US embassy cable - 04GUATEMALA1510

UNCLAS GUATEMALA 001510 
 
SIPDIS 
 
DEPARTMENT OF LABOR FOR ILAB/TIA GONZALEZ 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: EAID, ELAB, OTRA 
SUBJECT: COUNTRY CLEARANCE GRANTED FOR USDOL/ILAB OFFICIAL 
AND CONTRACTORS 
 
REF: SECSTATE 132250 
 
 Embassy welcomes proposed visit of Paula Church, U S 
Department of Labor/International Labor Affairs Bureau 
(USDOL/ILAB) Program Manager; and USDOL contractors Rodolfo 
Piza, Luis Guillermo Solis, Randall Arias, and Ron Venezia 
from July 1, 2004 to July 3, 2004.  Country clearance is 
granted.  The purpose of the trip is to attend the official 
launch of the USDOL project "Cumple y Gana."  We understand 
no additional Embassy assistance is required regarding local 
transportation or hotels. 
 
2. Your control officer for this visit is Political Officer 
Nicole Otallah.  She may be reached at (502) 331-1541, Ext. 
4204 or on her cell phone at (502) 208-8265.  For assistance 
after Embassy business hours (5:00 P.M.) or in emergencies, 
call the Embassy duty officer at 331-2354. 
 
3.  Regarding reftel request, post has confirmed that the 
Minister of Labor will participate as a speaker at the 
"Cumple y Gana" launch on July 1, 2004.  The Ambassador will 
also speak at the event.  POL Intern Francis (Ned) Kelly 
((502) 331-1541, ext. 4636) is handling Embassy participation 
in this event. 
 
4. Mission hours of operation are 7:30 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. 
Monday through Thursday and 7:30 A.M. to 12:30 P.M. on 
Friday. Currency exchange facilities are available in the 
airport terminal. The exchange rate fluctuates; at present it 
is about 8.00 Quetzals to 1 U.S. Dollar. 
 
5. Current security regulations may limit visitor's access to 
USG facilities and to classified information and classified 
information handling equipment. Implementation of these 
regulations requires that the mission's regional security 
office be notified of the full name, Social Security number 
and type of security clearance, if any, held by the visitor. 
Without this notification, visitors will require escort in 
USG facilities and may not have access to classified 
information or classified information handling equipment 
while in Guatemala. 
 
6. Hepatitis A is endemic to Guatemala. We urge travelers to 
obtain a Gamma Globulin or Havrix vaccination before arrival. 
 
7. Guatemala City is at 5,000 feet and has a temperate 
climate: spring/fall weight clothing is most comfortable. 
From June to October it rains almost daily. 
 
8. A passport is required for travel into Guatemala. No visa 
or tourist card is required. A visa is required for any stay 
over ninety days, which the Travel Section will process upon 
arrival. An airport exit fee of USDOLS 30.00 or the 
equivalent in Quetzals is levied on all departing travelers 
bearing a passport other than Diplomatic. 
 
9. Crime Information and Recommendations:  The Department of 
State rates Guatemala's crime threat as Critical.  Violent 
criminal activity has been a problem in all parts of 
Guatemala for years, including a high number of murders, 
rapes, and armed assaults.  Well-armed gangs that sometimes 
use massive force and emboldened armed robbers have attacked 
vehicles on main roads in broad daylight.  Travel on rural 
roads increases the risk of a criminal roadblock or ambush. 
Travelers must be alert for car-jacking, road robbery and 
street robbery.  Traveling in groups and with multiple 
vehicles during daylight hours, carrying few valuables and 
using well-traveled routes are advisable.  If confronted by 
criminals, resistance may provoke a more violent response. 
Police response is slow and their capabilities are seriously 
limited.  Roadblocks and demonstrations frequently appear in 
Guatemala with little or no notice.  Most demonstrations in 
Guatemala have been peaceful, but some have turned violent. 
Avoid agitated crowds. 
Petty crimes are common, particularly within cities and 
tourist sites.  Buses are often the scene of thefts, 
intimidation and robberies.  Taxis should be used with 
caution; preference should be given to hotel-based cabs and 
known dispatcher services.  Mission policy is that any 
overland travel, except within the Guatemala City metro area 
or day travel to Antigua, must be coordinated with the RSO in 
advance. 
 
10. Security briefings.  All official travelers are required 
to receive a security briefing from the RSO or an RSO 
approved electronic or paper document via their control 
officer.  Travelers are encouraged to review the Consular 
Information Sheet, available on the State Intranet or 
Internet, prior to travel. 
HAMILTON