Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
06BAKU813
2006-06-02 08:15:00
UNCLASSIFIED
Embassy Baku
Cable title:  

COUNTRY CLEARANCE FOR EUR DEPUTY ASSISTANT

Tags:  OTRA OVIP AJ 
pdf how-to read a cable
VZCZCXYZ0004
RR RUEHWEB

DE RUEHKB #0813/01 1530815
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
R 020815Z JUN 06
FM AMEMBASSY BAKU
TO SECSTATE WASHDC 0489
UNCLAS BAKU 000813 

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

DEPT PLEASE PASS TO EUR DEBORAH RODRIGUEZ

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: OTRA OVIP AJ
SUBJECT: COUNTRY CLEARANCE FOR EUR DEPUTY ASSISTANT
SECRETARY MATTHEW J. BRYZA


SIPDIS

REF: STATE 89322

UNCLAS BAKU 000813

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

DEPT PLEASE PASS TO EUR DEBORAH RODRIGUEZ

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: OTRA OVIP AJ
SUBJECT: COUNTRY CLEARANCE FOR EUR DEPUTY ASSISTANT
SECRETARY MATTHEW J. BRYZA


SIPDIS

REF: STATE 89322


1. Embassy Baku warmly welcomes and grants country
clearance to EUR Deputy Assistant Secretary Matthew J.
Bryza to travel to Baku 5-8 June 2006. Control officer
will be Energy Officer Kerem Bilge. Mr. Bilge can be
reached at the Embassy at:

Email: BilgeKS@State.Gov
Mobile: (994) (50) 220-5417
International Line: (994) (12) 498-03-35, 36, OR 37
Tie Line: 841-0000 OR 0+4373
International Fax: (994) (12) 465-66-71
Tie Line Fax: 841-4289.


2. Accommodations: Post has reserved a junior suite at
the Europe Hotel. The confirmation number is 148031.
Please note that cancellation or amendment of a confirmed
reservation must be done 48 hours prior to arrival.
Failure to do so will result in a one-night cancellation
fee.


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 Azerbaijan
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 single entry
visa. Default validity is 7 days, but 30 day validity is
available on request. 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 oftheir security clearance by front
channel cable.


9. Meet and Assist: Embassy Baku will meet DAS Bryza at
the airport per reftel, provide transportation during the
visit, and provide transportation to the airport for his
departure.

HYLAND