Xref: world wstd.travel.advisories:593 Newsgroups: wstd.travel.advisories Path: world!daemon From: Wally Doerge <76702.1202@compuserve.com> Subject: ALL: NEW TRAVEL INFO -- Haiti Message-ID: <940916144934_76702.1202_CHN24-1@CompuServe.COM> Precedence: bulk Sender: daemon@world.std.com (daemons) Organization: The World @ Software Tool & Die Distribution: wstd Date: Fri, 16 Sep 1994 14:49:35 GMT Approved: usenet@world.std.com Lines: 126 STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Haiti ============================================================ Haiti - Travel Warning September 15, 1994 The Department of State warns U.S. citizens against all travel to Haiti. In accordance with the terms of a United Nations Security Council resolution voted on July 31, 1994, a multinational force has been created to use all necessary means, including armed intervention, to restore the legitimate government of Haiti. Departure from Haiti via the land border with the Dominican Republic is discouraged at this time; the border is, for all practical purposes, closed. Any U.S. citizens remaining in Haiti are urged to seek instruction from the U.S. Embassy, to maintain contact with their U.S. citizen wardens, and to maintain a low profile. If an armed intervention occurs, U.S. citizens should remain in their homes until otherwise instructed by the U.S. Embassy or by appropriate authorities of the multinational forces. VOA will be broadcasting in both English and Creole and should be relied upon if other methods of communication fail. No. 94-039 This replaces the Travel Warning for Haiti dated August 3, 1994 to add information on the U.N. Security Council decision, the formation of a multinational force to restore constitutional government, the land border and monitoring the VOA. Haiti - Consular Information Sheet August 3, 1994 Warning: (See the above for the current Travel Warning.) Country Description: Haiti is the poorest country in the western hemisphere. Throughout the country, there are severe shortages of goods and services, including electrical power, gasoline and diesel fuel, and propane. The United Nations and the Organization of American States have imposed extensive economic sanctions against Haiti. See paragraph titled "Sanctions" for information. Medical Facilities: Medical care is limited. Travelers to Haiti face the range of diseases normally found in a tropical country including malaria, typhoid, polio and dengue fever. Human immunodeficieny virus (HIV) poses a significant health risk and is prevalent in tourist areas. The level of community sanitation is low. Public water sources often contain impurities that can cause severe intestinal disorders. In larger cities there are usually restaurants with generally sanitary conditions. Bottled water and bottled drinks are usually safe. Medical facilities outside the capital are few, far between, and often below U.S. standards. None of the medical facilities in Haiti have the equipment and expertise to which U.S. citizens may be accustomed, and life-threatening emergencies may require evacuation by air ambulance at the patient's expense. 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 instances, supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas coverage has proved useful. For additional health information, travelers can contact the Centers for Disease Control's international travelers' hotline at (404) 332-4559. Crime Information: Foreigners in Haiti are at risk from increased criminal attacks, particularly in urban areas, owing to their relative affluence. In recent months, crime has increased in Port au Prince and the situation in the provinces has become more tense. U.S. citizen crime victims are often frustrated by the lack of response and enforcement capabilities of the local police and judiciary. 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. Lost or stolen U.S. birth certificates and/or driver's licenses used as entry documents generally cannot be replaced outside of the United States. Sanctions: The United Nations and the Organization of American States, including the United States, have imposed an economic embargo against Haiti. On May 21, 1994, the President of the United States signed an executive order banning all trade with Haiti, except for the import and export of information materials, and the export of medicine, and certain foodstuffs. On June 10, the President signed a second executive order banning, with limited exceptions approved by the Treasury Department, all payments or transfer of funds between the United States and Haiti. On July 31, all commercial passenger air service to and from Haiti was suspended. For more information on the present U.S. embargo regulations, contact the U.S. Department of the Treasury, Office of Foreign Assets Controls, 1500 Pennsylvania Ave., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20220, tel. (202) 622-2480. 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. Those accused of drug-related crimes can expect lengthy legal proceedings, irregular application of Haitian law, and delayed due process. If convicted, offenders may face long jail sentences and substantial fines. Embassy Location/Registration: All U.S. citizens in Haiti should register with the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy. The Embassy is located on Harry Truman Blvd., P.O. Box 1761, Port au Prince; telephone (509) 22-0200, 22-0354, 22-0368, or 22-0612; fax (509) 23-1641. The Consular Section is located on Rue Oswald Durand, Port au Prince; telephone (509) 23-7011 or 23-8971; consular annex fax (509) 23-9665. U.S. citizens may obtain updated information from the U.S. Embassy on travel and security within Haiti. No. 94-148 This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated October 19, 1993 to reflect the suspension of all commercial air service to and from Haiti and to add information concerning the U.S., U.N., and OAS embargo against Haiti. ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- 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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