Newsgroups: wstd.travel.advisories From: 76702.1202@CompuServe.COM (Charlie Smith) Subject: *NEW* TRAVEL INFORMATION -- U.K. Organization: The World @ Software Tool & Die Distribution: wstd Date: Wed, 23 Dec 1992 14:34:08 GMT STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - United Kingdom ============================================================ United Kingdom - Consular Information Sheet December 22, 1992 Embassy Location: The U.S. Embassy in London is located at 24/31 Grosvenor Square, telephone (44-71) 499-9000. There are also consulates in Edinburgh, Scotland, at 3 Regent Terrace, telephone (44-31) 556-8315, and in Belfast, Northern Ireland, at Queen's House, 14 Queen Street, telephone (44-232) 328-239. The U.S. Consulate in Hamilton, Bermuda is located at Crown Hill, 16 Middle Road, Devonshire, telephone (809) 295-1342. Country Description: The United Kingdom is a highly developed European nation with a modern economy. Tourist facilities throughout the United Kingdom are highly developed. Entry Requirements: Tourists are not required to obtain a visa for stays up to 6 months. For further information concerning entry requirements for the United Kingdom, travelers can contact the British Embassy in Washington, DC, or the nearest Consulate General in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Atlanta, Chicago, Boston, New York, Cleveland or Dallas. Quarantine Requirements: The United Kingdom has particularly rigorous quarantine restrictions on the importation of pets and livestock. There is a six-month quarantine, for example, on importation of dogs and cats. Medical Facilities: Good medical care is widely available. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health care services. 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 whenever insurance claims are made. Further information on health matters can be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control's international travelers hotline on (404) 332-4559. Crime Information: The incidence of criminal activity in the United Kingdom is generally low, though many major cities have areas where caution should be exercised. Visitors generally lock vehicles and guard their personal possessions. As in any developed country, the United Kingdom has higher incidents of criminal activity in urban areas than in the countryside. Incidents of violent crimes such as murder, armed robbery, and rape are minimal. Firearms are strictly controlled, making weapons-related offenses far less frequent than in large U.S. metropolitan areas. Large cities in England do have areas where the level of crime is significant. Useful information on guarding valuables and protecting personal security while traveling abroad is provided in the pamphlet, "A Safe Trip Abroad," available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington DC 20402. Drug Penalties: Penalties for possession, use, and dealing in illegal drugs are strict, and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and fines. Terrorist Activities: The United Kingdom is a stable, modern democracy. Civil disorder is virtually nonexistent. The U.S. Embassy, in particular, and London in general, are the sites of frequent demonstrations and marches, which are orderly and well policed. There is, however, a history of terrorist violence related to the political situation in Northern Ireland, a part of the United Kingdom. Terrorist bombings have occurred in various locations around London and in some other English cities, including shopping and tourist sites. While these acts are not targeted at U.S. citizens, U.S. citizens have, in rare instances, been injured. Registration: U.S. citizens who register at the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy or at a U.S. Consulate can obtain updated information on travel and security within the areas. No. 92-175 This amends the Consular Information Sheet issued October 7, 1992 to give additional information about terrorist activities. Distribution: >INTERNET:travel-advisories@stolaf.edu.