COUNTRY CLEARANCE FOR BARRIE EVANS, DAI

UNCLAS ZAGREB 000070

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

STATE PLEASE PASS TO USAID, EE/ECA FOR ANNE CONVERY
AND TO AID/EGAT/AG
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: AMGT OTRA ASEC HR
SUBJECT: COUNTRY CLEARANCE FOR BARRIE EVANS, DAI

REF: EMAIL WELSH - SIMEONOV DATED JANUARY 10, 2006


1. In response to referenced email, Embassy Zagreb
welcomes and grants country clearance to Mr.
Barrie Evans to travel to Zagreb, Croatia, from
February 1 through February 12, 2006. The purpose
of his trip is to work in the position of Food
Safety Management Systems Specialist under the ACE
project. No visa is required for holders of
American diplomatic, official, or tourist
passports.


2. Mission understands that no transportation or lodging
arrangements are required.


3. The cost of a taxi from the airport to
central Zagreb is approximately 200 kunas (USD
33). Money can be changed in the main terminal
of the airport after exiting passport/customs
control, where there is also an ATM machine.


4. The Control Officer for this visit is Mr. Frederick
Claps, USAID Senior Econ Advisor, who can be reached at
telephone 385-1-6612-170 or mobile 385-91-6612-171. In
addition, the Marine Guard at Post One can be reached 24
hours/day at (385-1) 661-2400. More information on the
Embassy can be found on our website: www.usembassy.hr.


5. MONEY: Credit cards are widely accepted in
Zagreb. The embassy cashier is open mornings,
Monday through Friday, for accommodation
exchange (personal and/or traveler's checks are
accepted) for USG personnel only. ATM machines
dispensing local currency are ubiquitous and
accept most US-bank ATM cards (PLUS and
CIRRUS). There is also an ATM machine
available in the Embassy building. The
Croatian kuna is currently trading at 6.2 to
the dollar. Mr. Evans may wish to exchange a
small amount of money upon arrival at the
airport or the hotel until she can go to the
Embassy and cash a check.


6. THREAT ASSESSMENT AND SECURITY GUIDANCE:
Croatia has a relatively low crime rate.
Travelers should, however, take normal
precautions and exercise common sense, as they
are sometimes the targets of pickpockets,
especially on public transportation and in
crowded markets. All personnel should notify
the RSO of any threats, security incidents, or
questions.


7. SECURITY CLEARANCE AND BUILDING ACCESS: Bring
a photo ID (e.g., passport) with you for entry
into the Embassy.
Visitors who have State Department building passes may
bring those for entrance to mission facilities. Visitors
desiring unescorted access into Embassy buildings must
ensure that their headquarters provide the following
information via front-channel cable: name, date of birth,
security clearance level (if any) and arrival and departure
dates.


8. ELECTRONIC DEVICES: Travelers are required to notify
their Embassy control officer in advance if they plan to
bring laptop or palmtop computers for use inside the
Embassy. In accordance with STATE Department regulations
all such devices must be approved in advance by post ISSO
and RSO. Travelers must also receive a briefing about
restrictions and usage of the equipment. The Embassy
control officer must request approval for the equipment
from the ISSO and RSO and, if approved, arrange the
required briefing upon traveler's arrival before the
devices will be permitted inside the building.


9. HEALTH AND MEDICAL CARE: The small Embassy health unit
is staffed full-time and can assist in emergency
situations. Travelers should bring with them a supply of
any required medications adequate for the duration of their
stay. Many newer medications are not available in Croatia.
Recommended immunizations for Croatia include typhoid and
hepatitis A and B. Travelers should be aware that the
standard of health care in Croatia decreases markedly
outside of Zagreb.


10. TRAVEL WARNINGS: All travelers should be aware of the
Department of State's latest travel warnings and public
announcements, available on the Consular Affairs internet
website at http://travel.state.gov

FRANK