FOREIGN COUNTRY ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

IMPORTANT: THIS LISTING IS PREPARED FROM INFORMATION OBTAINED FROM FOREIGN EMBASSIES PRIOR TO MARCH 1995. THIS INFORMATION IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE. CHECK ENTRY REQUIREMENTS WITH THE CONSULAR OFFICIALS OF THE COUNTRIES TO BE VISITED WELL IN ADVANCE.

PASSPORTS: U.S. citizens who travel to a country where a valid passport is not required will need documentary evidence of their U.S. citizenship and identity. Proof of U.S. citizenship includes an expired passport, a certified (original) birth certificate, Certificate of Naturalization, Certificate of Citizenship, or Report of Birth Abroad of a Citizen of the United States. To prove identity, a valid driver's license or government identification card are acceptable provided they identify you by physical description or photograph. However, for travel overseas and to facilitate reentry into the U.S., a valid U.S. passport is the best documentation available and it unquestionably proves your U.S. citizenship. Some countries require that your passport be valid at least six months beyond the dates of your trip. If your passport expires before the required validity, you will have to apply for a new one. Please check with the embassy or nearest consulate of the country you plan to visit for their requirements. Some Arab or African countries will not issue visas or allow entry if your passport indicates travel to Israel or South Africa. Consult the nearest U.S. passport agency for guidance if this applies to you.

VISAS SHOULD BE OBTAINED BEFORE PROCEEDING ABROAD. Allow sufficient time for processing your visa application, especially if you are applying by mail. Most foreign consular representatives are located in principal cities, and in many instances, a traveler may be required to obtain visas from the consular office in the area of his/her residence. The addresses of foreign consular offices in the United States may be obtained by consulting the Congressional Directory in the library. IT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE TRAVELER TO OBTAIN VISAS, WHERE REQUIRED, FROM THE APPROPRIATE EMBASSY OR NEAREST CONSULATE OF THE COUNTRY YOU ARE PLANNING TO VISIT.

IMMUNIZATIONS: Under the International Health Regulations adopted by the World Health Organization, a country may require International Certificates of Vaccination against yellow fever. A cholera immunization may be required if you are traveling from an infected area. Check with health care providers or your records to ensure other immunizations (e.g. tetanus and polio) are up-to-date. Prophylactic medication for malaria and certain other preventive measures are advisable for travel to some countries. No immunizations are required to return to the United States. Detailed health information is included in Health Information for International Travel, available from the U.S. Government Printing Office (address on page 20) for $7 or may be obtained from your local health department or physician or by calling the Centers for Disease Control on 404/332-4559.

An increasing number of countries have established regulations regarding AIDS testing, particularly for long-term visitors. Although many are listed here, check with the embassy or consulate of the country you plan to visit to verify if this is a requirement for entry. All international flights are subject to U.S. Immigration and U.S. Customs fees paid in advance as part of your ticket. In addition, many countries have departure fees that are sometimes collected at the time of ticket purchase.

NOTES:

• SASE is self-addressed, stamped envelope.
• If applying in person, remember to call about office hours. Many consulates are only open in the morning.
• This booklet is updated yearly and is available from the Consumer

OTHER INFORMATION:

Consular Information Sheets and Travel Warnings may be heard anytime by dialing (202) 647-5225 from a touchtone phone. They are also available at any of the 13 regional U.S. passport agencies, at U.S. embassies and consulates abroad, and through the airline computer reservation systems, or, by writing and sending a self-addressed, stamped business size envelope to the Overseas Citizens Services, Bureau of Consular Affairs, Room 4811, U.S. Department of State, Washington, D.C. 20520-4818.

If you have a personal computer, modem and communications software, you can access them, and other consular handouts and publications through the Consular Affairs Bulletin Board (CABB). This service is free of charge. To access CABB, dial the modem number: (202) 647-9225; set modem speed (will accommodate 300, 1200, 2400, 9600 or 14400 bps); and terminal communications program to N-8-1 (parity, 8 bits, 1 stop bit). Or you can have Information Sheets, Warnings and publications faxed to you via the Consular Affairs automated fax system by dialing from your fax phone (202) 647-3000.