VZCZCXYZ0007
RR RUEHWEB

DE RUEHVB #0070 0181247
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
R 181247Z JAN 06
FM AMEMBASSY ZAGREB
TO SECSTATE WASHDC 5557

UNCLAS ZAGREB 000070 
 
SIPDIS 
 
SIPDIS 
 
STATE PLEASE PASS TO USAID, EE/ECA FOR ANNE CONVERY 
AND TO AID/EGAT/AG 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: AMGT OTRA ASEC HR
SUBJECT: COUNTRY CLEARANCE FOR BARRIE EVANS, DAI 
 
REF: EMAIL WELSH - SIMEONOV DATED JANUARY 10, 2006 
 
¶1. In response to referenced email, Embassy Zagreb 
welcomes and grants country clearance to Mr. 
Barrie Evans to travel to Zagreb, Croatia, from 
February 1 through February 12, 2006. The purpose 
of his trip is to work in the position of Food 
Safety Management Systems Specialist under the ACE 
project. No visa is required for holders of 
American diplomatic, official, or tourist 
passports. 
 
¶2. Mission understands that no transportation or lodging 
arrangements are required. 
 
¶3. The cost of a taxi from the airport to 
central Zagreb is approximately 200 kunas (USD 
33).  Money can be changed in the main terminal 
of the airport after exiting passport/customs 
control, where there is also an ATM machine. 
 
¶4. The Control Officer for this visit is Mr. Frederick 
Claps, USAID Senior Econ Advisor, who can be reached at 
telephone 385-1-6612-170 or mobile 385-91-6612-171.  In 
addition, the Marine Guard at Post One can be reached 24 
hours/day at (385-1) 661-2400.  More information on the 
Embassy can be found on our website: www.usembassy.hr. 
 
¶5. MONEY: Credit cards are widely accepted in 
Zagreb.  The embassy cashier is open mornings, 
Monday through Friday, for accommodation 
exchange (personal and/or traveler's checks are 
accepted) for USG personnel only.  ATM machines 
dispensing local currency are ubiquitous and 
accept most US-bank ATM cards (PLUS and 
CIRRUS).  There is also an ATM machine 
available in the Embassy building.  The 
Croatian kuna is currently trading at 6.2 to 
the dollar.  Mr. Evans may wish to exchange a 
small amount of money upon arrival at the 
airport or the hotel until she can go to the 
Embassy and cash a check. 
 
¶6. THREAT ASSESSMENT AND SECURITY GUIDANCE: 
Croatia has a relatively low crime rate. 
Travelers should, however, take normal 
precautions and exercise common sense, as they 
are sometimes the targets of pickpockets, 
especially on public transportation and in 
crowded markets.  All personnel should notify 
the RSO of any threats, security incidents, or 
questions. 
 
¶7. SECURITY CLEARANCE AND BUILDING ACCESS: Bring 
a photo ID (e.g., passport) with you for entry 
into the Embassy. 
Visitors who have State Department building passes may 
bring those for entrance to mission facilities.  Visitors 
desiring unescorted access into Embassy buildings must 
ensure that their headquarters provide the following 
information via front-channel cable: name, date of birth, 
security clearance level (if any) and arrival and departure 
dates. 
 
¶8. ELECTRONIC DEVICES: Travelers are required to notify 
their Embassy control officer in advance if they plan to 
bring laptop or palmtop computers for use inside the 
Embassy.  In accordance with STATE Department regulations 
all such devices must be approved in advance by post ISSO 
and RSO.  Travelers must also receive a briefing about 
restrictions and usage of the equipment.  The Embassy 
control officer must request approval for the equipment 
from the ISSO and RSO and, if approved, arrange the 
required briefing upon traveler's arrival before the 
devices will be permitted inside the building. 
 
¶9. HEALTH AND MEDICAL CARE: The small Embassy health unit 
is staffed full-time and can assist in emergency 
situations.  Travelers should bring with them a supply of 
any required medications adequate for the duration of their 
stay.  Many newer medications are not available in Croatia. 
Recommended immunizations for Croatia include typhoid and 
hepatitis A and B.  Travelers should be aware that the 
standard of health care in Croatia decreases markedly 
outside of Zagreb. 
 
¶10. TRAVEL WARNINGS: All travelers should be aware of the 
Department of State's latest travel warnings and public 
announcements, available on the Consular Affairs internet 
website at http://travel.state.gov 
 
FRANK