COUNTRY CLEARANCE GRANTED TO KING TO TRAVEL TO BARBADOS

UNCLAS BRIDGETOWN 001423 SIPDIS PASS TO WHA/CAR (COLLINS) SECSTATE DEPT PASS TO HHS FOR (OGHA) SIPDIS AIDAC E.O. 12958:N/A TAGS: ASEC EAID OTRA BB XL SUBJECT: COUNTRY CLEARANCE GRANTED TO KING TO TRAVEL TO BARBADOS REF: ATLANTA GA 002730 ¶1. Embassy Bridgetown warmly welcomes and grants country clearance to Hope King, Public Health Advisor, NCHSTP, CDC, HHS to travel to Barbados for the period August 20-21, 2006 and September 20-21, ¶2006. ¶2. Post notes that traveler will be staying at the Hilton Barbados Hotel, Bridgetown, Barbados, TEL (246) 426-0200, FAX: (246) 228-7730. Embassy point of contact is Angela Davis, HIV/AIDS Technical Specialist, TEL: 1(246) 228-8070, FAX: 1(246)228-8589. ¶3. Unfortunately, post's resources do not allow us the flexibility to meet and assist visitors at the airport. The taxi rate from the airport to the hotel is approximately BDS$30.00 (US$15.00). The exchange rate is approximately 2 Barbados Dollars for 1 U.S. Dollar. You should bring enough U.S. Dollar bills to pay the taxi. U.S. currency, traveler's checks, and credit cards are routinely and widely accepted here ¶4. Entry requirements: A valid U.S. passport is required to enter Barbados. No visa is required if your stay is under six months, including those travelers arriving with diplomatic or official passports. Fur further information, travelers may contact the Embassy of Barbados, 2144 Wyoming Avenue N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008, telephone (202) 939-9200. ¶5. Departure tax for Barbados is BDS$25.00 or US$13.00. ¶6. The following is general information pertaining to security and health consideration throughout the Eastern Caribbean: Security -------------- In the Eastern Caribbean, foot travel outside of well-established tourist areas are not generally recommended, especially at night. Be vigilant when using public telephones or ATM facilities near roadsides or quiet areas. As in many U.S. Metropolitan areas, wearing expensive jewelry, carrying expensive objects, or carrying large amounts of cash should be avoided. Visitors should also safeguard valuables while at the beach. While hotels are generally safe, many visitors have experienced loss of unattended items. Hotel burglaries are not uncommon, and all valuables should be locked in room safes. Health information -------------- Throughout the Eastern Caribbean, the most likely threat to a visitor's health is sunburn. It takes several weeks to become accustomed to the heat and humidity. Prolonged exposure to the sun, without protection, causes sunburn and may ultimately result in sun-damaged skin or even skin cancer. Sunscreens should be used for protection. In Barbados the major health threat is dengue fever, transmitted by mosquito. Dengue cases are most often seen in the summer months. Persons should therefore protect themselves with insect repellent. There is also a growing number of HIV/AIDS cases reported. The Eastern Caribbean enjoys clean and safe drinking water. Only routine boosters for immunizations, (i.e. tetanus, diphtheria, and oral polio vaccine) are required when traveling to this region Barbados has the best medical facilities of all the islands in the region and most of the medical specialties have practitioners here. KRAMER