Xref: world wstd.travel.advisories:559 Newsgroups: wstd.travel.advisories Path: world!daemon From: Wally Doerge <76702.1202@compuserve.com> Subject: Netherlands Antilles & Aruba Message-ID: <940907131728_76702.1202_CHN24-1@CompuServe.COM> Precedence: bulk Sender: daemon@world.std.com (daemons) Organization: The World @ Software Tool & Die Distribution: wstd Date: Wed, 7 Sep 1994 13:17:29 GMT Approved: usenet@world.std.com Lines: 73 STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Netherlands Antilles & Aruba ============================================================ Netherlands Antilles & Aruba September 2, 1994 Country Description: The Netherlands Antilles and Aruba are autonomous parts of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The Netherlands Antilles include the islands of Bonaire, Curacao, Saba, St. Eustatius (also known as Statia), and St. Maarten (Dutch side). Tourist facilities are widely available. Entry Requirements: A passport or proof of U.S. citizenship is required. A visa is not required for a stay of up to 14 days, extendible to 90 days after arrival. Tourists may be asked to show an onward/return ticket or proof of sufficient funds for their stay. For further information concerning entry requirements, travelers can consult the Embassy of the Netherlands, 4200 Linnean Avenue N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008, tel. (202) 244-5300, or the nearest consulate in Los Angeles, Chicago, New York or Houston. Medical Facilities: Medical care is generally good, but may be limited in more remote areas. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate payment in cash or by credit card (American Express, Visa, Mastercard or Discover) for health services. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. In some cases, supplementary medical insurance with specific overseas coverage has proved to be useful. For additional health information, travelers can contact the Centers for Disease Control's international travelers hotline at (404) 332-4559. Crime Information: Petty street crime occurs. Valuables left unattended on beaches are subject to theft. The loss or theft of a U.S. passport overseas should be reported to the local police and the nearest U.S. Embassy or consulate. A birth certificate and/or driver's license generally cannot be replaced outside of the United States. U.S. citizens can refer to the Department of State's pamphlet, "A Safe Trip Abroad," which provides useful information on guarding valuables and protecting personal security while traveling abroad. Both this pamphlet and "Tips for Travelers to the Caribbean" are available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington D.C. 20402. Drug Penalties: U.S. citizens are subject to the laws of the country in which they are traveling. Criminal penalties for possession, use, and dealing in illegal drugs are strict, and convicted offenders can expect lengthy jail sentences, possibly in a very overcrowded prison, and fines. Civil Aviation Oversight: In February 1993, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration assessed the Netherland Antilles' civil aviation authority as not in compliance with international aviation safety oversight standards for Netherlands Antilles carriers operating to and from the U.S. While consultations to correct the deficiencies are ongoing, air carriers licensed by the Netherlands Antilles are permitted to conduct limited operations to the U.S. subject to heightened FAA surveillance. The FAA is not providing heightened surveillance for operations to destinations other than the U.S. For further information, travelers may contact the Department of Transportation at 1-800-322-7873. Consulate Location/Registration: U.S. citizens may register with the consular section of the U.S. Consulate General serving the islands of the Netherlands Antilles and Aruba, located at J.B. Gorsiraweg #1, Willemstad, Curacao; telephone (599-9) 613-066. U.S. citizens may obtain from the Consulate General updated information on travel and security in the Netherlands Antilles and Aruba. No. 94-204 This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated May 27, 1993 by adding information on aviation oversight.