From: owner-travel-advisories Subject: NEW TRAVEL INFO -- Guinea Newsgroups: wstd.travel.advisories Date: Mon, 25 Mar 1996 14:19:50 GMT Organization: The World @ Software Tool & Die Xref: world wstd.travel.advisories:1013 Path: world!root Message-ID: <960325141949_76702.1202_CHN52-1@CompuServe.COM> Precedence: bulk Sender: root@world.std.com (daemons) Distribution: wstd Approved: usenet@world.std.com Lines: 135 STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Guinea ============================================================ Guinea - Public Announcement March 22, 1996 U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE Office of the Spokesman For Immediate Release The U.S. Embassy in Conakry, Guinea informed the local American community on March 22, 1996 of troop and tank movements at the Conakry airport and several locations in the capital. Shots have been fired between rival military factions in the vicinity of Camp Alpha Yaya , which is near the Conakry airport. The Embassy advised the American community to remain in their homes. Official U.S. government personnel intending travel to Conakry have been contacted by the Embassy and asked to review their travel plans in light of the above information. For further information on travel to Guinea, consult the Department of State's Consular Information Sheet dated February 3, 1995. This Public Announcement will expire on March 29, 1996. Guinea - Consular Information Sheet February 3, 1995 Country Description: Guinea is a developing coastal West African country with minimal facilities for tourism. Travelers should make hotel arrangements in advance. Entry Requirements: A passport and a visa are required. Evidence of yellow fever immunization is required, and the Guinean government recommends the taking of malarial suppressants. There is a departure tax of $15 payable at the airport. Further entry information may be obtained from the Embassy of the Republic of Guinea, 2112 Leroy Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008, telephone (202) 483-9420. Areas of Instability: Guinea has experienced occasional civil unrest in larger towns in all regions of the country. U.S. citizens have not been targeted specifically in any demonstration-related violence. Medical Facilities: Medical facilities are limited. Diseases such as malaria, including cerebral malaria, hepatitis and intestinal disorders, are endemic. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health 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 can contact the Centers for Disease Control's international travelers hotline at (404) 332-4559. Crime Information: The Guinean government has established roadblocks and imposed an unofficial curfew from midnight to 6 AM in an effort to stem the tide of urban banditry. Armed men at roadblocks and elsewhere have prevented U.S. Embassy personnel from responding to emergencies during curfew hours. In the past, the Embassy has received reports of imposters who have set up their own roadblocks to extort money. Residential and street crime, including armed robbery, is common. Criminals particularly target visitors at the airport, in the markets, and near hotels and restaurants frequented by foreigners. Visitors should avoid unsolicited offers of assistance by freelancers at the airport or hotels as these people may be seeking opportunities to make off with bags, purses, or wallets. Being met at the airport or your hotel by family, friends or business contacts can reduce vulnerability to these crimes of opportunity. Commercial scams and disputes with local business partners have occasionally created legal difficulties for U.S. citizens. The ability of the U.S. Embassy to extricate U.S. citizens from unlawful business deals is extremely limited. The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to local police and to the U.S. Embassy. 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. 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. Convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and fines. Restrictions on Photography: Visitors are advised to restrict photography to private gatherings. Explicit permission from the Guinean government should be obtained before photographing military and transportation facilities, government buildings or public works. Visitors should note that taking a photograph without permission in any public area may agitate security personnel or create offense among those being photographed. Currency Regulations: Credit cards are rarely accepted in Guinea, and credit card cash advances are not available at local banks. Inter-bank fund transfers are frequently difficult, if not impossible, to accomplish. Telephones: The communication system is poor. Telephones are available in Conakry and other major towns at major hotels and at a limited number of phone booths, using telephone cards. International service is frequently unreliable. Registration: U.S. citizens who register at the U.S. Embassy in Conakry may obtain updated information on travel and security in Guinea. Embassy Location: The U.S. Embassy is located in the capital city of Conakry at Second Boulevard and Ninth Avenue. The mailing address is B.P. 603. The telephone number is (224) 41-15-20/21/23. The fax number is (224) 41-15-22. No. 95-016 This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated December 3, 1993, to update information on entry requirements, areas of instability, medical facilities, crime, photograph restrictions, currency regulations and telephones. ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- 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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