COUNTRY CLEARANCE FOR USCC VISIT TO HONG KONG,

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 HONG KONG 000688

SIPDIS

DEPT FOR EAP/CM -- PLEASE PASS USCC

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV PREL OREP HK
SUBJECT: COUNTRY CLEARANCE FOR USCC VISIT TO HONG KONG,
09-12 MAY 2009

REF: STATE 36319


1. Consulate General Hong Kong warmly welcomes the visit of
Chairman Bartholomew and the U.S.-China Economic and Security
Review Commission (USCC) delegation to Hong Kong May 9-12

2009. Control Officer for the visit is Political Officer
Benjamin Weber, office telephone:(852)2841-2110; mobile
telephone:(852) 9631-8557; office fax:(852)2526-7382; State
email address: weberb@state.gov. The Consulate is located at
26 Garden Road, Central. The after-hours and emergency
number (available 24 hours/day) at Marine Post One is (852)
2841-2230.

Country clearance does not automatically provide security
clearance and access to the Consulate General. The RSO
Office must still be provided with proof of security
clearance level via official channels for those personnel who
intend to visit the Consulate General. This proof should
include the level of clearance granted, and should be
included in the country clearance request or follow-on cable.


2. Transport from the airport: Per request, post will
arrange airport transport and meet-and-assist.


3. Money exchange:

A) The Hong Kong dollar is pegged in value against the U.S.
dollar, with the rate set at approximately 7.8 HKD per one
USD. Upon arrival in Hong Kong, money exchange (Thomas
Cooke) is available in the area immediately outside of
baggage claim/customs. Rates are not favorable, so we advise
against changing large quantities of money at the airport
exchange. However, there are ATM machines (currently
connected to the Cirrus and Plus systems plus Visa and Master
Card for cash advances) offering good exchange rates located
just inside the public arrivals area. Note: the location of
the ATM machines is not well marked.

B) Credit cards are widely accepted in Hong Kong and cash
can be obtained from automatic teller machines. Currency
exchange is available at your hotel. It is also available at
the Bank of America branch at the Consulate General Monday,
Wednesday and Friday from 9:30 am to 1:30 pm with a daily
limit of USD 2000.


4. Accommodations: Reservations have been made at the Grand
Hyatt in Wanchai within per diem. One breakfast per room is
included in the room rate. Rooms are being held under the
credit card number provided, but post understands individual
travelers will settle bills themselves. The per diem rate for
Hong Kong is USD 479 (335 for lodging & 144 for M&IE).


5. Visas: No/no visa is required for Hong Kong for American
citizens making TDY visits of under 90 days. No visa should
be requested from the Chinese Embassy for entry into Hong
Kong for this category of visitor. Holders of Official or
Diplomatic passports planning a short pleasure trip to
Mainland China in addition to their official duties while in
Hong Kong must obtain a PRC visa before departing the US.
These visas take several days or more to acquire in Hong Kong
in Official or Diplomatic passports, and Post cannot expedite
the process. All travel to the Mainland, even short day
trips to Shenzhen, requires a PRC visa. For more information
regarding visa requirements for other nationalities, refer to
the Hong Kong immigration website:

http://www.info.gov.hk/immd/english/topical/e /1.htm


6. Telecommunications: U.S. government-provided Blackberry
communicators generally work in Hong Kong without difficulty.
Travelers wishing to use cell phones should review their
phone's operational bands (Hong Kong uses GSM 900 and 1800)
and their provider's roaming charges. Consulate can assist
with official fax and other communications.


7. Threat Assessment: The Department of State issued a
worldwide caution on June 6, 2006 to remind U.S. citizens of
the continuing threat of terrorist actions and anti-American
violence against U.S. citizens and interests overseas.
Ongoing events have resulted in demonstrations and associated
violence in several countries; such events are likely to
continue for the foreseeable future. Current information
suggests that al-Qa'ida and affiliated organizations continue
to plan terrorist attacks against U.S. interests in many
regions, including Europe, Asia, Africa and the Middle East.
These attacks may employ a wide variety of tactics including
assassinations, kidnappings, hijackings and bombings. The
terrorist groups may target facilities or public areas where
U.S. citizens and other foreigners congregate or visit,

HONG KONG 00000688 002 OF 002


including residential areas, business offices, clubs,
restaurants, places of worship, schools, hotels, public
transportation systems, and aviation and maritime services.
U.S. Government facilities worldwide remain at a heightened
state of alert. As the Department continues to develop
information on any potential security threats to U.S.
citizens overseas, it shares credible threat information
through its Consular Information Program available on the
internet at http://travel.state.gov. In addition to
information on the internet, travelers may obtain up-to-date
information on security conditions by calling 1-888-407-4747
toll-free in the U.S. or outside the U.S. and Canada on a
regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444.


8. Health Information: China and Southeast Asia have been
the world epicenter for several viral illnesses in recent
years such as SARS and Avian Flu. While there are currently
no specific health warnings, travelers to Hong Kong are
encouraged to visit the Hong Kong Center for Health
Protection website: http//www.chp.gov.hk/ or the CDC website:
http://www.cdc.gov for up-to-date advice and information on
local health issues.

Hong Kong has high public health standards, and health care
in Hong Kong is similar in quality to that found in the U.S.,
although it can be extremely expensive. Hospitals and
clinics expect payment when service is rendered and do not
accept health insurance for payment. Pharmacies will accept
only prescriptions from local physicians and may not be open
after usual business hours. It is recommended that the
traveler bring an adequate supply of prescription medications
for the duration of their stay.


9. Protection of Intellectual Property: The protection of
intellectual property rights is a key U.S. policy goal. The
Consulate General works closely with local authorities in
Hong Kong and Macau to strengthen the enforcement of existing
laws against illegal production and sale of copyright and
trademark protected products - such as CD's, DVD's, and brand
name clothing, sporting goods, and pharmaceutical products.
Post appreciates visitors' support of the policy of the
United States and the Consulate's active efforts to stem the
flow of pirated and counterfeit goods. Please keep this in
mind as you shop here in Hong Kong and Macau.


10. Electronic Devices: The Consulate strictly controls the
entry of laptop computers, personal digital assistants (PDAs)
and other electronic devices into the Consulate office
building. All government equipment of this nature must be
inspected by the Information Management or Security sections
before entering the Consulate. If you plan to bring official
electronic equipment to post, please advise the Control
Officer of the type of equipment, make/model, and serial or
other control number. Providing this information in advance
will speed the entry of the equipment into the Consulate.
Upon arrival, Post 1 will confirm authorization of electronic
equipment. Personally owned or unapproved USG equipment may
not enter the building, but may be left with Consulate guards
for safekeeping.


11. Airport Departure Procedures: Hong Kong International
Airport has adopted the same practices as American carriers
in the United States regarding carrying liquids/gels on board
all aircraft, regardless of carrier (both American and
foreign). Travelers will be able to travel with a one
quart/liter (maximum) plastic bag and all contents of this
nature - e.g., face cream, tooth paste, deodorant, perfume,
etc. - must fit into this single plastic bag. No individual
container in the bag may be more than three ounces.
Exceptions may be made on a case by case basis for
prescription medication and baby formula.


12. For more information, you may wish to consult the
following web pages:

Consulate General Hong Kong:
http://www.hongkong.usconsulate.gov
Hong Kong Tourist Association: http://www.hkta.org
Hong Kong Trade Development Council:
http://www.tdctrade.com.hk


13. Proposed schedule will be sent via email.
DONOVAN