Newsgroups: wstd.travel.advisories
From: 76702.1202@compuserve.COM (Wally Doerge)
Subject: ALL:  NEW TRAVEL INFO -- Romania
Organization: The World @ Software Tool & Die
Distribution: wstd
Date: Thu, 28 Apr 1994 18:04:18 GMT
STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Romania
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Romania - Consular Information Sheet
 April 26, 1994

Country Description:  Romania has undergone profound political and 
economic changes since the 1989 revolution and is in a period of 
economic transition.  Most tourist facilities, while being upgraded, 
have not yet reached Western European standards.

Entry Requirements:  A passport and visa are required.  Transit and 
tourist visas may be obtained on arrival at Romanian border points 
or the international airport in Bucharest.  Prior to departure, 
travelers can obtain a visa from the Romanian Embassy at 1607 23rd 
Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008, telephone (202) 232-4747 or 
the Romanian Consulate in New York, telephone (212) 682-9120.  
Additional information concerning entry requirements can be obtained 
>from the Romanian Embassy or Consulate.

Medical Facilities:  Medical care in Romania is limited.  There is 
a severe shortage of basic medical supplies.  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 proved to be useful.  
Further information on health matters can be obtained from the 
Centers for Disease Control's international travelers hotline on 
(404) 332-4559.

Crime Information:  Crimes against tourists (robbery, mugging, 
pickpocketing, and confidence scams perpetrated by black-market 
money changers) are a growing problem in Romania.  Presently thefts 
are most likely to occur on trains and at railroad stations.  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.  Useful information on guarding valuables and protecting 
personal security while traveling abroad is provided in the 
pamphlet, "A Safe Trip Abroad" which is available from the 
Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, 
Washington, D.C. 20402.

Currency Information:  Credit cards and traveler's checks are of 
limited utility in Romania.

Drug Penalties:  U.S. citizens are subject to the laws of the 
country in which they are traveling.  Penalties for possession, use, 
or sale of illegal drugs are strict, and convicted offenders can 
expect jail sentences and fines.

Adoptions:  Updated information about both Romanian adoption law 
and American visa requirements is available from the U.S. Embassy in 
Bucharest.  In addition, an information packet on Romanian adoptions 
is available by writing the Office of Citizens Consular Services, 
CA/OCS/CCS, Room 4817, Department of State, Washington, D.C. 20520, 
or by telephoning (202) 647-3444.

Other Information:  Customs regulations prohibit the export of some 
items from Romania.  At the time of departure, tourists may need all 
receipts for presentation to customs authorities.  Person who 
participate in or photograph demonstrations risk arrest.

Registration:  U.S. citizens who register in the Consular Section 
of the U.S. Embassy can obtain updated information on travel and 
security within Romania.

Embassy Location:  The U.S. Embassy in Bucharest, Romania, is 
located at Strada Tudor Arghezi 7-9; telephone (401) 210-40-42.  
After hours a duty officer may be reached by calling (401) 
210-63-84.  Consular services for U.S. citizens are performed in the 
Consular Section located at Strada Filipescu No. 26 (formerly Strada 
Snagov), one block from the U.S. Embassy at the corner of Strada 
Batistei and Strada Filipescu.  The telephone number of the 
Consulate is (401) 210-40-42; the Consulate fax number is (401) 
211-33-60.

 No. 94-062

This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated April 29, 1993 
to change the U.S. Embassy telephone number and the address for the 
Consular Section.