COUNTRY CLEARANCE FOR CODEL BOEHNER (JUL 05 -

UNCLAS TALLINN 000424 SIPDIS CODEL SIPDIS DEPARTMENT FOR H, JOHN REDDY, SCOTT KAMINS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: OREP AMGT ASEC AFIN RS SW EN SUBJECT: COUNTRY CLEARANCE FOR CODEL BOEHNER (JUL 05 - JUL 07) REF A) STATE 0084209 ¶1. Post warmly welcomes and grants country clearance to the Congressional Delegation headed by Congressman John Boehner, to Tallinn, Estonia from July 5-7, 2007. ¶2. A schedule will be sent to the Delegation's designated POCs and to State (H) via e-mail. ¶3. No visa is required for holders of American diplomatic, official, or tourist passports for stays up to 90 days. ¶4. Room accommodation arrangements have been made at the Hotel Telegraaf (Vene 9, 10123 Tallinn, tel +372 600- 0600; FAX +372 600-0601 ; e-mail: info@telegraafhotel.com, website: http://www.telegraafhotel.com for July 5-7, 2007. Room rate includes breakfast, use of sauna, steam bath, swimming pool and jacuzzi. ¶5. Control officer for the visit is Pol/Econ Officer Rebecca Raman (office tel +372 668-8237; cell phone +372 516-2654; e-mail RAMANRC@STATE.GOV). POC for military or aircraft matters is Operations Coordinator, SFC Darrell Doss, (office tel +372 668-8200; cell phone +372 503-3509; e-mail DOSSDW@STATE.GOV). ¶6. The Embassy is located at 20 Kentmanni Street. Phone numbers are: switchboard +372 668-8100, Post One after- hours +372 668-8169, Duty Officer cell phone +372 509- ¶2129. IVG prefix is 969. Office hours are Mon-Fri from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. More information on the Embassy can be found on our website: http://estonia.usembassy.gov. Please also visit our new Embassy OpenNet website: HTTP://TALLINN.STATE.GOV ¶7. WEATHER: Summer weather in Tallinn is rather unpredictable. It could be very warm and sunny or cool with occasional showers. Temperature is in the range of 45 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Days are long, and the sun sets at around 10:30-11:00 p.m. Please also visit http://www.weather.ee/forecast/. ¶8. MONEY: All hotels, major restaurants, and stores accept credit cards. ATM machines are plentiful. Embassy cashier will be available to exchange currency in Control/Delegation Room at check in and again prior to departure. Current exchange rate is approximately US $1 = 11.66 Estonian Kroons (EEK) and 1 EUR = 15.65 EEK. ¶9. SECURITY ASSESSMENT: Estonia is a relatively safe country although crime in the old city is an ongoing concern. Visitors should take reasonable precautions when visiting as crime, mainly pick pocketing, car break-in and car theft, continues to be a problem. During the summer tourist season, the risk of personal crimes against official and unofficial Americans sharply increases. There have been several incidents of crimes involving force reported by the international community, mainly at night or in the early morning hours. After dark, visitors should exercise common sense and avoid isolated areas. In public places, such as the airport, train stations and the central market, one must exercise special care in safeguarding valuables against purse snatchers and pickpockets. Valuables should never be left unattended in vehicles and car doors should be kept locked at all times. Post recommends that visitors carry only a minimal amount of cash, credit cards and identification, and leave valuables at home. Additional information about the security situation is available by calling the RSO at +372 668-8118. GOLDSTEIN