Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
07ULAANBAATAR222
2007-04-13 03:28:00
UNCLASSIFIED
Embassy Ulaanbaatar
Cable title:  

Country Clearance for DHS Employee Joseph Martin

Tags:  OTRA PREF MG 
pdf how-to read a cable
VZCZCXYZ0000
RR RUEHWEB

DE RUEHUM #0222/01 1030328
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
R 130328Z APR 07
FM AMEMBASSY ULAANBAATAR
TO RUEHBJ/AMEMBASSY BEIJING 5484
INFO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 0987
RUEHBK/AMEMBASSY BANGKOK 1432
UNCLAS ULAANBAATAR 000222 

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: OTRA PREF MG
SUBJECT: Country Clearance for DHS Employee Joseph Martin


UNCLAS ULAANBAATAR 000222

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: OTRA PREF MG
SUBJECT: Country Clearance for DHS Employee Joseph Martin



1. We welcome and grant country clearance to JOSEPH MARTIN for
travel to ULAANBAATAR, MONGOLIA. The purpose of the visit to
Mongolia is for case processing during April 16 to April 23, 2007.


2. POC: Your point of contact is Lisa Conner, Consular Section
Chief. Contact numbers are as follows:

--Office Telephone Number: (976-11) 329-095, x4755;
--Cellular Number: (976) 9904-9072;
--Fax Number is (976-11) 320-776; 353-788;
--Home Number: (976-11) 324-626; 313-016
--Email Address: ConnerLG@state.gov
--Duty Officer Number: (976) 9911-4168.


3. VOUCHERS: Post has limited staff and resources. TDY travelers
visiting post for less than 30 days should pay all travel bills and
then voucher the expense when they return to their duty station.


4. HOTEL: A room has been reserved for you within per diem at the
Ulaanbaatar Hotel, with a daily rate of US $102.00. The rate
includes VAT and breakfast. The hotel's telephone number is
(976-11) 320-620, and its fax number is (976-11) 324-485. Please
provide the hotel administration with your credit card information
upon arrival to allow them enough time to process the charges.


5. ARRIVAL/DEPARTURE: A driver will meet and assist you at the
airport. If you are bringing atypical equipment or have special
needs, please contact your POC or Embassy GSO Assistant Mr. Tamir at
TamirE@state.gov. As soon as you arrive in Ulaanbaatar, please have
your POC or the Embassy Travel Assistant assist you to reconfirm
your onward air tickets. Even with purchased tickets this is
required to guarantee your seat.
Official passport holders must pay an airport fee at the time of
their departure if it is not already included in the ticket price.
Travelers should check with the travel assistant if they have any
questions.


6. VISA: A visa is not required for Mongolia. If you will travel
via Beijing, you must have a valid Chinese visa for each time you
land in China. This means a double-entry visa if your itinerary is
Beijing-Ulaanbaatar-Beijing. The Chinese require a visa even to
transit between two international flights. If you don't have a
valid (unused) visa, the airline will not let you board, and your
travel will be delayed.


7. DOMESTIC AIR TRAVEL RESTRICTION: The U.S. Embassy prohibits U.S.
government personnel use of the domestic services of MIAT and all
services of Hangard and Trans-Ulgii for official travel because of

uncertainties regarding service and maintenance schedules, aircraft
certification and insurance status. This prohibition does not extend
to MIAT's international flights.


8. EXPORT LIMITS: Mongolia limits the export of art, antiques, and
icons. Reputable art and antique dealers can give you documents
that will let you export what you buy. Customs duties, however, may
apply, and you must be ready to pay in cash (not credit card). We
can give you more information.


9. SECURITY SITUATION: Mongolia and Ulaanbaatar are generally safe
places to visit. Mongolians accept foreigners readily and are
congenial hosts. There is no known specific threat to Americans.
However, the poor economic situation and obviousness of foreigners
makes us easy targets for petty crime. We strongly recommend that
you carry only the money you expect to need and leave your passport,
wallet, and other valuables in the hotel's safekeeping. We
recommend that you be especially cautious at night and in crowded
public places, such as the "black market," within and in front of
the State Department shopping store, and anywhere foreigners
frequent. Pickpocketing is an increasing problem.


10. HEALTH CARE: Health care for Embassy personnel and visitors is
provided by the Embassy's Health Unit and the SOS International
Clinic in Ulaanbaatar.

The Embassy's Health Unit's telephone number is (976-11) 313-133.
The hours of operation are Monday through Friday 08:30 am - 5:00pm.
For appointments please contact Health Unit by (976-11) 313-133,
(976-11) 329-095-4556 or Suvdaa at 9909-2876. After hours please
call Medical Unit Duty Phone at 9904-0261.

The SOS International Clinic's telephone/fax number is (976-11)
342-550. The clinic is expensive and requires payment upon receipt
of services. It is important that your health insurance is up to
date. Filling an insurance claim is the responsibility of the
visitor. SOS International takes MasterCard, Visa, or cash as
payment.


11. GENERAL MEDICAL INFORMATION: We suggest that you talk with your
medical office about recommended inoculations. Over-the-counter
drugs such as cold, fever, and painkiller medications are not
readily available. Plan to bring enough over-the-counter and
prescription medicines to last your entire time in Mongolia. You
should take health precautions in Mongolia: drink only bottled or
boiled drinks, and eat only hot, freshly prepared food. Also, we
recommend that you wear sturdy shoes with good traction.


12. WEATHER: Ulaanbaatar has an extreme continental climate. The
weather is unpredictable. It can be cold anytime September through
May, and is extremely cold November through February. Summertime
temperatures can approach 100 degrees Fahrenheit but may dip into
the 50's. Spring is an uncertain time of year, with occasional high
winds and snow. We recommend you be prepared with layers of
clothing and warm, sturdy footwear. Several internet sites,
including Yahoo! Weather, give forecasts for Ulaanbaatar.


13. DOLLARS AND TUGRUGS: Mongolia's financial infrastructure is
still limited. Traveler's checks are rarely accepted. Mongolia is a
predominantly cash based economy. Cash advance can be taken at
banks. Western-oriented businesses and hotels accept credit cards -
Visa, MasterCard, and American Express. Hotels provide official
currency exchange. ATMs are infrequent and unreliable. The few
existing units are VISA only.


14. WEBSITE: Please visit our Embassy website at
http://ulaanbaatar.usembassy.gov . It provides interesting and
useful information. Mongolia is a beautiful and fascinating
country; we hope you will have a chance to see a bit of it after
work hours.


15. We look forward to your arrival. Regards.

GOLDBECK