COUNTRY CLEARANCE GRANTED FOR KIRK TO TRAVEL TO BARBADOS

UNCLAS BRIDGETOWN 001790 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: ASEC OTRA BB XL SUBJECT: COUNTRY CLEARANCE GRANTED FOR KIRK TO TRAVEL TO BARBADOS REF: KINGSTON 2003 ¶1. Embassy Bridgetown welcomes and grants country clearance for Matthew Kirk to travel to Barbados to attend the Cricket World Cup 2007 planning meetings to be held on October 11-12, 2006. ¶2. Per reftel, Embassy understands arrival assistance is not needed. ¶3. Embassy point of contact is Robert W. Starnes, (246) 436-4950 ext. 2435. ¶4. Entry requirements: Mission policy is that all USG travelers to the region be in possession of a valid passport. Visas are not required for short visits of less than 30 days. There is a departure tax of 25 bbd (Barbados dollars) or 12.50 U.S. dollar. ¶5. The exchange rate in Barbados is two Barbados dollars for one U. ¶S. dollar. U. S. currency, traveler's checks, and credit cards are routinely and widely accepted. ¶6. The following is general information pertaining to security and health considerations throughout the Eastern Caribbean: Security In the Eastern Caribbean, foot travel outside of well-established tourist areas is not generally recommended, especially at night. Be vigilant when using public telephones or ATM machines 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 if possible. 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, St. Lucia, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines 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. A growing number of HIV/AIDS cases have been reported. It is safe to drink the water in the Eastern Caribbean. 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. GILROY