Newsgroups: wstd.travel.advisories
From: 76702.1202@CompuServe.COM (Wally Doerge)
Subject: NEW TRAVEL INFO -- Armenia
Organization: The World @ Software Tool & Die
Distribution: wstd
Date: Mon, 27 Sep 1993 17:21:52 GMT
STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Armenia
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Armenia - Consular Information Sheet
 September 23, 1993

Country Description:  Armenia is a nation undergoing profound 
political and economic change.  Street demonstrations and other 
disturbances may occur without warning.  In addition, a natural gas 
and transportation blockade is causing severe food and medical 
shortages, frequent interruptions in electrical power, and shortages 
of transportation fuel.  Internal travel, especially by air, may be 
disrupted by fuel shortages and other problems.  Tourist facilities 
are not highly developed, and many of the goods and services taken 
for granted in other countries are not yet available.

Entry Requirements:  A passport and a visa are required.  Without a 
visa, travelers cannot register at hotels and may be required to 
leave the country immediately via the route by which they entered.  
U.S. citizens can contact the Armenian Embassy at 122 C Street, 
Suite 360, Washington, D.C. 20001, tel. (202) 393-5983 for current 
information on visa requirements.

Areas of Instability:  Armed conflict is taking place in and around 
the Armenian-populated area of Nagorno-Karabakh located in 
Azerbaijan and along the Armenian-Azerbaijani border.  Fighting 
continues on a daily basis, and front lines change frequently.  The 
U.S. government has prohibited all U.S. officials from traveling 
overland between Georgia and Armenia due to the activity of bandits.

Medical Information:  Medical care in Armenia is limited.  The U.S. 
Embassy maintains a list of English speaking physicians in the area. 
 There is a severe shortage of basic medical supplies, including 
disposable needles, anesthetics, and antibiotics.  Elderly travelers 
and those with existing health problems may be at risk due to 
inadequate medical facilities.  Doctors and hospitals often expect 
immediate cash payment for health services.  U.S. medical insurance 
is not always valid outside the United States.  Travelers have found 
that in some cases, supplemental medical insurance with specific 
overseas coverage has proved to be useful.  Further information on 
health matters can be obtained from the Centers for Disease 
Control's international travelers' hotline, tel: (404) 332-4559.

Crime Information:  Armenia has a low rate of violent crime, but 
common street crime has increased especially at night.  The loss or 
theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to 
the local police and the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.  The 
Department of State's pamphlet "A Safe Trip Abroad" provides useful 
information on guarding valuables and protecting personal security 
while traveling abroad.  Additional information on the region can be 
found in the brochure "Tips for Travelers to Russia".  Both 
publications are available from the Superintendent of Documents, 
U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402.

Currency Regulations:  Armenia is a cash only economy.  Traveler's 
checks and credit cards are not accepted.

Drug Penalties:  U.S. citizens are subject to the laws of the 
country in which they are traveling.  Penalties for possession, use, 
or trafficking in illegal drugs are strict and convicted offenders 
can expect jail sentences and fines.

Registration:  Americans who register at the Consular Section of 
the U.S. Embassy may obtain updated information on travel and 
security within Armenia.

Embassy Location:  The U.S. Embassy in Yerevan, Armenia, is located 
at 18 General Bagramian Street, Telephone (7-8852) 15-11-44.

 No. 93-248

This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated April 29, 1993 
to add information on banditry along the border with Georgia and to 
note that U. S. government employees are restricted from traveling 
overland between Armenia and Georgia.