Xref: world wstd.travel.advisories:908 Newsgroups: wstd.travel.advisories Path: world!root From: Wally Doerge <76702.1202@compuserve.com> Subject: NEW TRAVEL INFO -- Lithuania Message-ID: <951212154326_76702.1202_CHN67-1@CompuServe.COM> Precedence: bulk Sender: root@world.std.com (daemons) Organization: The World @ Software Tool & Die Distribution: wstd Date: Tue, 12 Dec 1995 15:43:27 GMT Approved: usenet@world.std.com Lines: 79 STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Lithuania ============================================================ Lithuania - Consular Information Sheet December 11, 1995 Country Description: Lithuania is a country undergoing profound political and economic change. Tourist facilities continue to be developed. Most goods and services are now available in the major cities, but may not be fully comparable to western standards. Entry Requirements: For information on entry requirements, contact the Lithuanian Embassy at 2622 16th Street, Washington, D.C. 20009, tel. (202) 234-5860 or the Consulate General in New York City. Travelers who plan to enter Russia, even in transit, will need a Russian visa. Entry by train from Belarus requires a Belarussian transit visa. Medical Facilities: Medical care in Lithuania is limited. There is a severe shortage of basic medical supplies, including disposable needles, anesthetics, and antibiotics. Elderly travelers and those with existing health problems may be at risk due to inadequate medical facilities. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment 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. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend up-to-date diphtheria vaccinations. Further information on health matters can be obtained from the CDC's international travelers hotline, tel: (404) 332-4559. Crime Information: Street crime, including purse snatchings and muggings, can occur, especially at night near major tourist hotels and restaurants. Auto theft and auto vandalism is common. Robberies have occurred on trains, in train stations, and in hotel rooms. Police forces suffer from a lack of manpower, resources and equipment. On occasion members of minority groups have been subjected to verbal and physical attack by so-called "skinheads." Local police are not likely to speak English and it may be difficult to obtain police assistance. The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to the local police and the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. The Department of State's pamphlet "A Safe Trip Abroad" provides useful information on guarding valuables and protecting personal security while traveling abroad. This publication is available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington D.C. 20402. Currency Regulations: Lithuania is still primarily a cash economy, though an increasing number of hotels, restaurants and other businesses now accept major credit cards. 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 and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and fines. Registration and Embassy Location: Americans who register at the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy may obtain updated information on travel and security within Lithuania. The U.S. Embassy in Vilnius is located at Akmenu 6; Telephone (370)(2) 223-031. After hours duty officer: (370)(2) 227-240. No. 95-163 This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated November 10, 1994, to update information on crime, the Lithuanian Consulate in New York and the new U.S. Embassy telephone number. ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- 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. To unsubscribe, send a message containing the word "unsubscribe" to: travel-advisories-request@stolaf.edu Archives of past "travel-advisories" postings are available at the URL: "http://www.stolaf.edu/network/travel-advisories.html" or via Gopher: gopher.stolaf.edu, Internet Resources/US-State-Department-Travel-Advisories