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