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NEW TRAVEL INFO -- Kuwait (fwd)
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>From [email protected] Wed Feb 11 04:13:44 1998
Date: Fri, 6 Feb 1998 14:37:33 -0500
From: owner-travel-advisories <[email protected]>
Subject: NEW TRAVEL INFO -- Kuwait
Sender: "U.S. Department of State" <[email protected]>
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STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Kuwait
============================================================
Kuwait - Public Announcement
February 6, 1998
On February 5, 1998, the American Embassy in Kuwait was authorized
to issue the following warden message:
"We are monitoring the situation with Iraq closely. Although we
see no direct threat to the safety of American citizens in Kuwait at
this time, we believe it would be prudent now for all citizens to
heed the standing preparedness advice for American citizens living
abroad. Specifically, you should:
--assemble all vital documents such as passports, birth and
marriage records, vaccination, insurance and bank records in one
readily accessible location;
--check to be sure that your passport and any necessary visas are
valid and that you are registered at the Embassy with your current
address and phone number. If you need to obtain a new passport or
to update your registration, please do so at the Embassy as soon as
possible, any working day from 8:30 to 11:30 am or 1:00 to 3:00 pm;
--make or update as necessary a complete inventory of your
household effects, in duplicate;
--maintain an adequate supply of food and water in your home. Make
sure your car is in good working order. Keep the gas tank full and
check oil, coolant, tires and battery.
We do not want American citizens in Kuwait to become unduly
alarmed. These are precautionary measures only. We are not
advising Americans to leave. However, given the potential
seriousness of the current situation we believe it is important for
all citizens to maintain readiness in case of an emergency. We will
promptly inform you of any significant developments and advise you
accordingly."
For further information on travel to Kuwait, please consult the
latest Consular Information Sheet for Kuwait or contact the U.S.
Embassy in Kuwait. This Public Announcement expires May 6, 1998.
Kuwait - Consular Information Sheet
August 28, 1996
Country Description: Kuwait is a constitutional monarchy with a
modern economy. Day-to-day life has returned to normal after the
1991 Gulf War, and facilities for travelers are widely available.
The workweek in Kuwait is Saturday through Wednesday.
Entry Requirements: Passports and visas are required for U.S.
citizens traveling to Kuwait. For more information concerning entry
requirements, travelers may contact the Embassy of Kuwait at 2940
Tilden St., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008, telephone (202) 966-0702,
or the Kuwaiti Consulate in New York City, telephone (212) 973-4318.
Areas of Instability: Travel to and near the Iraq-Kuwait border is
very hazardous. U.S. citizens having legitimate work-related
business near the border may receive updated information from the
U.S. Embassy, and may also wish to consult with their employer's
security personnel. Unexploded bombs, mines, booby traps, and other
items remain in open areas and beaches throughout Kuwait. U.S.
Embassy personnel have been forbidden to travel off paved surfaces
outside Kuwait City.
Medical Facilities: The health care delivery system continues to
rebuild, with many medical facilities, both government and private,
available in Kuwait. Medical care at government-run clinics and
hospitals is generally provided free of charge or at low cost to
residents of Kuwait, while private physicians and hospitals charge a
fee for services. Non-residents have found that private doctors,
hospitals and clinics expect immediate cash payment for their
services. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the
United States. Medevac insurance, for emergencies requiring
treatment outside Kuwait, and supplemental medical insurance with
specific overseas coverage have proven useful. Additional
information on health matters can be obtained from the Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention's international travelers hotline,
telephone (404) 332-4559 or visit the CDC Home Page on the Internet
at http://www.cdc.gov.
Crime Information: The crime rate in Kuwait is moderate. However,
weapons left over from the 1991 Gulf War remain in the hands of the
populace, and shooting incidents have occurred, Both physical and
verbal harassment of women is a continuing problem. The loss or
theft of a U.S. passport abroad 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.
Currency Regulations: Travelers checks and credit cards are widely
acceptable. Kuwaiti currency is readily convertible to U.S. dollars.
Drug and Crime Penalties: U.S. citizens are subject to the laws of
the country in which they are traveling. Alcohol, pork products,
and pornography are illegal in Kuwait. Penalties for importation,
possession, use, manufacture or sale of illegal drugs, alcohol, or
pornography are severe, and convicted offenders can expect jail
sentences and fines. Religious proselytizing is not permitted.
Terrorist Activities: Americans in Kuwait should be alert to their
surroundings and take prudent security precautions. U.S. citizens
may wish to consult the Department of State or the U.S. Embassy for
updated information.
Child Custody: In Kuwait, child custody decisions are based on
Islamic law. It is extremely difficult for an American woman, even
a Muslim, to obtain custody of her children through a Kuwaiti court
decision. Regardless of their parents' marital status, minor
children of a Kuwaiti father may not leave Kuwait without the
father's permission.
Traffic Safety and Road Conditions: Driving in Kuwait can be
hazardous. Although Kuwait has an extensive and modern system of
well-lighted roads, excessive speeding on both primary and secondary
roads, coupled with lax enforcement of traffic regulations, lead to
frequent and often fatal accidents.
Embassy Location and Registration: U.S. citizens are encouraged to
register at the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy and to enroll
in the Embassy's emergency alert network, and to obtain updated
information on travel and security in Kuwait. The U.S. Embassy in
Kuwait is located at Al-Masjid Al-Aqsa Street, Plot 14, Block 14,
Bayan, Kuwait. The mailing address is P.O. Box 77, Safat 13001,
Kuwait; telephone (965) 242-4151 through 9.
No. 96-150
This replaces the Consular Information Sheet for Kuwait dated
September 20, 1994, to update information on areas of instability,
drug and crime penalties, terrorist activities, and the address of
the U.S. Embassy, and to add information on child custody and
traffic safety and road conditions.
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