Xref: world wstd.travel.advisories:772 Newsgroups: wstd.travel.advisories Path: world!bzs From: Wally Doerge <76702.1202@compuserve.com> Subject: NEW TRAVEL INFO -- United Arab Emirates Message-ID: <950724140633_76702.1202_CHN67-1@CompuServe.COM> Precedence: bulk Sender: bzs@world.std.com (daemons) Organization: The World @ Software Tool & Die Distribution: wstd Date: Mon, 24 Jul 1995 14:06:33 GMT Approved: usenet@world.std.com Lines: 103 STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - United Arab Emirates\ ============================================================ United Arab Emirates - Consular Information Sheet July 21, 1995 Country Description: The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a federation of seven independent emirates, each with its own ruler. The federal government exists as a constitutional republic, headed by a president and council of ministers. Islamic ideals and beliefs provide the conservative foundation of the country's customs, laws and practices. The UAE is a modern, developed country, and tourist facilities are widely available. Entry Requirements: A passport and visa are required. In addition, an AIDS test is required for work or residence permits; testing must be performed after arrival. A U.S. AIDS test is not accepted. For further information, travelers can contact the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates, Suite 740, 600 New Hampshire Ave., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20037, telephone (202) 338-6500. Medical Facilities: Basic modern medical care and medicines are available in the principal cities of the UAE, 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 proven useful. The international travelers hotline at the Centers for Disease Control, telephone (404) 332-4559, has additional health information. Information on Crime: Crime is generally not a problem for travelers in the UAE. The loss or theft of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to local police and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. Useful information on safeguarding valuables, protecting personal security, and other matters while traveling abroad is provided in the Department of State pamphlets, "A Safe Trip Abroad" and "Tips for Travelers to the Middle East and North Africa." They are available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402. Drug and Crime Penalties: Travelers are subject to the laws and legal practices of the country in which they travel. Penalties for possession, use or trafficking in illegal drugs are strict in the United Arab Emirates and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and fines. Crimes of fraud, including passing bad checks and non-payment of bills (including hotel bills), are regarded seriously in the UAE and can result in imprisonment, in addition to fines. Pending legislation, scheduled to go into effect in early 1996, will impose the death sentence for convicted drug traffickers. Penalties are generally assessed according to Islamic (Shariah) law. In the case of imprisonment, bail is generally not available to non-residents of the UAE. Dual Nationality/Child Custody: The UAE government does not recognize dual nationality. Children of UAE fathers automatically acquire UAE citizenship at birth and must enter and leave the UAE on UAE passports. UAE authorities will usually confiscate the U.S. passports of dual (UAE/U.S.) nationals. This does not constitute loss of citizenship, but should be reported to the U.S. Embassy in Abu Dhabi or the U.S. Consulate General in Dubai. Child custody decisions are based on Islamic law. It is difficult for an American woman, even a Muslim, to obtain custody of her dual national (UAE/U.S.) children through the UAE courts. Business Disputes: American citizens may become involved in disputes of a commercial nature involving the withholding of the American citizen's passport by the local individual or firm. It is customary for a local sponsor to hold an employee's passport, but it is not required under UAE law. Most such disputes can be avoided by clearly establishing all terms and conditions of employment or sponsorship in the labor contract at the beginning of any employment. Should a dispute still arise, the UAE Ministry of Labor has established a special department to review and arbitrate labor claims. A list of local attorneys capable of representing Americans in such matters is available from the consular and commercial sections of the U.S. Embassy in Abu Dhabi and the U.S. Consulate General in Dubai. Registration: U.S. citizens who register at the Embassy or the Consulate General can obtain updated information on travel and security within the UAE. Embassy Location: The U.S. Embassy in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, is located on Al-Sudan St., P.O. Box 4009. The telephone number is (971) (2) 436-691. The U.S. Consulate General in Dubai is located at the Dubai International Trade Center, P.O. Box 9343. The telephone number is (971)(4) 313-115. The workweek in the UAE is Saturday through Wednesday. No. 95-080 This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated July 26, 1994, to add information on criminal penalties, dual nationality and child custody, and business disputes. ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- 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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