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