COUNTRY CLEARANCE APPROVAL FOR US DELEGATION TO

UNCLAS CARACAS 000633

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: ASEC EAGR ECON KCRM KFRD OAS AMGT APER VE
SUBJECT: COUNTRY CLEARANCE APPROVAL FOR US DELEGATION TO
OAS TIP CONFERENCE

REF: A) STATE 33755 B) STATE 35668


1. The Embassy grants country clearances for the visit to
Venezuela of T. March Bell, Mark Mittelhauser, Pedro Moreno,
Stacy D. Williams, and Carla Menares Bury from Monday, March
13 through Saturday, March 18. This approval is granted on
the condition that the travelers will be utilizing an
official or diplomatic passport with an appropriate
Venezuelan visa. (See paragraph titled, Passport
Requirements.)

The purpose of the visit is to attend the OAS Trafficking in
Persons Conference to be held on Margarita Island from
Tuesday, March 14 through Friday, March 17.


2. Control officer for the visit will be LaTranda Martin.
Address: Embassy of the United States, Calle F con Calle
Suapure, Colinas de Valle Arriba, Caracas, Venezuela.
Telephone numbers: Office: 58-212-907-8531. Cellphone:
0414-140-4615. Embassy after-hours direct line for the
Marine security guard is 58-212-975-9821.

Hotel accommodations for the delegation have been arranged
and confirmed at the Hilton Hotel on Margarita Island
(confirmation numbers will be sent via email). Address:
Calle Los Uveros Urb. Costa Azul, Margarita Island, 6301.
Telephone Number: 58-295-260-1700. Fax: 58-295-262-0810
The nightly rate for hotel accommodations is USD 109.

TRAVEL NOTICE - TRANSPORTATION BETWEEN THE AIRPORT AND
CARACAS: In December the GoV indefinitely closed the first
bridge on the Caracas-La Guaira highway. The highway is the
principal link between Caracas and Maiquetia Simon Bolivar
International Airport. On February 26, the 2.4 km Bridge
Bypass Route (BBR) was opened to traffic. On March 6 post
management approved the elimination of the armored airport
shuttle service/daylight travel restriction and returned to
using private transport services with the following
provisions: The BBR or the Galipan road (accessible via
4-wheel drive only) are the only approved routes to/from the
airport and La Guaira. For safety and security reasons, the
"Carretera Vieja" route is not authorized for use. Post will
continue to assess the situation. It is recommended you
remain in contact with the Embassy regarding any possible
changes.

PASSPORT REQUIREMENTS
--------------
All passengers who enter Venezuela on official travel
(including third country nationals) require a visa.
Travelers should not use tourist passports.

Venezuelan immigration requires citizens of the United States
and certain other countries to have at least six months of
validity remaining on their passports to enter Venezuela.
While this law is not uniformly enforced, some U.S. citizens
have been denied entry. Ensure your passport has at least
six months validity from the date of arrival to Venezuela.

CURRENCY / EXCHANGE RATE
--------------
The exchange rate is USD 1 = 2150 Bolivares (Bs).

Visitors should bring a major credit card. Travelers checks
are not recommended as they are only honored in a few
locations. It is possible to exchange cash at major hotel
chains in Caracas (personal checks are not accepted).

DEPARTURE EXPENSES
--------------
An airport user fee of Bs. 84.000 (approx. USD 40) is levied
upon departure for holders of official and diplomatic
passports. Holders of tourist passports must pay the user
fee plus an exit tax, for a total of Bs. 117.600 (approx. USD
55). Payment of both must be made in Bolivares.

SECURITY
--------------
At the Airport. Many drivers -- often wearing badges
identifying them as "taxi officials"-- have been known to rob
unwary travelers. If someone asks if you are with the
American Embassy: 1) do not give you name and 2) ask for the
name of the person he is seeking and identification. Do not
go with the individual if he cannot give you the information
you request. Call the embassy.

Airport parking lot robberies are increasing. The Embassy
advises all persons to stay away from airport parking lots,
except for diplomatic lots located close to the terminal.

General Crime. There is a significant level of common street
crime in certain areas of Caracas and other major cities in
Venezuela. These crimes are of the pick-pocketing,

purse-snatching variety and visitors are advised to be aware
of their surrounding and to be particularly alert in crowded
areas. Jewelry items, particularly gold-colored, attract the
attention of thieves and should be left in a safe place along
with other valuables.

If you are confronted in a robbery situation, the RSO
suggests that you comply with the criminals' demands. Do not
attempt to run or antagonize the perpetrator. Most criminals
only seek cash and jewelry items; many will resort to
violence if you resist their demands.

To avoid being victims of a crime, visitors should remain
alert to their surroundings and maintain constant control of
purses, backpacks, briefcases and luggage.

The Embassy recommends the use of hotel and radio dispatched
taxis and group travel whenever possible, especially after
dark. Travelers should carry only the minimum cash needed
and, if possible, no credit cards when venturing outside of
the hotel.

Civil Disturbances. Travelers to Venezuela should be aware
of the potential for violent demonstrations, especially in
the urban centers, and exercise appropriate caution by
standing well clear of public protests, police lines and
barricades.

CAR RENTAL
--------------
Car rentals must be pre-authorized with the Agency
responsible for your visit.

MEDICAL
--------------
Venezuela recommends that all travelers be vaccinated prior
to arrival. As yellow fever vaccine is difficult to obtain
in Venezuela, do not count on Embassy to provide vaccination.
In addition, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs requires a
Yellow Fever vaccination certificate for travelers older than
one year of age arriving from various countries. Information
about vaccination requirements for travel to Venezuela may be
obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention's Internet site at http://www.cdc.gov/travel.

The water is considered contaminated. Drink only bottled
water or carbonated soft drinks and avoid ice in drinks. Do
not eat raw vegetables or fruits unless they have been
disinfected, peeled or cooked. Wash your hands often with
hot, soapy water.

Cases of dengue fever and malaria are reported throughout
Venezuela each year. Travelers planning to spend time
outdoors should bring insect repellent; wear long trousers;
and avoid wet areas. Symptoms include fever, headaches,
diarrhea and general malaise. While rarely fatal, you should
see a doctor if you experience these symptoms.

The Embassy does not make or guarantee payments to medical
providers on behalf of non-U.S. Government employees. All
individuals should bring clear evidence of medical insurance
coverage. In case emergency evacuation is required, non-USG
employees, USG contract staff, and locally employed staff
from other posts must have adequate medical and air ambulance
insurance and must carry the contact information with them.
Venezuelan hospitals and physicians do not accept insurance
documents and may require payment in cash or be credit card.

WEATHER
--------------
Daytime temperatures in Margarita are usually between 78 and
87 degree Fahrenheit. Although Margarita is basically a
desert island, from June to July and November to January rain
showers are common. Embassy recommends travelers bring a
light sweater for evening outings and an umbrella, no matter
the time of year.

COMMUNICATIONS WITH THE PRESS
--------------
Travelers are remained that Public Affairs is responsible for
handling press arrangements for both mission personnel and
official visitors. Contact the Public Affairs Officer,
Salome Hernandez, 58-212-907-8363 or the Press Attache, Brian
Penn, 58-212-907-8325 after arrival if you believe you may
have contact with the press while in Venezuela.
BROWNFIELD