BURMA COUNTRY CLEARANCE FOR TERRENCE MARKIN

UNCLAS RANGOON 000257

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: OTRA BM
SUBJECT: BURMA COUNTRY CLEARANCE FOR TERRENCE MARKIN

REF: STATE 26531


1. Embassy Rangoon grants country clearance and welcomes the
visit of Mr. Terrence C. Markin, Political Officer, to Burma
March 15-17, 2006 for consultations.


2. Control officer for this visit is Timothy Arnts, Regional
Affairs Chief, phone: (95) (1) 379-880 ext. 4219. Additional
point of contact is Lisa Larson, P/E OMS, phone (95) (1)
379-880 ext 4245 or email at LarsonLC@state.gov.


3. Hotel reservations have been made at Traders Hotel.
Traders Hotel address and phone number are No. 223 Sule
Pagoda Road, Rangoon, phone: (95) (1) 242-828. Hotel rate is
50 U.S. dollars.


4. All visitors, with no exceptions, traveling to Burma must
have visas prior to entry into the country. Airport visas
are not available.


5. Due to USG sanctions, credit cards and travelers checks
are not widely accepted in Burma. Therefore post recommends
USG travelers bring sufficient USD to cover their expenses.
Official USG travelers, with a copy of travel orders, may
cash personal checks or traveler checks at the embassy
cashier for up to USD 500 per week. Most tourist-oriented
shops and restaurants accept USD. Dollars can be exchanged
for kyat at authorized exchange locations. The airport
departure fee is USD 10.


6. Due to recent bombings in Burma, visitors should practice
heightened security awareness and avoid crowded public
places, including shopping malls and markets, demonstrations,
large public gatherings, and any area cordoned off by
security forces. USG travelers must assume their actions in
Burma are being closely monitored by various means,
particularly in hotel lobbies and rooms, when meeting Burmese
citizens, and when using the telephone. USG visitors should
not travel beyond Rangoon without Embassy Rangoon approval.
Local traffic can be confusing and hazardous; post recommends
using taxis or rental cars with drivers when possible.
Visitors should protect their valuables at all times while in
public. Available medical care does not meet U.S. standards.


7. In keeping with the July 2003 U.S. sanctions, USG
officials traveling on diplomatic passports may import
Burmese products into the United States for personal use
only. Gifts for other persons or items for resale are
prohibited. USG travelers on official or regular passports
cannot import any Burmese product into the United States
apart from a few specialized exempted items.


8. The vast majority of visitors to Burma complete their
travel without complication. We hope your visit will be
productive and enjoyable.
VILLAROSA