Cablegate: Country Clearance Granted for Staffdel Maguire

VZCZCXYZ0001
RR RUEHWEB

DE RUEHYN #2369/01 2241238
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
R 121238Z AUG 06
FM AMEMBASSY SANAA
TO SECSTATE WASHDC 5013

UNCLAS SANAA 002369

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: AMGT OTRA YM
SUBJECT: COUNTRY CLEARANCE GRANTED FOR STAFFDEL MAGUIRE

REF: STATE 131314

1. Embassy Sanaa grants country clearance and welcomes the
visit of John Maguire, Todd Rosenblum, John Dickas, and Lt.
Josh Wellner from the Senate Select Committee on
Intelligence. Security Clearance information is on file.
Information on in-country schedule will be sent via separate
channels.

2. Control Officer for the visit will be William Baumgartner
who can be contacted at all times through the Embassy at
(967) (1) 755-2253 or cell phone (967) 1-73323-3573. The
number for emergencies only is (967) (1) 755-2170 (Post One).

3. Reservations: Reservations will be made at the
Moevenpick Hotel.

4. 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. Visas: All travelers must obtain a Yemeni entry visa
prior to their arrival. This is a priority and is the
responsibility of the traveler. If there is no Yemeni
Embassy or Consulate in your location, please contact post.
Although Yemen has recently begun
issuing airport visas (USD$70 at the airport) we recommend
that you obtain your visa prior to departure, as some
airlines have refused to board travelers who do not have a
visa.

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

8. 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. 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 197
to USD 1.

10. 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. 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. 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. Travel Restrictions: Travel outside Sanaa will only
occur with COM/RSO approval.
Krajeski

© Scoop Media