COUNTRY CLEARANCE GRANTED FOR TREASURY REGIONAL

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 SANAA 003514 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: ECON EINV KMPI YM SUBJECT: COUNTRY CLEARANCE GRANTED FOR TREASURY REGIONAL REPRESENTATIVE GEORGE MULLINAX ¶1. (SBU) Embassy Sanaa grants country clearance and welcomes the visit of Mr. George Mullinax from o/a December 18, 2005 to o/a December 20, 2005 to provide assistance to the Central Bank of Yemen. Please make sure that Post has Mr. Mullinax's SSN and security clearance on file. ¶2. (SBU) Control Officer for the visit will be Econoff Noah Siegel,who can be contacted at all times through the Embassy at (967) (1) 755-2152; cell phone (967) 73-3292608. The number for emergencies only is 755-2170 (Post One). ¶3. (SBU) Reservations: Hotel reservations have been made at the Taj Sheba Hotel: phone: (967) (1) 272-372; Fax: (967) (1) 274-129. An Embassy driver will meet and assist at the airport. ¶4. (U) Fiscal Data: Each visitor must bring/forward fiscal data to cover costs of the visit. Each agency, organization, or visiting delegation will be charged for the actual costs attributed to their visit. These costs include, but are not limited to: American and Locally Employed Staff overtime, field travel by Embassy employees, vehicle rentals, long distance telephone calls, equipment rentals, office supplies, expediter services, representational events and all other costs that are directly attributable to the visit. ¶5. (U) Visas: All travelers must obtain a Yemeni entry visa prior to their arrival. This is a priority and is the responsibility of the traveler. If there is no Yemeni Embassy or Consulate in your location, please contact post. Although Yemen has recently begun issuing airport visas (USD$70 at the airport) we recommend that you obtain your visa prior to departure, as some airlines have refused to board travelers who do not have a visa. ¶6. (U) Customs: To assist with customs, visitors should inform the Embassy by fax (967-1-303-182) of any special tools or equipment which they plan to bring into Yemen. The importation of special electronics or tools must be coordinated with local military and customs authorities. TRAVELERS IGNORING THIS REQUIREMENT RISK THE CONFISCATION OF SUCH ITEMS UPON ARRIVAL. All baggage, including that belonging to diplomats, is subject to x-ray and hand search upon arrival in Yemen. If the traveler must carry a radio or electronic equipment, it can be carried in as a non-pro courier hand-held (i.e., carried aboard the plane in an orange classified diplomatic pouch). ¶7. (U) Work Hours: Embassy Sanaa's normal workweek is Saturday through Wednesday; office hours are 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. ¶8. (U) Crime Situation in Yemen: A security briefing by the Regional Security Officer (RSO) is mandatory upon arrival. The incidence of street crime is very low throughout Yemen, and violent crimes against foreigners are rare. Because of continuing terrorist threats against U.S. interests on the Arabian Peninsula and the increased tensions in the entire Gulf region, the Embassy advises all visitors to remain vigilant with regard to their personal security and to exercise caution. Avoid large crowds and gatherings, maintain a low profile, and vary routes and times of all required travel. Travelers should read the latest State Department Travel Information or Warning, available at (http://travel.state.gov/travel warnings.html#wxyz) or visit the Sanaa web site containing Consular warden messages (http://usembassy.state.gov/yemen/citizen services.html). ¶9. (U) Money: Travelers must bring sufficient funds or have sufficient funds in personal checking accounts to cover costs of entire TDY. THERE ARE NO ATM'S IN COUNTRY, AND ACCEPTANCE OF CREDIT CARDS IS LIMITED - BRING CASH/CHECKBOOK. TDY cash advances should be taken prior to travel to Yemen - Embassy does not issue cash advances for TDY personnel. Embassy offers check-cashing service and will cash personal checks of official travelers. Cashier will exchange dollars for Yemeni Riyals. Many local merchants and businesses accept U.S. currency for purchases. The current exchange rate is YR 194 to USD 1. ¶10. (U) Weather: The weather in Sanaa is generally warm during the day, though a sweater may be necessary at night. Weather in Aden and along the Red Sea coast is normally very hot and humid. Business suits are preferred for meetings with Yemeni officials. All clothing should be modest and conservative. ¶11. (U) Health Precautions: Bring a supply of any needed medications sufficient to cover the proposed stay in Yemen. Practice food and water precautions as in other developing nations. Begin immunization for hepatitis A and B, rabies, typhoid, tetanus, and polio prior to departure. Yellow fever vaccination is required if entering from a country at risk. If you spend more than a few days outside Sanaa, malaria prophylaxis may be required and you will be required to have G6PD blood testing. Local hospital care may be required for emergencies. Local medical providers expect immediate cash payment. Travelers should contact their administrative offices before departure to ensure they are fully covered for overseas emergencies. Each traveler should check in with the Medical Unit for a short medical briefing as soon as possible after arrival. Individuals with sickle cell trait should carefully consider the altitude of this post before applying for assignment here. Short-term (TDY) assignments carry an added risk because of the lack of time for acclimatization. Dehydration and stress from exercise or illness compound the basic risks of high altitude. For more information, contact your health unit or the medical clearance section of the Offices of Medical Services. ¶12. (U) Special Restrictions: The Republic of Yemen prohibits the import of sexually oriented material, weapons, and alcohol; videocassettes are also likely to be confiscated. Photography of military installations, individuals in uniform, government buildings and industrial facilities are strictly forbidden. Photography of Yemenis, especially women, should be done only after receiving explicit permission. We repeat -- All baggage, including those belonging to diplomats, is subject to x-ray and hand search upon arrival in Yemen. ¶13. (U) Travel Restrictions: Travel outside Sanaa will only occur with COM/RSO approval. Khoury