government hostility to the
U.S. government.  U.S. citizens traveling to Iran have been detained
without charge, arrested, and harassed by Iranian authorities.
Former Muslims who have converted to other religions, as well as
persons who encourage Muslims to convert, are subject to arrest and
possible execution.  In addition, the Iranian government reportedly
has the names of all individuals who filed claims against Iran at
the Iran-U.S. Claims Tribunal at The Hague pursuant to the 1981
Algiers Accords.  There are restrictions on both import and export
of goods from Iran to the United States.  The U.S. government does
not currently have diplomatic or consular relations with the Islamic
Republic of Iran.  The Swiss government, acting through its Embassy
in Tehran, serves as the Protecting Power for U.S. Interests in
Iran, but the Iranian Government is reluctant to permit the Swiss to
provide protective services for American citizens whom they consider
to be Iranian nationals by birth or naturalizations.  Neither U.S.
passports nor visas to the U.S. are issued in Tehran.  For
additional information see paragraphs on "Dual Citizenship" and
"Embassy Location."

Country Description:  Iran is a constitutional Islamic Republic,
governed by executive and legislative branches that derive national
leadership primarily through the Muslim clergy.  Shia Islam is the
official religion of Iran, and Islamic law is the basis of the
authority of the state.  Islamic ideals and beliefs provide the
conservative foundation of the country's customs, laws and
practices.  Iran is a developing country.  The workweek in Iran is
Saturday through Thursday; however, many of the government offices
and private companies are closed on Thursdays.  Friday is a public
holiday for all establishments.  Offices in Iran are open to the
public generally during morning hours only.

Entry Requirements:  A passport and visa are required.  The Iranian
Interests Section of the Embassy of Pakistan is located at 2209
Wisconsin Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20007, telephone (202)
965-4990.  U.S. passports are valid for travel to Iran.  However,
U.S./Iranian dual nationals have often had their U.S. passports
confiscated upon arrival and have been denied permission to depart
Iran documented as U.S. citizens.  To prevent the confiscation of
U.S. passports, the Department of State suggests that dual nationals
leave their U.S. passports at a U.S. embassy or consulate overseas
for safekeeping before entering Iran.  To facilitate their travel in
the event of the confiscation of a U.S. passport, dual nationals
may, prior to entering Iran, obtain in their Iranian passports the
necessary visas for countries which they will transit on their
return to the U.S., and where they may apply for a new U.S.
passport.  In case of having failed to obtain in advance the
necessary visas for their return trip to the U.S., dual nationals
can obtain a "Confirmation of Nationality" from the Embassy of
Switzerland, U.S. Interests Section, addressed to the relevant
embassies in Tehran, only after their U.S. nationality is confirmed
to the said office - a procedure that would take some time which may
delay their plans and deadlines for their return trip.  The
"Confirmation of Nationality" issued by the U.S. Interests Section
in Tehran is meant to enable the dual nationals to apply for third
country visas in Tehran.  Dual nationals must enter and leave the
United States on U.S. passports.

Trade and Investment Restrictions:  On May 6, 1995, President
Clinton signed Executive Order 12959, 60 Federal Register 24757 (May
9, 1995), which prohibits exporting goods or services to Iran,
reexporting certain goods to Iran, new investments in Iran or in
property owned or controlled by the government of Iran and brokering
or other transactions involving goods or services of Iranian origin
or owned or controlled by the government of Iran.  These
restrictions have been added to those already contained in the
Iranian Transactions Regulations, 31 CFR Part 560, which prohibited
unauthorized importation of Iranian-origin goods or services into
the United States, effective October 19, 1987.  The Office of
Foreign Assets Control, Department of Treasury, provides guidance to
the public on the interpretation of the order.  For information
regarding the issuance of licenses, contact the Licensing Division
Office of Foreign Assets Control, Department of the Treasury at
202-622-2500.  For information regarding banking and compliance,
contact Compliance Programs Division at 202-622-2490.

Medical Facilities:  Basic medical care and medicines are available
in the principal cities of Iran, but may not be available in
outlying areas.  U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside
the United States.  In some cases, supplemental medical insurance
with specific overseas coverage has proven useful.  The
international travelers hotline at the Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention, tel. [phone], has additional useful health
information.

Information on Crime:  Major crime is generally not a problem for
travelers in Iran, though foreigners occasionally have been victims
of petty street crime.  The loss or theft of a U.S. passport abroad
should be reported immediately to local police and the U.S.
Interests Section or nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.  Useful
information on safeguarding valuables, protecting personal security,
and other matters while traveling abroad is provided in the
Department of State pamphlets, "A Safe Trip Abroad" and "Tips for
Travelers to The Middle East and North Africa."  They are available
from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing
Office, Washington, D.C. 20402.

Criminal Penalties:  U.S. citizens are subject to the laws and
legal practices of the countries in which they travel.  Fines,
public floggings, and long prison terms are common.  Former Muslims
who have converted to other religions, as well as persons who
encourage Muslims to convert, are subject to arrest and possible
execution.  Penalties in Iran for possession, use or trafficking in
illegal drugs are strict.  Iran executes scores of persons each year
on drug-related charges.

U.S. citizens in Iran who violate Iranian laws, including laws
which are unfamiliar to Westerners (such as laws regarding the
proper wearing apparel), may face severe penalties.

The Iranian government reportedly has obtained the names of all
claimants who filed claims against Iran at the Iran-U.S. Claims
Tribunal at The Hague pursuant to the 1981 Algiers Accords.  In
addition, the Iranian government reportedly has compiled a list of
the claimants who were awarded compensation in the Iran Claims
Program administered by the Foreign Claims Settlement Commission.
The Iranian government is allegedly targeting awardholders who
travel to Iran.  Upon the claimants' entry into Iran, Iranian
authorities are questioning them as to the status of payment of
their respective awards with a view to recouping the award money.
It is also reported that the Iranian government has threatened to
prevent claimants visiting in Iran from departing the country until
they make arrangements to pay part or all of their award money to
that government.

Dual Citizenship:  U.S. citizens who were born in Iran, who have
become naturalized citizens of Iran, or who were at one time
citizens of Iran, and the children of such persons, are considered
Iranian nationals by Iranian authorities.  Therefore, despite the
fact that these individuals possess U.S. citizenship, they usually
must enter and exit Iran bearing an Iranian passport.  Exit visas
are required for departure from Iran.  Recently we have been advised
that some former Iranian nationals have been issued visas in their
U.S. passports.

In addition, U.S./Iranian dual nationals are subject to Iranian
laws which impose special obligations upon Iranian nationals, such
as military service or taxes.  Exit permits for departure from Iran
for such persons may be denied until such obligations are met.  For
more specific information on Iranian passport and exit visa
requirements, you should contact the Iranian Interests Section of
the Embassy of Pakistan.  Dual nationals often have their U.S.
passports confiscated and may be denied permission to leave Iran, or
encounter other problems with Iranian authorities.

Measures which can be taken to facilitate travel, in the event a
U.S. passport is confiscated, are discussed in the section called
"Entry Requirements" of this Information Sheet. Specific questions
on dual nationality may be directed to the Office of American
Citizens Services, Department of State, Washington, D.C. 20520,
phone: [phone].

Embassy Location:  There is no U.S. embassy or consulate in Iran.
The U.S. Interests Section of the Swiss Embassy in Tehran is located
at Argentine Square, Bucharest Ave., 17th Street, no. 5, Tehran.
The local telephone numbers are (98-21) 87152 23/24 and 871 69 06.
The work week is Sunday through Thursday.  The U.S. Interests
Section does not issue U.S. visas or accept visa applications.  The
limited consular services provided by the U.S. Interests Section of
the Swiss Embassy in Tehran, Iran to U.S. citizens include:

(a) registering U.S. citizens;
(b) answering inquiries concerning the welfare and whereabouts of
U.S. citizens in Iran;
(c) rendering assistance in times of distress or physical danger;
(d) providing U.S. citizens with passport applications and other
citizenship forms for approval at the U.S. Embassy in Bern,
Switzerland;
(e) performing notarial services on the basis of accommodation; and
(f) taking provisional custody of the personal effects of deceased
U.S. citizens.

 No. 95-123

This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated August 31, 1993
to update the Travel Warning, the section on entry Requirements, and
the section on Drug Penalties (now called Criminal Penalties), and
to delete the section on Areas of Instability.


----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- -----
The "[e-mail]" mailing list is the official Internet and
BITNET distribution point for the U.S. State Department Travel Warnings and
Consular Information Sheets.  To unsubscribe, send a message containing the
word "unsubscribe" to:    [e-mail]

Archives of past "travel-advisories" postings are available at the URL:
"http://www.stolaf.edu/network/travel-advisories.html" or via Gopher:
gopher.stolaf.edu, Internet Resources/US-State-Department-Travel-Advisories
.