From: owner-travel-advisories Subject: NEW TRAVEL INFO -- Cape Verde Newsgroups: wstd.travel.advisories Date: Tue, 7 Apr 1998 14:34:51 GMT Organization: The World @ Software Tool & Die Xref: world wstd.travel.advisories:1679 Path: world!bzs Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii Message-ID: <199804071038_MC2-3935-8020@compuserve.com> Content-Disposition: inline Precedence: bulk Sender: "U.S. Department of State" <76702.1202@compuserve.com> Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Mime-Version: 1.0 Distribution: wstd Approved: usenet@world.std.com Lines: 89 STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Cape Verde ============================================================ Cape Verde - Consular Information Sheet April 1, 1998 Country Description: The Republic of Cape Verde consists of nine inhabited and several uninhabited volcanic islands off the west coast of Africa. Most are rugged and mountainous; two are flat, desert islands with sand beaches. While the tourist industry is developing rapidly, facilities on most islands remain limited. The capital city is Praia. Entry Requirements: A passport and visa are required. Travelers should obtain further information from the Embassy of the Republic of Cape Verde, 3415 Massachusetts Avenue, N.W., Washington D.C. 20007, telephone (202) 965-6820, or the Consulate General of Cape Verde in Boston. Overseas, inquiries should be made at the nearest Cape Verde embassy or consulate. Medical Facilities: Medical facilities in Cape Verde are extremely limited. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health care services. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. The Medicare/Medicaid program does not provide for payment of medical services outside the United States. In some cases, supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas and medical evacuation coverage has proven useful. For additional health information, travelers should contact the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's international travelers hotline at (404) 332-4559 or the toll-free CDC autofax at (888) 232-3299; Internet: http://www.cdc.gov. Information on Crime: Though not a common occurrence, violent crime is on the rise. Petty thievery and burglary are common. The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to local police and to the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. The pamphlets "A Safe Trip Abroad" and "Tips For Travelers to SubSaharan Africa" provide useful information on personal security while traveling abroad and on travel in the region in general. Both are available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402. Road Safety and In-Country Travel: Cape Verde has an extensive road system. Paved roads on most islands are narrow, winding and almost always paved with cobblestones. Roads and streets are often unlit, and driving at night can be hazardous. Taxis and buses offer reasonably dependable service. Inter-urban van service can be hazardous due to the recklessness and excessive speed of many van drivers. Aviation Safety Oversight: The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed Cape Verde's civil aviation authority for compliance with international aviation safety standards for oversight of Cape Verde's air carrier operations. For further information, travelers may contact the Department of Transportation within the United States at telephone 1-800-322-7873, or visit the FAA Internet home page at http://www.faa.gov/avr/iasa.htm. The U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) separately assesses some foreign air carriers for suitability as official providers of air services. For information regarding the DOD policy on specific carriers, travelers may contact the Pentagon at telephone 1-703-697-7288. 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. Embassy Location/Registration: U.S. citizens are encouraged to register with the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy at Rua Abilio M. Macedo 81, C.P. 201, Praia, telephone (238) 61-56-16 or 17, fax (238) 61-13-55, and to obtain updated information on travel and security in Cape Verde. No. 98-29 This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated April 8, 1996, to update information on country description, entry requirements, medical facilities, crime, road safety, and civil aviation. ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- 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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