Wayzata World Factbook 1996

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U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE TIPS FOR TRAVELERS TO THE MIDDLE EAST AND NORTH AFRICA PUBLISHED BY THE BUREAU OF CONSULAR AFFAIRS DECEMBER 1994 Table of Contents How to Prepare for a Safe Trip Visa and Other Entry Requirements Special Entry Requirements for Countries That Permit No Tourists U.S. Citizens Married to Foreign Nationals Dual Nationality Currency and Customs Regulations Health Drug Offenses Dress and Local Customs Country Information Algeria Bahrain Egypt Iran Iraq Israel Jordan Kuwait Lebanon Libya Morocco Oman Qatar Saudi Arabia Syria Tunisia United Arab Emirates Yemen Foreign Embassies in the United States U.S. Embassies and Consulates Abroad DEPARTMENT OF STATE PUBLICATION 10167 Bureau of Consular Affairs Revised October 1994 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/P/PA, Department of State, Washington, DC 20520-4818. Tips for Travelers to the Middle East and North Africa Foreword The information in this pamphlet has been gathered for you by consular officers--both here in the Department of State and in the Middle East and North Africa--to assist you with your trip. We hope this brochure will be of help to you in making your trip both safe and enjoyable. Always keep in mind, though, that wherever you are abroad, if you come into serious difficulties, contact the U.S. consul at the nearest United States embassy or consulate for information or assistance. How to Prepare for a Safe Trip The policies of the countries in the Middle East and North Africa toward foreign visitors vary greatly from country to country. Some countries encourage tourism and put very few restrictions on visitors. Other countries do not allow tourism and carefully regulate business travel. Some areas in the region have experienced military conflict over an extended period of time. A little planning and knowledge will go a long way toward making your trip to the Middle East and North Africa go smoothly. If you learn about the countries you will visit and obey the laws and respect the customs of those places, you can make your stay as pleasant and incident-free as possible. Consular Information Sheets For travel information on any country, see the Department of State's Consular Information Sheet for the country. Consular Information Sheets cover such matters as health conditions, unusual currency and entry regulations, crime and security conditions, drug penalties, and areas of instability. In addition, there are a number of Travel Warnings which advise Americans to defer travel because of unsafe conditions. Regulations may also prohibit the use of U.S. passports to visit certain countries. This prohibition will be included in the Travel Warnings issued for affected countries. Travel Warnings are under continuous review by the Department of State. Before you depart for a country that has a Travel Warning, make certain that you have the most recent revision of the Warning. The Department of State also issues Public Announcements. Public Announcements are issued as a means to disseminate information quickly about terrorist threats and other relatively short-term and /or trans-national condition which would pose significant risks to the security of American travelers. There are several ways to access Consular Information Sheets, Travel Warnings and Public Announcements. You can listen to them 24-hours a day by calling 202-647-5225 from a touchtone phone. You can receive copies of them by sending a self-addressed, stamped envelope to the Overseas Citizens Services, Room 4800, Department of State, Washington, DC 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 at the 13 regional passport agencies and at U.S. embassies and consulates abroad. They can also be accessed through an airline or travel agent's computer reservation system, the Bureau of Consular Affairs' 24- hour automated fax system at 202/647-3000, or through many computer bulletin boards, including the Consular Affairs Bulletin Board (CABB). You may call the CABB on modem number 202-647- 9225. Set your communications software to: no parity, 8 bits, one stop bit (N-8-1). Registration As you travel, keep abreast of local news coverage. If you plan more than a short stay in one place, or if you are in an area experiencing civil unrest or a 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. Your U.S. Passport Make a record or photocopy of the data from your passport's identification page and from your visas. Also make a copy of the addresses and telephone numbers of the U.S. embassy and consulates in the countries you will visit (see pages 39-40). Put this information along with two passport photos in a place separate from your passport to be available in case of loss or theft of your passport. Visa and Other Entry Requirements A U.S. passport is required for travel to all countries in the region. U.S. citizens are not required to have visas for tourist or business travel to Israel, Morocco, or Tunisia, but may need to supply proof of sufficient funds for the trip and proof of onward or round trip travel arrangements. All other countries in the Middle East and North Africa require U.S. citizens to have visas. If you plan to travel extensively in the region, entry and exit stamps could quickly fill the pages of your passport. Before you go, you may wish to ask the nearest passport agency to add extra pages to your passport. Or, if applying for a new passport, you can request one with 48 pages instead of the usual 24. Each country has its own set of entry requirements. For authoritative visa information, contact the embassy or consulate of the country you plan to visit. See page 38 for a list of foreign embassies in the United States. When you make inquiries, ask about the following: -- Visa price, length of validity, number of entries. -- Financial requirements--proof of sufficient funds and proof of onward/return ticket. -- Immunization requirements. Yellow fever immunization is often required if arriving from a yellow-fever- infected area. -- Currency regulations. -- Import/export restrictions and limitations. Several countries prohibit the import and consumption of alcoholic beverages. -- Departure tax. Be sure to keep enough local currency to be able to depart as planned. Some Arab countries will not allow travelers to enter if their passports show any evidence of previous or expected travel to Israel. Other Arab countries apply the ban inconsistently, sometimes refusing and at other times allowing entry when a passport shows evidence of travel to Israel. The U.S. government has informed the members of the Arab League that it objects to restrictive policies regarding U.S. passports containing Israeli markings. If passport restrictions imposed by other countries may be a problem for you, contact the nearest U.S. passport agency, embassy, or consulate for guidance. Several Arab countries ask visa applicants to state their religious affiliation. The U.S. government is opposed to the use of this information to discriminate against visa applicants, and has made its views known to the governments concerned. In turn, the United States has received assurances that visa applications are not denied on the basis of religious affiliation. Special Entry Requirements for Countries That Permit No Tourists Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia do not permit tourism. All business visitors must be sponsored by a company in the country to be visited. Private visitors must be sponsored by a relative or friend native to the country. To visit a foreigner working in a country where tourism is not permitted, you must be sponsored by the same local company that sponsors the person you are visiting. Entry is by visa or the non-objection certificate (NOC) system. An NOC is obtained by a visitor's sponsor and filed with the appropriate foreign government authorities before the planned visit. For more information, see the individual country sections beginning on page 12. Exit Permits Countries that require visitors to be sponsored usually also require them to obtain exit permits from their sponsors. U.S. citizens can have difficulty obtaining exit permits if they are involved in business disputes. A U.S. citizen who is the wife or child of the local sponsor needs the sponsor's permission to leave the country. Do not accept sponsorship to visit a country unless you are certain you will also be able to obtain an exit permit. U.S. Citizens Married to Foreign Nationals In many Islamic countries, even those that give tourist visas and do not require sponsorship, a woman needs the permission of her husband, and children need the permission of their father, to leave the country. If you travel or allow your children to travel, be aware of the laws of the country you plan to visit. The Department of State is aware of many American citizen children who have been abducted to, or wrongfully retained in countries of the Middle East and North Africa notwithstanding a U.S. custody order. Although some of these children were taken abroad illegally by one of their parents, many originally traveled abroad with the consent of both parents. Do not visit or allow your children to visit unless you are completely confident that you and they will be allowed to leave. Once overseas, you are subject to the laws of the country where you are; U.S. law cannot protect you. Dual Nationality Some countries in the Middle East and North Africa do not recognize acquisition of U.S. citizenship by their nationals. Unless the naturalized U.S. citizen renounces his or her original nationality at an embassy or consulate of the country of origin, he or she may still be considered a citizen of that country. A person born in the United States with a parent who was a citizen of another country may also be considered a citizen of that country. The laws of some countries provide for automatic acquisition of citizenship when a person marries a national of that country. 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 claim you as their 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. 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 of origin stamps a visa in the U.S. passport of its former citizen. Dual nationals may find that they are 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 by a dual national to enter or depart a foreign country in compliance with the requirements of that country. U.S. regulations require, however, that U.S. citizens, including dual nationals, use a U.S. passport to depart from and enter the United States. If you have any questions about dual nationality or the use of foreign passports, contact Overseas Citizens Services, Room 48l7, Department of State, Washington, D.C. 20520-4818, (202-647-3926) before you travel. Recorded information on dual nationality and other citizenship matters is available 24-hours a day by calling 202-647-3444. Currency and Customs Regulations Some countries in the region have no restrictions on currency imports or exports. Some prohibit Israeli currency. Most countries in the Middle East and North Africa, however, have detailed currency regulations, including a requirement to declare all currency, including travelers checks, upon entry. In those countries, the export of foreign currency is limited to the amount that was imported and declared. Be sure to make the required currency declaration, have it validated, and retain it for use at departure. Buy local currency only at banks or other authorized exchange places and retain your receipts for use at departure. Currency not accounted for may be confiscated. Several countries prohibit the import and consumption of alcoholic beverages. Most countries restrict the entry of products containing pork, as well as any literature, videotapes, and cassette tapes deemed pornographic. Also, some countries will not permit the import of books or other goods from Israel. Shopping--Be Wary of Antiques Americans have been arrested in some countries in the region for the unauthorized purchase of antiques or other important cultural artifacts. If you purchase such items, always insist that the seller provide a receipt and the official museum export certificate required by law. Travelers have also been detained at customs for possessing reproductions of antiques. The safest policy is to purchase copies of antiques from reputable stores and have them documented as such. Obtain receipts for all such purchases. Health Immunizations Information on immunizations and health precautions for travelers can be obtained in the United States from local health departments, private doctors, or travel clinics. Information is also available from the Centers for Disease Control's 24-hour hotline on 404-332-4559 and from the U.S. Public Health Service book, Health Information for International Travel, available for $7.00 from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402. Depending on your destination, immunization may be recommended against diphtheria, tetanus, polio, typhoid, and hepatitis A. Chloroquine prophylaxis against malaria is recommended for travel to some areas of the region. 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 the latest information. Review Your Health Insurance Policy If your health insurance does not provide coverage overseas, consider buying temporary insurance that does. In addition, consider obtaining insurance to cover the exorbitant cost of medical evacuation in the event of an illness or for the return of remains in case of death. Insurance companies and some credit card and travelers check companies offer short-term health and emergency assistance policies designed for travelers. Medical facilities vary in the region; in some countries they are similar to U.S. standards. U.S. embassies or consulates can furnish you with a list of local hospitals and English-speaking physicians. Precautions In the hot and dry climates that prevail in the Middle East and North Africa, it is important to avoid water depletion and heat stroke. Safe tap water is available in many areas. In some places, however, it is highly saline and should be avoided by persons on sodium-restricted diets. In many rural and some urban areas, tap water is not potable, and travelers should drink only boiled or chemically treated water or bottled carbonated drinks. In these areas, avoid fresh vegetables and fruits unless they are washed in a purifying solution and peeled. Diarrhea is potentially serious. If it persists, seek medical attention. Schistosomiasis (or bilharzia) is present in the area of the Nile and in several other areas in North Africa and the Middle East. These parasites are best avoided by not swimming or wading in fresh water in endemic areas. Drug Offenses Drug enforcement policies in the region are strict. Possession of even small amounts of narcotics, including substances such as marijuana, LSD, or amphetamines, can lead to arrest. If found guilty, drug offenders are subject to lengthy prison sentences. Because what is considered to be 'narcotics' varies from country to country, learn and obey the laws in the places you will visit. Keep all prescription drugs in their original containers clearly labeled with the doctor's name, pharmacy and contents. In addition, if you take an unusual prescription drug, carry a letter from your doctor explaining your need for the drug and a copy of the prescription. Dress and Local Customs Islam Islam is the pre-eminent influence on local laws and customs in much of the Middle East and North Africa. The extent of this influence varies. Some Arab countries have secular governments, but in certain other countries, particularly those in the Arabian peninsula, Islam dictates a total way of life. It prescribes the behavior for individuals and society, codifying law, family relations, business etiquette, dress, food, personal hygiene, and much more. Among the important values is a family-centered way of life, including a protected role for women and clear limits on their participation in public life. In traditional societies, Muslims believe open social relations between the sexes result in the breakdown of family life. Contact between men and women, therefore, is rigidly controlled in traditional societies. Travel during Ramadan, the holiest time in the Islamic year, can prove to be very difficult. Business is rarely conducted during this time and non-observance of the Ramadan tradition of fasting during daylight hours can carry penalities in some countries. In the traditional societies of the region, it is considered rude to face the soles of one's feet toward other people. At traditional meals, the left hand is not used for eating. Apparel Conservative Western street clothing (except for shorts) is appropriate in most areas. In more traditional societies, however, attire for women should be more conservative, garments should have sleeves, and dress length should be below the knee. On the other hand, in some areas of the region visited by many tourists -- for example, the beaches of Israel and Morocco -- attire similar to that worn in the United States is acceptable. The Workweek In many countries in the Middle East and North Africa, the weekend is either Thursday/Friday or Friday/Saturday. Workweek information is included in the list of U.S. embassies on pages 39-40. Country Information Algeria Travelers to Algeria are warned that due to political, social, and economic problems a climate of violent unrest has occurred. A number of terrorist attacks have been carried out against foreigners. Terrorists have also threatened to kill all foreigners who are in Algeria. A state of emergency has been in effect since early 1992. Crime is also a major problem in Algeria. Crimes include car break-ins, theft of auto parts from parked cars, theft of items (even those of moderate value) left in hotel rooms, home burglary, and pickpocketing and purse snatching near hotels and on trains and buses. Some tactics that residents of Algeria use to avoid being victimized include carrying only a minimum amount of cash and concealing it well and parking only in guarded locations. The police can be reached in Algerian cities by dialing 17. In rural areas, contact the gendarmerie nationale. Algeria does not give visas to persons whose passports indicate travel to Israel. Some hotels accept some credit cards. Before traveling, ask your credit card company if your card will be accepted in Algeria, and if not, bring travelers checks to cover your expenses. Algerian currency and customs regulations are strictly enforced. All currency must be declared upon entering the country, and completely accounted for when departing. Non-residents are required to change the equivalent of approximately $200 into Algerian dinars at the official exchange rate while in Algeria. You will need to present evidence of this currency exchange before you are allowed to depart the country. All hotel bills must be paid in hard currency such as U.S. dollars. Paid hotel receipts may be used as evidence of currency exchange. Bahrain Business representatives, conference and exhibition delegates, and holders of diplomatic and official passports may obtain a visitors visa, valid for up to three months, from the Bahrain Embassy in Washington, DC, or the UN Mission for Bahrain in New York. Persons in the above categories may also be able to obtain either a 7-day visa or a 72-hour transit visa at the Bahrain airport upon arrival if they present a confirmed return or onward air ticket. Single women who have no sponsor or family ties in Bahrain may have difficulty in obtaining an airport visa. In addition to an onward ticket, they may wish to secure in advance a sponsorship from a hotel that will arrange to have an airport visa waiting for them. The 72-hour airport visa can be extended, on a case by case basis, for up to one week if a Bahraini sponsor applies to the Immigration Director stating the purpose for the extension. A 7-day visa is possible for members of tourist groups, provided arrangements are made with the Directorate of Tourism and Archaeology in the Ministry of Information or through a private agency in Bahrain, such as a hotel, travel agent, or tour group organizer. Journalists planning travel to Bahrain should contact the Ministry of Information providing travel details at least one week in advance of arrival. The Ministry will then authorize airport officials to issue a 72-hour or a 7-day visa upon arrival. Failure to notify the Ministry may result in delay at the airport or denial of permission to enter the country. The Ministry's address is: P.O. Box 253, State of Bahrain; telephone: (973) 689-099; FAX (973) 780-345; telex: 8399 inform BN. Office hours: 0700-1400 Saturday through Wednesday. Water is drinkable though often highly saline. Conservative dress is recommended. Bahrain prohibits the import of pornography, firearms, ammunition, or of items such as knives, swords, or daggers that are capable of being used as weapons. Videotapes may be screened by customs in Bahrain and either confiscated or held until the traveler departs the country. Consumption of alcohol is allowed in most bars and restaurants, except during the month of Ramadan. If there is any indication that a driver has consumed alcohol, authorities will regard that as evidence of driving under the influence of alcohol. The penalty for drunken driving may be incarceration or a fine of 500 Bahraini dinars, the equivalent of $1,300. This fine can be increased to up to double that amount, depending on the circumstances of the case and the judge's decision. Under Bahraini law, convicted drug traffickers may receive the death penalty. Egypt There are no currency declaration requirements for travelers. Travelers may carry a maximum of 100 Egyptian pounds into or out of Egypt. Excess Egyptian currency found on a traveler entering Egypt will be confiscated. There are strict duties on the importation of expensive photographic and video equipment. This includes most types of equipment typically carried by tourists to Egypt, including all video and autofocus cameras. Travelers who wish to take such equipment with them on a temporary visit have the following options with customs authorities: (A) They may have it by model and serial number in their passports, so that the equipment can be cross-checked upon the traveler's departure from Egypt. In this instance no duty will be collected. (B) They have the equipment placed in storage for the duration of stay, in which case a storage fee may be collected. (C) Long term visitors or residents will pay a standard duty fee for importing the items and be issued a receipt (at the time of departure, the fee will be refunded upon presentation of the receipt). All persons entering Egypt from cholera or yellow fever areas must produce evidence of up-to-date immunizations. Immunization must have been administered before arrival--cholera at least 6 days before arrival and yellow fever at least 10 days. Travelers without evidence of required immunizations may not enter unless they are vaccinated and detained in quarantine for 6 or 10 days, respectively. Foreigners are required to register with the police within 7 days of arrival. Hotels usually take care of this. All hotel bills must be paid in foreign currency or in Egyptian pounds exchanged at the official bank rate, as evidenced by a bank receipt. All travelers to Egypt should be aware that Egyptian authorities strictly enforce drug laws. The death penalty may be imposed on anyone convicted of smuggling or selling marijuana, hashish, opium, or other narcotics. Iran U.S. citizens are advised to avoid all travel to Iran. Travel to Iran continues to be 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. Persons who violate Iranian laws, such as those concerning proper dress, may face penalties that are, at times, severe. U.S./Iranian dual nationals often have their U.S. passports confiscated, have been denied permission to leave Iran, have been compelled to serve in the Iranian armed forces, or have encountered other problems while in Iran. U.S. citizens who are the spouse or child of an Iranian citizen are also considered Iranian citizens and may be required to enter Iran using an Iranian passport. The wife and minor children of an Iranian citizen will not be allowed to leave Iran without the written permission of the husband or father. Before planning a trip to Iran, Americans who also possess Iranian nationality are advised to contact Overseas Citizens Services at 202-647-3926. The United States does not have diplomatic relations with Iran. U.S. interests in Iran are currently served by the Embassy of Switzerland. Iranian officials have often prevented Swiss officials from providing even minimal protective services to U.S. citizens. Iraq U.S. citizens are warned to avoid all travel to Iraq. Conditions in Iraq remain unsettled and dangerous and travel is extremely hazardous, particularly for U.S. citizens. On February 8, 1991, U.S. passports ceased to be valid for travel to, in, or through Iraq unless a special validation has been obtained. An automatic exemption to the restriction is granted to Americans residing in Iraq as of February 8, 1991, and to professional journalists on assignment. The categories of individuals eligible for consideration for special passport validation are representatives of the American or International Red Cross, persons with compelling humanitarian considerations, or applicants whose travel is determined to be in the national interest. Exceptions will be scrutinized carefully on a case- by-case basis. Requests for exceptions should be forwarded in writing to: Office of Citizenship Appeals and Legal Assistance U.S. Department of State 1111 19th Street, N.W., Suite 260 Washington, DC 20522-1705. Telephone: 202-955-0232 or 955-0231 The request must be accompanied by substantiating documentation according to the category under which an exception is sought. It must also include the prospective traveler's name, date and place of birth, and passport number. In addition, the Department of the Treasury prohibits all travel-related transactions by U.S. persons intending to visit Iraq, unless specifically licensed by the Office of Foreign Assets Control. The only exceptions are for persons engaged in journalism or in official U.S. government or U.N. business. Questions on U.S. Treasury restrictions should be directed to: Licensing Section Office of Foreign Assets Control U.S. Department of the Treasury Washington, DC 20220 Telephone: 202-622-2480.