Newsgroups: wstd.travel.advisories From: 76702.1202@CompuServe.COM (Charlie Smith) Subject: *NEW* TRAVEL INFORMATION -- Iran Organization: The World @ Software Tool & Die Distribution: wstd Date: Tue, 12 Jan 1993 18:59:05 GMT STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Iran ============================================================ Iran - Travel Warning January 8, 1993 The Department of State warns all U.S. citizens against travel to Iran, where danger continues to exist because of the generally anti-American atmosphere and Iranian government hostility to the U.S. government. U.S. citizens traveling to Iran have been detained without charge, arrested and harassed by Iranian authorities. The U.S. government does not currently have diplomatic or consular relations with the Islamic Republic of Iran. There are restrictions on both import and export of goods from Iran to the United States. Further details are available in the Department of State consular information sheet. No. 93-002 This replaces the Department of State travel advisory warning dated February 18, 1992. Iran - Consular Information Sheet January 8, 1993 Warning: The Department of State warns U.S. citizens against travel to Iran. The United States does not currently have diplomatic or consular relations with the Islamic Republic of Iran. The Swiss government, acting through its Embassy in Tehran, serves as the protecting power for U.S. interests in Iran and provides only very limited consular services. Neither U.S. passports nor visas to the U.S. are issued in Tehran. Embassy Location: There is no U.S. embassy or consulate in Iran. The U.S. Interests Section of the Swiss Embassy in Tehran is located at Bucharest Ave., 17th street, No. 5, Tehran. The local telephone numbers are 625-223/224 and 626-906. The workweek for the Interests Section is Sunday through Thursday. Country Description: Iran is a constitutional Islamic Republic, governed by executive and legislative branches which derive national leadership primarily through the Muslim clergy. Shia Islam is the official religion of Iran, and Islamic law is the basis of the authority of the state. Islamic ideals and beliefs provide the conservative foundation of the country's customs, laws and practices. Iran is a developing country. Entry Requirements: Visa and passport required. The Iranian government maintains an Interests Section through the Embassy of Pakistan in Washington, D.C., located at 2209 Wisconsin Avenue N.W., Washington D.C. 20007, telephone (202) 965-4990/4. U.S. passports are valid for travel to Iran. However, U.S./Iranian dual nationals have often had their U.S. passports confiscated upon arrival and have been denied permission to depart the country documented as U.S. citizens. To facilitate their travel in the event of the confiscation of a U.S. passport, dual nationals can obtain in their Iranian passports the necessary visas for countries which they will transit on their return to the U.S. Dual nationals must enter and leave the United States on U.S. passports. Areas of Instability: Travel to Iran continues to be dangerous because of the generally anti-American atmosphere and Iranian government hostility to the U.S. government. U.S. citizens traveling in Iran have been detained without charge, arrested and harassed by Iranian authorities. Persons in Iran who violate Iranian laws, including laws which are unfamiliar to Westerners (such as laws regarding the proper wearing apparel), may face penalties which are at times severe. Iranian Transaction Regulations: The United States has imposed an embargo on the importation of goods from Iran. Goods of Iranian origin, including personal effects, may not be imported into the United States without a license issued by the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the U.S. Department of the Treasury (OFAC) in Washington, D.C. The U.S. Customs Service is required to seize goods of Iranian origin which are imported without a license. Only goods sent as gifts which are valued at $100 or less, or accompanied baggage of travelers containing goods of Iranian origin valued at $400 or less, may be imported without further authorization from OFAC. Further information can be obtained from OFAC by calling (202) 622-2480. Trade Restrictions: While there is no blanket prohibition against U.S. companies doing business with companies in Iran, there are restrictions on U.S. exports to Iran as well as on the importation of Iranian-origin goods and services into the U.S. Questions concerning exports to Iran may be addressed to the Department of Commerce, Office of Export Licensing at (202) 482-4811. Questions regarding the importation of goods or services from Iran may be addressed to the Department of the Treasury, Office of Foreign Assets Control, (202) 622-2480. Medical Facilities: Basic medical care and medicines are available in the principal cities of Iran, but not necessarily in outlying areas. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. In some cases, supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas coverage has proved useful. The international travelers' hotline at the Centers for Disease Control, tel. (404) 332-4559, has additional useful health information. Information on Crime: Major crime is generally not a problem for travelers in Iran, though travelers occasionally have been victims of petty street crime. Useful information on guarding valuables and protecting personal security while traveling abroad is provided in the Department of State pamphlet, "A Safe Trip Abroad." It is available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402. Drug Penalties: Penalties for possession, use or trafficking in illegal drugs are strict and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and fines. Dual Citizenship: U.S. citizens who were born in Iran or who were at one time citizens of Iran, and the children of such persons, may be considered Iranian nationals by Iranian authorities and may, therefore, be subject to Iranian laws. These laws may impose special obligations upon Iranian nationals, such as military service or taxes. Exit permits for departure from Iran may be denied until such obligations are met. Dual nationals often have their U.S. passports confiscated and may be denied permission to leave Iran, or encounter other problems with Iranian authorities. Measures which can be taken to facilitate travel, in the event a U.S. passport is confiscated, are discussed in the paragraph on entry requirements in this information sheet. Specific questions on dual nationality may be directed to the Office of Citizens Consular Services, Department of State, Washington, D.C. 20520, telephone: (202) 647-3926. No. 93-013