COUNTRY CLEARANCE GRANTED FOR MICHAEL LOTZE FROM

UNCLAS SANAA 001723 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: AMGT OTRA PREL KMPI SUBJECT: COUNTRY CLEARANCE GRANTED FOR MICHAEL LOTZE FROM JUNE 16 TO 21, 2006 REF: SECSTATE 92097 ¶1. Embassy Sanaa grants country clearance and welcomes the visit of Michael Lotz, program officer for Partners for Democratic Change from June 16 to 21, 2006. Security Clearance information is on file. ¶2. Control Officer for the visit will be Faris Asad who can be contacted at all times through the Embassy at (967) (1) 755-2398 cell phone (967) 1-73321-7224. The number for emergencies only is (967) (1) 755-2170 (Post One). ¶3. Reservations: None requested. ¶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. TRAVELERS IGNORING THIS REQUIREMENT RISK THE CONFISCATION OF SUCH ITEMS UPON ARRIVAL. All baggage, including those belonging to diplomats, is subject to x-ray and hand search upon arrival in Yemen. If the traveler must carry a radio or electronic equipment, it can be carried in as a non-pro courier hand-held (i.e., carried aboard the plane in an orange classified diplomatic pouch). ¶7. Work Hours: Embassy Sanaa's normal workweek is Saturday through Wednesday; office hours are 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. ¶8. Crime Situation in Yemen: A security briefing by the Regional Security Officer (RSO) is mandatory upon arrival. The incidence of street crime is very low throughout Yemen, and violent crimes 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. Casier will exchange dollars for Yemeni Riyals. May local merchants and businesses accept U.S. currncy for purchases. The current exchange rate is Y 196 to USD 1. ¶10. Weather: The weather in anaa is generally warm during the day, and a sweter may be necessary at night. Weather in Aden nd along the Red Sea coast is normally very hot and humid. Business suits are preferred for meeting with Yemeni officials. All clothing should be odest and conservative. ¶11. Health Precautions Bring at least a 3-month supply of medications Practice food and water precautions as in otherdeveloping nations. Begin immunization for hepatiis A and B, rabies, typhoid, tetanus, and polio rior to departure. Yellow fever vaccination is rquired if entering from a country at risk. If yu spend more than a few days outside Sanaa, malara 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. Krajeski