COUNTRY CLEARANCE GRANTED FOR EXBS PROGRAM

UNCLAS SANAA 001387 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: AMGT OTRA KNNP YM SUBJECT: COUNTRY CLEARANCE GRANTED FOR EXBS PROGRAM MANAGER, VARVARA PSAROS REF: STATE 83516 ¶1. Embassy Sanaa grants country clearance and welcomes the visit of EXBS Program Manager Varvara Psaros, June 9 - 12. Security Clearance information is on file. ¶2. Control Officer for the visit will be Melissa Cline who can be contacted at all times through the Embassy at (967) (1) 755-2156 cell phone (967) 1-73329-2603. The number for emergencies only is (967) (1) 755-2170 (Post One). ¶3. Reservations: Reservations have been made at the Moevenpick Hotel, Sana'a. The hotel can be contacted via (967)-1-546-666. Confirmation number is 13617. ¶4. Fiscal Data: Each visitor must bring/forward fiscal data to cover costs of the visit. Each agency, organization, or visiting delegation will be charged for the actual costs attributed to their visit. These costs include, but are not limited to: American and LES staff overtime, field travel by Embassy employees, vehicle rentals, long distance telephone calls, equipment rentals, office supplies, expediter services, representational events and all other costs that are directly attributable to the visit. ¶5. Visas: All travelers must obtain a Yemeni entry visa prior to their arrival. This is a matter of the utmost importance, and is the responsibility of the traveler. NO, repeat, NO airport visas will be issued. Please note: there should be NO Pakistani or Afghan visas in your passport. If you must travel on a passport with these visas, please notify Post in advance so we can make arrangements to facilitate your transit through immigration; otherwise, you may be detained for a period at immigration. ¶6. Customs: To assist with customs, visitors should inform the Embassy by fax (967-1-303-182) of any special tools or equipment, including computers (serial and model numbers), palm pilots or communications equipment, which they plan to bring into Yemen. The importation of these items must be coordinated with local military and customs authorities. TRAVELES IGNORING THIS REQUIREMENT RISK THE CONFISCATION F SUCH ITEMS UPON ARRIVAL. All baggage, includin those belonging to diplomats, is subject to x-ry and hand search upon arrival in Yemen. If thetraveler must carry a radio or electronic equipmnt, it can be carried in as a non-pro courier had-held (i.e., carried aboard the plane in an orane classified diplomatic pouch). ¶7. Work Hours: Embassy Sanaa's normal workweek is Saturday thrugh Wednesday; office hours are 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 .m. ¶8. Crime Situation in Yemen: A security biefing by the Regional Security Officer (RSO) is andatory upon arrival. The incidence of street cime is very low throughout Yemen, and violetcrimes against foreigners are rare. However, kidnappings by tribes continue to be a threat to foreigners visiting Yemen. Because of recent terrorist threats against U.S. interests on the Arabian Peninsula and the increased tensions in the entire Gulf region, the Embassy advises all visitors to remain vigilant with regard to their personal security and to exercise caution. Avoid large crowds and gatherings, maintain a low profile, and vary routes and times of all required travel. Travelers should read the latest Consular Information Sheet, which describes current conditions. ¶9. Money: Travelers must bring sufficient funds or have sufficient funds in personal checking accounts to cover costs of entire TDY. THERE ARE FEW ATMS IN COUNTRY, AND ACCEPTANCE OF CREDIT CARDS IS LIMITED ) BRING CASH/CHECKBOOK. TDY cash advances should be taken prior to travel to Yemen ) Embassy does not issue cash advances for TDY personnel. Embassy offers check-cashing service and will cash personal checks of official travelers. Cashier will exchange dollars for Yemeni Riyals. Many local merchants and businesses accept U.S. currency for purchases. The current exchange rate is YR 196 to USD 1. ¶10. Weather: The weather in Sanaa is generally warm during the day, and a sweater may be necessary at night. Weather in Aden and along the Red Sea coast is normally very hot and humid. Business suits are preferred for meetings with Yemeni officials. All clothing should be modest and conservative. ¶11. Health Precautions: Bring at least a 3-month supply of medications. Practice food and water precautions as in other developing nations. Begin immunization for hepatitis A and B, rabies, typhoid, tetanus, and polio prior to departure. Yellow fever vaccination is required if entering from a country at risk. If you spend more than a few days outside Sanaa, malaria prophylaxis may be required and you will be required to have G6PD blood testing. Local hospital care may be required for emergencies. Local medical providers expect immediate cash payment. Be prepared to pay several hundred dollars and the rest prior to departure from Yemen. While you will be provided documentation of medical care rendered to give to your insurance providers, it is your responsibility to recover funds from your agency or insurance plan. The cost of evacuation can cost up to $100,000. Emergency Air Evacuations for other than MSGs, Seabees, DOS direct hires, and DOD staff require an obligated fund site PRIOR to the evacuation. Travelers should contact their administrative offices before departure to obtain this information. Out of country hospitalization for non-DOD and non-DOS direct hires require an obligated fund site to cover the hospitalization PRIOR to the hospitalization. Travelers should contact their administrative offices before departure to obtain this information. Each traveler should check in with the Medical Unit for a short medical briefing as soon as possible after arrival. Individuals with sickle cell trait should carefully consider the altitude of this post before applying for assignment here. Short-term (TDY) assignments carry an added risk because of the lack of time for acclimatization. Dehydration and stress from exercise or illness compound the basic risks of high altitude. For more information, contact your health unit or the medical clearances section of the Offices of Medical Services. ¶12. Special Restrictions: The Republic of Yemen prohibits the import of sexually oriented material, weapons, and alcohol; videocassettes are also likely to be confiscated. Photography of military installations, individuals in uniform, government buildings and industrial facilities are strictly forbidden. Photography of Yemenis, especially women, should be done only after receiving explicit permission. We repeat -- All baggage, including those belonging to diplomats, is subject to x-ray and hand search upon arrival in Yemen. ¶13. Travel Restrictions: Travel outside Sanaa will only occur with COM/RSO approval. Khoury