US embassy cable - 05CARACAS741

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 03 CARACAS 000741 
 
SIPDIS 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: OTRA, APER, VE, MGMT 
SUBJECT: COUNTRY CLEARANCE FOR GARY W. DODSON MARCH 11- 
18, 2005 
 
REF: STATE 42030 
 
1. The Embassy grants country clearances for the visit 
to Venezuela of Political Officer Gary W. Dodson from 
March 11 through March 18, 2005 to provide support to 
the embassy. 
 
Embassy point of contact will be Political Officer 
Charles Ridley.  Address: Embassy of the United States, 
Calle F con Calle Suapure, Colinas de Valle Arriba, 
Caracas, Venezuela.  Telephone numbers: Office 58-212- 
975-8052.  Cellphone: 0414-287-7415. 
 
Embassy after-hours direct line for Marine security 
guard is 58-212-907-8400. 
 
Effective June 1, 2004, all personnel transferring to 
an overseas location under Chief of Mission authority 
must complete appropriate overseas personal security 
training prior to their travel. Effective January 1, 
2005, this same requirement will also apply to American 
personnel requesting country clearance to perform 
extended temporary duty (more than 30 days) at an 
overseas location. You are required to provide 
certification that the security training will be or has 
been completed prior to arrival at post. 
 
LODGING 
------- 
NO EMBASSY ASSISTANCE HAS BEEN REQUESTED. 
 
PASSPORT REQUIREMENTS 
--------------------- 
All passengers who enter Venezuela on official travel 
(including third country nationals) require a visa. 
Travelers should not use tourist passports. DOD 
personnel participating in GOV-approved deployments and 
exercises, and arriving with military orders, are 
exempt from the visa requirement. 
 
Venezuelan immigration requires citizens of the United 
States and certain other countries to have at least six 
months validity remaining on their passports to enter 
Venezuela.  While this law has not been uniformly 
enforced, some U.S. citizens have been denied entry. 
Ensure your passport has at least six months validity 
from the date of arrival to Venezuela. 
 
COMPUTER POLICIES 
-------------------- 
State Department TDY Visitors requiring OpenNet-Plus 
Systems access during their stay should inform the 
control officer prior to their arrival. Visitors will 
be required to attend a Systems Security briefing and 
complete a Network Access Request Form. 
 
Personnel who intend to bring U.S. Government portable 
microcomputers (laptops) for use in CAA or non-CAA 
areas must notify RSO in advance. Personal Electronic 
Devices (PED), Personal Digital Assistants (PDA) e.g. 
`Palm Pilots', MP-3 players, etc. are NOT authorized in 
CAA spaces and are not authorized connectivity within 
OpenNet unclassified or classified networks, or stand- 
alone classified PCs. 
 
2. The following pertains to transportation and 
departures, exchange rate, security, medical 
considerations, weather, and press.  For additional 
information, consult the Consular Information Sheet for 
Venezuela, which can be found on the web at: 
http://travel.state.gov/venezuela.html 
 
CURRENCY / EXCHANGE RATE 
------------------------ 
The exchange rate is USD 1 = 2150 Bolivares (Bs). 
 
Visitors should bring a major credit card.  Travelers 
checks are not recommended as they are honored in only 
a few locations.  The Embassy suggests that travelers 
try to obtain USD 50.00 in local currency (Bolivares) 
before departing the airport.  Should the airport 
exchange facility be closed, it is possible to exchange 
cash at major hotel chains in Caracas (personal checks 
are not accepted). 
 
TRANSPORTATION 
-------------- 
There have been a number of armed robbery incidents 
involving persons who have taken unlicensed "taxis" 
from Maiquetia Airport.  (Please read the Security 
section carefully.) 
 
The Embassy has arranged for transportation.  To meet 
the driver, proceed to the Vargas Police sign near the 
tourist information counter after picking up your 
luggage. 
Italcambio is the travel contractor for the Embassy. 
To call the Embassy if necessary, ask to use a 
telephone at the Italcambio kiosk on the outer front 
wall of the airport near the exit from the baggage 
claim area. 
 
Departure Expenses 
------------------ 
An airport user fee of Bs. 73,500 (approx. $39) is 
levied at the airport upon departure for holders of 
official and diplomatic passports. Holders of tourist 
passports must pay the user fee plus an exit tax, for a 
total of Bs. 102,900 (approximately $54).  Payment of 
both must be made in Bolivares. 
 
SECURITY 
-------- 
At the Airport.  Many drivers--often wearing badges 
identifying them as "taxi officials"--have been known 
to rob unwary travelers.  If someone asks if you are 
with the American Embassy: 1) do not give your name, 2) 
ask for the name of the person he is seeking and 
identification.  Do not go with the person if he cannot 
give you the information you request.  Call the 
Embassy. 
 
Airport parking lot robberies are increasing.  The 
Embassy advises all persons to stay away from the 
parking lots, except for the diplomatic lot located 
close to the terminal. 
 
General Crime. There is a significant level of common 
street crime in certain areas of Caracas and other 
major cities in Venezuela. These crimes are of the pick 
pocketing, purse-snatching variety and visitors are 
advised to be aware of their surroundings and to be 
particularly alert in crowded areas. Jewelry items, 
particularly gold-colored, attract the attention of 
thieves and should be left in a safe place along with 
other valuables. 
 
If you are confronted in a robbery situation, the RSO 
suggests that you comply with the criminals' demands. 
Do not attempt to run or antagonize the perpetrator. 
Most criminals only seek cash or jewelry items; many 
will only resort to violence if you resist their 
demands. 
 
To avoid being the victim of a crime, visitors should 
remain alert to their surroundings and maintain 
constant control of purses, backpacks, briefcases and 
luggage. 
 
Taxis within the city are plentiful and relatively 
safe. However, the Embassy recommends the use of hotel 
and radio dispatched taxis and group travel whenever 
possible, especially after dark.  Travelers should 
carry only the minimum cash needed and, if possible, no 
credit cards when venturing outside of the hotel. 
 
Civil Disturbances.  Travelers to Venezuela should be 
aware of the potential for violent demonstrations, 
especially in urban centers, and exercise appropriate 
caution by standing well clear of public protests, 
police lines and barricades. 
 
CAR RENTAL 
--------- 
If you rent a car, you must authorize it with the 
proper authority at post. 
 
MEDICAL 
------- 
Venezuela recommends that all travelers be vaccinated 
prior to arrival.  As Yellow Fever vaccine is difficult 
to obtain in Venezuela, do not count on the Embassy to 
provide a vaccination.  In addition, the Ministry of 
Foreign Affairs requires a Yellow Fever vaccination 
certificate for travelers older than one year of age 
arriving from various countries.  Information about 
vaccination requirements for travel to Venezuela may be 
obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and 
Prevention's Internet site at 
http://www.cdc.gov/travel. 
 
The water is considered contaminated.  Drink only 
bottled water or carbonated soft drinks and avoid ice 
in drinks.  Do not eat raw vegetables or fruits unless 
they have been disinfected, peeled or cooked.  Wash 
your hands often with hot, soapy water. 
 
Cases of dengue fever and malaria are reported 
throughout Venezuela each year.  Travelers planning to 
spend time outdoors should bring insect repellent; wear 
long trousers; and avoid wet areas.  Symptoms include 
fever, headaches, diarrhea and general malaise.  While 
rarely fatal, you should see a doctor if you experience 
these symptoms. 
 
The Embassy does not make or guarantee payments to 
medical providers on behalf of non-U.S. Government 
employees.  All individuals should bring clear evidence 
of medical insurance coverage. In case emergency 
evacuation is required, non-USG employees, USG Contract 
staff, and Locally Employed Staff from other posts must 
have adequate medical and air ambulance insurance and 
must carry the contact information with them. 
Venezuelan hospitals and physicians do not accept 
insurance documents and may require payment in cash or 
by credit card. 
 
WEATHER 
------- 
Daytime temperatures in Caracas are usually between 75 
and 85 degrees Fahrenheit.  During the rainy season, 
roughly from April through November, afternoon rain 
showers are common.  Evenings can be cool at any time 
of the year.  Recommend travelers bring a sweater or 
light jacket for evening outings, and an umbrella, no 
matter the time of year. 
 
Communications with the Press 
----------------------------- 
Travelers are reminded that Public Affairs is 
responsible for handling press arrangements for both 
mission personnel and official visitors. Contact the 
Public Affairs Officer, Salome Hernandez, 975-6990 or 
the Press Attach, Brian Penn, 975-8118 after arrival 
if you believe you may have contact with the press 
while in Venezuela. 
 
Brownfield