COUNTRY CLEARANCE FOR FAA LOURDES Q. MAURICE

UNCLAS BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN 000582 SIPDIS SIPDIS FAA FOR ALLISON ANDERSON-MCBRIDE, AEE-1 E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: EAIR OTRA ASEC BX SUBJECT: COUNTRY CLEARANCE FOR FAA LOURDES Q. MAURICE TO BANDAR FROM NOVEMBER 30 - DECEMBER 1 REF: FAA MESSAGE DATED 091317Z NOV 06 ¶1. Embassy welcomes and grants country clearance for Federal Aviation Administration Chief Scientific and Technical Advisor, Office of Environment and Energy Lourdes Q. Maurice to visit Brunei from November 30 - December 1 to do a presentation on Communicating Aviation's Environmental Challenges from a U.S. as well as a Global Perspective. ¶2. Control Officer for the visit is Deputy Chief of Mission Justin Friedman, telephone (673) 222-9670; fax: (673) 222-5293; mobile: (673) 8726-672; Email: FriedmanJ@state.gov. ¶3. Post understands from reftel that no Embassy assistance is necessary. ¶4. Visas: Diplomatic or official passport-holders need to obtain a visa in advance of travel. Visas are not required for visits of 90 days or less if a regular passport is used. ¶5. Brunei and Singapore currencies are interchangeable. Currency exchange is available at the airport, the hotel or at Citibank across the street from the Embassy. Rates at the bank and commercial moneychangers are substantially better than those in the hotel. Bank hours are Monday through Friday 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Local currency can also be obtained from autoteller machines (ATM) at most shopping outlets. ¶6. Threat assessment: Currently, there are no known threats directed against American citizens or U.S. government personnel and interests in Brunei. The crime rate in Brunei is medium and violent crime is rare. Visitors should still practice prudent security precautions such as not traveling alone late at night or in secluded areas. Report any suspicious activity to the RSO. ¶7. Traveler information: Travelers should be aware that importation of firearms and ammunition is prohibited. Penalties for breaking the law can be very severe. Trafficking in and illegal importation of controlled drugs are very serious offenses in Brunei and carry a mandatory death penalty. ¶8. There are no outlets for purchasing alcohol in Brunei. Non-Muslim visitors are permitted to bring in 12 bottles of beer and two bottles/liters of wine/spirits for personal consumption. A customs declaration form must be completed upon arrival when bringing alcohol into the country. The current Airport Departure tax is 12 Brunei Dollars. ¶9. Laptop and other portable computers: Pursuant to State 286036, dated 10/07/03, all official travelers to Post who intend to bring a laptop or other portable computers must notify Post in advance and follow the guidelines provided therein. The RSO and/or IMO will grant final approval to introduce such equipment into the Chancery. FRIEDMAN