Newsgroups: wstd.travel.advisories
From: 76702.1202@CompuServe.COM (Wally Doerge)
Subject: NEW TRAVEL INFO -- Dominican Republic
Organization: The World @ Software Tool & Die
Distribution: wstd
Date: Wed, 2 Jun 1993 18:00:10 GMT
STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Dominican Republic
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Dominican Republic - Consular Information Sheet
 May 27, 1993

Country Description: The Dominican Republic has a developing 
economy.  Tourist facilities vary depending on price and area.

Entry Requirements: A passport of proof of U.S. citizenship and a 
tourist card or visa are required.  For further information 
concerning entry requirements, travelers can contact the Embassy of 
the Dominican Republic at 1715 22nd St. N.W., Washington, D.C. 
20008, Tel: (202) 332-6280 or the nearest consulate in Los Angeles, 
Miami, Chicago, New Orleans, Boston, New York, Philadelphia, or San 
Juan.

Medical Facilities:  Medical care is limited.  Malaria is prevalent 
in the rural, non-tourist areas near the Haitian border.  
Tuberculosis and typhoid are more common than in the U.S.  Human 
immunodeficiency virus (HIV) poses a significant health risk and is 
prevalent in tourist areas.  Doctors and hospitals often expect 
immediate cash payment for health services.  U.S. medical insurance 
is not always valid outside the United States.  In some cases 
supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas coverage is 
considered 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 lost 
or stolen U.S. 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.

Currency Regulations:  No more than $5000 may be taken out of the 
Dominican Republic at the time of departure.  American tourists have 
been arrested for even minor illegal currency transactions.

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 and fines.

Embassy Location/Registration: U.S. citizens may register with the 
Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in the Dominican Republic.  The 
U.S. Embassy is located at the corner of Calle Cesar Nicolas Penson 
and Calle Leopoldo Navarro in Santo Domingo, telephone (809) 
541-2171.  The Consular Section is a half mile away at the corner of 
Calle Cesar Nicolas Penson and Maximo Gomez.  There is a consular 
agency in Puerto Plata at Calle Beller 51, 2nd floor, Office 6; 
telephone (809) 586-4204; office hours Monday through Friday, 8:30 
a.m. - 12:00 p.m., Thursday, 2:00 - 4:00 p.m.  U.S. citizens who 
register at the U.S. Embassy may obtain updated information on 
travel and security in the Dominican Republic.

No. 93-135

This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated October 27, 1992 
to add information on reporting the loss or theft abroad of a U.S. 
passport.