Xref: world wstd.travel.advisories:765 Newsgroups: wstd.travel.advisories Path: world!bzs From: Wally Doerge <76702.1202@compuserve.com> Subject: NEW TRAVEL INFO -- Bosnia-Herzegovina Message-ID: <950724135910_76702.1202_CHN67-1@CompuServe.COM> Precedence: bulk Sender: bzs@world.std.com (daemons) Organization: The World @ Software Tool & Die Distribution: wstd Date: Mon, 24 Jul 1995 13:59:10 GMT Approved: usenet@world.std.com Lines: 116 STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Bosnia-Herzegovina ============================================================ Bosnia-Herzegovina - Travel Warning July 21, 1995 The Department of State warns U.S. citizens not to travel to the Republic of Bosnia-Herzegovina because of increased hostilities. All U.S. citizens presently in Bosnia-Herzegovina, including those working for private voluntary organizations, are urged to leave. The July 21 announcement at the London Conference about possible NATO military action raises the possibility of renewed hostage-taking by Bosnian Serb forces. The military activity around Sarajevo severely restricts the American Embassy's ability to assist U.S. citizens, even in emergencies. No. 95-023 This replaces the Travel Warning for Bosnia-Herzegovina dated May 31, 1995 to emphasize the threat of hostage-taking. Bosnia-Herzegovina - Consular Information Sheet June 1, 1995 Warning: The Department of State warns U.S. citizens not to travel to the Republic of Bosnia-Herzegovina because of increased hostilities. All U.S. citizens presently in Bosnia-Herzegovina are urged to leave. The recent hostage-taking by Bosnian Serb militia suggests that foreigners, including U.S. citizens, are at risk of being taken hostage. At the same time, the ability of the American Embassy in Sarajevo to assist citizens, even in emergencies, is severely limited by the increased military activity. Country Description: The Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina, formerly one of the Yugoslav republics, is currently in a state of war. The resulting deaths, destruction, food shortages and travel disruptions affecting roads, airports and railways, make travel to all parts of Bosnia and Herzegovina extremely hazardous. The popular religious shrine at Medjugorje is located within Bosnia and Herzegovina's borders. Entry Requirements: A passport is required. Permission to enter Bosnia and Herzegovina is currently granted at the border on a case-by-case basis. Areas of Instability: Over 70% of Bosnia is under the control of Bosnian Serb military forces. These rebel forces have taken hostages, both military and civilian. The Bosnian government and federation-controlled regions, while currently stable, are subject to possible deterioration of civilian security. Medical Facilities: Health facilities are minimal or non-existent; most medicines are unobtainable. Further information on health matters can be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control's international traveler's hotline at (404) 332-4559. Crime Information: General lawlessness and deteriorating economic conditions have brought an increase in crime. Adequate police response in the event of an emergency is doubtful. Anti-American sentiments run high in many parts of the country, particularly in Serb-dominated areas. 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 protecting personal security while traveling abroad. It is available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402. Currency Information: It is impossible to use credit cards or to cash traveler's checks. German deutsche marks are the currency of favor at present. Other Information: Roadblocks manned by local militias are numerous. These militia groups frequently confiscate relief goods and trucks, and may otherwise behave unprofessionally. U.S. citizens are reminded that they are subject to the laws of the country in which they are traveling. Registration: U.S. citizens visiting or remaining in Bosnia and Herzegovina, despite the warning, can register at the U.S. Embassy in Sarajevo, or either the U.S. Embassy in Belgrade or in Zagreb to obtain updated information on travel and security within Bosnia and Herzegovina. Embassy Location: The U.S. Embassy in Sarajevo is located at Djure Djakovica 43, telephone number (387-71) 659-992. Due to extremely limited staffing, the Embassy is unable to provide consular services except in extreme emergencies. U.S. citizens seeking routine assistance while in Bosnia can contact the U.S. Embassies in Belgrade or Zagreb. The U.S. Embassy in Belgrade, Serbia, is located at Kneza Milosa 50, telephone (381-11) 645-655. The U.S. Embassy in Zagreb, Croatia, is located at Andrije Hebranga 2, telephone (385-1) 456-000. No. 95-069 This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated August 10, 1994, to change the Warning to reflect the escalation of hostilities, the threat of hostage-taking, and the U.S. Embassy's severely limited ability to assist American citizens in that country. Areas of Instability have been added. ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- The "travel-advisories@stolaf.edu" mailing list is the official Internet and BITNET distribution point for the U.S. State Department Travel Warnings and Consular Information Sheets. 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