From: 76702.1202@CompuServe.COM (Charlie Smith)
Newsgroups: rec.travel
Subject: *NEW* TRAVEL INFORMATION -- Afghanistan
Date: 12 Jan 1993 16:19:34 -0600
Organization: UTexas Mail-to-News Gateway
NNTP-Posting-Host: cs.utexas.edu

STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Afghanistan
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Afghanistan - Travel Warning
 January 8, 1993

The Department of State warns all U.S. citizens against travel to 
Afghanistan.  Westerners remain vulnerable to politically and 
criminally-motivated attacks and violence, including robbery, 
kidnapping and hostage-taking.  Land mines are still prevalent 
throughout the countryside.  There is no U.S. Embassy in 
Afghanistan, and no other diplomatic mission represents U.S. 
interests or provides consular services.  More information can be 
found in the Department of State consular information sheet on 
Afghanistan.

 No. 93-001

This replaces the Department of State travel advisory warning of 
July 10, 1992.


Afghanistan - Consular Information Sheet
 January 8, 1993

Warning:  The Department of State warns U.S. citizens against 
travel to Afghanistan.  Westerners remain vulnerable to politically 
and criminally-motivated attacks and violence, including robbery, 
kidnapping and hostage-taking.  Land mines are still prevalent 
throughout the countryside.  All personnel at the U.S. Embassy in 
Kabul were evacuated on January 31, 1989.  As a result, the U.S. 
Government is not in a position to provide consular protective 
services to U.S. citizens in Afghanistan.  No other diplomatic 
mission represents U.S. interests or provides consular services. 

Embassy Location:  Because no third country represents United 
States interests in Afghanistan, the United States Government is 
unable to accord normal consular protective services to U.S. 
citizens in Afghanistan.

Country Description:  Afghanistan is a developing, Islamic country 
emerging from a long period of civil war.  Tourism facilities are 
minimal.

Entry Requirements:  A passport and visa are required.  For further 
information, the traveler can contact the Embassy of the Republic of 
Afghanistan, 2341 Wyoming Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008, 
telephone (202) 234-3770/1.

Medical Facilities:  Medical care is limited. Doctors and hospitals 
often expect immediate cash payment for health services.  U.S. 
medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States.  
Supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas coverage has 
proved useful.  For further information, the traveler can contact 
the Centers for Disease Control's international travelers hotline at 
(404) 332-4559.

Information on Crime:  Politically and criminally-motivated attacks 
and violence, including robbery, kidnapping and hostage-taking are 
widespread. Petty crime also exists.  Information on safeguarding 
valuables and protecting personal security is included in the 
Department of State publication, "A Safe Trip Abroad."  It is 
available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government 
Printing Office, Washington D.C. 20402.

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

Tips for Travelers:  The Department of State publication "Tips for 
Travelers to South Asia" includes general information on travel in 
the area.  It is available from the Superintendent of Documents, 
U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington D.C. 20402.

Registration:  U.S. citizens who register at U.S. Embassies in 
Pakistan or India can obtain updated information on security in 
Afghanistan.

 No. 93-002

Newsgroups: rec.travel