AZERBAIJAN COUNTRY CLEARANCE FOR DRL OFFICER

UNCLAS BAKU 001148

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: OTRA PHUM UK TR IR AJ
SUBJECT: AZERBAIJAN COUNTRY CLEARANCE FOR DRL OFFICER
KATHRYN LURIE

REF: STATE 124440


1. Embassy Baku warmly welcomes and grants country clearance
to DRL Iran desk officer Kate Lurie to travel to Baku
September 25-27 to participate in Iran-related meetings with
embassy and government officials. Control officer will be
Political Officer Rebecca Naslund. Ms. Naslund can be
reached at the Embassy at:

Email: NaslundRJ@State.Gov
Mobile: (994) (50) 206 9674
International Line: (994) (12) 498-03-35, 36, OR 37
Tie Line: 841-0000 OR 0 4210
International Fax: (994) (12) 465-66-71
Tie Line Fax: 841-4289.


2. Accommodations: Reservations have been made for Ms.
Lurie at the Park Hyatt Hotel.


3. Visas: All travelers are advised to obtain visas for
all/all stops on their itinerary prior to their departure.
We recommend that travelers obtain Azerbaijan visas from the
Embassy of Azerbaijan at the point of origin, and that they
allow 10 days for processing of the visa request. If visas
cannot be obtained at the traveler's point of origin, an
airport visa can be issued upon arrival. Please proof read
your visa carefully. An occasional Embassy guest has
received a visa with an error in it. If traveling on a
Diplomatic Passport there is no fee. If traveling on tourist
or official passports, there is a dollars 40 fee for a single
entry visa. Default validity is 7 days, but 30 day validity
is available on request. Passport assistance is available at
the passport counter in room 1258 of the State Department.
The Embassy of Azerbaijan requires a minimum of two working
days to process visa requests. Should the projected
itinerary include transit through Turkey, visitors must
obtain Turkish visas in advance. Bearers of Diplomatic or
Official Passports are not permitted to purchase airport
visas in Turkey and will be denied exit from the Istanbul
airport. If transit through Russia is necessary, travelers
must obtain transit visas in advance.


4. Travel advisory: None.


5. Web site: Useful information for all travelers is
available on the internet at http://baku.usembassy.gov.
Follow links for consular services: traveling to Azerbaijan.


6. General reminders:

--bring sufficient cash to pay for all expenses except
lodging. Credit cards are still accepted only by businesses
that cater to foreigners, such as hotels, travel agencies,
international airlines and a few restaurants.

--the Embassy has a CIRRUS/Plus network ATM machine, which
accepts most U.S. bank cards. It dispenses both the local
currency (Azerbaijani manat) and U.S. dollars.

--bring supplies of all hard-to-find foods, toiletries and
medicines. Western commodities are sold in Baku but are
expensive and not always available.

--drink only bottled water; tap water is not potable.


7. Security: Crime in Baku is comparable with that of major
U.S. cities. Visitors should exercise caution, avoid walking
alone after dark, and be aware of their surroundings at all
times. Street crime includes pickpockets, jewelry snatching
and armed robbery. If confronted, no resistance should be
given and valuables should be surrendered. Medical
facilities are limited in dealing with major trauma care.
Visitors should keep their passports or a copy with them at
all times. Counterfeit U.S. dollars are often passed in
Baku. Visitors should exchange money only at the major banks
and hotels, or at the Embassy cashier.


8. Security clearance level: All visitors who require
access to cleared areas and "no escort" ID badges must
provide proof of their security clearance by front channel
cable.


9. Meet and Assist: Embassy Baku will meet Ms. Lurie at the
airport, provide transportation during the visit, and provide
transportation to the airport for her departure.
DERSE