From: 76702.1202@CompuServe.COM (Charlie Smith)
Newsgroups: rec.travel
Subject: *NEW* TRAVEL INFORMATION -- Croatia
Date: 13 Oct 1992 16:00:04 -0500
Organization: UTexas Mail-to-News Gateway
NNTP-Posting-Host: cs.utexas.edu

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

Embassy Location:  The U.S. Embassy in Zagreb is located at Andrije 
Hebranga 2, tel. (38)(41) 444-800.

Country Description: Croatia is a developing nation which was 
formerly one of the Yugoslav republics.  Facilities for tourism are 
not fully developed.

Entry Requirements: U.S. citizens must have a visa which can be 
obtained at a port of entry.  There is no charge for a business or 
tourist visa.  Croatia has an Office in the United States which is 
expected to become an Embassy.  Additional information can be 
obtained from the Office of Croatia at 236 Massachusetts Ave. NE, 
Washington, DC  20002, telephone (202) 543-5580 or 543-5608.

Areas of Instability:  Sporadic warfare which can become intense 
continues along the borders with Serbia and Bosnia-Hercegovina, and 
in U.N. protected areas, certain parts of Slavonia, the Dalmatian 
hinterland and the southern Adriatic coast.  The situation in 
Zagreb, the area north of Zagreb and the Istrian Peninsula has 
stabilized.  However, the potential for violent incidents exists.  

Terrorist Activities: Zagreb has been the setting for numerous 
terrorist bombings, believed to be in connection with the civil war. 
 On one occasion a large explosive device was detonated near the 
U.S. consulate, causing damage to the building.  Authorities have 
not ruled out the possibility that the U.S. facility was 
specifically targeted.

Medical Facilities: Health facilities in Croatia are limited and 
some medicines are in short supply.  Doctors and hospitals often 
expect immediate cash payment for health services.  U.S. medical 
coverage 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.  Further 
information on health matters can be obtained from the Centers for 
Disease Control's international Travelers hotline on (404) 332-4559.

Information on Crime: Croatia has a relatively low crime rate.  
Foreigners do not appear to be singled out; however, displays of 
wealth increase chances of becoming the victim of a pickpocket or 
mugger.  Such crimes often occur in bus or train stations.  Violent 
crime is rare.  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 Information: Credit cards and traveler's checks are of 
limited utility.

Other Information:  The emergency police number is 92.  Response 
time is generally good, though long waits may occur.  Certain areas 
of Croatia are under the control of militia groups known to be less 
disciplined than police.  Travelers are expected to be courteous and 
follow instructions, if stopped at a check point.

Registration: American citizens can register at the U.S. Embassy 
and receive the latest information about specific regions of 
conflict.  However, assistance to U.S. citizens is limited by 
reduced staffing and unsettled conditions.

 No. 92-012