Country Specific Information

Bulgaria

COUNTRY DESCRIPTION: After joining the European Union in 2007, Bulgaria experienced rapid economic development, especially in urban and resort areas. However, since a recession during the 2008 financial crisis, growth continues at a slower pace. Tourist facilities are widely available, although conditions vary and some facilities, infrastructure, and services may not be up to Western standards. Read the Department of State’s Background Notes on Bulgaria for additional information.

SMART TRAVELER ENROLLMENT PROGRAM (STEP) / EMBASSY LOCATION: If you are going to live or visit Bulgaria, please take the time to tell our Embassy about your trip. If you enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, we can keep you up to date with important safety and security announcements, and help your friends and family get in touch with you in an emergency.

Local embassy information is available below and at the Department of State’s list of embassies and consulates.

U.S. Embassy Sofia  
16, Kozyak St., Sofia1408;
tel.: ( 359 2) 937-5100;
fax: ( 359 2) 937-5209;
Non-immigrant Visa Matters: NIV_Sofia@state.gov
Immigrant Visa Matters: IV_Sofia@gov
American Citizen Services Matters : ACS_Sofia@state.gov

ENTRY / EXIT REQUIREMENTS FOR U.S. CITIZENS: A U.S. passport is required for U.S. citizens who are not Bulgarian nationals. As a U.S. citizen, you are authorized to stay for a total of 90 days within a six-month period without a Bulgarian visa. This law is strictly enforced. You can file an application to extend your stay beyond the original 90 days for urgent or humanitarian reasons, but the application must be submitted to regional police authorities no later than five days prior to the end of the original 90-day period. Travelers who have been in the country for 90 days and then leave will not be able to re-enter Bulgaria before the six-month period expires. Travelers using official or diplomatic passports must secure visas prior to arrival. Please plan and apply for your visa early. Upon entering the country, Bulgarian immigration authorities request that all foreigners declare the purpose of their visit and provide their intended address.

For further information on entry and exit requirements, contact the Embassy of the Republic of Bulgaria at 1621 22nd Street NW, Washington, DC 20008; tel. (202) 387-7969 (main switchboard (202) 387-0174), or the Bulgarian Consulate in New York City at 121 East 62nd Street, New York, NY 10021; tel. (212) 935-4646. Visit the Embassy of the Republic of Bulgaria’s website for the most current visa information.

If you intend to live or work in Bulgaria for more than 90 days within six months (or more than six months within a year), you must obtain a “D” visa prior to arrival. As of July 2008, U.S. citizens must apply for a “D” visa at a Bulgarian Embassy/Consulate in the country where they are legally resident. If you wish to obtain a “D” visa while already present in Bulgaria -- having entered as a tourist, for example -- you will have to leave Bulgaria and apply at a Bulgarian embassy or consulate in the United States. U.S. citizens residing in the United States should apply at the Bulgarian representative office (either the Embassy or a Consulate) nearest their home. Visit the Bulgarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs or Bulgarian Embassies/Consulates websites for more information on visas. The U.S. Embassy in Sofia also has entry requirements and the “D” visa application online. Bulgarian authorities do not consider presentation of a copy of the passport sufficient for identification purposes. Visitors should carry their original passports with them at all times; however, this is not a requirement for U.S. citizens who hold residence permits in Bulgaria. A U.S. passport card is also recognized as a proof of citizenship and identity, but is not accepted for use for international air travel to and from Bulgaria.

Traveling with Bulgarian Citizen Minors: Bulgarian authorities are particularly strict in matters involving the travel of Bulgarian children. If a dual or multi-national Bulgarian child is traveling out of Bulgaria with only one parent or another adult, the absent parent(s) must sign a certified/legalized declaration authorizing custody for travel purposes. This declaration must be presented to authorities upon departure. If the declaration is signed in Bulgaria, certification by a Bulgarian notary public is required. If signed in the United States, the declaration must be certified by a notary public and the court in the jurisdiction where the notary is licensed. The declaration must then be legalized with an apostille issued by the individual state's Secretary of State or Governor’s office, and a Bulgarian translation by a licensed translation company to be certified by the Bulgarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Please note Bulgarian authorities do not require such documentation for minors who are not Bulgarian. However, in cases of minor children who do not have Bulgarian citizenship but, one or both parents are Bulgarian citizens, migration officials may request a certified/legalized declaration authorizing custody for travel purposes.

We are unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to or foreign residents of Bulgaria.

Information about dual nationality or the prevention of international child abduction can be found on our website. For further information about customs regulations, please read our Customs Information page.

THREATS TO SAFETY AND SECURITY: While Bulgaria’s accession to the European Union has enhanced the overall security environment for tourist and business travelers, violence related to criminal groups occurs sporadically in public locations. Recent incidents include bombings and shootings, likely the result of turf wars between rival organized crime syndicates, which remain highly prevalent in Bulgaria’s largely cash economy. In January 2010, a journalist who had published a book containing details on Bulgarian organized crime was assassinated in Sofia in daylight hours.

Public protests, demonstrations, and strikes in response to world or local events can occur sporadically. Traffic disruptions in Bulgaria, particularly in the central city, have occurred as a result of demonstrations. While these demonstrations are normally peaceful, confrontational demonstrations have occurred, and even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly escalate into violence. Nationwide demonstrations in October 2011 resulted in some violence and destruction of property. You are urged to avoid demonstration areas if possible, and to exercise caution if traveling within the vicinity of any demonstrations. You should monitor media coverage to stay abreast of local events and should be aware of your surroundings at all times. Information regarding demonstrations in Bulgaria can be found on the Embassy website.

Stay up to date by:

• Bookmarking our Bureau of Consular Affairs website, which contains the current Travel Warnings and Travel Alerts as well as the Worldwide Caution;
• Following us on Twitter and the Bureau of Consular Affairs page on Facebook; Downloading our free Smart Traveler iPhone App to have travel information at your fingertips;
• Calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free within the U.S. and Canada, or a regular toll line, 1-202-501-4444, from other countries; and
• Taking some time before travel to consider your personal security. Here are some useful tips for traveling safely abroad.

CRIME: Pick-pocketing and purse snatching are frequent occurrences, especially in crowded markets, on shopping streets, and aboard the busiest tram and bus lines. Con artists operate on public transportation and in bus and train stations. Credit cards and ATMs should be used with caution. Be wary of people who approach you at an ATM and offer assistance. Do not give your PIN to anyone under any circumstances. (See the Special Circumstances section below.)

Travelers should be suspicious of "instant friends" and should also require persons claiming to be government officials to show identification.

We recommend that you report crimes immediately to the police, as they have helped recover money and valuables on more than one occasion. To avoid becoming a victim of more serious crimes, use the same personal safety precautions that you would use in large urban areas of the United States.

You should pay special attention to the drink prices at high-end bars and nightclubs. There have been instances of travelers being charged exorbitant prices, especially for champagne and hard alcohol. Bills have been as high as several thousand dollars for drinks, and in some establishments the management may use force to secure payment.

Taxi drivers occasionally overcharge unwary travelers, particularly at Sofia Airport and the Central Train Station. We recommend that you use taxis with meters and clearly marked rates displayed on a sticker on the passenger side of the windshield. The standard rates normally range between BGL 0.59 and 0.70 (about 40 U.S. cents) per kilometer. Some taxis charged BGL 6.59 or 6.70 (about $5) per kilometer. However, because these exorbitant prices were clearly displayed on the taxi, there was no current law being violated. A recent law established the maximum amount a taxi can charge per kilometer; however, it is a new law, and enforcement is still sporadic. At the airport, there is a clearly marked booth within the arrival terminal, which arranges for metered taxis at a fair rate; finding reputable taxis at the Central Train Station is more difficult. We recommend inquiring about the fare first, to avoid excessive payment if a metered taxi cannot be found. Always ensure that you account for all luggage, packages, and hand-carried items before you pay and release a taxi. The likelihood of retrieving articles left behind in a taxi is remote.

Automobile theft is a concern, with four-wheel-drive vehicles and late-model European sedans being the most popular targets. Very few vehicles are recovered. Automobile break-ins are common in residential areas or near parks, especially when valuables are left in plain sight. Residential burglaries are also a frequent occurrence as in any major city. If you plan to reside in Bulgaria on a long-term basis, you should take measures to protect your dwelling and should consider installation of window grills, steel doors with well-functioning locks, and an alarm system.

You should also be cautious about making credit card charges over the Internet to unfamiliar websites. Recent experience has shown that offers for merchandise and services may be scam artists posing as legitimate businesses. A recent example involves Internet credit card payments to alleged tour operators via Bulgaria-based websites. In several cases, the corresponding businesses did not actually exist.

Don’t buy counterfeit and pirated goods, even if they are widely available. Not only are the bootlegs illegal to bring back into the United States, if you purchase them you may also be breaking local law. 

VICTIMS OF CRIME: If you or someone you know becomes the victim of a crime abroad, you should contact the local police and the Embassy. We can:

• Replace a stolen passport;
• Help you find appropriate medical care if you are the victim of violent crimes such as assault or rape;
• Put you in contact with the appropriate police authorities, and if you want us to, we can contact family members or friend; and
• Help you understand the local criminal justice process and direct you to local attorneys, although it is important to remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting the crime.

You must also report a lost/stolen passport to the Bulgarian migration authorities located at 48, Maria Luisa in Sofia or the local police station if you are in the countryside.

Emergency services, including police, fire or ambulance services, are reached by dialing 112, the local equivalent to 911 in the U.S.

Please see our information on victims of crime, including possible victim compensation programs in the United States.

CRIMINAL PENALTIES: While in Bulgaria, you are subject to its laws and regulations, which sometimes differ significantly from those in the United States and may not afford the protections available to an individual under U.S. law. Penalties for breaking the law can be more severe than in the United States for similar offenses. Engaging in sexual conduct with children or using or disseminating child pornography in a foreign country is a crime prosecutable in the United States. You may be taken in for questioning if you don’t have your passport, U.S. passport card, or long-term residence card with you.

Penalties for possessing, using, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Bulgaria are severe, and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines.

While some countries will automatically notify the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate if a U.S. citizen is detained or arrested in a foreign country, that might not always be the case. To ensure that the United States is aware of your circumstances, request that the police and prison officials notify the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate as soon as you are arrested or detained overseas.

SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES: Bulgaria is still largely a cash economy. Due to the potential for fraud and other criminal activity, credit cards should be used sparingly and with extreme caution. Skimming devices, surreptitiously attached to ATMs by criminals, are used to capture cards and PINs for later criminal use, including unauthorized charges or withdrawals, and are common in Bulgaria. If you choose to use credit cards, we recommend you use ATMs located in banks or malls as opposed to the more vulnerable locations on the street. You should check your account status regularly to ensure its integrity. In connection with such scams, be extremely wary of friendly bystanders near ATMs who offer assistance. Any time a card is not returned, you should immediately report the card as lost/stolen to the card-issuing company.

You may exchange cash at banks or Exchange Bureaus, but should know that Exchange Bureaus sometimes post misleading rate quotations that confuse travelers. People on the street who offer high rates of exchange are usually con artists intent on swindling unwary travelers. Damaged or very worn U.S. dollar bank notes are often not accepted at banks or Exchange Bureaus. Major branches of the following Bulgarian banks will cash travelers' checks on the spot for Leva, the Bulgarian currency, or another desired currency: Unicredit Bulbank, Bulgarian Postbank, First Investment Bank, and United Bulgarian Bank (UBB). UBB also serves as a Western Union agent and provides direct transfer of money. There are also many Western Union branches in major towns and cities. Most shops, hotels, and restaurants, with the exception of the major hotels, do not accept travelers' checks or credit cards. Only some local banks can cash U.S. Treasury checks and the payee may need to wait up to a month to receive funds.

Corruption remains an important concern of the Bulgarian government. The Commission for Coordinating of the Activity for Combating Corruption manages the efforts of each government agency’s internal inspectorate in fighting public corruption and engages in public awareness campaigns. Complaints of public corruption can be made by mail to the Ministry of Finance, 2A Knyaz Dondukov Blvd., 1055 Sofia, Bulgaria and 1 Slavyanska St., 1000 Sofia, 359 2 987 06 97; or to the Ministry of Finance by phone at 080018018. For more information, visit Ministry of Justice web site or by email form.

If you are planning to import an automobile to Bulgaria, be aware that customs duties on personal automobiles can be high.

Accessibility: While in Bulgaria, individuals with disabilities may find accessibility and accommodation very different from what is found in the United States. The law requires improved access to buildings for persons with disabilities, and new public works projects take this requirement into account; however, enforcement of this law lags in existing, unrenovated buildings. Bulgarian law prohibits discrimination against persons with physical and mental disabilities in employment, education, access to health care, and the provision of other state services; however, the government does not effectively enforce these provisions in practice. Societal discrimination against persons with disabilities persists.

Public transportation and general commuting in Sofia or around Bulgaria is nearly impossible for disabled individuals. Buses, trams, and trolleys are generally old and extremely crowded, and lack facilities for disabled travelers. Some newer vehicles claim to have access for disabled individuals, but in reality, access is extremely limited and disabled travelers must rely on fellow passengers to help them on and off the vehicles. The Sofia metro is the most accessible system for disabled individuals, but its reach is limited in the city until a planned extension is completed. Disabled travelers should consider traveling with a friend or family member who can assist them in navigating the transportation systems in Bulgaria.

MEDICAL FACILITIES AND HEALTH INFORMATION: While Bulgarian physicians are trained to a very high standard, most hospitals and clinics, especially in village areas, are generally not equipped and maintained to meet U.S. or Western European standards. Basic medical supplies and over-the-counter and prescription medications are widely available, but highly specialized treatment may not be obtainable. Pediatric facilities are in need of funding and lack equipment. Serious medical problems requiring hospitalization and/or medical evacuation to the United States may cost thousands of dollars. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services. A list of hospitals and physicians in Bulgaria can be found on the U.S. Embassy’s website.

You can find good information on vaccinations and other health precautions on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) website.  For information about outbreaks of infectious diseases abroad, consult the World Health Organization (WHO) website, which also contains additional health information for travelers, including detailed country-specific health information. Tuberculosis is an increasingly serioushealth concern in Bulgaria. For further information, please consultthe CDC's information on TB.

MEDICAL INSURANCE: If you are traveling to Bulgaria, be prepared to present valid evidence of health insurance to the Bulgarian border authorities in order to be admitted into the country. The insurance should be valid for the duration of the traveler’s stay in Bulgaria.

You can’t assume your insurance will go with you when you travel. It’s very important to find out BEFORE you leave. You need to ask your insurance company two questions:

• Does my policy apply when I’m out of the U.S.?
• Will it cover emergencies like a trip to a foreign hospital or an evacuation?

In many places, doctors and hospitals still expect payment in cash at the time of service. Your regular U.S. health insurance may not cover doctor and hospital visits in other countries. If your policy doesn’t go with you when you travel, it’s a very good idea to take out another one for your trip. For more information, please see our medical insurance overseas page.

TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS: While in a foreign country, U.S. citizens may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States. The Bulgarian road system is largely underdeveloped. There are few sections of limited-access divided highway. Some roads are in poor repair and full of potholes. Rockslides and landslides may be encountered on roads in mountainous areas. Livestock and animal-drawn carts present road hazards throughout the country, especially during the agricultural season. Travel conditions deteriorate during the winter as roads become icy and potholes proliferate. The U.S. Embassy in Sofia advises against driving at night because such road conditions are more dangerous in the dark. Some roads lack pavement markings and lights, and motorists often drive with dim or missing headlights.

Driving in Bulgaria is extremely dangerous. Aggressive driving habits, the lack of safe infrastructure, and a mixture of late model and old model cars on the country’s highways contribute to a high fatality rate for road accidents. Motorists should avoid confrontations with aggressive drivers in Bulgaria. In particular, drivers of late-model sedans are known to speed and drive dangerously. Motorists should exercise caution and avoid altercations with the drivers of such vehicles, which may be driven by armed organized crime figures. In some cities, traffic lights late at night blink yellow in all directions, leaving right-of-way unclear and contributing to frequent accidents. A form of “Russian road roulette” has taken hold in Sofia wherein drivers make bets about speeding through red lights at speeds that exceed 120mph in the late hours of the evening; bets are also taken challenging drivers to go the wrong way around roundabouts at high speeds.

Heavy truck traffic along the two-lane routes from the Greek border at Kulata to Sofia, and from the Turkish border at Kapitan Andre to Plovdiv, creates numerous hazards. Motorists should expect long delays at border crossings. A U.S. state driver's license is valid in Bulgaria only when used in conjunction with an International Driving Permit. For information on how to obtain a permit, http://www.bulgariatravel.org/eng/index.php please see our Road Safety Overseas information.

If pulled over by a police officer, you should be aware that under a recently changed Bulgarian law police officers may collect fines on the spot, and may confiscate your driver’s license depending upon the offense.

The use of seat belts is mandatory in Bulgaria for all passengers, except pregnant women. Children under 12 years of age may ride in the front seat only if seated in a child car seat. In practice, these rules are often not followed. Speed limits are 50 km/h (31 mph) in the cities/towns, 90 km/h (56 mph) out of town, and 130 km/h (80 mph) on the highways. For motorcycles, speed limits are 50 km/h in the cities/towns, 80 km/h out of town, and 100 km/h on the highways. Motorcyclists must drive with helmets and with lights on at all times. At crossings that are not regulated, the driver who is on the right has the right-of-way, but this rule is frequently ignored. Drivers may be charged with driving under the influence of alcohol with a blood level as low as 0.05 percent. Right turns on red lights are not permitted unless specifically authorized. The penalties for drivers involved in an accident resulting in injury or death range from a US $25 fine up to imprisonment for life. A new law requires the use of headlights day and night from November 1st through March 31st.

In case of emergency, drivers should call 112 (equivalent to 911 in the U.S.).

For specific information concerning Bulgarian driving permits, vehicle inspection, road tax, and mandatory insurance, please visit the Bulgarian Embassy website.

Please refer to our Road Safety page for more information. Visit the website of Bulgaria’s national tourist office and the website of the Bulgarian national authority responsible for road safety. (Note: The latter website is in Bulgarian only.)

AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT: The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the government of Bulgaria’s Civil Aviation Authority as being in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of Bulgaria’s air carrier operations. Further information may be found on the FAA’s safety assessment page.

CHILDREN’S ISSUES: Please see our Office of Children’s Issues web pages on intercountry adoption and international parental child abduction.

* * *

This replaces the Country Specific Information for Bulgaria dated March 21, 2011 to update sections on Entry/Exit Requirements for U.S. Citizens, Special Circumstances, and Victims of Crime.

Pakistan

COUNTRY DESCRIPTION: Pakistan is a parliamentary federal republic in South Asia, with a population of over 170 million people. Pakistan held successful elections in February 2008 and has a coalition government. Pakistan is a developing country with some tourist facilities in major cities but limited in outlying areas. The infrastructure of areas of Pakistan-administered Kashmir and the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) regions were devastated by an October 8, 2005, earthquake and have not yet been fully rebuilt. Massive flooding in 2010 destroyed infrastructure throughout the Indus River valley. Read the Department of State’s Background Notes on Pakistan for additional information.

SMART TRAVELER ENROLLMENT PROGRAM (STEP) / EMBASSY LOCATION: If you are going to live in or visit Pakistan, please take the time to tell our Embassy or Consulate about your trip. If you enroll, we can keep you up to date with important safety and security announcements. It will also help your friends and family get in touch with you in an emergency. Here’s the link to the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).

Local embassy information is available below and at the Department of State’s list of embassies and consulates.

U.S. Embassy in Islamabad
The U.S. Embassy in Islamabad is located at Diplomatic Enclave, Ramna 5.
Telephone: (92-51) 208-0000
Consular Section telephone: (92-51) 208-2700
Fax: (92-51) 282-2632
Emergency Contact Information: (92-51) 208-0000

U.S. Consulate General in Karachi
The U.S. Consulate General in Karachi is located at Plot 3-5 New TPX Area, Mai Kolachi Road. U.S. citizens requiring emergency assistance should call the Consular Section in Karachi.
Telephone: (92-21) 3527-5000
Fax: (92-21) 3561-2420
Emergency Contact Information: (92-21) 3527-5000

U.S. Consulate General in Lahore
The U.S. Consulate in Lahore is located on 50 Sharah-E-Abdul Hamid Bin Badees (Old Empress Road), near Shimla Hill Rotary.
Telephone: (92-42) 3603-4000
Fax: (92-42) 3603-4212
Emergency Contact Information: (92-42) 3603-4000

U.S. Consulate General in Peshawar
The U.S. Consulate in Peshawar is located at 11 Hospital Road, Cantonment, Peshawar.
Telephone: (92-91) 526-8800
Fax: (92-91) 528-4171
Emergency Contact Information: (92-91) 526-8800

ENTRY / EXIT REQUIREMENTS FOR U.S. CITIZENS: U.S. citizens require a valid passport and valid Pakistani visa to enter and exit Pakistan for any purpose. Visitors must obtain visas at a Pakistani Embassy or Consulate in the country of their usual residence prior to entering the country, as there are no provisions for visas upon arrival. Those arriving without a valid passport and a valid visa are subject to fine, arrest, incarceration and/or deportation. The U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Pakistan are unable to assist when U.S. citizens arrive without proper documentation.

U.S. citizens in Pakistan are responsible for monitoring their own visa status and for ensuring that they are in compliance with Pakistani immigration regulations. The U.S. Mission in Pakistan is unable to intervene with the Government of Pakistan in helping citizens extend their visas. Visitors/Residents may apply for extension of stay at the following address:

Section Officer (Visas)
Ministry of Interior
Pakistan Secretariat, ‘R’ Block,
Islamabad; telephone: 051-920-7290

Travelers may also contact one of the Consulates General of Pakistan in:

Pakistan

• Boston: 1032 Main St., Suite 5, Millis, MA 02054; telephone: (617) 267-9000; fax: (617) 266-6666
• Chicago: 333 North Michigan Ave., Suite 728, Chicago, IL, 60601; telephone: (312) 781-1831; fax: (312) 781-1838 or (312) 781-1839
• Houston: 11850 Jones Road, Houston, TX, 77070; telephone: (281) 894-6606; fax: (281) 890-1433
• Los Angeles: 10850 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 1250, Los Angeles, CA 90024; telephone: (310) 441-5114; fax: (310) 441-9256
• New York: 12 East 65th St., New York, NY 10021; telephone: (212) 879-5800; fax: (212) 517-6987
  The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to or foreign residents of Pakistan.

Information about dual nationality or the prevention of international child abduction can be found on our web site. For further information about customs regulations, please read our Customs Information sheet.

THREATS TO SAFETY AND SECURITY: A number of extremist groups within Pakistan continue to target U.S. citizens and other Western interests and Pakistani officials. Terrorists have demonstrated a willingness and capability to attack targets where U.S. citizens are known to congregate or visit. Terrorist actions may include, but are not limited to, suicide operations, bombings -- including vehicle-borne explosives and improvised explosive devices -- assassinations, carjackings, assaults, and kidnappings. Pakistani military forces are currently engaged in a campaign against extremist elements across many areas of the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) and parts of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Province, formerly known as Northwest Frontier Province (NWFP). In response to this campaign, militants have increased attacks against both civilian and government targets in Pakistan’s cities and in late 2010 launched several coordinated attacks against Pakistani government and civilian targets, especially in Bajaur and Mohmand Agencies.

The presence of al-Qaida, Taliban elements, and indigenous militant extremist and sectarian groups poses a potential danger to U.S. citizens throughout Pakistan, especially in the western border regions of the country. Continuing tensions in Muslim-majority countries and territories also increase the possibility of violence against Westerners. Although the Pakistani government has heightened its security measures, particularly in the major cities, terrorist groups continue to seek opportunities to attack locations where U.S. citizens and Westerners are known to congregate or visit, such as shopping areas, hotels, clubs and restaurants, places of worship, schools, or outdoor recreation events.

Visits by U.S. government personnel to Peshawar, Lahore and Karachi are limited, and movements by U.S. government personnel assigned to the Consulates in these cities are severely restricted. The security situation in many rural areas is extremely hazardous. U.S. citizens, including officials, are required to obtain advance permission from local or federal authorities to travel to the FATA, large parts of KP Province, and Balochistan Province. U.S. officials in Islamabad are instructed to restrict the frequency and to minimize the duration of trips to public markets, restaurants, and other locations. Only a limited number of official visitors are placed in hotels, and for limited stays. Depending on ongoing security assessments, the U.S. Embassy places areas such as hotels, markets, and/or restaurants off limits to official personnel. U.S. citizens in Pakistan are strongly urged to avoid hotels that do not apply stringent security measures and to maintain good situational awareness, particularly when visiting locations frequented by Westerners.

Suicide bombing attacks and political violence continue to occur throughout the country on a regular basis, often targeting government authorities such as police checkpoints and military installations, as well as public areas such as mosques and shopping areas. Some of the major incidents that have occurred since September 2010 are cited here. On September 1, 2010, 33 persons were killed and over 150 injured in three back-to-back suicide bomb blasts during a Shia procession in Lahore. Two days later, 73 persons were killed and 160 injured in a suicide bombing at a rally organized by the Shia Imamia Students Organization in Quetta. On December 25, 2010, a female suicide bomber detonated a bomb at a checkpoint outside a food distribution center in Khar, Bajaur Agency, killing at least 43 and injuring 72. On January 4, 2011, well known Governor of Punjab Province Salmaan Taseer was assassinated in the Kohsar Market area of Islamabad. On March 2, Federal Minorities Minister Shahbaz Bhatti, the sole Christian member of Pakistan’s cabinet, was also gunned down on the outskirts of Islamabad. On May 20, a U.S. consulate general vehicle in Peshawar was attacked, killing one person and injuring a dozen, including two U.S. employees of the mission. On May 22, more than a dozen gunmen stormed Pakistani Naval Station Mehran in Karachi. On May 26, a suicide bomber blew up a car laden with explosives at a checkpoint near a police station in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, killing 32 persons and injuring 60 others. In September 2011, suicide bombers in Quetta attacked a senior military officer, killing 23 people.

Since late 2007, occasional rockets have targeted areas in and around Peshawar, including in the direction of Peshawar International Airport. In June 2009, the Peshawar International Airport closed for two days for unspecified security concerns. Also in July 2009, some airline carriers suspended service to the airport. For the most up-to-date information on aviation safety and security, U.S. citizens should regularly monitor the Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs’ website.

U.S. citizens throughout Pakistan have also been kidnapped for ransom or during the course of personal disputes. Reported incidents include two separate kidnappings in the summer of 2011 in Lahore, one victim of which was a USAID contractor. Earlier occurrences include the 2010 kidnapping of a U.S. citizen child in Karachi, and the 2009 kidnapping of a U.S. citizen official of the United Nations High Commission for Refugees in Balochistan. The kidnapping of Pakistani citizens and other foreign nationals, usually for ransom, continues to increase dramatically nationwide.

We remind U.S. citizens that even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly escalate into violence. Rallies, demonstrations, and processions occur regularly throughout Pakistan on very short notice and have often taken on an anti-American or anti-Western character. U.S. citizens are therefore urged to avoid the areas of demonstrations if possible, and to exercise caution if within the vicinity of any demonstrations. Because of the possibility of violence, U.S. citizens are urged to avoid all public places of worship and areas where Westerners are known to congregate. U.S. citizens should stay current with media coverage of local events and be aware of their surroundings at all times. Information regarding demonstrations in Pakistan can be found on the websites of U.S. Embassy-Islamabad and Consulates in Karachi, Lahore and Peshawar.

During the Islamic (Shia) religious observance of Muharram, hostilities targeting religious sects often increase.

It is best to avoid public transportation. For security reasons, U.S. Mission personnel are prohibited from using trains, taxis, or buses. (See the Traffic Safety and Road Conditions section below). Men and women are advised to dress conservatively, with arms and legs covered, and to avoid walking alone. It is unwise for anyone to travel on the streets late at night. Visitors to Pakistan should maintain a low profile and be aware of their surroundings.

Gilgit-Baltistan (formerly known as the Northern Areas): Northern Pakistan has the greatest concentration of the highest peaks in the world. This attracts trekkers, mountaineers, and mountain climbers from all over the world. Trekking in Pakistan involves walking over rugged, steep terrain, where one is exposed to the elements, often at high altitudes. The Pakistani Ministry of Tourism has defined trekking as walking below 6000 m. It has designated three trekking zones: open, restricted, and closed. Foreigners may trek anywhere in the open zone without a permit or the services of a licensed mountain guide. For trekking in the restricted zone, foreigners must pay a $20 per person, per trek fee to obtain a trekking permit from the Ministry of Tourism. To hike in the restricted zone, foreigners must also hire a licensed mountain guide, buy a personal accident insurance policy for the guide and the porters, and attend a mandatory briefing and de-briefing at the Ministry of Tourism. No trekking is allowed in closed zones, which are located near the Pakistan-Afghan border and near the Line of Control between Pakistan administered and India-administered Kashmir.

While we continue to discourage non-essential travel to Pakistan, the safest option for trekkers is to join an organized group or use a reputable firm that provides experienced guides and porters. Trekkers are also advised to sign-up with STEP and to provide a copy of their itinerary to family or friends in the United States. While overall crime in the northern areas is low, there have been occasional assaults on foreign visitors. The U.S. Embassy in Islamabad strongly recommends that U.S. citizens exercise extreme caution when trekking at high altitudes. Only experienced mountain travelers should tackle the northern mountains of the Hindukush, the Karakorams, and the Himalayas.

All peaks/routes for mountaineering in Pakistan have been designated as open or restricted zones. Permits for climbing peaks are issued by the Ministry of Tourism and fees vary by altitude and time of year. A Pakistani Army Liaison Officer must accompany all mountaineering expeditions. Visit the Pakistan Tourism Development Cooperation website for the most current trekking and mountaineering information.

Khyber Pahktunkhwa (KP) Province, formerly known as the Northwest Frontier Province (NWFP), and Gilgit-Baltistan: Because of the high security threat level, the U.S. Consulate in Peshawar no longer provides routine consular services. The U.S. government currently allows only essential travel within the FATA and KP Province by U.S. officials. Security and logistical challenges may affect the Consulate’s ability to provide emergency consular services in this area. Pakistani security forces are currently engaged in a campaign against extremist elements across many areas of the FATA and parts of KP Province. Access to many areas of Pakistan, including the FATA along the Afghan border, is restricted by local government authorities for non-Pakistanis. Travel to any restricted region requires official permission by the Government of Pakistan. Failure to obtain permission in advance can result in arrest and detention by Pakistani authorities. Even in the settled areas of KP Province, terrorist activity and sectarian violence are common. Terrorists and their sympathizers regularly attack civilian, government, and foreign targets. U.S. citizens are also frequently targeted. There have been bombings in Peshawar of varying sophistication since September 2006. Members and supporters of the Taliban and al-Qaida are known to be in the FATA, and may also be in the settled areas.

Pakistan-administered Kashmir: While direct military hostilities between India and Pakistan across the Line of Control (LOC) are infrequent, militant groups engaged in a long-running insurgency on the Indian side of the LOC have bases and supporters operating from the Pakistani side. Most of these groups are anti-American, and some have attacked U.S. citizens and other Westerners. The Government of Pakistan restricts access to many parts of this region and requires that visitors obtain a permit from the Ministry of Interior before traveling.

Punjab Province: Violence has increased in Punjab Province in the past two years. In addition to the incidents cited above, there have been several incidents of violence since late 2010. On October 25, 2010, a bomb exploded in the eastern gate of the Baba Farid Shrine in the Pakpattan district of Lahore, killing six persons and injuring several others. On January 25, 2011, an attack on a Shia procession in Lahore reportedly killed 11 people and injured 50. On March 8, an attack on a gas station in Faisalabad reportedly killed at least 20 people and injured over 120.

As a precaution against these possible dangers, U.S. citizens are cautioned to maintain good situational awareness. The Wagah border crossing into India near Lahore remains open daily (from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.) for travel to and from India if the passport holder has a valid visa for both countries. Visitors are advised to confirm with Pakistani authorities the current status of the border crossing prior to commencing travel. U.S. travelers to Jhang, Attock, Dera Ghazi Khan and Khushab tehsils, as well as Jauharabad tehsil in Muzaffargarh district, require permission from the Ministry of Interior.

Sindh Province: In Karachi and Hyderabad, there has been recurring violence characterized by bombings, violent demonstrations, and shootings. The most notorious attack occurred in October 2007, when a suicide attack on former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto killed more than 130 and injured approximately 375 people in Karachi. Over the last two years, Karachi has been wracked by political violence.

A list of the most visible terrorist incidents over the past year follows: 

On October 7, 2010, eight persons were killed and over 60 injured in a suicide attack at the Abdullah Shah Ghazi shrine in Karachi. On November 11, another major attack targeting a police installation in Karachi killed 20 persons and injured 150 in a suicide car bomb blast at the Crime Investigation Department. On December 28, an explosion wounded several students at Karachi University. In many areas of the city, there is resentment toward outsiders. Electrical power outages (“load shedding”) for many hours a day are commonplace and have led to sporadic demonstrations and violence in some parts of the city. Non-essential travel to these cities is strongly discouraged.

From the start of 2011 to the present, armed factions linked to certain political parties have engaged in the targeted killings of their opponents. In these targeted killings, it is not uncommon for bystanders to become victims. On January 25, two police officers were killed near a Shia procession in Karachi. On April 21, an explosion in the Birch Club by the Grass Market in the Lyari area of Karachi left approximately 15 people dead and 35 injured. On May 22-23, militants attacked the Pakistan Naval Station Mehran in Karachi. During the 16-hour siege, the gunmen killed 18 and injured 16 others. In July, 324 people were victims of targeted killings. On September 19, militants bombed the residence of a senior police chief in Karachi, killing eight people.

U.S. citizens and other Westerners continue to be a potential target of hostility and anti-Western mob violence. The U.S. Consulate General in Karachi in particular has been the target of several major terrorist attacks or plots in recent years. Both Sindh and Balochistan are transshipment points for U.S. military equipment en route to Afghanistan. Personnel, ports, vehicles, and storage areas believed to be supporting U.S. military shipments have been the subject of terrorist attacks. Also, as U.S. military operations in Afghanistan increase, the probability of attacks and violence against Westerners may increase. In rural Sindh Province, the security situation is hazardous, especially for those engaged in overland travel. The Government of Pakistan recommends that travelers limit their movements in Sindh Province.

Balochistan Province: The Province of Balochistan, which borders both Iran and Afghanistan, is notorious for narcotics and other forms of cross-border smuggling. Members of the Taliban and al-Qaida are also believed to be present there. Tribal unrest sometimes turns violent. Travelers wishing to visit the interior of Balochistan should consult with the province’s Home Secretary, as the provincial police presence is limited. Advance permission from provincial authorities is required for travel into many areas. Local authorities have detained travelers who lacked proper permission. Quetta, the provincial capital, has experienced an increase in bombings, occasional gun battles in the streets, and the imposition of curfews. Terrorist attacks against Pakistani government installations and infrastructure have been reported from 2009 to the present.

Stay up to date by:

• Bookmarking our Bureau of Consular Affairs website, which contains the current Travel Warnings and Travel Alerts as well as the Worldwide Caution.
• Following us on Twitter and the Bureau of Consular Affairs page on Facebook as well. 
• Downloading our free Smart Traveler IPhone App to have travel information at your fingertips.
• Calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free within the U.S. and Canada, or a regular toll line, 1-202-501-4444, from other countries.
• Taking some time before travel to consider your personal security – Here are some useful tips for traveling safely abroad.

CRIME: Crime is a serious concern for foreigners throughout Pakistan. Carjacking, armed robberies, house invasions, and other violent crimes occur in many major urban areas. Petty crime, especially theft of personal property, is common. U.S. citizen travelers to Pakistan are strongly advised to avoid traveling by taxi and other forms of public transportation, and have members of their host organizations or families meet them at the airport. In the past, several U.S. citizen travelers arriving at the international airport in Lahore, who were met by their families, were robbed outside the airport of cash and jewelry, after being stopped by a car with fake government license plates. Such schemes are common. Travel outside urban centers should only be undertaken during daylight hours. The U.S. Embassy and Consulates have seen a large increase in the number of U.S. citizens alleging the loss of property or financial investment due to unfair business practices of their Pakistani partners.

Don’t buy counterfeit or pirated goods, even if they are widely available. Not only are the bootlegs illegal in the United States, you may be breaking local law too. 

VICTIMS OF CRIME: If you or someone you know becomes the victim of a crime abroad, you should contact the local police and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. We can:

• Replace a stolen passport.
• Help you find appropriate medical care, if you are the victim of violent crimes such as assault or rape.
• Put you in contact with the appropriate police authorities, and if you want us to, we can contact family members or friends.
• Help you understand the local criminal justice process and can direct you to local attorneys, although it is important to remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting the crime.

If your passport is stolen, we can help you replace it. Although the Embassy or Consulate is able to replace a stolen or lost passport, the Ministry of Home Affairs is responsible for approving an exit visa. You should immediately report the theft or loss to the police in the location where your passport was stolen. A police report, called an FIR (First Information Report) is required by the Pakistani government in order to obtain an exit visa to leave Pakistan in the event of a lost or stolen passport. This entire process can take three to four working days.

The local equivalent to the “911” emergency line in Pakistan is 15. In addition, local emergency responders in Punjab province can be reached by dialing 1122.

Please see our information on victims of crime, including possible victim compensation programs in the United States.

Forced Marriage: The U.S. government considers the issue of forced marriage to be a violation of basic human rights and in the case of minors, a form of child abuse. Forced marriage is defined as one in which one or both parties have not consented to the marriage; it differs from arranged marriage. Often, victims of forced marriage are subjected to non-consensual sex, physical and emotional abuse, isolation, and threats of violence. International law and conventions also support an individual's right to self-determination, minimum marriage ages, and the rejection of abuse of women and honor-based violence. For more information, please see our Forced Marriage Information Flier.

CRIMINAL PENALTIES: While you are traveling in Pakistan, you are subject to its laws even if you are a U.S. citizen. Foreign laws and legal systems can be vastly different than our own. In some places, you may be taken in for questioning if you don’t have your passport with you. In some places, it is illegal to take pictures of certain buildings, but the law on this subject is vague and applied indiscriminately. In some places, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs could land you immediately in jail. These criminal penalties will vary from country to country. There are also some things that might be legal in the country you visit, but still illegal in the United States, and you can be prosecuted under U.S. law if you buy pirated goods. Engaging in sexual conduct with children or using or disseminating child pornography in a foreign country is a crime prosecutable in the United States. If you break local laws in Pakistan, your U.S. passport will not help you avoid arrest or prosecution. It’s very important to know what’s legal and what’s not where you are going. 

Persons violating Pakistani laws, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Pakistan are severe, and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines.

Arrest notifications in host country: While some countries will automatically notify the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate if a U.S. citizen is detained or arrested in a foreign country, that might not always be the case. To ensure that the United States is aware of your circumstances, request that the police and prison officials notify the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate as soon as you are arrested or detained overseas. Please note that a consular officer might not be able to visit you for 15 working days or longer after your arrest in Pakistan.

In many countries around the world, counterfeit and pirated goods are widely available. Transactions involving such products may be illegal under local law. In addition, bringing them back to the United States may result in forfeitures and/or fines. The Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Division in the U.S. Department of Justice has more information on this serious problem.

SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES: Pakistan is largely a cash economy. Personal checks are not commonly accepted. Most Pakistanis do not use checking accounts for routine transactions. Outside major cities, even credit cards and travelers’ checks are generally not accepted, and there have been numerous reports of credit card fraud. There are bank branches as well as registered currency exchangers in all international airports. ATMs can also be found in major airports. English is widely spoken by professional-level airport staff.

The U.S. and Pakistani educational systems are very different. U.S. citizen medical students, in particular, should carefully review the fee and coursework structure prior to enrolling in a course of study.

Accessibility: While in Pakistan, individuals with disabilities may find accessibility and accommodation very different from what you find in the United States. The law provides for equality of the rights of persons with disabilities, but the provisions are not always implemented in practice. Families typically care for most individuals with physical and mental disabilities.

In August 2009, President Zardari launched the "Special Persons-Special Cards" initiative, under which persons with disabilities receive reduced prices for a number of services, including transportation and financial services. The initiative also includes measures to provide disabled persons with greater physical access to public facilities. That said, access for individuals with physical disabilities to public facilities is limited in major cities and almost non-existent outside the population centers.

MEDICAL FACILITIES AND HEALTH INFORMATION: Adequate basic non-emergency medical care is available in major Pakistani cities but is limited in rural areas. Facilities in the cities vary in level and range of services, resources, and cleanliness, and U.S. citizens may find them below U.S. standards; facilities in rural areas are consistently below U.S. standards. Medical facilities require prepayment and most do not accept credit cards.

Water is not potable anywhere in Pakistan and sanitation in many restaurants is inadequate. Stomach illnesses are common. 

Effective emergency response to personal injury and illness is virtually non-existent in Pakistan. Ambulances are few and are not necessarily staffed by medical personnel. Any emergency case should be transported immediately to a recommended emergency receiving room. Many U.S.-brand medications are not widely available, but generic brands from well-known pharmaceuticals usually are. The quality of the locally produced medications is uneven.

You can find detailed information on vaccinations and other health precautions on the CDC website. For information about outbreaks of infectious diseases abroad, consult the World Health Organization (WHO) website. The WHO website also contains additional health information for travelers, including detailed country-specific health information.

Tuberculosis is an increasingly serious health concern in Pakistan. For further information, please consult the CDC's information on TB.

MEDICAL INSURANCE: You can’t assume your insurance will go with you when you travel. It’s very important to find out BEFORE you leave. You need to ask your insurance company two questions:

• Does my policy apply when I’m out of the United States?
• Will it cover emergencies such as a trip to a foreign hospital or an evacuation?

In many places, doctors and hospitals still expect payment in cash at the time of service. Your regular U.S. health insurance may not cover doctors’ and hospital visits in other countries. If your policy does not go with you when you travel, it is a very good idea to take out another one for your trip. For more information, please see our medical insurance overseas page.

TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS: While in Pakistan, you may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States. The information below concerning Pakistan is provided for general reference only, and may not be totally accurate in a particular location or circumstance.

Traffic in Pakistan moves on the left, opposite of U.S. traffic. In addition to this source of potential confusion, overland travel in Pakistan has a variety of other risks. Roads are crowded, drivers are often aggressive and poorly trained, and many vehicles, particularly large trucks and buses, are badly maintained. Donkeys, cattle, horse carts, and even the occasional camel can pose roadside hazards in some areas. Roads, including most major highways, also suffer from poor maintenance and often have numerous potholes, sharp drop-offs and barriers that are not sign-posted. Drivers should exercise extreme caution when traveling at night by road, as many vehicles do not have proper illumination or dimmers nor are most roads properly illuminated or signed. Driving without experienced local drivers or guides is not recommended.

It is best to avoid public transportation. For security reasons, U.S. Mission personnel are prohibited from using taxis or buses. (See threats to Safety and Security section above.)

Please refer to our Road Safety page for more information. Also, we suggest that you visit the website of Pakistan’s national tourist office and Pakistan’s national authority responsible for road safety.

AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT: The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the government of Pakistan’s Civil Aviation Authority as being in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of Pakistan’s air carrier operations. Further information may be found on the FAA’s safety assessment page. Currently there are no non-stop flights between the U.S. and Pakistan.

CHILDREN’S ISSUES: Please see our Office of Children’s Issues web pages on intercountry adoption and international parental child abduction.

* * *

This replaces the Country Specific Information for Pakistan dated March 24, 2011 to update the sections on Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)/Embassy Location, Entry/Exit Requirements for U.S. Citizens, Threats to Safety and Security, Crime, Victims of Crime, Criminal Penalties, Medical Facilities and Health Information, and Aviation Safety Oversight.

Uzbekistan

COUNTRY DESCRIPTION: Since becoming an independent republic in 1991, Uzbekistan has been undergoing significant economic and social change. Much of the country, particularly areas outside of Tashkent and the major tourist destinations of Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva, is remote and difficult to access. Tourist facilities in these areas are typically below international standards, and many goods and services remain difficult to find on a regular basis. Read the Department of State’s Background Notes on Uzbekistan for additional information.

SMART TRAVELER ENROLLMENT PROGRAM (STEP) / EMBASSY LOCATION: If you are going to live in or visit Uzbekistan, please take the time to tell our Embassy about your trip. If you enroll, we can keep you up to date with important safety and security announcements. It will also help your friends and family get in touch with you in an emergency. Here’s the link to the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program.

Local embassy information is available below and at the Department of State’s list of embassies and consulates.

The U.S. Embassy in Tashkent, Uzbekistan
#3, Moyqorghon Street
5th Block, Yunusobod District
Tashkent- 100093
Republic of Uzbekistan
Telephone: 998-71-120-5450
Facsimile: 998-71-120-5448
Contact the American Citizens Services section by email at consulartashkent@state.gov

ENTRY / EXIT REQUIREMENTS FOR U.S. CITIZENS: A passport and visa are required. Although official invitation letters are not required for U.S. citizens applying for tourist visas, they are required for those planning to visit an individual residing in Uzbekistan. Tourist visas cannot be extended in Uzbekistan and require the holder to reside at hotels rather than private residences during their stay in the country. Visas are issued by Uzbek embassies and consulates abroad. Visitors coming from countries where Uzbekistan does not have diplomatic or consular representation should obtain visas in a third country. Visas are not available upon arrival at Uzbek airports. U.S. citizens seeking visas are encouraged to apply for their visas well in advance of their travel.

It is important to note that Uzbek visas not only indicate the validity of the visa, but also the period of time a person is allowed to stay in Uzbekistan on a given trip. A visitor will have to leave the country before the number of days indicated as the duration of stay on the visa expires. Therefore, it is important to indicate your intended period of stay when applying for your Uzbek visa. All travelers, even those simply transiting Uzbekistan for fewer than 72 hours, must obtain an Uzbek visa before traveling to Uzbekistan.

Many of Uzbekistan’s land border crossings are restricted to use by nationals of the two bordering states. Land crossings by U.S. citizens and other third country nationals are often restricted to specific border posts. U.S. citizen travelers planning an overland border crossing are advised to ensure that they will be crossing at an authorized point.

Foreigners must complete a customs declaration in duplicate upon entering Uzbekistan. Customs officials will review and stamp both copies. One will be retained by the Customs Authority, the other is to be kept by the traveler and presented at the time of departure from Uzbekistan. The amount of cash taken out of Uzbekistan should not exceed the amount indicated on the customs declaration. In order to export more cash than was imported, one must have special permission from the National Bank of Uzbekistan. Those who understate the amount of currency on their declaration form upon departure from Uzbekistan face fines and confiscation of their unreported money.

The Uzbek government tightly controls all official border crossings. Travel within Uzbekistan by rail or land sometimes requires brief exit into neighboring countries. Travelers should have multiple-entry Uzbek visas and a proper visa for the neighboring country in order to avoid delays in travel.

Uzbek Visa Registration after entry: All travelers present in Uzbekistan for more than three business days must register with the Office of Entry, Exit, and Citizenship, commonly known as “OVIR,” of the district or city in which they are staying. Hotel guests are registered automatically, but all other travelers are responsible for registering themselves. Holders of “T” (tourist) visas can only be registered at hotels and are not allowed to register themselves, and therefore may not reside at private residences in Uzbekistan. (People intending to stay at private residences, e.g. with friends, may apply for “Personal Visitor” visas.) Registration fees vary depending on length of stay. Visitors without proper registration are subject to fines, imprisonment, and deportation. The fines range from US $1,000 to $12,000.

Visit the Embassy of Uzbekistan website for the most current visa information.

Some HIV/AIDS entry restrictions exist for visitors to and foreign residents of Uzbekistan. Visitors staying more than 15 days must be tested. Please verify this information with the Embassy of Uzbekistan before you travel.

Information about dual nationality or the prevention of international child abduction can be found on our website. For further information about customs regulations, please read our Customs Information page.

THREATS TO SAFETY AND SECURITY: The Department of State warns U.S. citizens that the potential for a terrorist attack or localized civil disturbance still exists in Uzbekistan. The Department of State continues to urge U.S. citizens in Uzbekistan to exercise caution when traveling in the region. 

The U.S. government continues to receive information that indicates terrorist groups may be planning attacks, possibly against U.S. interests, in Uzbekistan. Supporters of terrorist groups such as the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan, Al-Qaida, the Islamic Jihad Union, and the Eastern Turkistan Islamic Movement are active in the Central Asian region. Members of these groups have expressed anti-U.S. sentiments and have attacked U.S. government interests in the past, including the U.S. Embassy in Tashkent, and may attempt to target U.S. government or private American interests in Uzbekistan. In the past, these groups have conducted kidnappings, assassinations, and suicide bombings.

Uzbek authorities maintain a high level of alert and aggressive security measures to thwart terrorist attacks. High security at official facilities may lead terrorists and their sympathizers to seek softer targets. These may include facilities where U.S. citizens and other foreigners congregate or visit, such as residential areas, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, schools, hotels, outdoor recreation events, and resorts. The U.S. Embassy in Tashkent continues to employ heightened security precautions. U.S. citizens should report any unusual activity to local authorities and then inform the Embassy.

Uzbekistan experienced a wave of terrorist violence in 2004, including a suicide bombing outside the U.S. Embassy, and a number of incidents have occurred since then. In late May 2009, a small group of militants attacked a police check post near Khonobod in the Namangan region, injuring one police officer. On May 26, 2009, a suicide operative detonated explosives in central Andijon near a police office, killing at least one police officer and injuring several bystanders. In September 2009, there was a shoot-out in Tashkent between government authorities and suspected operatives of the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan that resulted in several deaths. 

Depending upon security conditions, travelers may experience restricted personal movement, including the closing of roads to traffic in addition to frequent document, vehicle, and personal identification checks. The Uzbek government has intermittently restricted travel to certain parts of the country in response to security concerns.

Stay up to date by:

• Bookmarking our Bureau of Consular Affairs website, which contains the current Travel Warnings and Travel Alerts as well as the Worldwide Caution.
• Following us on Twitter and the Bureau of Consular Affairs page on Facebook as well.
• Downloading our free Smart Traveler IPhone App to have travel information at your fingertips.
• Calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free within the U.S. and Canada, or a regular toll line, 1-202-501-4444, from other countries. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
• Taking some time before travel to consider your personal security –Here are some useful tips for traveling safely abroad.

CRIME: Uzbekistan’s rate of violent crime, including against foreigners, has increased in recent years. In urban areas, travelers are urged to take the same precautions against crime that they would take in a large U.S. city. If you are traveling at night, try to stay in well-lighted areas, please travel in groups, maintain a low profile, and do not display large amounts of cash. Beware of pickpockets in public places, such as tourist destinations and local markets.

Although using private cars as taxicabs is a common practice in Uzbekistan, U.S. citizens, especially women, should not consider this a safe practice. U.S. citizens are encouraged to use clearly marked taxicabs, such as those at hotels and should avoid riding in taxis alone.

Don’t buy counterfeit and pirated goods, even if they are widely available. Not only are the bootlegs illegal in the United States, you may be breaking local law too. 

VICTIMS OF CRIME: If you or someone you know becomes the victim of a crime abroad, you should contact the local police and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. We can:

• Replace a stolen passport.
• Help you find appropriate medical care if you are the victim of violent crimes such as assault or rape.
• Put you in contact with the appropriate police authorities, and if you want us to, we cancontact family members or friends.
• Help you understand the local criminal justice process and direct you to local attorneys, although it is important to remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting the crime.

The local equivalent to the “911” emergency line in Uzbekistan is 01 for fire; 02 for police; 03 for an ambulance; and 050 for the Ministry of Emergency Situations.

Please see our information on victims of crime, including possible victim compensation programs in the United States.

CRIMINAL PENALTIES: While you are traveling in Uzbekistan, you are subject to its laws even if you are a U.S. citizen. Foreign laws and legal systems can be vastly different from our own. In some places you may be taken in for questioning if you don’t have your passport with you. In some places, it is illegal to take pictures of certain buildings. In some places driving under the influence could land you immediately in jail. These criminal penalties will vary from country to country. There are also some things that might be legal in the country you visit, but still illegal in the United States, and you can be prosecuted under U.S. law if you buy pirated goods. Engaging in sexual conduct with children or disseminating child pornography in a foreign country is a crime prosecutable in the United States. If you break local laws in Uzbekistan, your U.S. passport won’t help you avoid arrest or prosecution. It’s very important to know what’s legal and what’s not where you are going. Persons violating Uzbekistan laws, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. Penalties for possessing, using, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Uzbekistan are severe, and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines.

While some countries will automatically notify the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate if a U.S. citizen is detained or arrested in a foreign country, that might not always be the case. To ensure that the United States is aware of your circumstances, request that the police and prison officials notify the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate as soon as you are arrested or detained in Uzbekistan.

Taking photographs of military or security installations or other locations of strategic significance (ministries, border and other checkpoints, bridges, tunnels, reservoirs, etc.) is prohibited in Uzbekistan. Uzbek authorities enforce these regulations quite strictly. Obey all signs restricting photography and be mindful that the absence of such a sign may not mean that you can take a picture.

SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES: Travelers to Uzbekistan are subject to frequent document inspections. Therefore, U.S. citizens are strongly encouraged to carry a certified copy of their U.S. passport and their Uzbek visa with them at all times so that, if questioned by local officials, proof of identity and U.S. citizenship are readily available.

The most direct routes in certain areas of the Fergana Valley are along roads that may temporarily cross poorly demarcated/ not yet agreed upon borders. These so-called transit roads are used daily by locals without incident. However, U.S. citizens traveling in the region are advised that crossing the border in such a manner, even inadvertently, may be considered an immigration violation. Pay careful attention when planning overland routes, and obtain proper visas if a border will be crossed.

Uzbek customs authorities may enforce strict regulations concerning temporary import to or export from Uzbekistan of items such as armaments and ammunition, space technology, encryption devices, x-ray and isotope equipment, nuclear materials, poisons, drugs, precious and semi-precious metals, nullified securities, pieces of art, and antiques of historical value. Contact the Embassy of Uzbekistan in Washington, D.C., or the Consulate of Uzbekistan in New York for specific information regarding customs requirements.

Most transactions are conducted on a cash-only, local currency (soum) basis. Many merchants will accept dollars for larger tourist handicraft purchases. Credit cards are accepted only at the main hotels and a few shops and restaurants; travelers’ checks can be cashed into dollars at the National Bank of Uzbekistan. The commission fee is 2 percent. Old U.S. dollar bills (prior to 1990) and/or those in poor condition (with tears, writing, or stamps) are not acceptable forms of currency in Uzbekistan. Although payment in U.S. dollars is required for certain hotel charges, airline tickets, and visa fees, other dollar transactions, as well as black market currency exchanges, are prohibited.

In Uzbekistan, religious congregation is only allowed by registered religious communities. The registration process for religious organizations and groups is strict and complex. Activities such as proselytizing, importing and disseminating religious literature, and offering private religious instruction are subject to criminal penalties and/or deportation.

Uzbekistan is an earthquake-prone country. General information about natural disaster preparedness is available from the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

Accessibility: While in Uzbekistan, individuals with disabilities may find accessibility and accommodation very different from what they find in the United States. Local public transportation and majority of buildings in Uzbekistan are not easily accessible for individuals with disabilities. 

MEDICAL FACILITIES AND HEALTH INFORMATION: Medical care in Uzbekistan is below Western standards, with severe shortages of basic medical supplies, including disposable needles, anesthetics, and antibiotics. A large percentage of medication sold in local pharmacies is known to be counterfeit. Elderly travelers and those with pre-existing health problems may be at particular risk due to inadequate medical facilities. Most resident U.S. citizens travel to North America or Western Europe for their medical needs. The Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy maintains a Medical Contacts List on the Embassy website. Travelers are advised to drink only boiled water, peel all fruits and vegetables, and avoid undercooked meat. Due to inadequate sanitation conditions, travelers should avoid eating unpasteurized dairy products and most food sold in the streets.

You can find detailed information on vaccinations and other health precautions on the CDC website. For information about outbreaks of infectious diseases abroad, consult the World Health Organization (WHO) website. The WHO website also contains additional health information for travelers, including detailed country-specific health information.

Tuberculosis is an increasingly serious health concern in Uzbekistan. For further information, please consult the CDC's information on TB.

MEDICAL INSURANCE: You can’t assume your insurance will go with you when you travel. It’s very important to find out BEFORE you leave whether or not your medical insurance will cover you overseas. You need to ask your insurance company two questions:

• Does my policy apply when I’m out of the United States?
• Will it cover emergencies like a trip to a foreign hospital or a medical evacuation?

In many places, doctors and hospitals still expect payment in cash at the time of service. Your regular U.S. health insurance may not cover doctors’ and hospital visits in other countries. If your policy doesn’t go with you when you travel, it’s a very good idea to take out another one for your trip. For more information, please see our medical insurance overseas page.

TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS: While in a foreign country, U.S. citizens may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States. Uzbekistan has a developed but inconsistently maintained traffic infrastructure. Although main roads in central Tashkent are relatively well maintained, many secondary roads inside and outside Tashkent, and particularly those in the Tien Shan and Fan Mountains, are in poor condition and may be passable only by four-wheel-drive vehicles. Driving at night can be quite dangerous because only the main roads in Tashkent and a few other major cities have streetlights; rural roads and highways generally are not lit. Visitors are strongly urged to avoid driving at night outside Tashkent. The gasoline supply can be sporadic; therefore, travelers should expect occasional difficulty finding gasoline, particularly outside Tashkent.

Livestock, as well as farm equipment and carts drawn by animals that lack lights or reflectors, are found on both urban and rural roads at any hour. Local drivers are not familiar with safe driving techniques. Pedestrians in cities and rural areas cross streets unexpectedly and often without looking for oncoming traffic. Uzbekistan has a large road police force, which frequently stops drivers for minor infractions or simple document checks. There have been reports of harassment of foreign drivers by the road police, with reported minor police corruption in the form of solicitation of bribes.

Uzbekistan has a “zero tolerance” policy for driving under the influence of alcohol.

Please refer to our Road Safety page for more information.

AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT: The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the government of Uzbekistan’s Civil Aviation Authority as being in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of Uzbekistan’s air carrier operations. Further information may be found on the FAA’s safety assessment page.

CHILDREN’S ISSUES: Please see our Office of Children’s Issues web pages on intercountry adoption and international parental child abduction.

* * *

This replaces the Country Specific Information for Uzbekistan dated March 8, 2011, to update the sections on Country Description, Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)/Embassy Location, Entry/Exit Requirements for U.S. Citizens, and Special Circumstances.

Spain and Andorra

COUNTRY DESCRIPTION: Spain and Andorra are both advanced stable democracies and modern economies. Spain is a member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and the European Union. Read the Department of State Background Notes on Spain and Andorra for additional information.

SMART TRAVELER ENROLLMENT PROGRAM(STEP) / EMBASSY LOCATION: If you are going to live in or visit Spain or Andorra, please take the time to tell our Embassy (and/or Consulate) about your trip. If you enroll, we can keep you up to date with important safety and security announcements. It will also help your friends and family get in touch with you in an emergency. Here’s the link to the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program.

Honduras

COUNTRY DESCRIPTION: Honduras has a developing economy. The national language is Spanish, although English is often spoken in the Bay Islands. The climate is generally pleasant and temperate, with dry and wet seasons. During the dry season from February into May, widespread forest fires and agricultural burning can severely degrade air quality throughout the country, possibly causing respiratory problems and airport closures. The terrain includes mountainous areas, coastal beaches, and jungle lowlands. Facilities that would normally be used by tourists, including hotels and restaurants, are generally adequate in the capital city of Tegucigalpa, in San Pedro Sula, Tela, La Ceiba, the Bay Islands, and near the Copan ruins. Large sections of the country, however, lack basic public services or even a governmental presence. Currency exchange is readily available at banks and hotels in the major cities. Read the Department of State Background Notes on Honduras for additional information.

SMART TRAVELER ENROLLMENT PROGRAM (STEP) / EMBASSY LOCATION: If you are going to move to or visit Honduras, please take the time to tell our Embassy about your trip. If you enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), we can keep you up to date with important safety and security announcements. It will also help your friends and family get in touch with you in an emergency.

Local Embassy information is available below and at the Department of State’s list of Embassies and Consulates.

U.S. Embassy Tegucigalpa
Avenida La Paz in Tegucigalpa, Honduras
Telephone: 011-504-2236-9320 or 011-504-2238-5114
Emergency after-hours telephone: 011-504-2236-8497
American Citizens Services Unit Fax: 011-504-2238-4357

American Citizens Services Unit Office hours: Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
The Consulate is closed the first Tuesday of every month.

To provide better customer service and reduce waiting times, the Consular Section in Tegucigalpa uses an online appointment system for passport renewals, first-time passports and additional passport pages, reports of birth abroad, notaries, and immigrant visas. Appointments are required to submit your application for these services. You can find more information, including how to schedule an appointment, at the U.S. Embassy’s American Citizen Services website. We accept walk-ins Monday through Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. only for emergencies, reports of death, reports of birth abroad, or to pick up passports. All other services require an appointment.

Consular Agency in San Pedro Sula
Banco Atlantida Building (across from Central Park) – 11th Floor
San Pedro Sula, Honduras
Telephone: 011-504-2558-1580
Office hours: Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

The Consular Agent in San Pedro Sula assists the Embassy in protecting the interests of U.S. citizens in Honduras. The Agent may execute notarials, Reports of Birth Abroad, and U.S. passport applications. The Agent may also assist U.S. citizens with emergency situations such as arrests and deaths of U.S. citizens in Honduras. The Consular Agent does not provide visa information or services. For additional details about all U.S. Embassy and consular services in Honduras, please see the Embassy website or visit the Bureau of Consular Affairs website.

ENTRY / EXIT REQUIREMENTS FOR U.S. CITIZENS: If you are a U.S. traveler wishing to enter Honduras, you must present a U.S. passport with at least six months remaining validity. A visa is not required for American citizens, but tourists must provide evidence of return or onward travel. U.S. citizens are encouraged to carry a photocopy of their U.S. passports with them at all times so that if questioned by local officials proof of identity and U.S. citizenship are readily available. In June 2006, Honduras entered a “Central America-4 (CA-4) Border Control Agreement” with Guatemala, El Salvador, and Nicaragua. Under the terms of the agreement, citizens of the four countries may travel freely across land borders from one of the countries to any of the others without completing entry and exit formalities at immigration checkpoints. U.S. citizens and other eligible foreign nationals who legally enter any of the four countries may similarly travel among “CA-4” countries without obtaining additional visas or tourist entry permits for the other three countries.

Immigration officials at the first port of entry determine the length of stay, up to a maximum period of 90 days. Foreign tourists who wish to remain in the “CA-4” country region beyond the period initially granted for their visit are required to request a one-time extension of stay from local immigration authorities in the country where the traveler is physically present. Alternatively, as of December 1, 2010, travelers are allowed to leave Honduras after their initial 90 day permit has expired, enter one of the neighboring countries of the CA-4 region, and then return to Honduras, at which time a new 90 day permit will be provided. Foreigners “expelled” from any of the four countries are excluded from the entire “CA-4” region. In isolated cases, the lack of clarity in the implementing details of the CA-4 Border Control Agreement has caused temporary inconvenience to some travelers and has resulted in others being fined more than $100 or detained for 72 hours or longer.

The Honduran immigration office nearest to the U.S. Embassy in Tegucigalpa has the following location:

Dirección General de Migración y Extranjería
Colonia Las Torres
Calle Principal
Edificio #1404
Comayagüela, DC
Tel.: (504)2234-1996/1998

To depart Honduras, travelers must clear Honduran Immigration. Travelers by air must return the copy of their immigration document received at entry. Travelers by land or sea must also return the entrance permit they received when entering Honduras. If you are departing via air, you will be charged an airport tax of $38. The airport tax must be paid at the airport in cash in either U.S. dollars or lempiras. Checks and credit cards are not accepted. If you stay in Honduras beyond 90 days, a fine may be imposed by Honduran Immigration prior to your departure.

Special Requirements for Minors: Parents should obtain U.S. passports for infants and minors born in the United States and not rely on birth certificates for their child’s travel. Honduran entry and exit control laws require that a child under age 21, traveling either unaccompanied or with one parent only, must have written and notarized permission to travel from the non-traveling parent/s (or legal guardian/s). If the non-traveling parent is the father, he must authorize travel; the law does not delegate this authority to any other male member of the family in his absence.

For more information concerning entry and exit requirements, travelers may contact the Honduran consulate at 1014 M Street NW, Washington, DC 20001, telephone (202) 682-5948, or a Honduran consulate in Atlanta, Chicago, Houston, Miami, Los Angeles, New Orleans, New York, Phoenix, or San Francisco. The Honduran government also retains an Honorary Consul in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Click here for a full listing of Honduran consulates.

The Honduran Embassy is located at 3007 Tilden Street NW, Washington, DC 20008. The Embassy can be contacted by phone at (202) 966-7702. Visit the Embassy of Honduras’ website for the most current visa information. For tourist information or suggestions, please contact the Honduras Institute of Tourism at (800) 410-9608 (in the United States) or (800) 222-TOUR (8687) (within Honduras only), or visit the Honduras Institute of Tourism website.

HIV/AIDS Restrictions: There are no entry restrictions or requirements for persons with HIV/AIDS entering Honduras. The 2010 Report on the Global AIDS Epidemic by the UNAIDS/WHO Working Group estimates approximately 39,000 children and adults living with HIV/AIDS in Honduras. The estimated prevalence is 0.5 percent, equal to the average prevalence rate in Central and South America. There are limited health resources in Honduras, including for treatment of persons with HIV/AIDS.

For more information concerning entry and exit requirements, travelers may contact the Honduran consulate at 1014 M Street NW, Washington, DC 20001, telephone (202) 682-5948, or a Honduran consulate in Atlanta, Chicago, Houston, Miami, Los Angeles, New Orleans, New York, Phoenix, or San Francisco. The Honduran government also retains an Honorary Consul in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Click here for a full listing of Honduran consulates.

Information about dual nationality or the prevention of international child abduction can be found on our website. For further information about customs regulations, please read our Customs Information sheet.

THREATS TO SAFETY AND SECURITY: For information about crime in Honduras, please see the “Crime” section below.

Political demonstrations occur frequently in the major cities of Honduras. During demonstrations, protestors frequently block public roads to press their political views or to seek concessions from the Honduran government. Police may use tear gas, water cannons, or rubber bullets to disperse demonstrators. Travelers should avoid areas where demonstrations are taking place and never try to pass roadblocks. U.S. citizens may stay informed by visiting the U.S. Embassy website, following the local news, and consulting hotel personnel and tour guides.

While the Honduran side of the Honduras-Nicaragua border has been largely cleared of land mines, travelers should exercise caution there.

Honduras is vulnerable to hurricanes, heavy rains, and flooding. The rainy season extends between June and November. Honduras’ National Emergency Management Commission (COPECO)issues national alerts. COPECO announced on May 11, 2011, that meteorologists predict the possible formation of sixteen tropical storms and fourteen hurricanes in 2011.

For up-to-date information on storms, U.S. visitors are encouraged to visit the National Hurricane Center’s website and read about hurricane preparedness on the State Department travel website.

Stay up to date by bookmarking our Bureau of Consular Affairs website, which contains the current Travel Warnings and Travel Alerts as well as the Worldwide Caution. Follow us on Twitter and the Bureau of Consular Affairs page on Facebook as well.

You can also call (888) 407-4747 toll-free within the United States and Canada, or by calling a regular toll line, (202) 501-4444, from other countries. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).

Take some time before travel to improve your personal security. Here are some useful tips for traveling safely abroad.

CRIME: Crime is widespread in Honduras and requires a high degree of caution by U.S. visitors and residents alike. U.S. citizens have been the victims of a wide range of crimes, including murder, kidnapping, rape, assault, and property crimes. Widespread poverty and unemployment, along with significant street gang and drug trafficking activity, have contributed to the extremely high crime rate. In January 2012,  the Peace Corps pulled out its volunteers while conducting an administrative review of the safety and security of its volunteers.

An October 2011 United Nations report on crime and drugs ranked Honduras as having the highest per capita homicide rate in the world at 82.1 homicides for every 100,000 inhabitants. 

Since 1995, 102 U.S. citizens have been reported murdered in Honduras; however, only twenty-eight cases have been resolved.  As of December 2011, eight U.S. citizens have been reported murdered in Honduras in 2011; nine in 2010; 18 in 2009; seven in 2008; four in 2007; eight in 2006; and nine in 2005.

Kidnappings have occurred in recent years, with large ransoms paid and infrequent capture of the kidnappers.   One U.S. citizen was reported kidnapped in 2011; seven were reported kidnapped in 2010; 12 in 2009; three in 2008; three in 2007; four in 2006; and three in 2005.  U.S. citizens are primarily the victims of opportunistic crime. There is no evidence suggesting criminals specifically target U.S. citizens, but nonetheless, foreigners have been targeted for crime due to their perceived wealth. Weapons abound in Honduras and armed street robberies are especially common, with criminals taking advantage of relatively isolated victims to steal their valuables. Young males working in pairs, often riding motorcycles, are perpetrating many of the armed robberies in Honduras’ urban areas. Criminals and pickpockets target visitors as they enter and depart airports and hotels, so visitors should consider carrying their passports and valuables in a concealed pouch. There have also been reports of armed robbers traveling in private cars targeting pedestrians on isolated streets.

Incidents of crime along roads, including carjacking and kidnapping, are common in Honduras. There have been frequent incidents of carjacking and highway robbery on a number of roads including the main highway (CA-5) between San Pedro Sula and Siguatepeque, with the greatest risk between Potrerillos and Pito Solo in the lake area. For more information, please see the section below on Traffic Safety and Road Conditions.

Travelers should always drive with their doors locked and windows rolled up to avoid potential robberies at traffic lights and other places, such as congested downtown streets. Avoid driving at night. All bus travel should be during daylight hours and on first-class conveyances, not on economy buses. Choose taxis carefully, and note the driver’s name and license number. Instruct the driver not to pick up other passengers, agree on the fare before you depart, and have small bills available for payment, as taxi drivers often do not make change.

Travelers are encouraged to be vigilant of their surroundings at all times, especially when entering or exiting their homes, cars, garages, schools, and workplaces. It is also recommended that drivers vary their routes and schedules so as to not create a predictable routine. Individuals should also limit the sharing of personal information and closely screen personal employees. Should a U.S. citizen be kidnapped, local authorities and the Embassy should be contacted immediately.
Do not resist a robbery attempt. Most criminals have weapons, and most injuries and deaths have resulted when victims have resisted. Several American citizens have been injured or killed while resisting armed robberies. Do not hitchhike or go home with strangers, particularly from nightspots. Whenever possible, travel in groups of two or more persons. Use the same common sense while traveling in Honduras that you would in any high crime area in the United States: do not wear excessive jewelry; do not carry large sums of money, or display cash, ATM/credit cards, or other valuables. Avoid walking at night in most areas of Honduras and exercise strong caution during the day. Do not hike alone in backcountry areas, or walk alone on beaches, historic ruins, or trails.

The Honduran government conducts occasional joint police/military patrols in major cities in an effort to reduce crime. However, the Honduran law enforcement authorities’ ability to prevent, respond to, and investigate criminal incidents and prosecute criminals is limited. Honduran police generally do not speak English. The government has established a special tourist police in the resort town of Tela and other tourist destinations including Tegucigalpa, San Pedro Sula, La Ceiba, and Roatan, but the number deployed is small and coverage is limited.

The Basilica of Suyapa in Tegucigalpa, also known as Suyapa Church or Cathedral, is an important religious site and popular tourist destination. However, it is situated in a high crime area and has been the site of numerous armed robberies and thefts. Official Americans are only allowed to visit the Basilica of Suyapa with an organized tour group that provides armed security for the group.

The San Pedro Sula area has seen armed robberies against tourist vans, minibuses, and cars traveling from the airport to area hotels, and there have also been armed robberies along the road to Copan. Armed men have forced vehicles transporting tourists off the road and robbed the victims, occasionally assaulting the driver or passengers. In past years, several U.S. citizens have been murdered in San Pedro Sula and La Ceiba shortly after arriving in the country. Assaults in these areas may be based on tips from sources at airport arrival areas, so visitors are strongly urged to exercise caution in discussing travel plans in public.

Copan, Roatan/Bay Islands, and other tourist destinations have a lower crime rate than other parts of the country, but thefts, break-ins, assaults, and murders do occur. Exercise particular caution walking on isolated beaches, especially at night. Coxen Hole on the island of Roatan should be avoided after dark.

The Government of Honduras has a very limited law enforcement presence in some northern coastal areas, including parts of the departments of Olancho, Colon, and Gracias a Dios. These areas are well known for narcotics smuggling and violence. Travelers in those areas should use extra caution. See the description of highways/areas to be avoided in the Traffic Safety and Road Conditions section below for details.

Do not buy counterfeit and pirated goods, even if they are widely available. Not only are the bootlegs illegal in the United States, if you purchase them you may also be breaking local law and will be subject to local penalties.

Stay up to date by:

• Bookmarking our Bureau of Consular Affairs website, which contains the current Travel Warnings and Travel Alerts as well as the Worldwide Caution.
• Follow us on Twitter and the Bureau of Consular Affairs page on Facebook as well.
• Download our free Smart Traveler iPhone App to have travel information at your fingertips.
• Calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free within the U.S. and Canada, or a regular toll line, 1-202-501-4444, from other countries.
• Take some time before travel to consider your personal security. Here are some useful tips for traveling safely abroad.

VICTIMS OF CRIME: If you or someone you know becomes the victim of a crime abroad you should contact the local police and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate (see the Department of State’s list of embassies and consulates). If your passport is stolen, we can help you replace it. For violent crimes such as assault and rape, we can help you find appropriate medical care, contact family members or friends, and help them send you money if you need it. Although the investigation and prosecution of the crime are solely the responsibility of local authorities, consular officers can help you understand the local criminal justice process and find an attorney if you need one.

The local equivalents of the “911” emergency line in Honduras is 199 for National Police; 198 for fire fighters; and 195 for the local Red Cross. The operators typically speak Spanish only.

Please see our information on victims of crime, including possible victim compensation programs in the United States.

CRIMINAL PENALTIES: While you are traveling in another country, you are subject to its laws even if you are a U.S. citizen. Foreign laws and legal systems can be vastly different from our own. In some places, you may be taken in for questioning if you do not have your passport with you. Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Honduras are severe, and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines. There are also some activities that might be legal in the country you visit but illegal in the United States; for example, you can be prosecuted under U.S. law if you buy pirated goods. Engaging in sexual conduct with children or using or disseminating child pornography in a foreign country is a crime prosecutable in the United States. If you break local laws in Honduras, your U.S. passport will not help you avoid arrest or prosecution. It is very important to know what is legal and what is not where you are going.

If you are arrested in Honduras, you have the right to request the authorities to alert the U.S. Embassy.

SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES:

Marine Safety and Oversight: The areas off both coasts of Honduras are the subject of maritime border disputes between Honduras and its neighbors. The Honduran Navy patrols these areas and all private vessels transiting Honduran territorial waters should be prepared to be hailed and possibly boarded by Honduran military personnel to verify documentation. While the Honduran Navy previously used private vessels as patrol vessels, this is no longer the case. In the event that any vessel is hailed in Honduran waters in the Caribbean by a non-military vessel or any suspicious vessel and directed to prepare for boarding, the vessel should immediately contact the U.S. Coast Guard Operations Center by radio or INMARSAT at (305) 415-6800. Anyone needing more information can also contact the U.S. Embassy during working hours and request to speak with the U.S. Military Group (USMILGP) office. There have been incidents of armed assaults against private sailing vessels by criminals posing as fishermen off the northeast coast of Honduras, particularly in the numerous small islands northeast of the Department of Gracias a Dios. Sailors should contact the Coast Guard and yacht facility managers in their areas of travel for current information.

Real Estate Investment: U.S. citizens should exercise extreme caution before entering into any form of commitment to invest in real estate, particularly in coastal areas and the Bay Islands. Honduran laws and practices regarding real estate differ substantially from those in the United States, and fraudulent deeds and titles are common; U.S. citizens considering investing or buying real estate in Honduras should be aware that rights to such property do not enjoy the same level of protection as in the United States. Approximately 80 percent of privately held land is either untitled or improperly titled. Inadequate land title procedures have led to numerous investment disputes involving U.S. nationals who are landowners. Historically, title insurance has not been available in Honduras. Recently, some American insurance companies have begun offering title insurance in cooperation with Honduran attorneys. In addition, there are complaints that the Honduran judicial system often prolongs disputed cases for many years before resolution. American citizens have spent thousands of dollars in legal fees and experienced years of frustration trying to resolve property disputes, even in cases where local attorneys and Honduran and U.S. real estate agents had given assurances to the investor. Violence has been used against American citizens involved in disputed property cases. Potential investors should engage competent local legal representation before making any commitments. Investors should also thoroughly check the references of attorneys and real estate agents.

Honduran law places certain restrictions on land ownership by foreigners in coastal and border areas. Squatters have claimed a number of properties owned by U.S. citizens. U.S. government officials may not act as agents, attorneys, or in a fiduciary capacity. U.S. citizens who own property abroad and who have assumed responsibilities concurrent with ownership of property in a foreign country should take steps on their own initiative to safeguard their interests and to employ private legal counsel when the need arises. For further information on investing in property in Honduras, please review the State Department’s Investment Climate Statement, part of the Country Commercial Guide. For information on contracting Honduran legal representation, please check with other investors. You may also refer to the list of attorneys available on the Embassy’s home page.

Financial Market Investment: Due to poor regulation and lack of guarantees, investment in the Honduran ”Bolsa de Valores,” or securities market, as well as banking institution bonds, “fideicomisos” (trusts), and certificates of deposit from uninsured financial institutions pose high risks to investors. Extreme caution should be exercised before and while undertaking such activities, as American citizens have lost large sums of money through investments in such markets. For further information on investing in Honduras, please review the State Department’s Investment Climate Statement, part of the Country Commercial Guide.

Corruption: Many U.S. firms and citizens operating in Honduras have found corruption to be a serious problem and a constraint to successful investment. While some U.S. firms have satisfactorily resolved cases through the courts, many have difficulty navigating the legal system. There are complaints that the Honduran judicial system exhibits favoritism and vulnerability to external pressure and bribes. Corruption appears to be most pervasive in government procurement, government permits, and in the buying and selling of real estate (land titling).

Customs Regulations: U.S. citizens who intend to stay in Honduras for an extended period of time and who bring vehicles or household goods into the country should consult Honduran customs officials prior to shipment. With the exception of “antique” cars, all cars imported into Honduras by foreigners must be less than ten (10) years old. Buses, pickup trucks, and dump trucks must be less than 13 years old. For specific information regarding customs requirements, please contact the Embassy of Honduras in Washington, DC. Honduran customs authorities may enforce strict regulations concerning temporary import and export of items such as antiquities, medications, and business equipment. For example, Honduran law prohibits the export of antiques and artifacts from pre-colonial civilizations. To protect the country’s biodiversity, it is illegal to export certain birds, feathers, and other flora and fauna. For specific information regarding exportation requirements, please contact the Embassy of Honduras in Washington, DC and see our Customs Information page.

Firearms: The Government of Honduras strictly enforces the law requiring a Honduran permit for the importation of firearms. Travelers must obtain a firearm importation permit from the Honduran Embassy, Consulate General, or a Honduran consulate in the United States prior to bringing firearms into the country. Please note that a U.S. government-issued or airline-issued permit is not valid for importation of firearms into Honduras. Firearms that arrive without the requisite Honduran permit will be confiscated and the bearer will be prosecuted to the full extent of Honduran law.

Adventure Sports: Honduras’ growing tourism industry attracts a number of people interested in adventure sports such as whitewater kayaking and rafting, scuba diving, and canopy tours. Travelers should be warned that in addition to the inherent risk of injury and death in these activities, there is little or no oversight of safety standards for adventure sports operators in Honduras. Five American citizens died in these sports in Honduras during the past three years. While many operators use good practices and attempt to meet internationally accepted safety standards, travelers should be diligent in researching potential adventure sports providers to make sure they are using internationally-acceptable or certified equipment, guides, safety measures, and instruction. Please see the section titled “Medical Facilities and Health Information” for more information on access to medical care when injured.

MEDICAL FACILITIES AND HEALTH INFORMATION: Medical care in Honduras varies greatly in quality and availability. Outside of Tegucigalpa and San Pedro Sula, medical care is inadequate to address complex situations. Support staff facilities and necessary equipment and supplies are not up to U.S. standards anywhere in Honduras. Facilities for advanced surgical procedures are not available. Wide areas of the country, including the popular tourist areas of the Bay Islands, do not have a general surgery hospital. Ambulance services are limited in major cities and almost non-existent elsewhere. Emergency services may be contacted directly through their local numbers, including 199 for the national emergency line and 195 for the local Red Cross.

The U.S. Embassy encourages visitors who are considering medical care in Honduras to obtain as much information about the facility and the medical personnel as possible. Medical tourists should confirm that the facilities they are considering are accredited, purchase medical evacuation insurance before travelling, and confirm that the cost and payment for their treatment is clearly understood by both parties. In addition to other publicly available information, U.S. citizens may consult the U.S. Embassy’s website for a list of hospitals and air ambulance services, or contact the U.S. Embassy prior to seeking non-emergency medical attention.

Scuba diving is popular in the Bay Islands, but the limited medical facilities there pose a special risk in the event of an emergency. There is a decompression chamber on Roatan and Utila for divers, but no advanced medical care on either island for diving related accidents.

Mosquito-borne illnesses are an ongoing problem in Honduras. All persons traveling in the northern areas of Honduras, even for a brief visit, are at risk of contracting malaria. Take a prophylactic regimen best suited to your health profile. The country regularly suffers from outbreaks of dengue fever. Unlike traditional mosquito-borne illnesses, there is no medicinal prophylactic or curative regimen for dengue fever. Travelers should take precautions against being bitten by mosquitoes to reduce the chance of contracting such illnesses, such as avoiding standing water even in the home, wearing long sleeves and pants in both day and night, and applying insect repellent regularly.

Severe air pollution, which can aggravate or lead to respiratory problems, is common throughout the country during the dry season due in large part to widespread forest fires and agricultural burning. Travelers with respiratory or cardiac conditions and those who are elderly or extremely young are at greatest risk for complications from air pollution, including coughing, difficulty breathing, wheezing, or chest pain. Acute respiratory infections are also widespread; more than 100,000 cases are reported annually.

Honduras lacks a substantial infrastructure for maintaining water purity. Travelers are strongly encouraged to avoid drinking tap water or a beverage that contains ice from an unknown source (even alcoholic drinks). Bottles and bags of purified water are widely available. It is also recommended that individuals traveling to Honduras avoid eating untreated raw vegetables, fruits that cannot be peeled on the spot, raw fish like ceviche and undercooked shellfish, and products containing mayonnaise, pastry icing, and unpasteurized dairy products. Hot cooked food, fresh bread, dry foods such as crackers, bottled carbonated beverages, coffee, tea, and beer are usually safe, provided such food items are not purchased from street vendors. All fruits and vegetables should be washed thoroughly with detergent and running water. Those that will be cooked or peeled can then be stored in a sealed container until used. Those that will be eaten raw and will not be peeled should be soaked for 15 minutes in a solution of chlorine bleach (or 5 percent household bleach) and water (one tablespoon of bleach per gallon of water), rinsed with potable water, and allowed to air dry.

Individuals traveling to Honduras should ensure that all their routine vaccinations are up to date, particularly measles and rubella vaccination. The Honduran government issued a declaration in May 2011 requiring proof of measles and rubella vaccination for all foreign travelers from North America, Europe, Africa, Argentina, Chile, and Brazil. Vaccination against Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, and Typhoid is strongly recommended for those traveling to Honduras from the United States. Pre-exposure rabies vaccination should also be considered for travelers who may be exposed to stray animals on city streets or in rural areas. Honduras requires vaccination against yellow fever for those traveling to Honduras from countries where there is the risk of transmission. Travelers taking prescription medications should bring an adequate supply with them when coming to Honduras and ensure that their prescriptions are properly labeled.

You can find good information on vaccinations and other health precautions on the CDC website. For information about outbreaks of infectious diseases abroad, consult the World Health Organization (WHO) website. The WHO website also contains additional health information for travelers, including detailed country-specific health information.

MEDICAL INSURANCE: You cannot assume your insurance will go with you when you travel. It is very important to find out BEFORE you leave whether or not your medical insurance will cover you overseas. You need to ask your insurance company two questions:

• Does my policy apply when I am out of the United States?
• Will it cover emergencies like a trip to a foreign hospital or a medical evacuation?

In many places, doctors and hospitals still expect payment in cash at the time of service. Your regular U.S. health insurance may not cover doctors’ and hospital visits in other countries. If your policy does not go with you when you travel, it is a good idea to take out another one for your trip. For more information, please see our medical insurance overseas page.

TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS: While in a foreign country, you may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States. The information below concerning Honduras is provided for general reference only, and may not be totally accurate in a particular location or circumstance.

Because of crime, poor road conditions, and heavy commercial truck traffic, driving can be very dangerous, and travelers should carry a cellular phone in case of an emergency. Travelers should exercise extreme caution while driving on isolated stretches of road and passing on mountainous curves. Rockslides are common, especially in the rainy season (May through December). Traffic signs, even on major highways, are often inadequate, and streets in the major cities are often unmarked. Travelers should always drive with their doors locked and windows rolled up to avoid potential robberies at traffic lights and other places such as congested downtown streets. Honduran roads are poorly lit and poorly marked. Vehicles are often driven at night without adequate illumination, and animals and people wander onto the roads at all hours. For these reasons, and because of the high incidence of crime, the U.S. Embassy discourages car and bus travel after dark.

Major cities are connected by an inconsistently maintained system of paved roads. While the main road network is being upgraded and widened in key positions, most of it consists of only two lanes.

Significant construction on the highway between Tegucigalpa and San Pedro Sula is scheduled through 2012 so drivers can expect delays. Many secondary roads in Honduras are unpaved. During the rainy season, even major highways are often closed due to rockslides and flooding from heavy rains.

In the event of an accident, contact the Honduran Transit Authority (“Transito”) immediately. They may be contacted either directly through their local numbers, or through their national emergency number, 199. Honduran law requires that no vehicles involved in an accident be moved until Transit agents arrive, not even to clear a traffic obstruction, unless you are in serious physical danger. Besides informing the Transit Authority, the car insurance companies should be notified immediately or as soon as possible. Personal identification documents, including driver’s licenses, copies of passports, and the vehicle registration cards should be carried while driving.

Besides the incidents of carjacking and highway robbery on the main highway, CA-5, between San Pedro Sula and Siguatepeque in the lake area, similar incidents have occurred on the highway between San Pedro Sula and Tela with the greatest risk near the palm tree plantations near El Progreso. These carjackings and robberies have targeted SUV’s and usually occur at night; therefore, driving at night is highly discouraged. In Olancho, on the road from Juticalpa to Telica, and from the turn off to Gualaco on Route 39 to San Esteban and Bonito Oriental, rival criminal elements have engaged in violent acts against one another. Travelers should avoid this road. In addition, delivery trucks throughout Honduras are common targets of highway robberies.

Some of the most dangerous stretches for road travel include: Tegucigalpa to Choluteca, because of dangerous mountain curves; El Progreso to La Ceiba, because of animal crossings and the poor condition of bridges from flooding. On July 11, 2011, a bus overturned nine miles after Santa Rosa de Copan en route to San Pedro Sula killing ten people and injuring 20.

The only recommended route to the north coast from the south is CA-5 to route 21 to CA-13 via Tela to La Ceiba and Trujillo. Hijackings of private and commercial vehicles from the United States to Honduras have occurred. While Honduras and the United States have signed and ratified a Stolen Vehicle Treaty, existing Honduran laws protect good faith buyers (even of stolen vehicles), so the recovery and return of these vehicles to their original owners is not guaranteed. Vehicle insurance may mitigate loss; please check with the National Insurance Crime Bureau or with private insurance carriers about coverage details.

Please refer to our Road Safety page for more information.

AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT: The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the Government of Honduras’ Civil Aviation Authority as not being in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for the oversight of Honduras’ air carrier operations. Further information may be found on the FAA’s safety assessment page.

CHILDREN’S ISSUES: Please see our Office of Children’s Issues Web pages on intercountry adoption and international parental child abduction.

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This replaces the country specific information for Honduras dated March 19, 2010, to update all sections.

Czech Republic

COUNTRY DESCRIPTION: The Czech Republic is centrally located in the heart of Europe. It has a democratic parliamentary system of government and a well-developed economy. The Czech Republic is a member of NATO and the European Union. Tourist facilities in the capital city of Prague are at the level of those found in most European capitals, although travelers can expect varying standards outside of Prague. Please read the Department of State’s Background Notes on the Czech Republic for additional information.

SMART TRAVELER ENROLLMENT PROGRAM (STEP) / EMBASSY LOCATION: If you are going to live in or visit the Czech Republic, please take the time to tell our Embassy about your trip. If you enroll, we can keep you up to date with important safety and security announcements. It will also help your friends and family get in touch with you in an emergency. Here’s the link to the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program.

Local embassy information is available below:

The U.S. Embassy in Prague
Tr%u017Eišt%u011B15, Prague 1, 118 01 Czech Republic
Telephone: (420) 257 022 000
Emergency after-hours telephone: (420) 257 022 000
Fax: (420) 257 022 809

ENTRY / EXIT REQUIREMENTS:You need a valid passport to enter the Czech Republic. The Czech Republic is a party to the Schengen Agreement. This means that U.S. citizens may enter the Czech Republic and other Schengen member states for a total of up to 90 days for tourism or business purposes without a visa. Your passport should be valid for at least three months beyond your period of stay. For further details about travel to and within Schengen countries, please see our Schengen Fact Sheet.

Note: Although European Union regulations require that non-European Union visitors obtain a stamp in their passports upon initial entry to a Schengen country, many borders are not staffed with officers carrying out this function. If you wish to ensure that your entry is properly documented, you may need to request a stamp at an official point of entry. Under local law, travelers without a stamp in their passports may be questioned and asked to document the length of their stay in Schengen countries at the time of departure or at any other point during their visit, and could face possible fines or other repercussions if unable to do so.

You will need a visa for longer stays or to work or study in the Czech Republic. When a visa is required, it is important that you submit your application to the Embassy of the Czech Republic or the nearest Czech Consulateat least 3-4 months in advance of traveling to the Czech Republic. The Embassy of the Czech Republic’s website provides the most current information on applying for a Czech visa.

When a visa is required, we do not recommend departing for the Czech Republic without a valid visa. Please be aware that the U.S. Embassy is not able to expedite or help with the issuance of Czech visas in any way.The Czech Government requires travelers to the Czech Republic to have proof of finances to pay for their stay. All foreigners seeking entry into the Czech Republic must also carry proof of a medical insurance policy contracted for payment of all costs for hospitalization and medical treatment while in the Czech Republic. According to the Czech Government, if you have a health insurance card or an internationally recognized credit card with health insurance included, it will generally be accepted as proof of insurance to enter the country.

The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for U.S. citizen visitors or U.S. citizen foreign residents in the Czech Republic.

Information about dual nationality and prevention of international child abduction can be found at these links. For further information about customs regulations, please read our Customs Information page.

THREATS TO SAFETY AND SECURITY: The Czech Republic remains largely free of terrorist incidents. However, like other countries in the Schengen Zone, the Czech Republic’s open borders with its neighbors allow for the possibility of terrorist groups entering/exiting the country undetected.

Civil disorder is rare in the Czech Republic, although strikes and demonstrations may occur. You should be vigilant in protecting your security, bearing in mind that even demonstrations intended to be peaceful may turn violent. Avoid street demonstrations whenever possible.

Stay up-to-date by:

• Bookmarking our Bureau of Consular Affairs website, which contains the current Travel Warnings and Travel Alerts as well as the Worldwide Caution ;
• Following us on Twitter and Facebook ;
• Downloading our free Smart Traveler iPhone App to have travel information at your fingertips; and
• Calling1-888-407-4747 toll-free within the U.S. and Canada, or a regular toll line, 1-202-501-4444, from other countries.

Take some time before you travel to improve your personal security—things often work differently outside the United States. Here are some useful tips for traveling safely abroad.

CRIME: The Czech Republic generally has a low crime rate. However, pick-pocketing is a problem, especially in major tourist areas in Prague. Travelers are at a particularly high risk when:

• On public transportation (trains, trams or the Prague metro);
• In the city center;
• In crowded areas; and
• Eating at outdoor cafes.

As the individuals may operate in groups, and could conceivably be armed with simple weapons, victims should avoid direct confrontation with potential criminals. Pick-pocketing rings in the Czech Republic tend to be professional and highly organized.

Keep a copy of your passport biodata page (and any pages with valid visas) in a safe place separate from the passport itself; this can help you to apply for a new passport if yours is lost or stolen. Under Czech law, you must verify your identity by presenting a travel document, a residence permit card, or an identity card issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, if asked by Czech police. If you are a tourist, this means that you are expected to carry your passport with you. Please ensure the security of your passport while traveling to prevent incidents of pick-pocketing or theft. Incidents of violent crime, while still relatively infrequent, are possible. U.S. citizens have reported incidents of sexual assault in recent years. You should be aware of the reported use of rohypnol and other “date rape” drugs in the Czech Republic. Use caution when accepting open drinks at bars or clubs, and don’t leave your drinks unattended.

You should only change money at banks or legitimate money kiosks. An offer to change money by an unknown person on the street is most likely a scam. Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) are widely available throughout major cities in the Czech Republic. Most Czech ATMs offer instructions in multiple languages and allow access to U.S. bank accounts.

The press has reported that criminal organizations are illegally obtaining users’ ATM card numbers and PIN codes by electronically “skimming” the information from victims’ cards at ATMs. This activity has reportedly occurred at ATMs in public areas-- even bank lobbies covered by security cameras. Visitors requiring ATM services should attempt to use machines at more secure or heavily traveled and monitored locations, such as commercial banks, large hotels, and the airport.

American citizens have reported being overcharged by merchants on credit card transactions. Visitors to the Czech Republic should carefully verify that charges are correct before signing for purchases, keep all receipts, and check your credit card accounts online to ensure that you are billed properly for credit card payments.

Auto thefts and break-ins are common in the Czech Republic, especially in major cities. To avoid vehicle-related crimes, you should use parking garages and anti-theft devices. You should also not leave valuables in plain sight inside vehicles, as this increases the possibility of theft.

Czech bars and dance clubs are generally safe. However, as with many cities, you may be approached to purchase illicit drugs; this is against the law in the Czech Republic. Be mindful that security at nightclubs could respond more forcefully than at similar venues in the United States. Be aware that casinos and gaming establishments are government-regulated, but some have been affiliated with, or attracted the interest of, organized crime.

Taxis: You should be alert to the potential for substantial overcharging by taxis, particularly in areas frequented by tourists. Some taxi drivers charge unsuspecting foreigners two or three times the standard rate. To minimize the possibility of being overcharged, you should obtain a price estimate in advance and ensure that the driver is using the meter.

The Embassy has also received limited reports of passengers being assaulted or robbed by taxi drivers after hailing a random cab on the street. We strongly recommend that you call for a taxi, rather than hail one on the street. If calling is not possible, visitors should obtain a taxi at one of the clearly marked “Fair Place” taxi stands, which are regulated by the Prague city government. All taxis should be clearly marked.

VICTIMS OF CRIME: If you or someone you know becomes the victim of a crime abroad, you should contact the local police and the U.S. Embassy. We can:

• Replace a stolen passport during regular business hours;
• Help you find appropriate medical care for violent crimes such as assault or rape;
• Put you in contact with the appropriate police authorities;
• Contact family members or friends; and
• Although local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting the crime, Consular officers can help you understand the local criminal justice process and can provide you with a list of local attorneys.

The local equivalent to the “911” emergency line in the Czech Republic is 112. English-speaking assistance is not always available from the local police, but the police station located next to the Embassy at Vlašská # 3 usually has an English-speaker available.

Please see our information for victims of crime, including possible victim compensation programs in the United States.

CRIMINAL PENALTIES: While you are traveling in the Czech Republic, you are subject to its laws even if you are a U.S. citizen. Foreign laws and legal systems can be vastly different from our own. The Czech Republic has a zero-tolerance policy for drinking and driving, and this is strictly enforced. Criminal penalties vary from country to country. There are also some things that might be legal in the country you visit, but still illegal in the United States; for instance, you can be prosecuted under U.S. law if you buy pirated goods. Don’t buy counterfeit and pirated goods, even if they are widely available. Not only are the bootlegs illegal to bring back into the United States, by purchasing them you may also be breaking local law. Engaging in sexual conduct with children or using or disseminating child pornography in a foreign country is a crime prosecutable in the United States. If you break local laws in the Czech Republic, your U.S. passport won’t help you avoid arrest or prosecution. It’s very important to know what’s legal and what’s not where you are traveling.

If you are arrested in the Czech Republic, authorities are required to notify the U.S. Embassy in Prague of your arrest. If you are concerned the Embassy may not be aware of your situation, you should request the police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy.

SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES: Czech customs authorities enforce strict regulations concerning temporary import or export of items such as firearms, antiquities, medications, business equipment, etc. You should contact the Embassy of the Czech Republic in Washington, D.C. or the Consulates General of the Czech Republic in New York or Los Angeles for specific information regarding customs requirements. For more information, please also see our Customs Information page . The Embassy is not able to assist with clearing goods through Czech Customs that have been mailed to private American citizens. 

Accessibility:While in the Czech Republic, individuals may find accessibility and accommodation very different from what you find in the United States. The law prohibits discrimination against persons with disabilities in employment, education, access to health care, and the provision of other state services; the government generally enforces these provisions. Most buses and new tram cars are configured for special needs access, but only 60 percent of Prague's metro stations are accessible to persons with disabilities. Of 15 major metro stations in the city center, only five were barrier-free in 2011. Accessibility outside of Prague is generally less available.

Public Transportation: Passengers on public transportation should buy a ticket prior to boarding to avoid being fined. The ticket must be validated at the outset of the trip by inserting it into the yellow box found on trams and buses and in the entry halls of Metro stations. In Prague, ticket offices are located in many Metro stations. Tickets can also be purchased at tabak shops, newspaper stands, post offices, and from vending machines at all metro stations and at major tram stops. Those travelers who do not validate their tickets face the possibility of encountering an inspector at any time. The transportation inspectors operate in plain-clothes, but should display a small metal badge (emblazoned with the words “P%u0159epravníKontrola”) when inspecting travelers’ tickets. Fines range from 50 to 950 CZK, but the standard on-the-spot payment for traveling without a valid ticket is 700 CZK. Inspectors should provide a receipt upon payment. Information on the types of tickets and pricing can be found here.

MEDICAL FACILITIES AND HEALTH INFORMATION: Prague has adequate Western-style medical clinics with English-speaking doctors and dentists. However, the Czech medical system is organized differently from the medical system in the United States. Even though central emergency rooms exist in most hospitals, patients are often sent to the facility which treats the specific medical condition (i.e., broken noses are sent to the Ear, Nose, and Throat specialist rather than to the General Practitioner). There are family practices in the Czech Republic that function like those in the United States, but they are located mostly in larger cities.

All major hospitals accept credit cards or cash as a method of payment. Private specialists usually expect cash payment for health services, though some private facilities accept credit cards as well. Administrative staff at the majority of Czech medical facilities may not speak English. Hospitalization in the Czech Republic is much more liberal than in the United States; conditions that would be treated on an outpatient basis in the United States are often treated on an inpatient basis in the Czech Republic. Ambulance services are on par with U.S. standards. Response time is generally less than 15 minutes. Ambulance companies generally expect payment at the time of service. Serious medical problems requiring hospitalization and/or medical evacuation to the United States can cost thousands of dollars or more. Please note that because euthanasia is not permitted under Czech law, U.S. living wills stipulating no exceptional interventions to prolong life cannot be honored in the Czech Republic.

Tick-Borne Illness: If you plan to camp or hike in long grass or woodlands from March -October, you run the risk of both tick-borne encephalitis and Lyme disease. You should take precautions to prevent tick bites. While there is no vaccine for Lyme disease, you may obtain a vaccine for tick-borne encephalitis in a three-shot series. The first two shots are given 2-4 weeks apart, and the last shot 6 -12 months after the second.

You can find good Information on vaccinations and other health precautions on the Centers for Disease Control ( CDC) website. For information about outbreaks of infectious diseases abroad, consult the World Health Organization (WHO) website, which also contains additional health information for travelers, including detailed country-specific health information.

MEDICAL INSURANCE: You can’t assume your insurance will go with you when you travel. It’s very important to find out BEFORE you leave whether or not your medical insurance will cover you overseas. You need to ask your insurance company two questions:

• Does my policy apply when I’m out of the United States?
• Will it cover emergencies like a trip to a foreign hospital or a medical evacuation?

In many places, doctors and hospitals still expect payment in cash at the time of service. Your regular U.S. health insurance may not cover doctor and hospital visits in other countries. If your policy doesn’t cover you when you travel, you are strongly advised to take out another one for your trip. Please note that Medicaid/Medicare does not apply outside the United States.For more information, please see our medical insurance overseas page.

TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS: While in the Czech Republic, U.S. citizens may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States. The information below concerning the Czech Republic is provided for general reference only, and may not be totally accurate in a particular location or circumstance.

Road fatalities in the Czech Republic in 2011 were at their lowest level since 1947, according to Czech safety experts, but caution should be exercised while driving. Driving speeds on European highways are higher than in the U.S., and drivers are expected to stay in the right lane except when passing. Highways in the Czech Republic generally meet European standards; however, on two-lane roads, drivers should be prepared to encounter uneven surfaces, irregular lane markings, and sign placements that are not clear. Streets in towns are not always in good condition. You should pay special attention to driving on cobblestone and among streetcars in historic city centers, especially in wet or icy conditions. Traffic lights are placed before the intersection, so be aware of where you stop at signaled intersections. Speed limits are 50 km/h in towns, 90 km/h outside of towns, and 130 km/h on highways, but drivers routinely flout the limits. An International Driving Permit (IDP), available from AAA (in the United States only), must accompany a U.S. driver’s license; failure to have the IDP with a valid license may result in denial of an insurance claim after an accident.

Persons driving into the Czech Republic should be aware that a toll sticker is required to drive legally on major highways. Signs stating this requirement are posted near the border, but are easy to miss. The stickers are available at most gas stations. The fine for failing to display a toll sticker is assessed on the spot.

Czech law requires that drivers have their headlights on at all times when driving in the Czech Republic. The law also requires that all private cars, including those of foreign visitors, carry each of the following items: fluorescent green high visibility safety jacket, first aid kit, spare pair of prescription glasses kept in the glove compartment (if necessary), warning triangle, and complete set of spare bulbs.

Czech law allows for breathalyzer testing of drivers stopped by local law enforcement officials for any reason. There is a zero-tolerance policy for alcohol and driving; driving with any trace of detected alcohol, however slight, is illegal and those caught usually face immediate fines and possible criminal proceedings.

U.S. citizens have reported instances of motorists stopped on the shoulders of highways waving at drivers as if they needed assistance. Some drivers have reported being pressured into giving money to the person who has purportedly broken down, and it was unclear in those situations if the motorist was truly in need or trying to scam those who stopped to offer assistance.

For specific information concerning Czech requirements for driver’s permits, vehicle inspection, road tax and mandatory insurance, please contact the Czech Tourist Authority offices in New York by telephone at (212) 288-0830 or by email. Please refer to our Road Safety page for more information. Also, we suggest that you visit the website of the Czech Republic’s national tourist office and the Ministry of Transport.

AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT: The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the government of the Czech Republic’s Civil Aviation Authority as being in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of the Czech Republic’s air carrier operations. Further information may be found on the FAA’s safety assessment page .

CHILDREN’S ISSUES: Please see our Office of Children’s Issues web pages on intercountry adoption and international parental child abduction.

* * *

This replaces the Country Specific Information for the Czech Republic dated August 09, 2011, updating all sections.

Bolivia

SMART TRAVELER ENROLLMENT PROGRAM (STEP) / EMBASSY LOCATION: If you are going to live in or visit Bolivia, please take the time to tell our Embassy about your trip.   If you enroll, we can keep you up-to-date with important safety and security announcements.   It will also help your friends and family get in touch with you in an emergency.   Here’s the link to the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program.

Local embassy information is available below and at the Department of State’s list of embassies and consulates.

United States Embassy, La Paz, Bolivia  
Avenida Arce 2780, La Paz, Bolivia 
Telephone: 591-2-216-8246 
Emergency after-hours telephone: 591-715-33713 
Facsimile: 591-2-216-8808
There are two consular agencies in Bolivia, which provide limited services to U.S. citizens, including receiving passport applications which are then processed in La Paz.  If you request service at one of the consular agencies, please schedule an appointment through the Embassy's web page at http://bolivia.usembassy.gov.

United States Consular Agency, Santa Cruz, Bolivia  
Avenida Roque Aguilera #146 (3er Anillo), Santa Cruz, Bolivia 
Telephone: 591-3-351-3477 / 351-3479 
Emergency after-hours telephone: 591-715-33713 
Facsimile: 591-3-351-3478

United States Consular Agency, Cochabamba, Bolivia  
Edificio "SAAL" , Avenida Pando No. 1122, Piso 1, Suites B and C, Cochabamba, Bolivia 
Telephone: 591-4-411-6313 
Emergency after-hours telephone: 591-715-33713 
Facsimile: 591-4- 448-9119

ENTRY / EXIT REQUIREMENTS FOR U.S. CITIZENS: To enter and depart Bolivia, you are required to have a U.S. passport valid for at least six months from the date of your proposed entry into Bolivia.

If you are a U.S. citizen seeking to enter Bolivia as a tourist, you must have an entry visa.   You can apply for a Bolivian tourist visa by mail or in person at Bolivian consulates in the U.S., as well as at Bolivian ports of entry, such as at Bolivia’s international airports and at land border crossings.   Bolivian tourist visas are valid for five years from the date of issuance and allow the bearer to enter the country three times in a year for a cumulative stay of not more than ninety days.   The tourist visa costs $135.00.   You can pay the $135.00 fee in cash, by deposit to the Bolivian Consulate’s bank account, or by money order.   If you choose to apply for your visa upon your arrival to Bolivia, you must pay this fee in cash to immigration authorities.   In addition to the $135.00 visa fee, you must present a visa application form with a 4cm x 4cm color photograph, a passport with a validity of not less than 6 months, evidence of a hotel reservation or a letter of invitation in Spanish, proof of economic solvency (credit card, cash, or a current bank statement), and an International Vaccination Certificate for yellow fever.

Please visit the Embassy of Bolivia web site for the most current visa information.   Bolivian consulates in the United States are located in Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, Minneapolis, Oklahoma City, New York, , , and Washington, DC.

If you are a U.S. citizen whose passport has been lost or stolen in Bolivia, you must obtain a replacement passport and present it, together with reports of the loss or theft from the Tourist Police and/or Interpol, to a Bolivian government immigration office in order to obtain a replacement visa at a cost of $80.00.   For more information on replacement passport procedures, please consult the U.S. Embassy’s web site.

The Bolivian government charges an exit tax for air departures from the country.   If you have Bolivian citizenship or residency, the Bolivian government requires an additional fee upon departure.   While the Bolivian government does not currently require travelers to purchase round-trip air tickets in order to enter the country, some airlines have required travelers to purchase round-trip tickets prior to boarding aircraft bound for Bolivia.   Some tourists arriving by land report that immigration officials did not place entry stamps in their passports, causing problems at checkpoints and upon departure.   Travelers should ensure that they receive entry and exit stamps from the Bolivian authorities every time they leave or enter Bolivia.

The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to or foreign residents of Bolivia.

Information about dual nationality or the prevention of international child abduction can be found on our website.   For further information about customs regulations, please read our Customs Information page.

Additional requirements for minors:
In an effort to prevent international child abduction, the Bolivian government has initiated procedures at entry/exit points.   Minors (under 18) who are citizens or residents of Bolivia and who are traveling alone, with one parent, or with a third party must obtain a travel permit from the Juzgado del Menor. In order to obtain this permit, the parent or guardian must present a copy of the minor's birth certificate, parents' identification, and written authorization from the absent parent(s) or legal guardian, specifically granting permission to travel alone, with one parent, or with a third party.   When a parent is deceased, Bolivian authorities require a notarized copy of the death certificate in lieu of the written authorization.   If documents are prepared in the United States, you must have the documents translated into Spanish, notarized, and authenticated by the Bolivian Embassy or a Bolivian consulate within the United States.   If documents are prepared in Bolivia, only notarization by a Bolivian notary is required.   This requirement does not apply to children who enter the country with a U.S. passport as tourists, unless they hold dual U.S./Bolivian citizenship or have been in Bolivia for more than 90 consecutive days.   Upon departure, U.S./Bolivian citizen minors traveling alone, with one parent, or with a third party, who have been in Bolivia for ninety (90) days or longer, will be required to present a travel authorization issued by the Juzgado del Menor, a copy of the minor's birth certificate and a copy of parents' identifications to immigration at the airport or land border.

The new visa requirement states that unaccompanied minors to Bolivia must present an official Parental Authorization and Consent Certificate duly provided by the appropriate authorities.   Until the Bolivian government provides further specifics on this document, the embassy recommends that all unaccompanied minors to Bolivia carry a letter of permission from their parents or legal guardians authorizing travel. 

THREATS TO SAFETY AND SECURITY: Protests, strikes, and other civic actions are common and disrupt transportation on a local and national level.   While protest actions generally begin peacefully, they have the potential to become violent.   The police have used tear gas to break up protests.   In addition to rallies and street demonstrations, protesters sometimes block roads andhave reacted with force when travelers attempt to pass through or go around roadblocksYou should avoid roadblocks and demonstrations.   Demonstrations protesting government or private company policies occur frequently, even in otherwise peaceful times.   If you plan to travel to or from Bolivia, you should take into consideration the possibility of disruptions to air service in and out of La Paz and other airports due to protests.   You should monitor Bolivian media reports and the U.S. Embassy website for updates.   The embassy strongly recommends that U.S. citizens avoid areas where roadblocks or public demonstrations are occurring or planned.   Political rallies should similarly be avoided in light of press reports of violence at some rallies in various parts of Bolivia.

If you find yourself in a roadblock, you should not attempt to run through it, as this may aggravate the situation and lead to physical harm.   Instead, you should consider taking alternative, safe routes, or returning to where the travel started.   If you plan to embark on a road trip, you should monitor news reports and contact the American Citizen Services Unit of the U.S. Embassy in La Paz at (591-2) 216-8246 or the U.S. Consular Agencies in Cochabamba at (591- 4) 411-6313 and/or Santa Cruz at (591-3) 351-3477 for updates.   Given that roadblocks may occur without warning and have stranded travelers for several days, you should take extra food, water, and warm clothing.   The U.S. Embassy also advises American citizens maintain at least two weeks’ supply of drinking water and canned food in case roadblocks affect supplies.   For more information on emergency preparedness, please consult the Federal Emergency Management Authority (FEMA) web site.   That website includes a Spanish language version.

Visitors should be careful when choosing a tour operator and should not accept any type of medication or drugs from unreliable sources.

The countrywide emergency number for the police, including highway patrol, is 110.   The corresponding number for the fire department is 119.   The National Tourism Police has offices in La Paz and Cochabamba, providing free assistance to tourists.   In the city of Santa Cruz, Interpol will provide these same services to tourists.   These services include English-speaking officials who may assist tourists in filing police reports of lost/stolen documents or other valuables.   The La Paz office is open 24 hours a day and is located at Plaza del Stadium, Edificio Olympia, Planta Baja, Miraflores, telephone number 222-5016.   The Cochabamba office is located at Plaza 14 de Septiembre, Edificio Prefectura, tel. (4) 451-0023; it is open from 7:30 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. seven days a week.   In the Chapare region between Santa Cruz and Cochabamba and the Yungas region northeast of La Paz, violence and civil unrest, primarily associated with anti-narcotics activities, periodically create a risk for travelers to those regions. Another risk in this region is the dangerous flooding of roads due to heavy rains from December to February.

Confrontations between area residents and government authorities over coca eradication have resulted in the use of tear gas and stronger force by government authorities to quell disturbances.   Pro-coca groups have expressed anti-U.S. sentiments and may attempt to target U.S. government or private interests.   If you plan to travel to the Chapare or Yungas regions, we encourage you to check with the Embassy's Consular Section prior to travel.   Violence has also erupted between squatters unlawfully invading private land and security forces attempting to remove them.

Stay up-to-date by bookmarking our Bureau of Consular Affairs' website, which contains current Travel Warnings and Travel Alerts as well as the Worldwide Caution.

You can also call 1-888-407-4747 toll-free within the U.S. and Canada, or by calling a regular toll line, 1-202-501-4444, from other countries.   These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).

There is nobody better at protecting you than yourself.   Take some time before travel to improve your personal security – things are not the same everywhere as they are in the United States.   Here are some useful tips for traveling safely abroad.

CRIME: The U.S. Department of State currently classifies Bolivia as a medium to high crime threat country.   Street crime, such as pick pocketing, assaults following ATM withdrawals, and theft from parked vehicles, occurs with some frequency in Bolivia.   You should secure your belongings in a hotel safe and refrain from wearing expensive jewelry.   U.S. citizens have also had backpacks, passports, and other property stolen at bus terminals or while traveling on buses, as well as at Internet cafes and in other situations where the U.S. citizen is distracted or leaves property unattended.   Theft of cars and car parts, particularly late-model four-wheel-drive vehicles, is common.   Hijacking of vehicles has occurred, and you should take appropriate precautions to avoid being victimized.

Express kidnappings are common in La Paz.   The areas where these crimes are most known to occur include Plaza Humbolt (Zona Sur), Plaza Abaroa, Plaza del Estudiante, Plaza Isabel La Católica, Plaza San Francisco and through several places in the downtown section of the city.   These incidents typically occur when the victim boards a taxi in which the driver is an accomplice.   Once the victim is inside, an additional person or two (the kidnappers) board the vehicle.   At this point, the victim is robbed of his/her belongings and/or driven to an ATM where he/she is forced to provide PINs for debit and credit card withdrawals.   Recommended tips to avoid becoming a victim include using only radio taxis which one calls in advance and not traveling alone, particularly if under the influence of alcohol or out late at night.

We recommend that you avoid the Coronilla Hill, a Cochabamba landmark adjacent to the main bus terminal and near several markets, hostels, and restaurants. The Coronilla Hill has become an increasingly dangerous place for tourists and local citizens alike.   The local police, tourist authorities, and press have declared the area off limits and cautioned people to enter the area at their own peril.   U.S. citizens have been assaulted in the area. The police have made several sweeps of the area in an attempt to control the population of street people, most of whom are reportedly drug addicts and alcohol abusers.   Nonetheless, incidents of crime continue.   Police reports indicate that thieves in that area have gone from purse snatching and burglary to increasingly violent assaults on passerbys.

The U.S. Embassy in La Paz continues to receive reports of U.S. citizens traveling by bus from Copacabana to La Paz being kidnapped and robbed of their ATM cards and other valuables.   This crime reportedly involves U.S. citizens taking an evening bus from Copacabana.   While the bus is scheduled to stop at the La Paz bus terminal, the driver will stop short of that location, typically near the General Cemetery late at night.   Disembarking and disoriented passengers then have little option but to hail a waiting taxi.   Thieves in cooperation with the taxi driver enter the taxi to blindfold and coerce the U.S. citizen(s) into surrendering cash, cameras, ATM cards, and other valuables.   U.S. citizen victims have reported that once the thieves withdrew funds using the ATM cards, the U.S. citizens were released without further harm.   If you plan to travel from Copacabana, you should try to arrive during daylight hours, verify the final destination, and buy tickets directly at the Copacabana bus terminal rather than from third parties.

Bolivian police report that there are eight organized criminal groups operating in the La Paz area.   The techniques employed by these groups vary, but there are a few major patterns that can be identified:

There have been reports of “false police” -- persons using police uniforms, identification, and even buildings modified to resemble police stations -- intercepting and robbing foreign tourists, including U.S. citizens.   Under Bolivian law, police need a warrant from the “fiscal” (prosecutor) to detain a suspect.   Any searches or seizures must occur at a bona fide police station in the presence of the prosecutor.   The warrant requirement also applies to suspected drug trafficking cases, although such searches and seizures may occur without a prosecutor present.   If detained, you should request to see the warrant and demand immediate contact with the nearest U.S. consular office (in La Paz, Cochabamba or Santa Cruz).

According to press reports, criminals using the “false police” method focus on foreigners in areas frequented by tourists, including bus terminals and tourist markets such as Sagarnaga Street in La Paz.   The perpetrators will identify a potential victim and have an accomplice, typically driving a white taxi, offer taxi services to the potential victim.   They focus on European and U.S. tourists who are not wearing a traditional “trekker” backpack and are traveling without a large number of bags.   A few blocks after the potential victim boards the taxi, another accomplice, pretending to be a recently arrived tourist, boards the taxi with the potential victim.   With all the accomplices then in place, the “false police” stop the taxi, “search” the passengers, and rob the victim.   As part of this scam, the false police may take the victim to a false police station.

A similar variation also introduces a “tourist” to the victims.   This introduction can take place on a bus, taxi, train, or just walking down the street.   The “tourist” will befriend the victims and might seek assistance in some manner.   After a period of time, the “police” intercept the victims and the “tourist.”  At this point, the “police” discover some sort of contraband (usually drugs) on the “tourist.”   The entire group is then taken to the “police station.”  At this point, the “police” seize the documents, credit cards, and ATM cards of the victims.   The perpetrators obtain personal identification numbers, sometimes by threat of violence, and the scam is complete.

Another technique introduces a “tourist” to the victims.   This “tourist” can be any race or gender and will probably be able to speak the language of the victims.   This meeting can happen anywhere, and the goal of the “tourist” is to build the trust of the victims.   Once a certain level of trust is obtained, the “tourist” suggests a particular mode of transportation to a location (usually a taxi).   The “taxi” picks up the victims and the “tourist” and delivers the group to a safe house in the area.   At this point the victims are informed that they are now kidnapped and are forced to give up their credit cards and ATM cards with personal identification numbers.   In most instances, the victims are released, but violence is always a possibility.   The techniques and the perpetrators are convincing.   Authentic uniforms, badges, and props help persuade the victims that the situation is real and valid.

You should exercise great caution if visiting Bolivia.  If you have doubts about a situation, you should immediately remove yourself from the scene.   Thefts of bags, wallets, and backpacks are a problem throughout Bolivia, but especially in the tourist areas of downtown La Paz and the Altiplano.   Most thefts involve two or three people who spot a potential victim and wait until the bag or backpack is placed on the ground, often at a restaurant, bus terminal, Internet café, etc.   In other cases, the thief places a disagreeable substance on the clothes or backpack of the intended victim and then offers to assist the victim with the removal of the substance.   While the person is distracted, the thief or an accomplice grabs the bag or backpack and flees.   If you find yourself in such a situation, you should decline assistance, secure the bag/backpack, and walk briskly from the area.

To steal wallets and bags, thieves may spray water on the victim's neck, and while the person is distracted, an accomplice takes the wallet or bag.   At times, the thief poses as a policeman and requests that the person accompany him to the police station, using a nearby taxi.   If this happens to you, you should indicate a desire to contact the U.S. Embassy and not enter the taxi.   Under no circumstances should you surrender ATM or credit cards, or release a personal identification number.   While most thefts do not involve violence, in some instances the victim has been physically harmed and forcibly searched for hidden valuables.   This is particularly true in “choke and rob” assaults where the victims, including U.S. citizens, reported being choked from behind until they lost consciousness and later awoke to find all of their possessions gone.   These assaults have happened during both day and night.   You should avoid being alone on the streets, especially at night and in isolated areas.

Don’t buy counterfeit and pirated goods, even if they are widely available.   Not only are the bootlegs illegal in the United States, you may be breaking local law, too.

VICTIMS OF CRIME: If you or someone you know becomes the victim of a crime abroad, you should contact the local police and the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate (see the Department of State’s list of embassies and consulates).   If your passport is stolen, we can help you replace it.   For violent crimes such as assault and rape, we can, for example, help you find appropriate medical care, contact family members or friends and help you get money from them if you need it.   Although the investigation and prosecution of the crime are solely the responsibility of local authorities, consular officers can help you to understand the local criminal justice process and to find an attorney if needed. 

The local equivalent to the “911” emergency line in Bolivia is 110, but you are unlikely to find an English speaker answering your call.

Please see our information on victims of crime, including possible victim compensation programs in the United States.

CRIMINAL PENALTIES: While you are traveling in another country, you are subject to the local laws even if you are a U.S. citizen.   Foreign laws and legal systems can be vastly different from our own.   In some places, you may be taken in for questioning if you do not have your passport with you.   In some places, it is illegal to take pictures of certain buildings and driving under the influence could land you immediately in jail.   There are also some things that might be legal in Bolivia, but still illegal in the United States, and you can be prosecuted under U.S. law if you buy pirated goods or engage in child pornography.   While you are overseas, U. S. laws don’t apply.   If you do something illegal in your host country, your U.S. passport won’t help.   It is very important to know what is legal and what is not legal where you are going.   If you violate Bolivian laws, even unknowingly, Bolivian authorities may expel, arrest, or imprison you.   Penalties for possessing, using, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Bolivia are severe, and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines.

SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES: In the run-up to the July 2006 Constituent Assembly elections, President Morales accused the U.S. military of infiltrating Bolivia with operatives disguised as “students and tourists.”   As an apparent result of these comments, some U.S. citizens have reported harassment by Bolivian officials and been subjected to unwanted media attention.   If you plan to travel to Bolivia, be aware of the political atmosphere and the possibility of unwanted attention from pro-governmental groups and Bolivian officials.

For information on in-country visa procedures and requirements, please consult the Bolivian Immigration Service at fax/telephone (591-2) 211-0960, street address Avenida Camacho entre Calles Loayza y Bueno, La Paz, Bolivia.   In emergency cases, the Immigration Service may permit temporary residency applicants to retrieve their passports from those applications.   However, under current regulations in such cases, the applicant would need to commence the application anew, including paying the corresponding fees.   Any U.S. documents, such as birth, marriage, divorce, or death certificates, to be presented in Bolivia must first be authenticated in the U.S. at the nearest Bolivian Embassy or consulate.   For information on those procedures, please consult the Department of State Office of Authentications web site and the nearest Bolivian Embassy or consulate.

Marriage:
Please see our information on marriage in Bolivia, available on the Embassy’s web site.

Mountain Trekking and Climbing Safety:
The Embassy urges you to exercise extreme care when trekking or climbing in Bolivia.   Since June 2002, four U.S. citizens have died in falls while mountain climbing in Bolivia.   Three of the deaths occurred on Illimani, a 21,033-foot peak located southeast of La Paz.   Many popular trekking routes in the Bolivian Andes cross passes as high as 16,000 feet.   Trekkers must have adequate clothing and equipment, not always available locally, and should be experienced mountain travelers.   It is not prudent to trek alone.   Solo trekking is the most significant factor contributing to injuries and robberies.   The safest option is to join an organized group and/or use a reputable firm to provide an experienced guide and porter who can communicate in both Spanish and English.   If you develop any of the following symptoms while climbing at altitude – severe headache, weakness, vomiting, shortness of breath at rest, cough, chest tightness, unsteadiness – descend to a lower altitude immediately.   The Embassy strongly encourages trekkers and climbers to purchase adequate insurance to cover expenses in case of injury or death.

MEDICAL FACILITIES AND HEALTH INFORMATION: Throughout the country, both personal hygiene and sanitary practices in food handling are far below U.S. standards.   Food and beverage precautions are essential.   Medical care in large cities is adequate for most purposes but of varying quality.   Ambulance services are limited to non-existent.   Medical facilities are generally not adequate to handle serious medical conditions.   Pharmacies are located throughout Bolivia and prescription and over-the-counter medications are widely available.   Western Bolivia, dominated by the Andes and high plains (Altiplano), is largely insect-free.   However, altitude sickness (see below) is a major problem.   Eastern Bolivia is tropical, and visitors to that area are subject to related illnesses.   Insect precautions are recommended.   Dengue is endemic throughout eastern Bolivia, including in Santa Cruz city.   Since January 2007, there have been several thousand cases, representing a significantly increased incidence, and part of a region-wide trend.   Bolivia is a high risk area for rabies.   Dog and bat bites and scratches should be taken seriously and post exposure prophylaxis sought.   Yellow fever is present in subtropical Bolivia.   Yellow fever vaccination certification is required for visa application and may be required by airlines flying into Bolivia and at entry into Bolivia.

High Altitude Health Risks:
The altitude of La Paz ranges from 10,600 feet to over 13,000 feet (3,400 to 4,000 meters) above sea level.   Much of Western Bolivia is at the same altitude or higher, including Lake Titicaca, the Salar de Uyuni, and the cities of Oruro and Potosi.   The altitude alone poses a serious risk of illness, hospitalization, and even death, even for those in excellent health.

Prior to departing the U.S. for high-altitude locations (over 10,000 feet above sea level), you should discuss the trip with your healthcare provider and request information on specific recommendations concerning medication and lifestyle tips at high altitudes.   Coca-leaf tea is a popular beverage and folk remedy for altitude sickness in Bolivia.   However, possession of this tea, which is sold in bags in most Bolivian grocery stores, is illegal in the United States. "Sorojchi pills" sold locally at pharmacies contain high amounts of caffeine and are not usually recommended.

The State Department cautions travelers planning to visit La Paz to consider the following risks and advice:

• Sickle cell anemia or sickle cell trait: persons with sickle cell trait may have a crisis at elevations of more than 8,000 feet.   U.S. citizens with this condition have required urgent medical evacuation from La Paz to the United States.
• Heart disease: Any person who has heart disease, or known risk factors for heart disease, should consult their doctor about their risks of ascending to altitude, and whether any testing of their heart would be in order.   Even U.S. citizens who adjust well initially to the altitude in La Paz have subsequently suffered heart attacks and been hospitalized.
• Lung disease: Anyone with emphysema should consult closely with their doctor and seriously reconsider coming to La Paz or surrounding, high altitude areas. Anyone with asthma should consult their doctor; mild asthma may be manageable at high altitude, but it is important to remember that emergency care and intensive respiratory care are very limited even in the city of La Paz and are absent outside the city.   U.S. citizens with respiratory ailments have previously been medically evacuated from La Paz to other countries to receive medical treatment.
• Given potential complications from altitude sickness, pregnant women should consult their doctor before travel to La Paz and other high-altitude areas of Bolivia.   A higher number of miscarriages and other pregnancy-related complications have been noted at altitude.

All people, even healthy and fit persons, will feel symptoms of hypoxia (lack of oxygen) upon arrival at high altitude.   Most people will have increased respiration and increased heart rate.   Many people will have headaches, difficulty sleeping, lack of appetite, minor gastric and intestinal upsets, and mood changes.   Many travelers limit physical activity for the first 36 to 48 hours after arrival and avoid alcohol and smoking for at least one week after arrival.

Good information on vaccinations and other health precautions can be found on the CDC website.   For information about outbreaks of infectious diseases abroad, consult the World Health Organization (WHO) website.  The WHO website also contains additional health information for travelers, including detailed country-specific health information.

MEDICAL INSURANCE: You can’t assume your insurance will go with you when you travel.   It is very important to find out BEFORE you leave.   You need to ask your insurance company two questions:

• Does my policy apply when I’m out of the U.S.?
• Will it cover emergencies like a trip to a foreign hospital or a medical evacuation?

In many places, doctors and hospitals still expect payment in cash at the time of service.   Your regular U.S. health insurance may not cover doctors’ and hospital visits in Bolivia.   If your policy doesn’t go with you when you travel, it’s a very good idea to take out another one for your trip. For more information, please see our medical insurance overseas page.

TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS: While in a foreign country, U.S. citizens may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States.   The information below concerning Bolivia is provided for general reference only and may not be totally accurate in a particular location or circumstance.   If you plan on driving in Bolivia, despite the hazards described below, you should obtain an international driver’s license through your local automobile club before coming to Bolivia.

Road conditions in Bolivia are hazardous. A lthough La Paz, Santa Cruz, and Cochabamba are connected by improved highways, the vast majority of roads in Bolivia are unpaved.   Few highways have shoulders, fencing or barriers, and highway markings are minimal.   Yielding for pedestrians in the cities is not the norm.   For trips outside the major cities, especially in mountainous areas, a four-wheel-drive vehicle is highly recommended.   Travel during the rainy season (November through March) is difficult, as most routes are potholed, and some roads and bridges are washed out.   Added dangers are the absence of formal training for most drivers, poor maintenance and overloaded vehicles, lack of lights on some vehicles at night, and intoxicated or overly tired drivers, including commercial bus and truck drivers.

The majority of intercity travel in Bolivia is by bus, with varying levels of safety and service.   Bus accidents, at times attributed to drunk drivers or mechanical failures, have caused scores of deaths and severe injuries.   In recent years, there have been major bus crashes on the highway between La Paz and Oruro, Cochabamba and Santa Cruz, Oruro and Cochabamba and on the Yungas road.   The old Yungas road is considered one of the most dangerous routes in the world.   Taxis, vans, and buses dominate intracity transportation.   From a crime perspective, public transportation is relatively safe, and violent assaults are rare.   However, petty theft of unattended backpacks and other personal items does occur.   For safety purposes, the Embassy advises you to use radio taxis whenever possible.   U.S. citizens taking unlicensed taxis have reported being robbed and assaulted.

Drivers of vehicles involved in traffic accidents are expected to remain at the scene until the arrival of local police authorities.   Any attempt to leave the scene is in violation of Bolivian law.   The Embassy believes any attempt to flee the scene of an accident would place the driver and passengers at greater risk of harm than remaining at the scene until the arrival of local police.

Please refer to our Road Safety page for more information.

AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT: The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the Government of Bolivia’s Civil Aviation Authority as being in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of Bolivia’s air carrier operations.   For more information, visit the FAA’s safety assessment page.

There are limited flights within Bolivia and to neighboring countries.   Flight delays and cancellations are common.   You should keep this information in mind when making your travel plans.

CHILDREN’S ISSUES:  Please see our Office of Children’s Issues web pages on intercountry adoption and international parental child abduction.

* * *

This replaces the Country Specific Information for Bolivia dated April 2011, with substantive changes in the following sections: STEP Enrollment Program, and Medical Facilities and Health Information.

Nicaragua

COUNTRY DESCRIPTION: The second poorest country in the Western Hemisphere, Nicaragua is a developing nation with an increasingly authoritarian government.  Significant irregularities in the electoral process marred the national elections in November 2011. The ruling Sandinista National Liberation Front (FSLN) is believed to have manipulated Nicaragua’s November 2011 national elections in order to secure enough seats in the legislature to allow President Daniel Ortega to change the constitution at will. Nicaragua’s judicial system is subject to political interference and suffers from widespread corruption. Human rights groups and press activists have called attention to the Ortega administration’s efforts to restrict media freedom. Many donor countries have closed or scaled back bilateral aid programs as a result of political developments in recent years. Crime, while less severe than neighboring countries to the north, continues to affect residents and visitors alike.

The national language is Spanish, although many residents of the Caribbean coastal areas also speak English and indigenous languages. The climate is hot and humid, with the “summer” dry season running mid-November through mid-May and the “winter” rainy season running from mid-May through mid-November. Terrain ranges from the hilly and volcanic to coastal beaches and tropical jungles. Geological faults, along which active volcanoes are situated, run through the country. Tremors are common, and a major earthquake destroyed most of downtown Managua in 1972. 

Nicaragua presents many opportunities for tourists. At the same time, its tourism infrastructure is very basic. Except in cities and major thoroughfares, most roads are unpaved. Public transportation is unsafe and there are few sidewalks. Emergency services are sporadic and most hospitals are substandard. Several large, international chain hotels in Managua primarily cater to business or government clientele. Potential tourists may want to obtain information from the National Tourism Institute (INTUR), the governmental agency responsible for developing, regulating and promoting tourism in Nicaragua. Read the Department of State’s Background Notes on Nicaragua for additional information.

SMART TRAVELER ENROLLMENT PROGRAM (STEP) / EMBASSY LOCATION:  If you reside in or are planning to visit Nicaragua, please take the time to register with the U.S. Embassy. Once you enroll, we can keep you up-to-date on important safety and security developments. It will also help your friends and family get in touch with you in an emergency. Here’s the link to the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program.

U.S. Embassy Managua
Km 5 ½ Carretera Sur, Managua - Nicaragua
Telephone: (505) 2252-7100
Emergency after-hours telephone: (505) 8886-1495
Facsimile: (505) 2252-7250

ENTRY / EXIT REQUIREMENTS: You must have a valid U.S. passport to enter Nicaragua, although there is a bilateral agreement which waives the six-month passport validity requirement, U.S. citizens should ensure that their passports are valid for the entire length of their projected stay in the country before traveling. U.S. citizen visitors must have an onward or return ticket and evidence of sufficient funds to support themselves during their stay. U.S. citizens do not need a visa; however, a tourist card must be purchased for $10 upon arrival. While the entry stamp for standard tourist visits is typically valid for 30 to 90 days, illegal presence only begins to accumulate after 90 days. Visitors remaining more than the authorized period must obtain an extension from Nicaraguan Immigration. Failure to do so may delay your departure until a fine of approximately US$2 per day is paid.

You must have a valid entry stamp in your passport in order to exit Nicaragua. There is also a $32 departure tax. Many airlines include this tax in the price of the ticket. If the tax is not included in the ticket, payment can be made at the airline counter upon departure.

Nicaraguan law requires visitors to exit Nicaragua using the same passport with which they entered the country. Dual national minors who have a claim to Nicaraguan citizenship are subject to departure requirements specific to Nicaraguan children under the age of 18, even though they may also be citizens of other countries. More information on these requirements can be found on the U.S. Embassy web site.  Dual national adults are required to enter Nicaragua using a Nicaraguan passport, except for visits of less than 90 days.

According to Nicaragua’s Law for Foreigners, foreigners must be in possession of a valid identity document at all times while in Nicaragua and may be required to show it to Nicaraguan authorities upon request. Acceptable identity documents are: (1) a permanent residency card, (2) temporary residency card, or (3) valid passport or travel document accompanied by an entry stamp. Police may detain travelers not in possession of an identity document.

Nicaragua is a member of the “Central America-4 (CA-4) Border Control Agreement” with Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador. Under the terms of this agreement, citizens of the four countries may travel freely across land borders between these countries without completing entry and exit formalities at Immigration checkpoints. U.S. citizens and other eligible foreign nationals, who legally enter any of the four countries, may similarly travel among the four without obtaining additional visas or tourist entry permits for the other three CA-4 countries. Immigration officials at the first port of entry determine the length of stay, up to a maximum period of 90 days. Foreign tourists who wish to remain in the four-country region beyond the period initially granted for their visit are required to request a one-time extension of stay from local Immigration authorities in the country where the traveler is physically present, or travel outside the CA-4 countries and reapply for admission to the region. Foreigners “expelled” from any of the four countries are excluded from the entire CA-4 region. In isolated cases, the lack of clarity in implementing the details of the CA-4 Border Control Agreement has caused temporary inconvenience to some travelers and has resulted in others being fined more than one hundred dollars or detained in custody for 72 hours or longer.

Visit the Embassy of Nicaragua website for the most current visa information.

The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS-related entry restrictions for visitors to or foreign residents of Nicaragua. Please verify this information with the Embassy of Nicaragua before you travel.

Information on dual nationality and the prevention of international child abduction can be found on our website. For further information about customs regulations, please read our Customs Information page.

SAFETY AND SECURITY: Political demonstrations and strikes continue to occur sporadically, are usually limited to urban areas, and occasionally become violent. Typically, protests in Managua take place at major intersections or rotundas. Activities observed during past protests include, but are not limited to, the use of tear gas, rubber bullets, fireworks, rock-throwing, tire burning, road blocks, bus/vehicle burning and physical violence between members of rival political parties. Police have often been slow to respond, and reluctant to interfere in violent confrontations between rival political factions. Because even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can escalate into violence, U.S. citizens are advised to avoid crowds and blockades during such occurrences, to monitor local media reports, and to exercise caution when in the vicinity of any large gathering.

Strong currents off sections of Nicaragua's Pacific coast have resulted in a number of drownings. Powerful waves have also caused broken bones, and sting ray injuries are not uncommon at popular beaches. Warning signs are not posted, and lifeguards and rescue equipment are not readily available. U.S. citizens visiting Nicaragua's beaches should exercise appropriate caution.

Hiking in volcanic or other remote areas can be dangerous and travelers should take appropriate precautions. Hikers should have appropriate dress, footwear, and sufficient consumables for any trek undertaken. Individuals who travel to remote areas are encouraged to hire a local guide familiar with the terrain and area. Individuals hiking Volcan Maderas and/or Volcan Concepcion on Ometepe Island are required by law to hire a local guide. Hikers have perished or lost their way on these volcanoes. While they may look like easy climbs, the terrain is treacherous. 

The Government of Nicaragua declared Nicaragua to be land mine free in June 2010. 

Domestic travel within Nicaragua by land and air, particularly to the Atlantic side can be dangerous. Domestic airlines use small airstrips with minimal safety equipment and little boarding security.

Stay up to date by:

• Bookmarking our Bureau of Consular Affairs website, which contains the current Travel Warnings and Travel Alerts as well as the Worldwide Caution.
• Follow us on Twitter and the Bureau of Consular Affairs page on Facebook as well. 
• Calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free within the U.S. and Canada, or a regular toll line, 1-202-501-4444, from other countries.

Take some time before travel to consider your personal security –Here are some useful tips for traveling safely abroad.

CRIME: Violent crime in Managua is increasing and petty street crimes are common. Gang activity is also on the rise but remains less prevalent than in neighboring Central American countries. In 2010, a U.S. citizen was murdered by gang members in a popular Managua hotel district after a confrontation. During the trial, gang members intimidated the jury and witnesses, resulting in the acquittal of the case. Pick-pocketing and occasional armed robberies occur on crowded buses, at bus stops and in open markets like the Oriental and Huembes Markets. Gang violence, drive-by shootings, robbery, assault and stabbings are most frequently encountered in poorer neighborhoods, including the Rene Schick and Jorge Dimitrov neighborhoods and the Ticabus terminal, a major arrival and departure point for tourist buses. However, in recent months violent crime has spread to more upscale neighborhoods and near major hotels, including the Zona Hippos, Galerias Mall, Santo Domingo and Las Colinas neighborhoods.

In the past, some U.S. citizens were targeted shortly after arriving in the country by criminals posing as Nicaraguan police officers who pull over their vehicles – including those operated by reputable hotels – for inspection. In each case, the incidents happened after dark and involved gun-wielding assailants who robbed passengers of all valuables and abandoned them in remote locations. Some assailants employed threats of physical violence. While the traditional scene of these attacks has been the Tipitapa-Masaya Highway, this activity has also spread to the Managua-Leon Highway. The U.S. Embassy warns U.S. citizens to exercise extreme caution when driving at night from Managua’s International Airport and to avoid traveling the Tipitapa-Masaya Highway at night. There has also been an increase in armed robbery attempts by masked individuals along roadsides leading to popular tourist destinations. Assailants will step out of roadside vegetation with weapons in an attempt to stop the vehicle and rob passengers.

U.S.citizens should exercise particular caution when approached by strangers offering assistance with finding a taxi cab. Dozens of U.S. citizens have reported being victimized by fellow travelers who offered to assist them in locating and/or sharing a taxi in and around San Juan del Sur, San Jorge, Granada, Managua, Masaya, and other popular tourist destinations. Upon entering the taxi, the U.S. citizens were held at knife-point or with a gun, threatened with bodily injury and/or rape, robbed of their valuables and driven around to ATM machines to withdraw funds from their accounts. Taxi drivers have also picked up additional passengers along the route who then threaten and rob the U.S. citizen, generally in conjunction with the taxi driver. After the assault, the U.S. citizen victims were left abandoned and destitute in remote areas. In 2011, two U.S. citizen victims were beaten and raped after providing incorrect bank card PIN numbers to assailants.

Though violent criminal activity has recently decreased in the tourist destination of San Juan del Sur, sexual assaults, armed robberies and theft continue to be a problem. In 2011, a U.S. citizen was the victim of sexual assault at a popular beach hotel in San Juan del Sur. Dozens of U.S. citizens were victims of armed robberies by assailants wielding machetes, knives and/or guns on and along the beaches in and around San Juan del Sur in the past few years. U.S. citizens should exercise caution when visiting the beaches of Maderas, Marsella, Yankee, Coco and Remanso as armed robberies have been reported in these locations. Assailants commonly place rocks, tree branches, or other large objects along roads to these beach locations waiting for cars to stop before the object. When the driver gets out of the vehicle to move the obstruction, assailants come out of hiding to rob victims of their belongings and sometimes of their vehicle. Group travel is recommended between these beach destinations.

Police coverage is extremely sparse outside of major urban areas, particularly in Nicaragua’s Atlantic coast autonomous regions. Lack of adequate police coverage has resulted in these areas being used by drug traffickers and other criminal elements. Two Nicaraguan navy personnel died during a December 2009 clash between traffickers and government forces in the remote coastal community of Walpasiksa.  Street crime and petty theft are common problems in Puerto Cabezas, Bluefields and other urban areas along the Atlantic coast. Given the area’s geographical isolation, the Embassy’s ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens who choose to travel in the Caribbean coastal area is limited. Police presence is minimal on the Corn Islands and in other remote areas of the Atlantic Coast.

U.S. Citizens have been victims of sexual assaults on beaches in Nicaragua. The Embassy recommends travelling in groups when going to the beach or to isolated areas. Single travelers should exercise special caution while traveling on the Atlantic Coast and other remote areas of the country.

Throughout Nicaragua, U.S. citizens should utilize hotels and guest houses which have security measures in place, including but not limited to rooms equipped with safes for securing valuables and travel documents and adequate access control precautions.

Visitors should avoid walking in urban areas and instead use officially registered taxicabs. Radio-dispatched taxis are recommended and can be found at Managua’s International Airport and at larger hotels. Robbery, kidnapping, and assault of passengers in taxis in Managua are increasing in frequency and violence, with passengers subjected to beating, sexual assault, stabbings, and even murder. Several U.S. citizens reported brutal attacks in taxis during 2010 and 2011, particularly around the International Airport area and in the cities of Managua, Rivas, Granada and Masaya.

Before taking a taxi, make sure that it has a red license plate and that the number is legible. Pick taxis carefully and note the driver's name and license number. Instruct the driver not to pick up other passengers, agree on the fare before departing, and have small bills available for payment, as taxi drivers often do not make change. Also, check that the taxi is properly labeled with the cooperativa (company) name and logo. Purse and jewelry snatchings sometimes occur at stoplights. While riding in a vehicle, windows should be closed, car doors locked and valuables placed out of sight.

Do not resist a robbery attempt. Many criminals have weapons, and most injuries and deaths have resulted when victims have resisted. Do not hitchhike or go home with strangers, particularly from nightclubs. Do not accept rides from strangers at major bus terminals or border crossings. Travel in groups of two or more persons whenever possible. Use the same common sense while traveling in Nicaragua that you would in any high-crime area of a large U.S. city. Do not wear excessive jewelry in downtown or rural areas. Do not carry large sums of money, ATM or credit cards that are not needed, or other valuables.

Do not leave valuables inside parked vehicles. In the past several U.S citizens reported vehicle break-ins outside of gasoline stations and restaurants. The U.S. Embassy has also noted a gradual increase in the use of armed violence and hostage taking following residential break-ins. U.S. citizens have been violently attacked after opening their home to passersby requesting water. U.S. citizens are urged to review residential security procedures, including with their domestic employees, and strengthen security measures to help safeguard their houses.

Don’t buy counterfeit and pirated goods, even if they are widely available. Not only are the bootlegs illegal in the United States, if you purchase them you may also be breaking local law. 

INFORMATION FOR VICTIMS OF CRIME: If you or someone you know becomes the victim of a crime abroad, you should contact the local police and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. We can:

• Replace a stolen passport.
• For violent crimes such as assault or rape, help you find appropriate medical care,
• Put you in contact with the appropriate police authorities, and if you want us too, we can contact family members or friends.
• Although the local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting the crime, consular officers can help you understand the local criminal justice process and can direct you to local attorneys.

The local equivalent to the “911” emergency line in Nicaragua is 118.

Please see our information on victims of crime, including possible victim compensation programs in the United States.

CRIMINAL PENALTIES: While you are traveling in Nicaragua, you are subject to its laws even if you are a U.S. citizen. Foreign laws and legal systems can be vastly different than our own. There are also some things that might be legal in the country you visit, but still illegal in the United States, and you can be prosecuted under U.S. law if you buy pirated goods. In some places you may be taken in for questioning if you don’t have your passport with you. Engaging in sexual conduct with children or using or disseminating child pornography in a foreign country is a crime prosecutable in the United States. If you break local laws in Nicaragua, your U.S. passport won’t help you avoid arrest or prosecution. It’s very important to know what’s legal and what’s not where you are going. 

Persons violating Nicaraguan laws, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. Penalties for possessing, using, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Nicaragua are severe, and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and fines.

Based on the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations, bilateral agreements with certain countries, and customary international law, if you are arrested in Nicaragua, you have the option to request that the police, prison officials, or other authorities alert the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate of your arrest, and to have communications from you forwarded to the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.

SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES:

Purchasing Property: U.S.citizens should be aware of the risks of purchasing real estate in Nicaragua and should exercise caution before committing to invest in property. The U.S. Embassy has seen an increase in property disputes over the last several years. The 1979-90 Sandinista government expropriated approximately 28,000 real properties, many of which are still in dispute or pending resolution by the Nicaraguan Government. Land title remains unclear in many cases. Although the government has resolved several thousand claims by U.S. citizens through compensation or the return of properties, there remain hundreds of unresolved claims registered with the Embassy. Potential investors should engage competent local legal representation and investigate their purchases thoroughly in order to reduce the possibility of property disputes.

The Nicaraguan judicial system offers little relief when the purchase of a property winds up in court. The Embassy is aware of numerous cases in which buyers purchase property supported by what appear to be legal titles only to see themselves subsequently embroiled in legal battles when the titles are contested by an affected or otherwise interested third party. Once a property dispute enters the judicial arena, the outcome may be subject to corruption, political pressure, and influence peddling. Many coastal properties have been tied up in courts recently, leaving the ‘buyer’ unable to proceed with the intended development pending lengthy and uncertain litigation. In other cases squatters have simply invaded the land while the police or judicial authorities are unable (or unwilling) to remove the trespassers. Again, the Embassy advises that those interested in purchasing Nicaraguan property exercise extreme caution. 

Please note that Nicaraguan law currently prohibits any individual from buying beach-front property (including islands) unless the original land title was registered before the 1917 Nicaraguan Agrarian Reform Law or a title that was issued as a result of the 1987 Agrarian Reform Law. Coastal properties with titles pre-dating 1917 are not risk-free, however. In 1987 the Nicaraguan Constitution established the property rights of indigenous communities over territory they have traditionally occupied. In June 2009, Nicaragua passed the new Coastal Law, which stipulates that all oceanfront land within 50 meters of the high tide is under the zoning authority of the municipalities, but owners retain ownership of their property. Any construction or commercial activity along the shoreline must be approved by the municipalities. There is also a five meter ban on construction and commercial activity along lakes, lagoons, and rivers. The Embassy advises extreme caution when considering the purchase of coastal property in Nicaragua.

Reform to Retired Residents Law: The Nicaraguangovernment revised its requirements for foreign retirees who wish to establish residency in Nicaragua in July 2009. Residency requirements remained the same. To establish residency, retirees will need to demonstrate a monthly foreign income or pension of at least $600, with an additional $200 for each family member dependant. Legal retiree residents of Nicaragua will be exempt from import taxes for vehicles valuing less than $25,000, and the waiting period to import a vehicle decreased from five years to four years. 

Currency and Credit Cards: U.S. dollars are widely accepted throughout the country, and major credit cards are also typically accepted in hotels, restaurants, stores and other businesses in urban and tourist areas. Visitors who need to change dollars are encouraged to do this at their hotel since this is typically the safest place. ATM machines are available at banks and the larger hotels in addition to some shopping centers and gas stations in urban and tourist areas. However, individuals should exercise caution when using a teller machine since they are typically in or near uncontrolled areas and criminal elements can easily see them withdrawing cash. Traveler’s checks are accepted at a few major hotels and may also be exchanged for local currency at authorized exchange facilities ("casas de cambio"). Visitorswill also find enterprising individuals - ‘Cambistas’ - waving wads of cash in the street. Changing money in this fashion can be dangerous and is not recommended.

The U.S. Embassy has noted an increase in credit card fraud. Although local police authorities have made several arrests in conjunction with credit card scam operations, the danger for abuse continues. Illegal use can include “skimming” or making a copy of the magnetic strip on the credit card or simply copying the number for later use. U.S. citizens who do continue to use credit cards in Nicaragua are advised to check statements frequently to monitor for abuse and/or to ask banks to email them when transactions exceed a certain number or size.

Disaster Preparedness: Nicaraguais prone to a wide variety of natural disasters, including earthquakes, hurricanes and volcanic eruptions. General information about natural disaster preparedness is available via the Internet from the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

Boundary Disputes: On the Atlantic side, nautical travelers should be aware that there is an ongoing boundary dispute with Colombia over the San Andres Island archipelago and the surrounding waters, specifically the area east of the 82nd and up to the 79th meridian. Furthermore, the Government of Nicaragua has also begun to exercise sovereignty over territorial waters that were formerly controlled by Honduras but recently awarded to Nicaraguaby the International Court of Justice. Since October 2007, the Nicaraguan Navy has impounded about a dozen vessels, including two U.S.-owned vessels, for allegedly fishing without a Nicaraguan permit in these zones.

Maritime boundary disputes also exist on the Pacific side. In late 2007, the governments of Nicaragua, Honduras and El Salvador reached an accord regarding shared fishing rights in the Gulf of Fonseca; however, questions remain regarding boundary demarcations in the Gulf of Fonseca. Commercial fishing vessels should always ensure that they are properly licensed as problems have been reported in the areas off Cabo Gracias a Dios. As a result of these disputes, in June 2008, the U.S. Coast Guard published a Special Warning on Nicaragua in the U.S. Notice to Mariners. (p. 6). 

Nicaragua and Costa Rica have disputed the ownership and dredging rights of Harbor Head (sometimes referred to as Isla Calero), a small island at the eastern termination of the San Juan River. Both Nicaragua and Costa Rica have sent security forces to the disputed area, so travelers should exercise caution. The case is currently pending International Court of Justice resolution. 

Travelers should also be aware that narcotics traffickers often use both the Caribbean and Pacific coastal waters.

Customs Regulations: Before excavating archaeological materials, or agreeing to buy artifacts of historical value, all persons are strongly urged to consult with the National Patrimony Directorate of the Nicaraguan Institute of Culture. Nicaraguan law and a bilateral accord limit the acquisition, importation into the U.S.and commercialization of said goods. Severe criminal penalties may apply.

Please note that in order to import medicine you need the approval of the Ministry of Health’s Pharmacy Department. This regulation also applies to medication being donated for charity. To receive the approval you must submit a detailed list of all the medicine being imported, the expiration dates and specify whether it is for personal use, retail or for charity. The final approval usually takes about two days.

U.S. citizens planning to stay in Nicaragua for an extended period of time with the intention of bringing vehicles or household goods into the country should consult Nicaraguan Customs officials prior to shipment.

Please see our Customs Information.

Accessibility: While in Nicaragua, individuals with disabilities may find accessibility and accommodation very different from what you find in the United States. Nicaraguan law prohibits discrimination against persons with physical and mental disabilities, but in practice such discrimination is widespread in employment, education, access to health care, and the provision of state services.

There is limited to no accessibility in public transportation, including few sidewalks and road crossings. Government clinics and hospitals provide care for persons with disabilities, but the quality of care is generally poor. 

MEDICAL FACILITIES AND HEALTH INFORMATION: Medical care is very limited, particularly outside of Managua. Basic medical services are available in Managua and in many of the smaller towns and villages. However, treatment for many serious medical problems is either unavailable or available only in Managua. Ambulance services, where available, provide transportation and basic first aid only. More advanced medical equipment, and some medications and treatments, are not available in Nicaragua. Physicians and hospital personnel frequently do not speak English, and medical reports are written in Spanish.  

In an emergency, individuals are taken to the nearest hospital that will accept a patient. This is usually a public hospital unless the individual or someone acting on their behalf indicates that they can pay for a private hospital. Payment for medical services is typically done on a cash basis, although the few private hospitals will accept major credit cards for payment. U.S. health insurance plans are generally not accepted in Nicaragua, however, Hospital Metropolitano, in Managua, accepts Blue Cross Blue Shield and Tricare.

Dengue fever is endemic in Nicaragua. Currently, no vaccine or specific medication is available to prevent or treat dengue fever. Malaria is endemic in the Atlantic coast region and anti-malarial medication should be taken before and after travel to this region. Travelers are advised to take a prophylactic regimen best suited to their health profile. No prophylaxis anti-malarial medication is required for Managua and the Pacific coast region. For both dengue fever and malaria, the best prevention is the use of insect repellant containing DEET, and wearing protective clothing and bed-nets to prevent mosquito bites.

Tap water is not considered potable in Nicaragua. All persons should drink only bottled water.

Individuals traveling to Nicaragua should ensure that all their routine vaccinations are up to date. Vaccinations against Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, rabies and typhoid are strongly recommended. A yellow fever vaccination is not required to enter Nicaragua unless the traveler has recently visited a country where yellow fever is endemic. Travelers taking prescription medications should bring an adequate supply with them when coming to Nicaragua. Many newer combination medications are not available in local pharmacies.

Be wary of private companies that claim to provide Medicare coverage. Generally, Medicare does not extend to beneficiaries overseas; we recommend you purchase additional medical insurance to ensure complete coverage.

You can find good information on vaccinations and other health precautions, on the CDC website.  For information about outbreaks of infectious diseases abroad, consult the World Health Organization (WHO) website. The WHO website also contains additional health information for travelers, including detailed country-specific health information.

MEDICAL INSURANCE: You can’t assume your insurance will go with you when you travel. It’s very important to find out BEFORE you leave whether or not your medical insurance will cover you overseas. You need to ask your insurance company two questions:

• Does my policy apply when I’m out of the United States?
• Will it cover emergencies like a trip to a foreign hospital or a medical evacuation?

In many places, doctors and hospitals still expect payment in cash at the time of service. Your regular U.S. health insurance may not cover doctors’ and hospital visits in other countries. If your policy doesn’t go with you when you travel, it’s a very good idea to take out another one for your trip. For more information, please see our medical insurance overseas page.

TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS: While in Nicaragua, you may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States. Driving in Nicaragua poses many difficulties and risks, including mandatory arrest for drivers involved in accidents that result in death or serious injury until police are able to determine who is at fault. 

Driving is on the right side of the road in Nicaragua. Motorists driving to Nicaragua should use the principal highways and official border crossings at Guasaule, El Espino and Las Manos between Nicaragua and Honduras and Penas Blancas between Nicaragua and Costa Rica. Although some of the principal highways connecting the major cities are in generally good condition, drivers should be aware that seasonal torrential rains take a heavy toll on road beds. With few exceptions, secondary roads are in poor repair, potholed, poorly lit, frequently narrow, and lack shoulders. Road travel after dark is especially hazardous in all areas of the country. Motorists are encouraged to prepare accordingly and to carry a cellular phone in case of an emergency.

Some of the major highways and roads are undergoing major repairs, repaving and upgrading. Be on the lookout for detours and slow traffic on these roads. In general, road signs are poor to non-existent. Bicycles, oxcarts, dogs, horses and vehicles without lights are, at times, encountered even on main thoroughfares in Nicaragua. Motorcycles, often carrying passengers, dart in and out of traffic with little or no warning. Many vehicles are in poor condition, travel very slowly and break down without warning. Drivers should be especially careful on curves and hills, as many drivers will pass on blind spots. Speed limits vary depending on the type of road, but because the government lacks the resources, traffic rules are rarely enforced.

Due to the age and disrepair of many vehicles, many drivers will not signal their intentions using turn indicators. Rather, it is common for a vehicle operator to stick his hand out the window to signal a turn. If you do drive in Nicaragua, you need to exercise the utmost caution, drive defensively and make sure you have insurance.

Nicaraguan law requires that a driver be taken into custody for driving under the influence or being involved in an accident that causes serious injury or death, even if the driver is insured and appears not to have been at fault. The minimum detention period is 48 hours; however, detentions frequently last until a judicial decision is reached (often weeks or months), or until a waiver is signed by the injured party (usually as the result of a cash settlement).

Visitors to Nicaragua might want to consider hiring a professional driver during their stay. Licensed drivers who are familiar with local roads can be hired through local car rental agencies. In case of accident, only the driver will be taken into custody.

The Embassy has received a number of complaints from U.S. citizens who have been stopped by transit police authorities demanding bribes in order to avoid payment of fines. Motorists in rental cars and those whose cars have foreign license plates are more likely to be stopped by transit police. Transit police have seized driver licenses and car registration documents from motorists who refuse to or are unable to pay. Subsequently, these drivers have reported difficulties in recovering the seized documents. U.S. citizens are urged to ensure that their vehicles comply fully with Nicaraguan transit regulations, including being in possession of an emergency triangle and fire extinguisher, and that the vehicle is properly registered. If transit police authorities demand an on-the-spot payment, drivers should ask for the officer's name and badge number, as well as a receipt, and inform the Embassy of when/where the event took place. Reports should be sent via email to the U.S. Consular Section in Managua. Rental car agencies should also be advised if their vehicles have been deemed negligent in meeting Nicaraguan transit regulations.

Avoid taking local buses. They are overcrowded, unsafe and often are used by pickpockets. Because of the conditions discussed above, traffic accidents often result in serious injury or death. This is most often true when heavy vehicles, such as buses or trucks, are involved. Traditionally, vehicles involved in accidents in Nicaragua are not moved (even to clear traffic), until authorized by a police officer. Drivers who violate this norm may be held legally liable for the accident.

Regulations governing transit are administered by the National Police. For specific information concerning Nicaraguan driver’s permits, vehicle inspection, road tax, and mandatory insurance, you may wish to refer to the National Police web site. You may also contact the Embassy of Nicaragua or a Consulate for further information.

Please refer to our Road Safety page for more information. Also, we suggest that you visit the website of Nicaragua’s national tourist office and national authority responsible for road safety.

AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT: The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the government of Nicaragua’s Civil Aviation Authority as not being in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of Nicaragua’s air carrier operations. Further information may be found on the FAA’s safety assessment page.

CHILDREN'S ISSUES: Please see our Office of Children’s Issues web pages on intercountry adoption and international parental child abduction. 

* * *

This replaces the Country Specific Information for Nicaragua dated November 18, 2010, to update all sections

Brunei

COUNTRY DESCRIPTION: Brunei Darussalam is a small Islamic Sultanate on the northwest coast of the Island of Borneo. It is divided into four districts: Brunei/Muara, Tutong, Belait and Temburong. The capital, Bandar Seri Begawan, is its major city. Brunei’s official language is Malay, but English is widely understood and used in business. Tourist facilities and services are generally available throughout the country. For more information concerning Brunei, please see the Government of Brunei website. Read the Department of State’s Background Notes on Brunei for additional information.

SMART TRAVELER ENROLLMENT PROGRAM (STEP) / EMBASSY LOCATION: If you are going to live in or visit Brunei, please take the time to tell our Embassy about your trip. If you enroll, we can keep you up to date with important safety and security announcements. It will also help your friends and family get in touch with you in an emergency. Here’s the link to the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program.

Local embassy information is available below and at the Department of State’s list of embassies and consulates.

U.S. Embassy Bandar Seri Begawan
Simpang 336-52-16-9
Jalan Kebangsaan
Bandar Seri Begawan BC4115, Brunei Darussalam. 
Mail from the United States can be sent to the Embassy's address:
U.S. Embassy, P.O. Box 2991, Bandar Seri Begawan BS8675, Negara Brunei Darussalam. 
Telephone: 673-238-4616
After hour emergency telephone: (673) 873-0691
Fax number: (673) 238-4606
You may also contact the Consular section via e-mail. 

ENTRY / EXIT REQUIREMENTS FOR U.S. CITIZENS: U.S. passport-holders must have at least six months’ validity remaining on their passport before entering Brunei for business or pleasure and are required to obtain a visa prior to arrival in Brunei for visits of 90 days or longer. Diplomatic and official passport-holders are also required to apply for a visa to enter Brunei Darussalam for assignments to Brunei of more than 90 days There is an airport departure tax. For further information about entry or exit requirements, travelers may consult the Consular Section of the Embassy of Brunei, 3520 International Court NW, Washington, DC 20008, tel. (202) 237-1838, or visit the Embassy of Brunei website for the most current visa information.

Immigration offenses are punishable by caning. Workers who overstay their visas can face jail sentences, fines, and caning. Persons associated with violators, such as contractors or employers, are subject to the same penalties if the violator is found guilty.

Brunei has imposed HIV/AIDS travel restrictions as part of a ban on communicable diseases.  The Ministry of Health (MOH) of Brunei Darussalam requires all travelers entering Brunei to fill out a Health Declaration Card and submit it to the Officer-In-Charge (MOH) upon disembarkation. Under Section 7, Infectious Diseases Order 2003 of MOH, travelers may be subjected to a medical examination upon arrival in Brunei Darussalam. Travelers also may be quarantined if infected or suspected to be infected with an infectious disease or if travelers have had contact with such a person, under Section 15 of the same order of MOH. Please verify this information with the Embassy of Brunei before you travel.

Information about dual nationality or the prevention of international child abduction can be found on our website. For further information about customs regulations, please read our Customs Information page.

THREATS TO SAFETY AND SECURITY: Noting several past terrorist bombings in Indonesia, the Department of State continues to be concerned that terrorist groups such as Jemaah Islamiyah (JI) have the capability to carry out terrorist attacks throughout the region. U.S. citizens in Brunei should be vigilant with regard to their personal security, maintain a low profile, vary times and routes during their daily routines, and report any suspicious activity to the local police or to the U.S. Embassy.

Brunei adheres to conservative Islamic social values, and Americans are advised to learn and respect local customs and traditions. Typically non-Muslims are not expected to follow the same customs enforced on practicing Muslims. Persons violating Brunei’s laws, even unknowingly, may be deported, arrested, or imprisoned. Any public criticism of His Majesty the Sultan or other members of the Royal Family is strongly discouraged. Alcohol cannot be purchased legally in Brunei; however, two liters of spirits/wine and 12 cans of beer may be imported per border entry by adult non-Muslims for personal consumption in privacy. Importing more than the prescribed amount of alcohol per border entry will result in arrest. The Royal Brunei Police Force is generally professional and courteous. Most officers speak English but some, especially from the reserve units, have limited to no English speaking capability. Travelers are strongly urged to carry a copy of their passport on their person as police will most always ask for identification for all parties involved in any type of incident. In the event of police detention, Americans should request to contact the US Embassy. The Embassy local guard force operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and all guards speak English. The 24-hour number of the Embassy is 673-238-4616 and the Duty Officer is 673-873-0691. The emergency number for the police is 993.

In terms of natural disasters, earthquakes and typhoons are not major concerns in Brunei. Brunei has not been affected by industrial accidents and kidnappings are not common. 

Stay up to date by:

• Bookmarking our Bureau of Consular Affairs website, which contains the current Travel Warnings and Travel Alerts as well as the Worldwide Caution.
• Follow us on Twitter and the Bureau of Consular Affairs page on Facebook as well. 
• Calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free within the U.S. and Canada, or a regular toll line, 1-202-501-4444, from other countries.
• Take some time before travel to consider your personal security –Here are some useful tips for traveling safely abroad.

CRIME: Most crimes that occur in Brunei are non-violent and crimes of opportunity, including residential burglaries and vehicle break-ins. While traveling or residing in Brunei, you can easily avoid being victim to a crime of opportunity by simply practicing good security awareness. For example, securing valuables (remove from plain view), avoid secluded locations, properly secure your residence and vehicle, and not traveling alone late at night. 

Crime in Brunei peaks in July and December, due to the holidays and schools being out of session. Overall, many crimes carry severe penalties, and punishments such as jail, fines, caning, or deportation (for foreigners). 

VICTIMS OF CRIME: If you or someone you know becomes the victim of a crime abroad, you should contact the local police and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. We can:

• Replace a stolen passport.
• For violent crimes such as assault or rape,help you find appropriate medical care,
• Put you in contact with the appropriate police authorities, and contact family members or friends.
• Although the local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting the crime, consular officers can help you understand the local criminal justice process and can direct you to local attorneys.

In Brunei, the local equivalents to the “911” emergency line are: 993 for Brunei Police, 995 for Fire & Rescue, and 998 for Search & Rescue.

Please see our information on victims of crime, including possible victim compensation programs in the United States.

CRIMINAL PENALTIES: While you are traveling in Brunei, you are subject to its laws even if you are a U.S. citizen. Foreign laws and legal systems can be vastly different than our own. In some places you may be taken in for questioning if you don’t have your passport with you. In some places, it is illegal to take pictures of certain buildings. In some places driving under the influence could land you immediately in jail. These criminal penalties will vary from country to country. There are also some things that might be legal in the country you visit, but still illegal in the United States, and you can be prosecuted under U.S. law if you buy pirated goods, which are prevalent in Brunei. Engaging in sexual conduct with children or using or disseminating child pornography in a foreign country is a crime prosecutable in the United States. If you break local laws in Brunei, your U.S. passport won’t help you avoid arrest or prosecution. It’s very important to know what’s legal and what’s not where you are going. 

If you violate Brunei laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. Penalties for possession, use of, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Brunei are severe, and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences, heavy fines, and, possibly, death. Brunei has a mandatory death penalty for many narcotics offenses. Under the current law, possession of heroin, ecstasy, and morphine derivatives of more than 15 grams, Cocaine of more than 30 grams, Cannabis of more than 500 grams, Syabu (Methamphetamine) of more than 50 grams, or Opium of more than 1.2 kg., carries the death penalty. Possession of lesser amounts can result in a minimum twenty-year jail term and caning. Importation of firearms is prohibited; the illegal possession of firearms or explosives and drug use/possession carry severe penalties, including the possibility of the death penalty. Any attempts to circumvent alcohol controls can result in arrest and criminal prosecution. Gambling in Brunei is illegal.

Prostitution is illegal and harsh penalties can result from engaging in the solicitation of prostitution. In addition, due to the conservative Muslim culture, any extramarital relations between a Muslim and non-Muslim, from simple acts such as holding hands or public displays of affection to sexual activity may be considered a crime in Brunei.

If you are arrested in Brunei, authorities of Brunei are required to alert the U.S. Embassy of your arrest. If you are concerned the Department of State may not be aware of your situation, you should request the police to notify the closest U.S. embassy of your arrest. 

SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES:

Immigration Violations: U.S. citizens in Brunei are subject to the laws of the country and may be arrested for violation of immigration regulations or any other law. In such cases, the U.S. Embassy will provide consular services to U.S. citizens arrested in Brunei, in accordance with international law and U.S. regulations. However, the Embassy may not intervene in local judicial matters. 

Dual Nationality: Brunei does not recognize or permit dual nationality. Brunei nationals are expected to enter and exit the country on their Brunei passports. Should Brunei authorities learn that a person is a dual national, they may require immediate renunciation of the citizenship of either the other nation or Brunei.

Customs Regulations: Brunei customs authorities may enforce strict regulations concerning temporary importation or export of items such as firearms, religious materials, antiquities, medications, business equipment, currency, ivory, and alcohol. For non-Muslims, limited amounts of alcohol for personal consumption are permitted. It is advisable to contact the Embassy of Brunei in Washington, D.C., for specific information regarding customs requirements. 

Accessibility: While in Brunei, individuals with disabilities may find accessibility and accommodation very different from what you find in the United States

MEDICAL FACILITIES AND HEALTH INFORMATION: There is adequate care for basic medical conditions in Brunei; however, for certain elective surgery or complicated care, the best medical care in the region is obtained in Singapore. Brunei has a number of public hospitals and clinics. The biggest ones are RIPAS Hospital in Bandar Seri Begawan and Tutong Hospital in the district of the same name. The largest private hospital is Jerudong Park Medical Center about 20 minutes by car outside of Bandar Seri Begawan, which is a facility comparable to those in the U.S. Brunei also hosts a number of private clinics, many of which are staffed by expatriates. More information can be found at the U.S. Embassy Website at Medication and prescriptions are readily available, but may not be the same brands as those found in the U.S. There are no major health concerns in Brunei. .

You can find good information on vaccinations and other health precautions, on the CDC website.  For information about outbreaks of infectious diseases abroad, consult the World Health Organization (WHO) website. The WHO website also contains additional health information for travelers, including detailed country-specific health information.

MEDICAL INSURANCE: You can’t assume your insurance will go with you when you travel. It’s very important to find out BEFORE you leave whether or not your medical insurance will cover you overseas. You need to ask your insurance company two questions:

• Does my policy apply when I’m out of the United States?
• Will it cover emergencies like a trip to a foreign hospital or a medical evacuation?

In many places, doctors and hospitals still expect payment in cash at the time of service. Your regular U.S. health insurance may not cover doctors’ and hospital visits in other countries. If your policy doesn’t go with you when you travel, it’s a very good idea to take out another one for your trip. For more information, please see our medical insurance overseas page.

TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS: While in a foreign country, you may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States.

Brunei has an extensive network of roads comparable to most western countries’ and they are well maintained. Traffic moves on the left side of the road. Holders of a foreign driver’s license are permitted to drive in Brunei Darussalam for 90 days only. For longer stays, a foreign driver’s license must be endorsed to a Brunei driver’s license, available at any Land Transport Department office. Drivers must obey traffic rules at all times and should take extra caution when approaching traffic signals. In urban areas, several deadly accidents have occurred in recent years when local drivers drove through red lights.

The Royal Brunei Police Force routinely sets up checkpoints and traffic stops, particularly at night. These checkpoints are normally set up for one of two reasons: 1) for routine license and registration checks and 2) DWI/search for contraband (drugs and alcohol). In case you are stopped, be prepared to show identification card and vehicle registration. In addition to registration, you should always have your insurance policy in the car. In case of an accident you will need all three.

Please refer to our Road Safety page for more information. Also, we suggest that you visit the website of the Brunei National Tourism Office and the web site of Brunei Land Transport Department for more details on road safety information.

AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT: The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the government of Brunei’s Civil Aviation Authority as being in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of Brunei’s air carrier operations. Further information may be found on the FAA’s safety assessment page.

CHILDREN’S ISSUES: Please see our Office of Children’s Issues web pages on intercountry adoption and international parental child abduction.

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This replaces the Country Specific Information for Brunei dated February 2010, to update sections on Registration/Embassy Location, Threats to Safety and Security, Crime, Criminal Penalties and Traffic Safety and Road Conditions.

Burundi

COUNTRY DESCRIPTION: One of the poorest countries in the world, Burundi is a small francophone, densely populated central African nation bordering Lake Tanganyika, Rwanda, Tanzania, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Burundi was plagued by a civil war from 1993 to 2006 that often involved non-governmental and non-combatant targets. In December 2008, the last rebel group agreed to demobilize and register as a political party. Between May and September 2010, Burundi held a series of five elections covering all elected offices at all levels of government which domestic and international observers considered to be credible. Years of fighting have devastated a historically fragile economy that depends largely on subsistence agriculture. Poor public health and education, weather disasters such as drought and floods, crop diseases, soaring food and fuel prices, and lack of infrastructure exacerbate the effects of conflict and delay recovery. Limited facilities for tourism are slowly becoming available around Bujumbura. Outside the capital, particularly towards the southern town of Rumonge, tourist facilities are developing along the lakeshore. However, road and safety guidelines should be considered when traveling outside of Bujumbura. Read the Department of State Background Notes on Burundi for additional information.

SMART TRAVELER ENROLLMENT PROGRAM (STEP) / EMBASSY LOCATION: If you are going to live in or visit Burundi, please take the time to tell our Embassy about your trip. If you enroll, we can keep you up to date with important safety and security announcements. It will also help your friends and family get in touch with you in an emergency. Here’s the link to the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program.

U.S. Embassy Bujumbura
                Avenue des Etats-Unis
                Telephone: 257 22 20 7000
                Emergency after-hours telephone: 257 79 938 841
                Facsimile: 257 22 24 3467

ENTRY / EXIT REQUIREMENTS FOR U.S. CITIZENS: A passport valid for six months and evidence of immunization against yellow fever are required for entry into Burundi. In January 2010, the Government of Burundi issued a diplomatic note stating that travelers would no longer be able to obtain entry visas upon arrival at ports of entry, and should apply for visas from their nearest Burundian embassy or consulate. Travelers to Burundi should inquire about the new visa procedures with their nearest Burundian embassy or Immigration Office before planning a trip. Travelers with an expired visa are not permitted to leave the country without acquiring an exit visa prior to departure. 

The latest information about visas may be obtained from the Embassy of the Republic of Burundi, Suite 212, 2233 Wisconsin Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20007, telephone (202) 342-2574, or from the Permanent Mission of Burundi to the United Nations in New York at telephone (212) 499-0001 thru 0006. Visit the Embassy of Burundi website for the most current visa information.

The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to or foreign residents of Burundi.

Information about dual nationality or the prevention of international child abduction can be found on our website. For further information about customs regulations, please read our Customs Information page.

THREATS TO SAFETY AND SECURITY: See the Department of State’s Travel Warning for Burundi. In October 2009, al Shabaab publically threatened to attack Burundi to retaliate for its participation in the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM). The U.S. Embassy takes this threat seriously and has reviewed the current security posture for U.S. government personnel and travel warnings for U.S. citizens in the region. U.S. citizens are reminded to remain vigilant while performing their daily activities or while traveling outside of major cities to decrease the likelihood of becoming a victim of crime or other violent acts.

Public demonstrations are generally nonviolent and well controlled by the police. However, any demonstration or spontaneous gathering has the potential to become violent and it is, therefore, best to avoid these.

Stay up to date by:

• Bookmarking our Bureau of Consular Affairs website, which contains the current Travel Warnings and Travel Alerts as well as the Worldwide Caution.
• Following us on Twitter and the Bureau of Consular Affairs page on Facebook as well.
• Downloading our free Smart Traveler IPhone App to have travel information at your fingertips.
• Calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free within the U.S. and Canada, or a regular toll line, 1-202-501-4444, from other countries.
• Taking some time before travel to consider your personal security –Here are some useful tips for traveling safely abroad.

CRIME: Crime poses a high risk for foreign visitors to Bujumbura and Burundi in general. Due to insufficient resources, local authorities in any part of Burundi are often unable to provide timely assistance in cases of emergency. U.S. government personnel are prohibited from walking on the streets after dusk or using local public transportation. Foreigners, whether in vehicles or at home, are always potential crime targets. Common crimes, often committed by groups of armed bandits, include mugging, purse-snatching, pick-pocketing, burglary, automobile break-ins and carjacking. Do not leave valuable items unattended in a hotel room. Many criminal incidents involve armed attackers. Criminals in Bujumbura often operate in pairs or in small groups involving six or more individuals. 

The Department of State advises U.S. citizens to use caution when traveling, paying particular attention when traveling to and from frequent destinations including work, home, and popular shops or restaurants. Travelers should also avoid establishing routines and vary their routes between regularly-traveled destinations in order to reduce their vulnerability to targeted criminal or terrorist acts. In general, U.S. citizens should pay close attention to their personal security at locations where Westerners are commonly known to congregate and avoid demonstrations and large gatherings. U.S. citizens living and working in Bujumbura should take this opportunity to ensure their security and emergency action plans are up-to-date. 

Likewise, outside of Bujumbura, vulnerability to criminal attacks on the roads continues to be a serious concern. The U.S. embassy strongly cautions against traveling outside of towns after nightfall. When traveling upcountry, the best practice is to use convoys of multiple vehicles to prevent becoming a victim of crime in the event of mechanical failure or emergency while traveling. Furthermore, the U.S. embassy recommends travelers equip themselves with satellite telephones, maps and navigation equipment, medical gear to include trauma supplies, and vehicle maintenance and recovery equipment, especially when traveling off main routes.

Don’t buy counterfeit and pirated goods, even if they are widely available. Not only are the bootlegs illegal in the United States, if you purchase them you may also be breaking local law.

VICTIMS OF CRIME: If you or someone you know becomes the victim of a crime abroad, you should contact the local police and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. We can:

• Replace a stolen passport.
• Help you find appropriate medical care if you are the victim of violent crimes such as assault or rape.
• Put you in contact with the appropriate police authorities, and if you want us to, we cancontact family members or friend.
• Help you understand the local criminal justice process and direct you to local attorneys, although it is important to remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting the crime.

Burundi does not have an emergency assistance line similar to “911.” In the city of Bujumbura, the number for police assistance is 22-22-37-77; there is no comparable number outside the capital.

Please see our information on victims of crime, including possible victim compensation programs in the United States.

CRIMINAL PENALTIES: While you are traveling in Burundi, you are subject to its laws even if you are a U.S. citizen. Foreign laws and legal systems can be vastly different than those of the United States. In some places, you may be taken in for questioning if you don’t have your passport with you. In some places, it is illegal to take pictures of certain buildings. In some places, driving under the influence could land you immediately in jail. These criminal penalties will vary from country to country. Penalties for possessing, using, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Burundi are severe, and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines. There are also some things that might be legal in the country you visit, but still illegal in the United States, and you can be prosecuted under U.S. law if you buy pirated goods. Engaging in sexual conduct with children or using or disseminating child pornography in a foreign country is a crime prosecutable in the United States. 

If you break local laws in Burundi, your U.S. passport won’t help you avoid arrest or prosecution. It’s very important to know what’s legal and what’s not where you are going.

Based on the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations, bilateral agreements with certain countries, and customary international law, if you are arrested in Burundi, you have the option to request that the police, prison officials, or other authorities alert the U.S. Embassy of your arrest, and to have communications from you forwarded to the U.S. embassy. 

SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES:

Accessibility: While in Burundi, individuals with disabilities may find accessibility and accommodation very different from what you find in the United States. Although local law prohibits discrimination against people with handicaps, this law is not enforced. Furthermore, there are no laws requiring access to transportation, communication, or public buildings for persons with disabilities. There are few sidewalks and no curb-cuts. Most buildings do not have functioning elevators. People living in Burundi with disabilities must rely on their families for support.

Currency: There are a few international ATMs in Burundi; however, frequent power outages and connectivity issues prevent them from being a reliable source for currency. Additionally, most Burundian hotels and businesses do not accept credit cards. Many hotels in Bujumbura accept payment in U.S. dollars or euros from non-Burundians. Travelers should be aware that Burundian banking practices prohibit acceptance of U.S. currency printed before the year 2003.

LGBT Rights: Burundi enacted a law in April 2009 that criminalizes same sex sexual activity. To date, however, there are no reports of charges brought.

Photography: The U.S. Embassy recommends that visitors not photograph airports, military installations, or other government buildings, and obtain permission from individuals before taking their photographs. 

Power Shortages: At times, the power supply in Bujumbura can be a serious problem, particularly after nightfall. 

MEDICAL FACILITIES AND HEALTH INFORMATION: Medical facilities in Burundi do not meet United States standards. You should carry an ample supply of properly-labeled prescription drugs and other medications with you, as certain medications and prescription drugs are unavailable or in short supply. Sterility of equipment is questionable, and treatment is unreliable. Ambulance assistance is non-existent and emergency services are all but unavailable. Hospital care in Burundi should be considered in only the most serious cases and when no reasonable alternatives are available. Malaria prophylaxis is recommended for travel to all parts of Burundi. 

You can find good information on vaccinations and other health precautions, on the CDC website. For information about outbreaks of infectious diseases abroad, consult the World Health Organization (WHO) website. The WHO website also contains additional health information for travelers, including detailed country-specific health information.

Tuberculosis is an increasingly serious health concern in Burundi. For further information, please consult the CDC's information on TB.

MEDICAL INSURANCE: You can’t assume your insurance will go with you when you travel. It’s very important to find out BEFORE you leave whether or not your medical insurance will cover you overseas. You need to ask your insurance company two questions:

•                
• Does my policy apply when I’m out of the United States?                
• Will it cover emergencies like a trip to a foreign hospital or a medical evacuation?

In many places, doctors and hospitals still expect payment in cash at the time of service. Your regular U.S. health insurance may not cover doctors’ and hospital visits in other countries. If your policy doesn’t go with you when you travel, it’s a very good idea to take out another one for your trip. For more information, please see our medical insurance overseas page.

TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS: While in Burundi, you may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States. 

The information below concerning Burundi is provided for general reference only, and may not be totally accurate in a particular location or circumstance.

While travel on most roads is generally safe during the day, travelers must maintain constant vigilance. There have been reports of violent attacks on vehicles traveling the roads throughout the country outside of Bujumbura. U.S. government personnel are required to travel upcountry via two-vehicle convoy to certain areas and have their trips pre-approved by the Embassy's Regional Security Officer. The U.S. embassy recommends that U.S. citizens not travel on the national highways from dusk to dawn. Drivers without valid permits, and the ease with which a driver's license can be acquired without training, make Burundian drivers less careful, predictable, or mindful of driving rules than U.S. drivers may expect.

There are no functioning traffic signals in Bujumbura, and virtually nothing of the kind elsewhere in the country. Roadways are not marked, and the lack of streetlights or shoulders makes driving in the countryside at night especially dangerous. 

Additionally, drivers may encounter cyclists, pedestrians, and livestock in the roadway, including in and around the capital. Mini-vans used as buses for 18 persons should be given a wide berth as they start and stop abruptly, often without pulling to the side of the road.

Large holes or damaged portions of roadway may be encountered anywhere in the country, including in Bujumbura. When driving in the countryside, it is recommended that travelers carry multiple spare tires. During the rainy season, many side roads are passable only with four-wheel drive vehicles. Burundi’s supplies of gasoline and diesel fuel are imported predominantly from Kenya and Tanzania, and are relatively expensive due to high transportation costs. Service stations are rare outside of the major cities. 

Third-party insurance is required, and it will cover any damages (property, injury, or death). If you are found to have caused an accident, you automatically will be fined 10,000 Burundian francs (approximately $8.50 U.S.) and your driver's license will be confiscated until the police investigation is completed. Although the law provides for the arrest of drunk drivers, in practice, the police do not act on this law. 

In the city of Bujumbura, the number for police assistance is 22-22-37-77; there is no comparable number outside the capital. If you are involved in an accident causing death, it is advised that you leave the scene of the accident and proceed to the nearest police station. 

Please refer to our Road Safety page for more information.

AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT: As there is no direct commercial air service to the United States by carriers registered in Burundi, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed the government of Burundi’s Civil Aviation Authority for compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards. Further information may be found on the FAA’s safety assessment page.

CHILDREN’S ISSUES: Please see our Office of Children’s Issues web pages on intercountry adoption and international parental child abduction.

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This replaces the Country Specific Information for Burundi dated April 27, 2011, to update sections on Currency.