AZERBAIJAN: COUNTRY CLEARANCE FOR EUR/ACE JERRY

UNCLAS BAKU 001034

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

DEPT PASS TO EUR/ACE JERRY OBERNDORFER

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: EAID AJ


SUBJECT: AZERBAIJAN: COUNTRY CLEARANCE FOR EUR/ACE JERRY
OBERNDORFER

REF: STATE 48065


1. Embassy Baku grants country clearance to Director
Humanitarian Programs Jerry Oberndorfer to travel to Baku
19-20 August 2006. Control officer will be Economic
Officer David McCormick. Mr. McCormick can be reached at
the Embassy at:

Email: McCormickDL@State.Gov
Mobile: (994) (50) 206-9603
International Line: (994) (12) 498-03-35, 36, OR 37,
Tie Line: 841-0000 OR 0+4240
International Fax: (994) (12) 465-66-71
Tie Line Fax: 841-4289


2. Accommodations: Per reftel, Embassy will make
reservations for the traveler within USG per diem at the
Park Hyatt Hotel.


3. Visas: All travelers are advised to obtain visas for
all/all stops on their itinerary prior to their
departure. We recommend that travelers obtain Azeri
visas from the Embassy of Azerbaijan at the point of
origin, and that they allow 10 days for processing of the
visa request. If visas cannot be obtained at the
traveler's point of origin, an airport visa can be issued
upon arrival. Please proof read your visa carefully. An
occasional Embassy guest has received a visa with an
error in it. If traveling on a Diplomatic Passport there
is no fee. If traveling on tourist or official
passports, there is a dollars 40 fee for a one entry, one
month visa. Passport assistance is available at the
passport counter in room 1258 of the State Department.
The Embassy of Azerbaijan requires a minimum of two
working days to process visa requests. Should the
projected itinerary include transit through Turkey,
visitors must obtain Turkish visas in advance. Bearers
of Diplomatic or Official Passports are not permitted to
purchase airport visas in Turkey and will be denied exit
from the Istanbul airport. If transit through Russia is
necessary, travelers must obtain transit visas in
advance.


4. Travel advisory: Travelers are advised also that the
alternate landing site for BA flight London-Baku is
Tbilisi, Georgia. The alternate landing site would be
used only in situations, which prohibit landing at Baku
Heydar Aliyev International Airport.


5. Web site: Useful information for all travelers is
available on the internet at http://baku.usembassy.gov.
Follow links for consular services: traveling to
Azerbaijan.


6. General reminders:

-- bring sufficient cash to pay for all expenses except
lodging. Credit cards are still accepted only by
businesses that cater to foreigners, such as hotels,
travel agencies, international airlines and a few
restaurants.

-- the Embassy has a CIRRUS/Plus network ATM machine,
which accepts most U.S. bank cards. It dispenses both
the local currency (Azerbaijani manat) and U.S. dollars.

-- bring supplies of all hard-to-find foods, toiletries
and medicines. Western commodities are sold in Baku but
are expensive and not always available.

-- drink only bottled water; tap water is not potable.


7. Security: Crime in Baku is comparable with that of
major U.S. cities. Visitors should exercise caution,
avoid walking alone after dark, and be aware of their
surroundings at all times. Street crime includes
pickpockets, jewelry snatching and armed robbery. If
confronted, no resistance should be given and valuables
should be surrendered. Medical facilities are limited in
dealing with major trauma care. Visitors should keep
their passports or a copy with them at all times.
VISITORS SHOULD ONLY USE TAXIS WITH BLUE LICENSE PLATES.
Counterfeit U.S. dollars are often passed in Baku.
Visitors should exchange money only at the major banks
and hotels, or at the Embassy cashier.


8. Security clearance level: All visitors who require
access to cleared areas and "no escort" ID badges must
provide proof of their security clearance by front

channel cable.


HYLAND