Newsgroups: wstd.travel.advisories
From: 76702.1202@CompuServe.COM (Charlie Smith)
Subject: *NEW* TRAVEL INFORMATION -- Afghanistan
Organization: The World @ Software Tool & Die
Distribution: wstd
Date: Wed, 17 Feb 1993 17:55:17 GMT
STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Afghanistan
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Afghanistan - Warning
 February 12, 1993

The Department of State warns all U.S. citizens against travel to 
Afghanistan.  Westerners remain vulnerable to politically and 
criminally-motivated attacks and violence, including robbery, 
kidnapping and hostage-taking.  Land mines are still prevalent 
throughout the countryside.  All U.S. personnel at the U.S. Embassy 
in Kabul were evacuated in 1989, and no other diplomatic mission 
represents U.S. interests or provides consular services.  More 
information can be found in the Department of State Consular 
Information Sheet on Afghanistan.

 No. 93-009

This replaces the Department of State Travel Warning of January 8, 
1993 to clarify the status of the U.S. Embassy in Afghanistan.

Afghanistan - Consular Information Sheet
 January 8, 1993

Warning:  The Department of State warns U.S. citizens against 
travel to Afghanistan.  Westerners remain vulnerable to politically 
and criminally-motivated attacks and violence, including robbery, 
kidnapping and hostage-taking.  Land mines are still prevalent 
throughout the countryside.  All personnel at the U.S. Embassy in 
Kabul were evacuated on January 31, 1989.  As a result, the U.S. 
Government is not in a position to provide consular protective 
services to U.S. citizens in Afghanistan.  No other diplomatic 
mission represents U.S. interests or provides consular services. 

Embassy Location:  Because no third country represents United 
States interests in Afghanistan, the United States Government is 
unable to accord normal consular protective services to U.S. 
citizens in Afghanistan.

Country Description:  Afghanistan is a developing, Islamic country 
emerging from a long period of civil war.  Tourism facilities are 
minimal.

Entry Requirements:  A passport and visa are required.  For further 
information, the traveler can contact the Embassy of the Republic of 
Afghanistan, 2341 Wyoming Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008, 
telephone (202) 234-3770/1.

Medical Facilities:  Medical care is limited. Doctors and hospitals 
often expect immediate cash payment for health services.  U.S. 
medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States.  
Supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas coverage has 
proved useful.  For further information, the traveler can contact 
the Centers for Disease Control's international travelers hotline at 
(404) 332-4559.

Information on Crime:  Politically and criminally-motivated attacks 
and violence, including robbery, kidnapping and hostage-taking are 
widespread. Petty crime also exists.  Information on safeguarding 
valuables and protecting personal security is included in the 
Department of State publication, "A Safe Trip Abroad."  It is 
available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government 
Printing Office, Washington D.C. 20402.

Drug Penalties:  Penalties for possession, use or trafficking in 
illegal drugs are strict, and convicted offenders can expect lengthy 
jail sentences and fines.

Tips for Travelers:  The Department of State publication "Tips for 
Travelers to South Asia" includes general information on travel in 
the area.  It is available from the Superintendent of Documents, 
U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington D.C. 20402.

Registration:  U.S. citizens who register at U.S. Embassies in 
Pakistan or India can obtain updated information on security in 
Afghanistan.

 No. 93-002