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From: Wally Doerge <76702.1202@compuserve.com>
Subject: Dominican Republic
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Date: Tue, 6 Sep 1994 17:23:02 GMT
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STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Dominican Republic
============================================================
Dominican Republic - Consular Information Sheet
 September 2, 1994

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

Entry Requirements: A passport or proof of U.S. citizenship and a 
tourist card or visa are required.  For further information 
concerning entry requirements, travelers may 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 United States.  
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 involving U.S. tourists 
infrequently occurs.  Valuables left unattended in parked 
automobiles, on beaches, and in other public places are subject to 
theft.  Burglaries of private residences have increased 
significantly.  Hotels, resorts and parks in most areas of the 
country remain generally safe.  Nonetheless, normal precautions 
should be exercised.

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 may 
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.

Civil Aviation Oversight:  In January 1993, the U.S. Federal 
Aviation Administration assessed the Dominican Republic's civil 
aviation authority as not in compliance with international aviation 
safety oversight standards for the Dominican Republic's carriers 
operating to and from the U.S.  Typically, the same level of safety 
oversight is applied to operations to other destinations.  For 
further information, travelers may contact the Department of 
Transportation at 1-800-322-7873.

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. 94-206

This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated October 19, 1993 
to add information on aviation oversight.