COUNTRY CLEARANCE FOR MELISSA K. SHOEMAKER

UNCLAS BELGRADE 000101

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: OTRA ASEC CMGT SR
SUBJECT: COUNTRY CLEARANCE FOR MELISSA K. SHOEMAKER

REF: SECSTATE 08266


1. Embassy Belgrade grants country clearance and warmly welcomes
Melissa K. Shoemaker, Political officer from 01/27/07 to 03/25/07.
Control Officer for this visit will be POLMIL officer Ian Campbell,
Office tel. 381-11-306-4687, Mobile tel. 381-63-325-356.


2. The Embassy's offices are located at Kneza Milosa 50, Belgrade.
The Embassy's switchboard telephone number is 381-11-361-9344; the
fax number is 381-11-361-8230. Normal Embassy working hours are
Monday- Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. The after hours (Post 1)
telephone number is 381-11-306-4679. TDY accommodations have been
arranged by the Mission for the duration of the visitor's stay.


3. Credit cards are accepted at hotels, some restaurants and major
supermarkets in Belgrade; however, for travel within Serbia outside
Belgrade travelers should bring enough cash for expenses.
Accommodation exchange is available through the Embassy cashier with
a copy of your travel orders. There is a $1,000.00 per week limit.
Personal and travelers' checks are acceptable at the Embassy. The
Raiffeisen Bank ATM is available at the Embassy's Post One lobby.
However, this machine does not accept Mastercard, American Express
nor Diners Club cards.


5. American citizens do not need visas to enter Serbia for a stay
up to 90 days. Upon arrival in Belgrade, the Embassy will meet and
assist you on arrival at the airport. On departure, you should be
aware that some US carrier connections via major hubs around Europe
require an overnight in transit. Personnel not staying in a hotel
are required to register with local police within 24 hours of
arrival.

SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES
--------------


6. Travelers entering Serbia with more than 2000 Euros in cash are
required to declare all currency upon entry and obtain from customs
officials a declaration form that must be presented at departure.
Failure to comply may result in the confiscation of all funds. The
U.S. Embassy has been contacted by many American citizens who have
failed to comply with this requirement and consequently had
thousands of dollars seized by the Government of Serbia. It is
advisable to contact the Embassy of Serbia in Washington for
specific information regarding customs requirements.

SECURITY
--------------


7. Official U.S. presence has been continuous in
Belgrade since October 2000 and personnel have experienced few
untoward incidents. The impression given by the general public is
that there is support for the return of USG personnel. However,
visitors should not take photos of buildings damaged or destroyed in
the NATO bombing campaign. Random street crimes, such as pick
pocketing and car vandalism, are the most commonly reported
incidents. There are very serious information security concerns and
strict security procedures are to be maintained regarding computer
processing and sensitive discussions.

POLT