Xref: world wstd.travel.advisories:914 Newsgroups: wstd.travel.advisories Path: world!root From: Wally Doerge <76702.1202@compuserve.com> Subject: NEW TRAVEL INFO -- Germany Message-ID: <951229194825_76702.1202_CHN48-1@CompuServe.COM> Precedence: bulk Sender: root@world.std.com (daemons) Organization: The World @ Software Tool & Die Distribution: wstd Date: Fri, 29 Dec 1995 19:48:25 GMT Approved: usenet@world.std.com Lines: 128 STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Germany ============================================================ Germany - Public Announcement December 28, 1995 U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE Office of the Spokesman For Immediate Release The U.S. government has received unconfirmed information concerning possible terrorist threats to the safety and security of private and official American citizens and American facilities in Germany during the holiday period. The U.S. Embassy in Bonn recommends that all Americans in or traveling to Germany immediately review their personal security precautions and increase their security awareness in the coming weeks. For further information on travel to Germany consult the Department of State's Consular Information Sheet dated February 10, 1995. This Public Announcement expires January 31, 1996. Germany - Consular Information Sheet February 10, 1995 Country Description: Germany is a stable democracy with a modern economy. Tourist facilities throughout Germany are highly developed with the exception of some areas in eastern Germany. Entry Requirements: A passport is required. No tourist or business visa is required for stays of up to 90 days. For detailed information concerning entry requirements for Germany, travelers may contact the German Embassy at 4645 Reservoir Road N.W., Washington, D.C. 20007, telephone (202) 298-4000, or the German Consulates General in Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Detroit, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York or Seattle. Medical Facilities: Excellent medical care is widely available with some facilities in eastern Germany more limited. Doctors and hospitals may expect immediate payment in cash for health services. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. Travelers have found that, in some cases, supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas coverage has proven to be useful. Further information on health matters can be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control's international travelers hotline at (404) 332-4559. Crime Information: Germany has a low rate of violent crime. Crimes such as burglary, petty theft, and narcotics trafficking are increasing but not dramatically. Pickpocketing and purse snatching occur in urban areas, particularly on public transportation and in crowded department stores, train stations, and other areas frequented by tourists. Travelers should therefore take normal precautions to safeguard their valuables, money, and credit cards. Major cities have certain sections where crime rates are higher. These areas are normally easily identifiable, and can be avoided. The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to local police and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. The Department of State's pamphlet "A Safe Trip Abroad" contains information on safeguarding valuables and promoting personal security. It can be obtained from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402. Extremist Activities: There are a small number of right- and left-wing extremist groups active in Germany. Right-wing groups have staged violent but isolated demonstrations and attacks, the majority of which have been directed against foreigners or ethnic minorities. Most such acts are perpetrated spontaneously, often by persons under the influence of alcohol. Extremists, often displaying unpredictable behavior, should be avoided. Although Americans have not generally been targets, they could become inadvertently involved in spontaneous demonstrations. Terrorist Activities: Although Germany is a possible venue for transnational terrorism, present activities of various terrorist elements in Germany are not perceived to pose a direct threat to Americans at this time. 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 in Germany are strict, and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and fines. Registration: Americans may obtain updated information on travel and security within Germany from the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy or any of the U.S. consulates. The U.S. Embassy's toll-free 24-hour hotline in Germany on crime, security, and information on demonstrations may be accessed by dialing 0130-826364. U.S. Embassy and Consulate Locations: U.S. Embassy Bonn: Deichmanns Aue 29; tel:(49-228) 3391. U.S. Embassy Office Berlin: Neustaedtische Kirchstrasse 4-5; tel (49-30) 238-5174; Consular Section Berlin: Clayallee 170; tel: (49-30)832-9233. U.S. Consulates General are located at: Dusseldorf: Kennedydamm 15-17, tel.: (49-211) 431709; Frankfurt: Siesmayerstrasse 21, tel:(49-69) 75350; Hamburg: Alsterufer 27/28, tel:(49-40) 41171-351; Leipzig: Wilhelm-Seyfferth-Strasse 4, tel:(49) (341) 213-8418. Munich: Koeniginstrasse 5, tel:(49-89) 2888-0; Stuttgart: Urbanstrasse 7, tel:(49-711) 210080; The Consulates General in Dusseldorf, Leipzig and Stuttgart currently offer only emergency services to U.S. citizens. No. 95-025 This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated October 24, 1994, to add the U.S. Consulate General in Dusseldorf to the list of U.S. consulates in Germany, note changes in consulate telephone numbers, and make minor amendments to the sections describing medical facilities, extremist activities, and drug penalties. ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- 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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