From: 76702.1202@CompuServe.COM (Charlie Smith)
Newsgroups: rec.travel
Subject: *NEW* TRAVEL INFORMATION -- Armenia
Date: 9 Oct 1992 12:03:16 -0500
Organization: UTexas Mail-to-News Gateway
NNTP-Posting-Host: cs.utexas.edu

STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Armenia
============================================================
Armenia- Consular Information Sheet
 October 7, 1992

Embassy Location:  The U.S. Embassy in Yerevan, Armenia, is at 18 
General Bagramian Street; telephone (7) (8852)15-11-22.  

Country Description:  Armenia is a nation undergoing profound 
political and economic change.  Because of the continuing conflict 
with Azerbaijan, street demonstrations and other disturbances may 
occur without warning.  In addition, a natural gas and 
transportation blockade is causing severe food and medical 
shortages, frequent interruptions in electrical power, and shortages 
of transportation fuel.  Internal travel, especially by air, may be 
disrupted by fuel shortages and other problems.  Tourist facilities 
are not highly developed, and many of the goods and services taken 
for granted in other European countries are not yet available.

Entry Requirements:  All travelers to Armenia must have a visa.  
Travelers who do not have a visa cannot register at hotels and will 
be required to leave the country immediately via the route by which 
they entered.  At the present time, visas for Armenia are issued by 
a Russian Embassy or Consulate.  U.S. citizens may contact the 
consular section of the Russian Embassy at 1825 Phelps Place NW, 
Washington, DC  20036, tel (202) 939-8918, or the Russian Consulate 
in San Francisco for further information on visa requirements.  The 
Embassy of Armenia, which will begin issuing visas on October 15, is 
located at 122 C Street NW, Suite 360, Washington DC 20001, tel 
(202) 628-5766.

Areas of Instability:  Armed conflict is taking place in and around 
the Armenian-populated area of Nagorno-Karabakh located in 
Azerbaijan and along the Armenian-Azerbaijani border.  Fighting 
continues on a daily basis, and front lines change frequently.

Medical Information:  Medical care in Armenia is limited.  There is 
a severe shortage of basic medical supplies, including disposable 
needles, anesthetics, and antibiotics.  Elderly travelers and 
persons with existing health problems may be at risk due to 
inadequate medical facilities.  Doctors and hospitals often expect 
immediate cash for health services.  U.S. medical insurance is not 
always valid outside the United States.  Travelers have found that 
in some cases, supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas 
coverage has proved to be useful.  Additional medical information 
can be found in the Department of State's brochure, "Tips for 
Travelers to Russia", which includes information on Armenia and can 
be obtained from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government 
Printing Office, Washington DC 20402.  Further information on health 
matters can be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control's 
international Travelers hotline on (404) 332-4559.

Crime Information:  Armenia has a low rate of violent crime.  
Recently, however, street crime has increased, especially at night.  
The Department of State's pamphlet "A Safe Trip Abroad" is available 
from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing 
Office, Washington, DC 20402.  It provides useful information on 
guarding valuables and protecting personal security while traveling 
abroad.

Currency Regulations:  Armenia is a cash-only economy.  Traveler's 
checks and credit cards are rarely accepted.

Drug Penalties:  Penalties for possession, use, or dealing in 
illegal drugs are strict, and convicted offenders can expect jail 
sentences and fines.

Registration:  Americans who register in the Consular Section of 
the Embassy may obtain updated information on travel and security 
within the country.

 No. 92-003


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