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

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Serbia & Montenegro - Travel Warning
April 29, 1994

The U.S. Department of State warns U.S. citizens not to travel to Serbia and
Montenegro because of the potential for rapid changes in the security
situation there, and the threat of potential repercussions from the ongoing
conflict in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

No. 94-018

This replaces the Travel Warning dated April 22, 1994 to reflect the
termination of ordered departure status for U.S. Embassy dependents and some
Embassy employees from Belgrade.

Serbia & Montenegro - Consular Information Sheet
November 2, 1994

Warning:  The U.S. Department of State warns U.S. citizens not to travel to
Serbia and Montenegro because of the potential for rapid changes in the
security situation there, and the threat of potential repercussions from the
ongoing conflict in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Country Description:  The former Yugoslav republics of Serbia and Montenegro
are currently under stringent United Nations economic sanctions; however,
international commercial air traffic has been reestablished after a two year
hiatus.  Belgrade airport is open for civilian passengers but cargo is still
prohibited.  There may be long delays at the border when entering the
country by car or bus.  Internal air travel is possible, but schedules are
unreliable.  Trains continue to operate, but are often overbooked,
unreliable, and unsafe.  There have been incidents of assaults and robberies
on the trains.  Travelers should be aware that essential supplies, including
basic food items and medicines, often are unavailable, and that traveler's
checks and credit cards are not valid.  Rapid changes in the value of local
currency occur as hyperinflation continues and travelers may experience
power outages and and heating irregularities.  Although automobile travel is
generally possible, there is a shortage of spare parts and gasoline, and it
is wise to make certain that sufficient fuel is available before undertaking
such travel.  Travel after dark on many roads is hazardous because of the
presence of slow, poorly marked vehicles, horse-drawn carts, and worn or
nonexistent median lines and shoulder markings.  In addition, traffic signs
may be poorly marked and new signs are likely to be written in the cyrillic
alphabet in some areas of Serbia.  The road between Zagreb and Belgrade is
closed and it is impossible to enter Croatia from Serbia.

There are checkpoints throughout the country which are manned generally by
policemen (militia), but occasionally by undisciplined, untrained reserve
militia groups.  Travelers are expected to provide identification and
cooperate fully at these checkpoints.  Travelers are prohibited from
photographing police, buildings under police or military guard, border
crossings, demonstrations, riots, and military personnel, convoys, maneuvers
and bases.  There are marked areas where all photography is prohibited.

Entry Requirements:  U.S. citizens require a passport and visa.  Visas
normally are not granted at the border.  The "Federal Republic of
Yugoslavia" (FRY), which claims to be the successor state to the Socialist
Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, is not fully recognized by the United
States.  The FRY maintains an office at 2410 California Street, N.W.,
Washington, D.C. 20008, telephone [phone], which travelers can
contact for updated entry requirements.  U.S. travelers overseas can check
with the nearest FRY consular office.

Areas of Instability:  U.S. Embassy personnel may not enter the following
areas without prior U.S. government permission: the border areas with
Croatia and Bosnia-Herzegovina, the Sandzak region, and Kosovo.

The Border with Croatia:  Sporadic violence, which can become intense,
continues in areas of Croatia along this boundary.

The Border with Bosnia-Herzegovina:  The ongoing war in Bosnia-Herzegovina
makes this area very dangerous.  The danger is especially acute in the Drina
River valley of both Bosnia-Herzegovina and Serbia.

Sandzak Region: Heightened ethnic tensions and sporadic acts of violence
(particularly near the border with Bosnia-Herzegovina), as well as the
presence in some areas of paramilitary forces, makes travel to this region
of Serbia and Montenegro potentially dangerous.  Travel in the border
regions may be especially perilous.

Kosovo:  Ethnic tensions are especially acute in this southern Serbian
province (called Kosovo Metohija by Serbian authorities).  Demonstrations,
sometimes violent, can occur without warning.  In recent months, there have
been several armed attacks on Serbian police, resulting in death and injury.
 Security forces are at a high state of alert and police check points are
widespread.  Travelers are routinely subject to police search and
interrogation.

Danube River:  There have been recent incidents of both cargo and passenger
ships on the Danube transiting Serbia being delayed for several days by
purported private organizations protesting U.N. sanctions.  Persons
traveling on the Danube through Serbia should be prepared for delays and
alterations to their plans.

The Remainder of Serbia and Montenegro:  While this area is generally calm,
in some areas, for example, Vojvodina, tensions are high as a result of
bombings, other acts of intimidation and threats by armed paramilitary
groups.  The potential for violent incidents exists and will probably
increase as a result of the political situation and worsening economic
conditions.  For example, a bomb was detonated in front of the U.S. Embassy
in Belgrade in 1993, causing some damage.

Medical Facilities:  Medical facilities are limited.  Many medicines and
basic medical supplies as well as X-ray film often are unavailable.
Hospitals usually require payment in hard-currency for all services.  U.S.
medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States.  While
travelers have found that supplemental medical insurance with specific
overseas coverage has proven to be useful, they may be forced to pay first
and then seek reimbursement.  Further information on health matters can be
obtained from the Centers for Disease Control's international travelers
hotline, telephone [phone].

Crime Information:  There is a continuing trend toward lawlessness and
disorder.  Murder has increased dramatically with many incidents in broad
daylight and some at popular public places.  Crime has increased markedly in
the cities, particularly near railroad and bus stations and on trains.  The
possession of firearms has proliferated greatly and it is estimated that 20
percent of the citizens are now armed.  Police protection is almost non-
existent.

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" provides useful
information on protecting personal security and possessions while traveling
abroad.  It is available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S.
Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402.

Commercial Regulations:  United Nations economic sanctions on Serbia and
Montenegro, enforced by the United States, prohibit imports, exports and all
other commercial transactions.  Humanitarian transactions require waivers
from the U.N. Security Council's Yugoslavia Sanctions Committee.  Further
information regarding waivers can be obtained from the U.S. Department of
Treasury.  Travel is permitted for personal, non-commercial reasons only.
Credit cards, travelers' checks and personal checks are not accepted locally
and their use is prohibited.  The only medium of exchange is hard currency,
for example, U.S. dollars or German marks.  It is illegal to exchange
currency at other than official banks and institutions.  For further
information, travelers can contact the Office of Foreign Assets Control at
the U.S. Treasury Department in Washington, D.C.

Drug Penalties:  U.S. citizens are subject to the laws of the country in
which they are traveling.  Penalties for possession, use or trafficking in
illegal drugs are strict, and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences
and fines.

Other Information:  In compliance with a U.N. resolution mandating the
reduction of Embassy staffs, the Department of State has reduced the size of
its mission in Belgrade.  Assistance to U.S. citizens may therefore be
limited.

Registration:  U.S. citizens who register with the U.S. Embassy in Belgrade
can obtain updated information on travel and security in Serbia and
Montenegro.  The Embassy will attempt to contact U.S. citizens who have
registered if the situation worsens.

Embassy Location:  The U.S. Embassy in Belgrade is at Kneza Milosa 50,
telephone [phone]. The after hours telephone number is (381-11) 646-
481.  The Consular Section fax number is (381-11) 644-053.  The alternate
fax number is (381-11) 645-221.

No. 94-259

This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated April 29, 1994, to
reflect the termination of sanctions on international air travel and the
opening of Belgrade airport for commercial traffic.