VZCZCXYZ0007
RR RUEHWEB

DE RUEHBW #0103 0240933
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
R 240933Z JAN 07
FM AMEMBASSY BELGRADE
TO SECSTATE WASHDC 0122

UNCLAS BELGRADE 000103 
 
SIPDIS 
 
SIPDIS 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: OTRA ASEC CMGT SR
SUBJECT: COUNTRY CLEARANCE FOR MELISSA K. SHOEMAKER 
 
REF: SECSTATE 08266 
 
¶1.  Embassy Belgrade grants country clearance and warmly welcomes 
Melissa K. Shoemaker, Political officer from 01/27/07 to 03/25/07. 
Control Officer for this visit will be POLMIL officer Ian Campbell, 
Office tel. 381-11-306-4687, Mobile tel. 381-63-325-356. 
 
¶2.  The Embassy's offices are located at Kneza Milosa 50, Belgrade. 
The Embassy's switchboard telephone number is 381-11-361-9344; the 
fax number is 381-11-361-8230.  Normal Embassy working hours are 
Monday- Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.  The after hours (Post 1) 
telephone number is 381-11-306-4679. TDY accommodations have been 
arranged by the Mission for the duration of the visitor's stay. 
 
¶3.  Credit cards are accepted at hotels, some restaurants and major 
supermarkets in Belgrade; however, for travel within Serbia outside 
Belgrade travelers should bring enough cash for expenses. 
Accommodation exchange is available through the Embassy cashier with 
a copy of your travel orders.  There is a $1,000.00 per week limit. 
Personal and travelers' checks are acceptable at the Embassy.  The 
Raiffeisen Bank ATM is available at the Embassy's Post One lobby. 
However, this machine does not accept Mastercard, American Express 
nor Diners Club cards. 
 
¶5.  American citizens do not need visas to enter Serbia for a stay 
up to 90 days.  Upon arrival in Belgrade, the Embassy will meet and 
assist you on arrival at the airport.  On departure, you should be 
aware that some US carrier connections via major hubs around Europe 
require an overnight in transit.  Personnel not staying in a hotel 
are required to register with local police within 24 hours of 
arrival. 
 
SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES 
--------------------- 
 
¶6.  Travelers entering Serbia with more than 2000 Euros in cash are 
required to declare all currency upon entry and obtain from customs 
officials a declaration form that must be presented at departure. 
Failure to comply may result in the confiscation of all funds.  The 
U.S. Embassy has been contacted by many American citizens who have 
failed to comply with this requirement and consequently had 
thousands of dollars seized by the Government of Serbia.  It is 
advisable to contact the Embassy of Serbia in Washington for 
specific information regarding customs requirements. 
 
SECURITY 
-------- 
 
¶7.  Official U.S. presence has been continuous in 
Belgrade since October 2000 and personnel have experienced few 
untoward incidents.  The impression given by the general public is 
that there is support for the return of USG personnel.  However, 
visitors should not take photos of buildings damaged or destroyed in 
the NATO bombing campaign.  Random street crimes, such as pick 
pocketing and car vandalism, are the most commonly reported 
incidents.  There are very serious information security concerns and 
strict security procedures are to be maintained regarding computer 
processing and sensitive discussions. 
 
POLT