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From: Wally Doerge <76702.1202@compuserve.com>
Subject: NEW TRAVEL INFO -- Congo
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Date: Wed, 26 Apr 1995 19:57:47 GMT
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STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Congo
============================================================
Congo - Consular Information Sheet
 April 25, 1995
 
Country Description:  The Congo is a developing nation in central 
Africa.  Facilities for tourism are limited.

Entry Requirements:  A passport and a visa are required.  
Information on entry requirements may be obtained from the Embassy 
of the Republic of the Congo, 4891 Colorado Avenue, N.W., Washington 
D.C. 20011, telephone (202) 726-0825, or the Permanent Mission of 
the Congo to the U.N., 14 E. 65th St., New York, NY 10021, telephone 
(212) 744-7840.

Areas of Instability:  The Congo is in a period of political 
transition.  The capital, Brazzaville, and other regions are 
generally calm although sporadic disturbances occur in certain 
outlying neighborhoods of Brazzaville.  These areas are considered 
dangerous.  Night travel outside the center city area is risky, with 
some after-dark roadblocks.

Medical Facilities:  Medical facilities in the Congo are limited.  
Some medicine is in short supply.  Doctors and hospitals often 
expect immediate cash payment for health services.  U.S. medical 
insurance is not always valid or accepted outside the United States. 
 The Medicare/Medicaid program does not provide for payment of 
medical services outside of the United States.  In some cases, 
supplemental medical coverage has proven useful.  For additional 
information, travelers can contact the Centers for Disease Control's 
international travelers hotline, telephone (404) 332-4559.

Information on Crime:  Street crime, including mugging and purse 
snatching, is common in Brazzaville, as well as in some parts of the 
countryside.  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 Sub-Saharan Africa" provide useful information on 
protecting 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.

Detention of Americans:  Local security force commanders, 
particularly in areas outside of Brazzaville, may detain foreigners 
and have been known to attempt extortion.  Such detention of U.S. 
citizens is not always reported by Congo authorities to the U.S. 
Embassy.  The Embassy has protested such actions.

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 strictly enforced.  Convicted 
offenders can expect jail sentences and fines.  

Embassy Location/Registration:  U.S. citizens who register at the 
U.S. Embassy can obtain updated information on travel and security 
in the Congo.  The U.S. Embassy is located on Avenue Amilcar Cabral 
in the capital city of Brazzaville.  The telephone number is (242) 
83-20-70.  The mailing address is B.P. 1015, Brazzaville, Congo or 
Box C, APO AE 09828.

 No. 95-055

This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated April 20, 1994, 
to update information on medical information.



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