COUNTRY CLEARANCE FOR RYAN C. LEONG

UNCLAS BELGRADE 000539

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: OTRA ASEC CMGT SR

SUBJECT: COUNTRY CLEARANCE FOR RYAN C. LEONG

REF: State 53075


1. Embassy Belgrade grants country clearance and
warmly welcomes Ryan C. Leong, Political Officer,
from April 22 to May 2, 2007 for consultations
with Embassy officials.


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. Reservations have been
made for visitor on the night of 27 April - 2 May
2007 at the Hyatt Regency Hotel, Begrade, Tel.
381-11-301-1234. Post understands that no
further assistance is requested.


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