COUNTRY CLEARANCE REQUEST FOR REGINAL REFUGEE

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 03 CARACAS 000450

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: OTRA PREF PHUM CO VE
SUBJECT: COUNTRY CLEARANCE REQUEST FOR REGINAL REFUGEE
COORDINATOR TRAVEL TO VENEZUELA FEBRUARY 13-19

REF: HOEY-HIDEA EMAILS


1. The Embassy grants country clearance for Regional
Refugee Coordinator Colleen Hoey's visit to Venezuela
from February 13-19, 2005 for consultations with
Embassy Caracas UNHCR, CARITAS, Jesuit Refugee Service,
and Government of Venezuela officials in charge of
refugee matters.

Embassy point of contact will be Carolina Hidea.
Address: Embassy of the United States, Calle F con
Calle Suapure, Colinas de Valle Arriba, Caracas,
Venezuela. Telephone numbers: Office 58-212-907-8493.
Cellphone: 58-414-261-9394

Embassy after-hours direct line for Marine security
guard is 58-212-907-8400.

LODGING
--------------
Embassy has made reservations for RefCoord at the
Marriott Hotel in Caracas for February 13-15. Telephone
number: 58-212-957-2222 Fax number: 58-212-957-1111.
Reservation information for border destinations will be
sent via email.

PASSPORT REQUIREMENTS
--------------
All passengers who enter Venezuela on official travel
(including third country nationals) require a visa.
Travelers should not use tourist passports. DOD
personnel participating in GOV-approved deployments and
exercises, and arriving with military orders, are
exempt from the visa requirement.

Venezuelan immigration requires citizens of the United
States and certain other countries to have at least six
months validity remaining on their passports to enter
Venezuela. While this law has not been uniformly
enforced, some U.S. citizens have been denied entry.
Ensure your passport has at least six months validity
from the date of arrival to Venezuela.

COMPUTER POLICIES
--------------
State Department TDY Visitors requiring OpenNet-Plus
Systems access during their stay should inform the
control officer prior to their arrival. Visitors will
be required to attend a Systems Security briefing and
complete a Network Access Request Form.

Personnel who intend to bring U.S. Government portable
microcomputers (laptops) for use in CAA or non-CAA
areas must notify RSO in advance. Personal Electronic
Devices (PED),Personal Digital Assistants (PDA) e.g.
`Palm Pilots', MP-3 players, etc. are NOT authorized in
CAA spaces and are not authorized connectivity within
OpenNet unclassified or classified networks, or stand-
alone classified PCs.


2. The following pertains to transportation and
departures, exchange rate, security, medical
considerations, weather, and press. For additional
information, consult the Consular Information Sheet for
Venezuela, which can be found on the web at:
http://travel.state.gov/venezuela.html

CURRENCY / EXCHANGE RATE
--------------
The exchange rate is USD 1 = 1920 Bolivares (Bs).

Visitors should bring a major credit card. Travelers
checks are not recommended as they are honored in only
a few locations. It is possible to exchange cash at
major hotel chains in Caracas (personal checks are not
accepted) and at the Embassy cashier.


TRANSPORTATION
--------------
There have been a number of armed robbery incidents
involving persons who have taken unlicensed "taxis"
from Maiquetia Airport. (Please read the Security
section carefully.)

The Embassy will provide transportation. To meet the
driver, proceed to the "Customer Service" kiosk,
directly across from the customs exit.

Italcambio is the travel contractor for the Embassy.
If necessary, ask to use a telephone at any Italcambio
booth to call the Embassy.

Departure Expenses
--------------
An airport user fee of Bs. 73,500 (approx. $39) is
levied at the airport upon departure for holders of
official and diplomatic passports. Holders of tourist
passports must pay the user fee plus an exit tax, for a
total of Bs. 102,900 (approximately $54). Payment of
both must be made in Bolivares.

SECURITY
--------------
At the Airport. Many drivers--often wearing badges
identifying them as "taxi officials"--have been known
to rob unwary travelers. If someone asks if you are
with the American Embassy: 1) do not give your name, 2)
ask for the name of the person he is seeking and
identification. Do not go with the person if he cannot
give you the information you request. Call the
Embassy.

Airport parking lot robberies are increasing. The
Embassy advises all persons to stay away from the
parking lots, except for the diplomatic lot located
close to the terminal.

General Crime. There is a significant level of common
street crime in certain areas of Caracas and other
major cities in Venezuela. These crimes are of the pick
pocketing, purse-snatching variety and visitors are
advised to be aware of their surroundings and to be
particularly alert in crowded areas. Jewelry items,
particularly gold-colored, attract the attention of
thieves and should be left in a safe place along with
other valuables.

If you are confronted in a robbery situation, the RSO
suggests that you comply with the criminals' demands.
Do not attempt to run or antagonize the perpetrator.
Most criminals only seek cash or jewelry items; many
will only resort to violence if you resist their
demands.

To avoid being the victim of a crime, visitors should
remain alert to their surroundings and maintain
constant control of purses, backpacks, briefcases and
luggage.

Taxis within the city are plentiful and relatively
safe. However, the Embassy recommends the use of hotel
and radio dispatched taxis and group travel whenever
possible, especially after dark. Travelers should
carry only the minimum cash needed and, if possible, no
credit cards when venturing outside of the hotel.

Civil Disturbances. Travelers to Venezuela should be
aware of the potential for violent demonstrations,
especially in urban centers, and exercise appropriate
caution by standing well clear of public protests,
police lines and barricades.

CAR RENTAL
--------------
If you rent a car, you must authorize it with the
proper authority at post.

MEDICAL
--------------
Venezuela recommends that all travelers be vaccinated
prior to arrival. As Yellow Fever vaccine is difficult
to obtain in Venezuela, do not count on the Embassy to
provide a vaccination. In addition, the Ministry of
Foreign Affairs requires a Yellow Fever vaccination
certificate for travelers older than one year of age
arriving from various countries. Information about
vaccination requirements for travel to Venezuela may be
obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention's Internet site at
http://www.cdc.gov/travel.

The water is considered contaminated. Drink only
bottled water or carbonated soft drinks and avoid ice
in drinks. Do not eat raw vegetables or fruits unless
they have been disinfected, peeled or cooked. Wash
your hands often with hot, soapy water.

Cases of dengue fever and malaria are reported
throughout Venezuela each year. Travelers planning to
spend time outdoors should bring insect repellent; wear
long trousers; and avoid wet areas. Symptoms include
fever, headaches, diarrhea and general malaise. While
rarely fatal, you should see a doctor if you experience
these symptoms.

The Embassy does not make or guarantee payments to
medical providers on behalf of non-U.S. Government
employees. All individuals should bring clear evidence
of medical insurance coverage. In case emergency
evacuation is required, non-USG employees, USG Contract
staff, and Locally Employed Staff from other posts must
have adequate medical and air ambulance insurance and
must carry the contact information with them.
Venezuelan hospitals and physicians do not accept
insurance documents and may require payment in cash or
by credit card.

WEATHER
--------------
Daytime temperatures in Caracas are usually between 75
and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. During the rainy season,
roughly from April through November, afternoon rain
showers are common. Evenings can be cool at any time
of the year. Recommend travelers bring a sweater or
light jacket for evening outings, and an umbrella, no
matter the time of year.

Communications with the Press
--------------
Travelers are reminded that Public Affairs is
responsible for handling press arrangements for both
mission personnel and official visitors. Contact the
Public Affairs Officer, Salome Hernandez, 975-6990 or
the Press Attach, Brian Penn, 975-8118 after arrival
if you believe you may have contact with the press
while in Venezuela.