[Nettime-bold] DOSTRAVEL Solomon Islands Public Announcement 03/17/00 (fwd)

[Heiko Recktenwald <uzs106@ibm.rhrz.uni-bonn.de>]

Whats that ?

---------- Forwarded message ----------
Date: Mon, 27 Mar 2000 15:19:34 -0600
From: U.S. State Department <stategov@UIC.EDU>
To: DOSTRAVEL@LISTSERV.UIC.EDU
Subject: DOSTRAVEL Solomon Islands Public Announcement 03/17/00

Solomon  Islands - Public Announcement March 17, 2000

American citizens on Guadalcanal are advised to avoid travel
to areas outside the capital Honiara, and to exercise
caution while in Honiara.  Ethnic tensions, crimes against
property and incidents of assault have increased in Honiara
during the past year.

There have been acts of lawlessness and sporadic armed
incidents since 1999 throughout Guadalcanal. Violence has
not targeted American citizens, although in one 1999
incident outside Honiara, several expatriates were detained
and threatened before being released unharmed.  Travelers
outside Honiara are likely to encounter roadblocks manned by
armed militant groups in areas beyond the control of
government authorities.  There has been at least one
incident in which a civilian vehicle has come under fire on
Guadalcanal Island.  In March 2000, there were
confrontations between police and militants in Honiara.  No
expatriates were hurt.  Some of these events stem from
heightened ethnic tension on Guadacanal.  In view of these
incidents in and near the principal urban center, American
citizens in the Solomon Islands should take proper
precautions to safeguard their welfare and security.  There
is no evidence at present that tensions on Guadalcanal
extend to other provinces in the Solomon Islands.

The Department of State recommends that American citizens
considering travel to the Solomon Islands review the
information available in the State Department's Consular
Information Sheet, available on the Bureau of Consular
Affairs' home page at http://travel.state.gov.

This Public Announcement updates the January 20, 2000
Public Announcement on the Solomon Islands to note increased
violence in and around Honiara.

This Public Announcement expires on June 16, 2000.


Solomon  Islands - Consular Information Sheet March 20, 2000

COUNTRY DESCRIPTION: The Solomon Islands form an archipelago
in the southwest Pacific Ocean about 1,200 miles northeast
of Australia.  The capital, Honiara, is located on the
island of Guadalcanal. The Solomon Islands are a
parliamentary democracy within the British Commonwealth.
Tourism facilities are limited, particularly outside
Honiara.  The Solomon Islands Department of Commerce, which
has a wide range of information of interest to travelers,
can be contacted via the Internet at
http://www.commerce.gov.sb.

ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS: U.S. passport holders do not
require visas to enter the Solomon Islands.  Passports,
onward/return tickets and proof of sufficient funds are
required.  Visitor permits are granted upon arrival at
Henderson International Airport in Honiara.  Visitors may
enter any number of times provided the total period in the
Solomon Islands does not exceed 90 days in a 12-month
period. The Solomon Islands government strictly enforces
immigration laws, and travelers may face fines and other
penalties if they remain in the country beyond the
authorized period.

Persons arriving on yachts should call the nearest
immigration office to complete arrival forms for issuance of
visitors permits.  Travelers who anticipate the possibility
of transiting or visiting Australia are advised to obtain an
electronic travel authority (ETA) or visa for Australia
before leaving the United States.  The ETA is available to
eligible U.S. citizens at time of ticket purchase through
travel agents and airlines.  For more information about
entry requirements, travelers may contact the Solomon
Islands Mission to the United Nations at 800 Second Avenue
4th Floor, New York, NY 10017-4709; Tel: (212) 599-6192.

SAFETY/SECURITY: American citizens on Guadalcanal are
advised to avoid travel to areas outside the capital
Honiara, and to exercise caution while in Honiara.  Ethnic
tensions, crimes against property and incidents of assault
have increased in Honiara during the past year.

There have been acts of lawlessness and sporadic armed
incidents since 1999 throughout Guadalcanal. Violence has
not targeted American citizens, although in one 1999
incident outside Honiara, several expatriates were detained
and threatened before being released unharmed.  Travelers
outside Honiara are likely to encounter roadblocks manned by
armed militant groups in areas beyond the control of
government authorities.  There has been at least one
incident in which a civilian vehicle has come under fire on
Guadalcanal Island.  In March 2000, there were
confrontations between police and militants in Honiara.  No
expatriates were hurt.

Some of these events stem from heightened ethnic tension on
Guadalcanal.  In view of these incidents in and near the
principal urban center, American citizens in the Solomon
Islands should take proper precautions to safeguard their
welfare and security. The government of the Solomon Islands
restricts vehicular travel outside Honiara due to continued
incidents of lawlessness and ethnic violence.  American
citizens are strongly encouraged to consult with the U.S.
Embassy in Port Moresby and the Solomon Islands' police
prior to commencing any essential travel on Guadalcanal
Island. There is no evidence at present that tensions on
Guadalcanal extend to other provinces in the Solomon
Islands.

CRIME INFORMATION: Major crimes against travelers are not
common, although crimes against property and incidents of
personal assault have increased in Honiara during the past
year.  The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be
reported immediately to the local police and the nearest
U.S. Embassy or Consulate.  U.S. citizens may refer to the
Department of State's pamphlet "A Safe Trip Abroad" for ways
to promote a more trouble-free journey. The pamphlet is
available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S.
Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402, via the
Internet at http://www.access.gpo.gov/su_docs or via the
Consular Affairs homepage at http://travel.state.gov.

MEDICAL FACILITIES: Hospitals and pharmacies in the Solomon
Islands are limited to population centers and missions.  The
nearest reliable medical facilities are in Australia or New
Zealand.  Medical conditions resulting from diving accidents
may require medical evacuation to Australia or New Zealand.
The incidence of malaria is high.  Serious medical
conditions requiring hospitalization and/or medical
evacuation to the United States can cost thousands of
dollars.  Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash
payment for health services.

MEDICAL INSURANCE: U.S. medical insurance is not always
valid outside the United States.  U.S. Medicare and Medicaid
programs do not provide payment for medical services outside
the United States. Uninsured travelers who require medical
care overseas may face extreme difficulties.  Check with
your own insurance company to confirm whether your policy
applies overseas, including provision for medical
evacuation.  Ascertain whether payment will be made to the
overseas hosptial or doctor or whether you will be
reimbursed later for expense you incur.  Some insurance
policies also include coverage for psychiatric treatment and
for disposition of remains in the event of death.  Useful
information on medical emergencies abroad, including
overseas insurance programs, is provided in the Department
of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs brochure "Medical
Information for Americans Traveling Abroad," available via
the Consular Affairs homepage at http://travel.state.gov.

OTHER HEALTH INFORMATION: Information on vaccinations and
other health precautions may be obtained from the Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention's hotline for
international travelers' at 1-877- FYI-TRIP
(1-877-394-8747); fax 1-888-CDC-FAXX (1-888-232-3299), or
via CDC's Internet site at: http://www.cdc.gov.

TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS: Vehicular traffic in the
Solomon Islands moves on the left.  Paved roads are found
only around Honiara, located on Guadalcanal Island.  These
two-lane paved roads are poorly marked and have many
potholes.  Roads are not well lit at night.  The remaining
roads in the Solomon Islands are made of coral or gravel, or
are dirt tracks.  Travelers must take care when driving off
main roads to avoid trespassing on communal land.  While in
a foreign country, U.S. citizens may encounter road
conditions that differ significantly from those in the
United States.  The information below concerning the Solomon
Islands is provided for general reference only, and may not
be totally accurate in a particular location or circumstance.

Safety of Public Transportation:     Poor
Urban Road Conditions/Maintenance:   Poor
Rural Road Conditions/Maintenance:   Poor
Availability of Roadside Assistance: Not Available

For information concerning the rental and operation of motor
vehicles in the Solomon Islands contact the Solomon Islands
Mission to the United Nations or the Solomon Islands
Department of Commerce.

AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT: As there is no direct commercial
air service at present, or economic authority to operate
such service, between the U.S. and the Solomon Islands, the
U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed
the Solomon Islands' Civil Aviation Authority for compliance
with international aviation safety standards.  For further
information, travelers may contact the Department of
Transportation within the U.S. at 1-800-322-7873, or visit
the FAA Internet homepage at http://www.faa.gov/avr/iasa/
index.htm.  The U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) separately
assesses some foreign air carriers for suitability as
official providers of air services. For information
regarding the DOD policy on specific carriers, travelers may
contact DOD at (618) 256-4801.

CUSTOMS REGULATIONS: The Solomon Islands' customs
authorities may enforce strict regulations concerning
temporary importation into or export from the Solomon
Islands of items such as firearms and ammunition, sexually
explicit material and certain prescription drugs.  Other
items may be subject to quarantine regulations or import
duty.  The Solomon Islands' government prohibits the export
of military artifacts from World War II.  It is advisable to
contact the Solomon Islands' Mission to the United Nations
for specific information regarding customs requirements.

CRIMINAL PENALTIES: While in a foreign country, a U.S.
citizen is subject to that country's laws and regulations,
which sometimes differ significantly from those in the
United States and may not afford the protections available
to the individual under U.S. law.  Penalties for breaking
the law can be more severe than in the United States for
similar offenses.  Persons violating Solomon Islands law,
even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested or imprisoned.
Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal
drugs are strict, and convicted offenders can expect jail
sentences and fines.

CONSULAR ACCESS: U.S. citizens are encouraged to carry a
copy of their U.S. passports with them at all times, so
that, if questioned by local officials, proof of identity
and U.S. citizenship are readily available.

DISASTER PREPAREDNESS: The Solomon Islands lie in the South
Pacific cyclonic trajectory, and is vulnerable to
earthquakes, volcanic eruptions and sudden tidal movements.
The Pacific Cyclone season extends from November through
March.  General information regarding disaster preparedness
is available via the Internet at
http://travel.state.gov/crisismg.html, and from the U.S.
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) home page at
http://www.fema.gov.

CHILDREN'S ISSUES: For information on international adoption
of children and international parental child abduction
please refer to our Internet site at
http://travel.state.gov/children's_issues.html or telephone
(202) 736-7000.

REGISTRATION/EMBASSY LOCATION: There is no U.S. Embassy in
the Solomon Islands. However, there is a U.S. Consular
Agency in Honiara.  The Consular Agent, who has general
information and forms (such as passport applications for
forwarding to Port Moresby) may be contacted at B.J.S.
Agencies Limited in Honiara, Tel (677) 23426; Fax (677)
21-027.  Primary assistance for U.S. citizens is provided by
the U.S. Embassy in Papua New Guinea, which is located on
Douglas Street, adjacent to the Bank of Papua New Guinea, in
Port Moresby.  Use this address for courier service
deliveries.  The mailing address is P.O. Box 1492, Port
Moresby, N.C.D. 121, Papua New Guinea; tel (675) 321-1455;
fax (675) 321-1593.

U.S. citizens are encouraged to register with the U.S.
Embassy in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, and to obtain
updated information on travel and security from the Embassy.
 Information may also be obtained from the Consular Agent in
Honiara, or from the homepage of the U.S. Embassy in Port
Moresby, Papua New Guinea, at www.altnews.com.au/usembassy.
American citizens may submit consular inquiries via e- mail
to consularportmoresby@state.gov.

**************

This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated September
14, 1999 to delete Y2K information and add or revise
sections on Entry/Exit Requirements, Safety/Security,
Medical Insurance, Traffic Safety and Road Conditions,
Customs Regulations, Consular Access, Disaster Preparedness,
Children's Issues, and Registration/Embassy Locations.


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