PORTUGAL GRANTS COUNTRY CLEARANCE FOR CBP

UNCLAS LISBON 002123

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

MADRID PASS TO ICE ATTACHE EILEEN ESCOTO; CBP PASS TO
MONICA K TEMONEY, OFFICE OF INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS AND TRADE
RELATIONS, ADMINISTRATION AND PROGRAM SUPPORT DIVISION,
COUNTRY CLEARANCE TEAM

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: OTRA PO
SUBJECT: PORTUGAL GRANTS COUNTRY CLEARANCE FOR CBP
MONISTROL AND MARTINEZ

REF: CBP CABLE DTG 151347Z AUG 07


1. Embassy Lisbon welcomes and grants country clearance for
Claudia Monistrol, Supply Chain Security Specialist, and
Ralph Martinez, Supply Chain Security Specialist, to travel
to Lisbon, Portugal from September 17-19, 2007 to conduct
C-TPAT validations.


2. Control Officer in Lisbon is Political/Economic Officer
Tiffany McGriff.

CONTACT INFO
--------------
OFC : 351-21-770-2575
FAX : 351-21-726-6547
CELL: 351-91-959-4823
E-MAIL: McGriffTL@state.gov


3. No Embassy assistance is requested.


4. TRAVEL TIPS: Taxis are relatively inexpensive. Be sure
to ask for a receipt (factura). A "taxi voucher" service is
available at the airport to arriving passengers. The cost of
the voucher depends on the distance of the trip and/or length
of time, as well as the type of service required. Fare should
not be more than 15.00 Euros from the airport to major hotels
in the city.


5. It is possible to use most ATM cards in Multibanco teller
machines located throughout Portugal. Although Multibanco
does not assess a service charge for this transaction, normal
service charges assessed by your own bank will apply. USD
1.00 equals approximately Euro 0.75. The ATM machine will
automatically do the exchange.


6. THREAT ASSESSMENT: In light of the current worldwide
security situation, all Americans are reminded that it is
more important than ever to maintain a high level of
vigilance and to take appropriate steps to increase their
security awareness. Be sure to vary your times and routes
and avoid patterns in your activities. There are no known
specific and credible threats to include violent
demonstrations, terrorist or criminal acts that would affect
your visit. Personnel under the Chief of Mission's authority
will be notified of any security advisories issued during the
visit. While in Portugal, if you notice any suspicious
activity or have any security concerns, the Embassy's
Regional Security Officer (RSO) should be notified as soon as
possible.


7. Portugal has a relatively low amount of street crime.
Violent criminal confrontations and the use of weapons are
rare. Burglars and pickpockets are active and visitors are
encouraged to safeguard valuables and not carry large amounts
of cash or unneeded credit cards. Visitors should also be
very careful on crowded streets, in entertainment areas,
department stores, restaurants or crowded public
transportation. Car crime, such as auto thefts and thefts
from vehicles is low. Travelers are warned not to leave
valuables in hotel rooms. Eastern European organized crime
groups are active in Portugal, but mainly target the
immigrant populations. The police and other emergency
services in Portugal are adequate. Threat information
through the Consular Information Program is available on the
Internet at http://travel.state.gov. In addition to
information on the Internet, U.S. travelers may hear recorded
information by calling the Department of State in Washington,
DC at (202) 647-5225 from their touchtone telephone, or
receive information by automated telefax by dialing
(202)647-3300 from their fax machine.

Ballard