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