Cablegate: (Sbu) Country Clearance Granted for Interagency

VZCZCXYZ0030
OO RUEHWEB

DE RUEHYN #1769/01 1651250
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
O 141250Z JUN 06
FM AMEMBASSY SANAA
TO SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 4355

UNCLAS SANAA 001769

SIPDIS

SENSITIVE
SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: AMGT OTRA
SUBJECT: (SBU) COUNTRY CLEARANCE GRANTED FOR INTERAGENCY
DELEGATION TO VISIT YEMEM FROM JUNE 16 TO 19, 2006.

REF: STATE 95218

1. (SBU) Embassy Sanaa grants country clearance and welcomes
the visit of S. Witten, C. Camponovo, S. Walker, A. Liotta
and T. Monheim from 16 to 19 June. Security Clearance
information is on file.

2. (SBU) Control Officer for the visit will be Joey Hood who
can be contacted at all times through the Embassy at (967)
(1) 755-2236; cell phone (967) 1-73322-8058 The number for
emergencies only is (967) (1) 755-2170 (Post One).

3. (SBU) Reservations: Moevenpick Hotel. 967-1-546-666.
Confirmation #s are: Witten 15018; Camponovo 15019; Walker
15020; Liotta 15021; and Monheim 15022. Please forward
details of Mr. Monheim's arrival to potterrh@state.gov.

4. (U) Fiscal Data: Each visitor must bring/forward fiscal
data to cover costs of the visit. Each agency, organization,
or visiting delegation will be charged for the actual costs
attributed to their visit. These costs include, but are not
limited to: American and LES staff overtime, field travel by
Embassy employees, vehicle rentals, long distance telephone
calls, equipment rentals, office supplies, expediter
services, representational events and all other costs that
are directly attributable to the visit.

5. (U) Visas: All travelers must obtain a Yemeni entry visa
prior to their arrival. This is a matter of the utmost
importance, and is the responsibility of the traveler. NO,
repeat, NO airport visas will be issued. Please note: there
should be NO Pakistani or Afghan visas in your passport. If
you must travel on a passport with these visas, please notify
Post in advance so we can make arrangements to facilitate
your transit through immigration; otherwise, you may be
detained for a period at immigration.

6. (U) Customs: To assist with customs, visitors should
inform the Embassy by fax (967-1-303-182) of any special
tools or equipment, including computers (serial and model
numbers), palm pilots or communications equipment, which they
plan to bring into Yemen. The importation of these items
must be coordinated with local military and customs
authorities. TRAVELERS IGNORING THIS REQUIREMENT RISK THE
CONFISCATION OF SUCH ITEMS UPON ARRIVAL. All baggage,
including those belonging to diplomats, is subject to x-ray
and hand search upon arrival in Yemen. If the traveler must
carry a radio or electronic equipment, it can be carried in
as a non-pro courier hand-held (i.e., carried aboard the
plane in an orange classified diplomatic pouch).

7. (U) Work Hours: Embassy Sanaa's normal workweek is
Saturday through Wednesday; office hours are 8:00 a.m. to
4:30 p.m.

8. (U) Crime Situation in Yemen: A security briefing by the
Regional Security Officer (RSO) is mandatory upon arrival.
The incidence of street crime is very low throughout Yemen,
and violent crimes against foreigners are rare. However,
kidnappings by tribes continue to be a threat to foreigners
visiting Yemen. Because of recent terrorist threats against
U.S. interests on the Arabian Peninsula and the increased
tensions in the entire Gulf region, the Embassy advises all
visitors to remain vigilant with regard to their personal
security and to exercise caution. Avoid large crowds and
gatherings, maintain a low profile, and vary routes and times
of all required travel. Travelers should read the latest
Consular Information Sheet, which describes current
conditions.

9. (U) Money: Travelers must bring sufficient funds or have
sufficient funds in personal checking accounts to cover costs
of entire TDY. THERE ARE FEW ATMS IN COUNTRY, AND ACCEPTANCE
OF CREDIT CARDS IS LIMITED ) BRING CASH/CHECKBOOK. TDY cash
advances should be taken prior to travel to Yemen ) Embassy
does not issue cash advances for TDY personnel. Embassy
offers check-cashing service and will cash personal checks of
official travelers. Cashier will exchange dollars for Yemeni
Riyals. Many local merchants and businesses accept U.S.
currency for purchases. The current exchange rate is YR 196
to USD 1.

10. (U) Weather: The weather in Sanaa is generally warm
during the day, and a sweater may be necessary at night.
Weather in Aden and along the Red Sea coast is normally very
hot and humid. Business suits are preferred for meetings
with Yemeni officials. All clothing should be modest and
conservative.

11. (U) Health Precautions: Bring at least a 3-month supply
of medications. Practice food and water precautions as in
other developing nations. Begin immunization for hepatitis A

and B, rabies, typhoid, tetanus, and polio prior to
departure. Yellow fever vaccination is required if entering
from a country at risk. If you spend more than a few days
outside Sanaa, malaria prophylaxis may be required and you
will be required to have G6PD blood testing. Local hospital
care may be required for emergencies. Local medical
providers expect immediate cash payment. Be prepared to pay
several hundred dollars and the rest prior to departure from
Yemen. While you will be provided documentation of medical
care rendered to give to your insurance providers, it is your
responsibility to recover funds from your agency or insurance
plan. The cost of evacuation can cost up to $100,000.
Emergency Air Evacuations for other than MSGs, Seabees, DOS
direct hires, and DOD staff require an obligated fund site
PRIOR to the evacuation. Travelers should contact their
administrative offices before departure to obtain this
information. Out of country hospitalization for non-DOD and
non-DOS direct hires require an obligated fund site to cover
the hospitalization PRIOR to the hospitalization. Travelers
should contact their administrative offices before departure
to obtain this information. Each traveler should check in
with the Medical Unit for a short medical briefing as soon as
possible after arrival. Individuals with sickle cell trait
should carefully consider the altitude of this post before
applying for assignment here. Short-term (TDY) assignments
carry an added risk because of the lack of time for
acclimatization. Dehydration and stress from exercise or
illness compound the basic risks of high altitude. For more
information, contact your health unit or the medical
clearances section of the Offices of Medical Services.

12. (U) Special Restrictions: The Republic of Yemen
prohibits the import of sexually oriented material, weapons,
and alcohol; videocassettes are also likely to be
confiscated. Photography of military installations,
individuals in uniform, government buildings and industrial
facilities are strictly forbidden. Photography of Yemenis,
especially women, should be done only after receiving
explicit permission. We repeat -- All baggage, including
those belonging to diplomats, is subject to x-ray and hand
search upon arrival in Yemen.

13. (U) Travel Restrictions: Travel outside Sanaa will only
occur with COM/RSO approval.
Krajeski

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