Cablegate: Country Clearance for Faa Lourdes Q. Maurice

VZCZCXYZ0004
RR RUEHWEB

DE RUEHBD #0582 3180417
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
R 140417Z NOV 06
FM AMEMBASSY BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN
TO RUEANHA/FAA NATIONAL HQ WASHDC
INFO RUEHGP/AMEMBASSY SINGAPORE 3243
RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 3617

UNCLAS BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN 000582

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

FAA FOR ALLISON ANDERSON-MCBRIDE, AEE-1

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: EAIR OTRA ASEC BX
SUBJECT: COUNTRY CLEARANCE FOR FAA LOURDES Q. MAURICE
TO BANDAR FROM NOVEMBER 30 - DECEMBER 1

REF: FAA MESSAGE DATED 091317Z NOV 06

1. Embassy welcomes and grants country clearance for Federal
Aviation Administration Chief Scientific and Technical Advisor,
Office of Environment and Energy Lourdes Q. Maurice to visit Brunei
from November 30 - December 1 to do a presentation on Communicating
Aviation's Environmental Challenges from a U.S. as well as a Global
Perspective.

2. Control Officer for the visit is Deputy Chief of Mission Justin
Friedman, telephone (673) 222-9670; fax: (673) 222-5293; mobile:
(673) 8726-672; Email: FriedmanJ@state.gov.

3. Post understands from reftel that no Embassy assistance is
necessary.

4. Visas: Diplomatic or official passport-holders need to obtain a
visa in advance of travel. Visas are not required for visits of 90
days or less if a regular passport is used.

5. Brunei and Singapore currencies are interchangeable.
Currency exchange is available at the airport, the hotel or at
Citibank across the street from the Embassy. Rates at the bank and
commercial moneychangers are substantially better than those in the
hotel. Bank hours are Monday through Friday 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
and Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Local currency can also be
obtained from autoteller machines (ATM) at most shopping outlets.

6. Threat assessment: Currently, there are no known threats directed
against American citizens or U.S. government personnel and interests
in Brunei. The crime rate in Brunei is medium and violent crime is
rare. Visitors should still practice prudent security precautions
such as not traveling alone late at night or in secluded areas.
Report any suspicious activity to the RSO.

7. Traveler information: Travelers should be aware that importation
of firearms and ammunition is prohibited. Penalties for breaking
the law can be very severe. Trafficking in and illegal importation
of controlled drugs are very serious offenses in Brunei and carry a
mandatory death penalty.

8. There are no outlets for purchasing alcohol in Brunei.
Non-Muslim visitors are permitted to bring in 12 bottles of beer and
two bottles/liters of wine/spirits for personal consumption. A
customs declaration form must be completed upon arrival when
bringing alcohol into the country. The current Airport Departure tax
is 12 Brunei Dollars.

9. Laptop and other portable computers: Pursuant to State 286036,
dated 10/07/03, all official travelers to Post who intend to bring a
laptop or other portable computers must notify Post in advance and
follow the guidelines provided therein. The RSO and/or IMO will
grant final approval to introduce such equipment into the Chancery.

FRIEDMAN

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