Introduction

This pamphlet contains information for travel to the Newly Independent States (NIS). These countries include: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Russia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, and Uzbekistan.

The Newly Independent States are currently undergoing fundamental political and economic changes. The tourism industry, like other enterprises in the region, has been affected by the elimination of some government organizations and the introduction of new bureaucratic systems. These changes can cause confusion for travelers throughout the Newly Independent States.

Formerly, all tourism in the region was handled by Intourist, which has contracts with a large network of hotels and restaurants. However, other tour agencies have been established which offer comparable services. In addition, there are a number of specialized tour operators which organize stays with families and adventure tours. It is best to book travel with regional tour operators through U.S. travel agencies.

Consular Information Program

The Department of State issues Consular Information Sheets for all countries of the world. When the Department, based on the best available information, recommends against travel to a certain country, it will issue a Travel Warning in addition to the Consular Information Sheet.

Consular Information Sheets include such information as the location of the U.S. embassy or consulate in the subject country, entry requirements, crime and security information, health concerns and unusual currency regulations. If an unstable condition exists in a country that is not severe enough to warrant a Travel Warning, a description of the condition(s) may be included in the Consular Information Sheet under an optional section entitled "Areas of Instability." On limited occasions, relevant U.S. embassy advice given to official employees will be included. Consular Information Sheets present information in a factual manner so travelers can make their own informed decisions concerning travel to a particular country.

The State Department also issues Public Announcements as a means to disseminate information quickly about terrorist threats or other short-term or transnational conditions which pose significant risks to the security of American travelers.

There are several ways to access Consular Information Sheets, Travel Warnings and Public Announcements. You can listen to them 24 hours a day by calling 202-647-5225 from a touchtone phone. You can receive copies of them of by sending a self-addressed, stamped envelope to the Overseas Citizens Services, Room 4800, Department of State, Washington, D.C. 20520-4818. (Write the name of the requested country or countries on the outside of the envelope.)

To receive them by fax, dial 202-647-3000 from a fax machine, using the machine's telephone receiver, and follow the instructions. To view and download with a personal computer and modem, dial the Consular Affairs Bulletin Board (CABB) on modem number: 301-946-4400. The login is travel; the password is info.

Consular Information Sheets and Travel Warnings are posted at the 13 regional passport agencies and at American embassies and consulates abroad. They can also be accessed through an airline or travel agent's computer reservation system or by computer through many electronic information services.

General Information

This section contains general information useful for travel throughout the Newly Independent States. For information about a specific country, please refer to the current Consular Information Sheet, or the Country Profiles section.

Visas

U.S. citizens must possess a valid U.S. passport and appropriate visas for travel to or transit through the Newly Independent States, whether by train, car or airplane. Travelers who arrive without an entry visa may be unable to register in a hotel, are subject to large fines, and may be delayed by lengthy official processing requirements and/or face immediate ordered departure by route of entry (at traveler's expense). Under extenuating circumstances, some countries may grant limited stay visas at the border or the airport. Visas should be obtained in advance of your trip at the embassy or consulate of the country you wish to visit. If possible, plan to obtain your visa(s) in the United States, because they can be difficult and time-consuming to obtain abroad.

Visas are valid for specific dates. Before starting your trip, be sure your visa is valid for the dates of your planned entry and departure and indicates the point of entry. It is helpful to make a photocopy of your visa in the event of loss while enroute or after entry to Russia. Amendment of a visa necessitated by illness or changes in travel plans must be approved in advance by the office that issued your visa.

Tourist, Business, and Transit Visas

U.S. citizens may apply for a tourist, business or transit visa. Most travelers to the Newly Independent States arrange for their visas and accommodations through an American travel agent. A business visa requires a letter of invitation from a business contact in the country to which you are traveling. A transit visa requires a copy of your confirmed ticket and visa (if required) to your onward destination.

Many NIS governments accept each others' visas as valid for transit of less than 72 hours through their own territory. However, border officials, particularly at remote land crossings are not always aware of visa reciprocity between other NIS countries and their own government. Furthermore, border guards often fail to date stamp foreign passports on entry at land borders with other NIS countries, leaving no way to prove, when exiting, how much time the traveler has spent transiting a given country. For these reasons, it is always a good idea to obtain a separate visa for each country you may transit.

Sponsorship for Visas

Many of the Newly Independent States issue visas (with the exception of transit visas) on the basis of support from a sponsor, usually an individual or local organization. It is important to know who your sponsor is and how to contact them, because in many of these countries the law requires that your sponsor apply on your behalf for replacement, extension or changes to your visa. The U.S. Embassy cannot act as your sponsor. U.S. citizens should contact their tour company or hotel in advance for information on visa sponsorship.

How to Obtain Visa Information

Authoritative and current information on visas can only be obtained from the embassies or consulates of the countries you plan to visit. When you inquire about visas, ask about price, length of validity, the number of entries that are permitted and whether or not you will need an exit visa.

Your U.S. Passport

Thefts of U.S. passports are increasing rapidly. The theft or loss of a passport, especially when the nearest U.S. consular office is hundreds or thousands of miles away, is a major source of inconvenience and expense to travelers. Before your trip, make photocopies of the data page of your passport and of your visa(s). A copy of the addresses and telephone numbers of the U.S. embassies and consulates in the countries you will visit may also be helpful. Put one set of the photocopies along with two passport photos in a place separate from your passport. If your passport is lost or stolen abroad, this will make issuance of a new passport faster and easier. Leave the second set of copies and your itinerary with a relative or friend in the U.S.

While in the NIS, you may be asked to turn over your passport to hotel personnel or a tour leader for short periods of time for registration with police or for other purposes. Your passport should be returned within two or three days. However, for U.S. citizens on long-term business or studies, the registration process can often take longer. It is not unusual for sponsors and local authorities to hold on to American passports for as much as several weeks while visas are registered or while exit visas are processed. Be sure to safeguard your passport at all other times, as its loss can cause you delays and problems.

If your passport is lost or stolen, you must apply for a replacement passport at a U.S. embassy or consulate. If possible, bring with you: identification, especially any photo ID; proof of U.S. citizenship (a birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or a copy of your passport); two 2" by 2" passport size photos, in color or black and white; and a police report, if available. (Some embassies are equipped with passport photo cameras and can take your passport photo for a fee.) In most cases, a new passport can be issued quickly. If U.S. passport records must be checked, the process may delay the issuance of a new passport.

Please be aware that in the NIS you must also obtain a new or duplicate visa from the Office of Visas and Registration (OVIR) should your passport be lost or stolen. (This office is also known as the "Passport-Visa Service" in some areas.) The passport number on your visa must match that of your new passport. Obtaining a replacement visa takes approximately 10 working days. A police certificate verifying the theft of your visa and passport may be necessary to obtain a new visa.

Questions regarding U.S. visas for foreigners should be directed to the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.

Registration

All U.S. citizens who visit the Newly Independent States are encouraged to register at the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. Registration is especially important if you are in an area experiencing civil unrest or a natural disaster, if you are going to a place where communications are poor, or if you plan to stay for a long period of time. Registration takes only a few minutes, and it may be invaluable in case of an emergency. If your passport is lost or stolen, having previously registered at an embassy or consulate can make it easier to issue you a new passport without a delay.

Travel in the Region

Areas of Instability

When planning a trip to the Newly Independent States, be aware that areas of instability still exist throughout the region and that it may not be safe or wise to travel through these areas. For updated information on a specific country, please consult that country's current Consular Information Sheet.

Name Changes and Travel Times

Many geographic names throughout the region have been changed. Try to obtain maps before your trip, but keep in mind that some place names may need to be updated. If your map and street sign do not correspond, you are not necessarily lost; it is entirely possible that the street has been renamed.

Departure and arrival times for planes, trains and boats were formerly quoted in Moscow time; now, the timetables for travel in and between the Newly Independent States have been revised to quote local times. Within Russia itself, however, you may still find Moscow time in use regardless of which of the 11 time zones you are in. Whenever you make reservations or purchase tickets, learn which time zones the schedule refers to and confirm all departure and arrival times as you travel.

Air Travel Within the Newly Independent States

With the breakup of Aeroflot into many small airlines, travel within the NIS is often unreliable. Domestic air travelers must often cope with unpredictable and/or inaccurate schedules and difficult conditions, including deterioration of centralized systems of maintenance, poor service, overloading and fuel shortages.

In addition, it is often difficult to make arrangements for air travel within the NIS from the United States.

Overland Travel

When traveling by train or automobile in the NIS countries, it is advisable to bring food and water with you. You cannot rely on the availability or quality of these goods throughout the region.

When traveling overland between Central European countries and the NIS, be certain that you have visas for all countries through which you will pass. For example, you will need a Belarusian transit visa if you take the train from Warsaw, Poland to Vilnius, Lithuania because the train passes through Grodno, Belarus. Most transit problems can be avoided if you research your routes well.

Auto Travel

Driving conditions in the NIS are drastically different from those in Western Europe. In some areas, roads are practically non-existent. Throughout the region, service stations are few and far between, and the lines are often quite long for the scarce amount of available fuel.

Travelers should adhere to all local driving regulations. They are strictly enforced and violators are subject to severe legal penalties. In addition, your automobile should be fully insured under a policy valid for the country in which you are traveling.

A valid U.S. driver's license, a valid international driver's license, or a valid license from the country in which you are traveling are necessary to drive a vehicle. International driver's licenses, good for one year, are available through the American Automobile Association. Foreigners planning to drive in the region for more than one month are encouraged to obtain an international license. Travelers without a valid license are often subject to prolonged stops by highway police.

Health

Precautions

Travel in the Newly Independent States can be strenuous, particularly for the elderly and individuals with special health problems. When you plan your trip, be careful not to overschedule; leave time for rest and relaxation. Tourists in frail health are strongly advised not to visit because of the harsh conditions and lack of adequate medical facilities.

Health Concerns

Outbreaks of diphtheria have been reported throughout the NIS, even in large cities such as Moscow and St. Petersburg. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control recommend up-to-date diphtheria immunizations before traveling to the NIS. Typhoid can be a concern for those who plan to travel extensively in the region. Cases of cholera have also been reported throughout the area; the risk of exposure to cholera can be reduced by refraining from drinking local water supplies.

Immunizations

No immunizations are required for travelers to the NIS. However, diphtheria, tetanus, polio and Gamma Globulin vaccinations are recommended for the region. The following vaccines should be considered, depending on the locations to be visited, planned activities, and the health of the traveler: Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, rabies and typhoid. If traveling to certain southern border areas of Azerbaijan and Tajikistan, malaria prevention measures are recommended.

Please be aware that many of the NIS countries stipulate that foreigners planning an extended stay in the area must be tested for the AIDS virus. The length of stay mandating an AIDS test varies from country to country. Positive test results for HIV could be grounds for expulsion from the country. All travelers intending to reside in the Newly Independent States are strongly advised to have the requisite tests performed in the United States, as the testing conditions in the NIS tend to be very unsanitary and could pose a hazard to your health. Requirements for HIV testing are likely to change in the countries of the NIS as new legislation is adopted. Please refer to the current Consular Information Sheet or contact the U.S. embassy in the country you plan to visit for the latest requirements.

Medical Care in the Region

Medical care in the Newly Independent States is below Western standards. There is a severe shortage of basic medical supplies, including disposable needles, anesthetics, common medications, and antibiotics. X-rays are of poor quality, and other advanced diagnostic equipment (such as CAT scan machines) is not widely available. Patient support services, including basic hygiene measures, are inadequate. Travelers may expect the length of hospitalization to exceed the duration of stay they would expect in Western facilities. In addition, full, frank, and empathetic discussions between doctor and patient are hampered by language barriers as well as the lack of customary patient rights. Access to the few quality facilities that exist in major cities usually require cash payment in U.S. dollars at Western rates upon admission. Many resident Americans travel to the West for virtually all their medical needs. If you need medical care, U.S. embassies and consulates maintain lists of medical facilities and English-speaking doctors.

Drinking Water

The U.S. Public Health Service warns that many visitors to the NIS have returned to the United States infected with the intestinal parasite Giardia lamblia. This infection is usually contracted by drinking local tap water. In addition, you should avoid ice cubes, salads, and uncooked vegetables and fruits which cannot be peeled, and use bottled water for brushing teeth.

Local water supplies can be avoided in several ways. Some travelers to the region bring drinking water with them in their luggage. If you cannot import your drinking water, drink only bottled carbonated drinks or beverages that have been boiled for at least five minutes. Some portable water filters are specially constructed to remove the Giardia parasite; however, if you are relying on a water filter, it is still highly advisable to boil the water after filtering. In many large cities, bottled water of imported or Russian origin can be purchased in some stores. However, travelers should not rely on the availability of bottled water from these sources. In addition, carry iodine tablets to disinfect drinking water (though it should be noted that some iodine tablets take several hours to work). Travelers returning from the region who develop a diarrheal illness lasting more than five days should consult a physician.

Bring Your Own Medicines

Bring with you any necessary medications and keep them in their original, labeled containers in your hand luggage. Because of strict laws on narcotics, carry a letter from your physician explaining your need for any prescription drugs in your possession. Also bring along any toiletries and personal hygiene items that you will need. These items can be difficult to obtain in major cities and virtually nonexistent elsewhere.

For More Health Information

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta has detailed information on health matters for the international traveler. For recorded information on worldwide health information, contact the CDC at 404-332-4559. For information by fax, contact the CDC at 404-332-4565 and follow the prompts.

Review Your Health Insurance Policy

If your insurance does not cover you abroad, consider purchasing temporary insurance that does. In addition to medical insurance, consider obtaining insurance to cover medical evacuation in the event of an accident or serious illness. Because conditions in many hospitals are not adequate to ensure recovery, medical evacuation is frequently necessary for illnesses or injuries which could be treated locally in other countries. This is an expensive option; for instance, minimum cost from Moscow to New York on a stretcher is more than $10,000. Medical evacuation by hospital aircraft on the same route approaches $130,000. The minimum cost for medical evacuation from Kiev to Western Europe in a hospital aircraft is approximately $20,000 and evacuation to the U.S. approaches $100,000. Such services require a substantial down payment before they commit themselves to arranging a flight out of the NIS. Insurance companies, as well as some credit card and travelers check companies, offer short-term health and emergency assistance policies designed for travelers. Ask your travel agent for information about them or look for their advertisements in travel publications.

Currency

The countries of the Newly Independent States operate on the basis of cash-only economies. This means that traveler's checks and credit cards are not widely, if ever, accepted as currency. Old, or very worn dollar bills are often not accepted, even at banks. U.S. bills in small denominations (ones and fives) are often useful for covering taxi fares, tips and other minimal expenses easily paid for in dollars.

The countries of the Newly Independent States have experienced periodic cash shortages. The difficulties of a currency shortage can be avoided by taking a prepaid tour that includes all meals and hotels. Most travelers, however, solve the problem of the currency shortage by coming to the NIS with a sufficient supply of hard currency to cover their obligations during travel. Be advised that some hotel restaurants and shops will accept payment only in dollars or other hard currency.

Before you leave home, check with your credit card and travelers check companies to learn if and where these can be used in Russia and the Newly Independent States. The countries of the Newly Independent States have established their own currency systems. Generally, U.S. dollars can be exchanged for local currency only at official exchange offices or in banks. Anyone caught dealing on the black market can expect to be detained by the local militia.

Customs Regulations

Customs laws and regulations in the NIS are generally in a state of flux and not consistently enforced. However, when enforced, customs and currency laws are strict. When you arrive, make an accurate and complete customs declaration of all money, travelers checks, and valuables in your possession. Include all personal jewelry, such as wedding rings and watches, and other high-value items, such as personal computers. Never declare more money leaving the country than you declared coming in. Have your customs declaration stamped by the authorities and keep it with you until you leave the country. Keep your exchange receipts to account for your expenditures. Without these records, customs officials could confiscate your cash and valuables upon departure.

Attempts to bring any of the following articles into the NIS have caused difficulties for U.S. citizens in the past:

Narcotics - Drug laws are strict. U.S. citizens have received long sentences for trying to enter or transit with illegal narcotics.

Pornography - Magazines with sexually explicit photographs, that may be considered commonplace in Western countries, may be regarded as pornography in some of the NIS countries and are often confiscated.

Gifts for Persons in the NIS - A high rate of customs duty may be assessed on gifts that you bring into a foreign country. U.S. citizens have had to abandon gifts at the airport because they lacked funds to pay the customs duty.

Video Cassettes - Customs regulations allow for the import and re-export of a limited number of blank or commercially recorded video cassettes for personal use. Some travelers with a large number of cassettes have had them confiscated. Travelers are advised to leave blank video cassettes sealed in their wrappers when entering a country.

Shopping

Be wary of antiques! Artwork, souvenirs, and handicrafts purchased at special stores for tourists may be taken out of the Newly Independent States. The authorities define antiques as anything which is of historical or cultural value, and they apply this definition to a wide range of articles. Antiques and artifacts (such as samovars) often may not be taken out of these countries without inspection by local cultural authorities and payment of a substantial export duty; this can be an inconvenient and time consuming process. Items such as samovars which are not purchased at tourist stores and not cleared by cultural authorities are normally confiscated at pre-departure customs inspections. You should obtain a receipt for all items of value that you have purchased. The receipt must indicate that the items were bought in a store clearly licensed to sell to foreigners. Furthermore, icons, art, rugs, antiques and other culturally significant objects must have a certificate indicating that they have no historical value. This certificate can be obtained either from the store at the time the item is purchased or from the Ministry of Culture.

Crime

Crime Against Foreigners

Crime against foreigners in the Newly Independent States continues to increase, especially in major cities. Pickpocketings, assaults and robberies occur both day and night. Be aware of your surroundings; travelers are assaulted or robbed on city streets, in underground walkways and the subway, in train stations and airports, at markets, tourist attractions and restaurants, and in hotel rooms and residences, even when locked or occupied. Members of religious and missionary groups have been robbed by people pretending to be interested in their beliefs. Groups of children are known to assault and rob foreigners on city streets or underground walkways. Foreigners who have been drinking alcohol are especially vulnerable to assault and robbery in or around night clubs or bars, or on their way home. Robberies may occur in taxis shared with strangers. Traffic police sometimes stop motorists to extract cash "fines." Travelers have found it safer to travel in groups organized by reputable tour agencies as those traveling alone are more vulnerable to crime.

Crime aboard trains has also increased. For example, travelers have been victimized without their knowledge and robbed on the train from Moscow to St. Petersburg. Crimes such as armed robbery have also been reported on trains between Moscow and Warsaw and between Moscow and Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. On some trains, thieves have been able to open locked compartment doors.

Crime Against Foreign Businesses

Extortion and corruption permeate the business environment in the NIS. Organized criminal groups target foreign businesses in many cities and reportedly demand protection money under threat of serious violence. Many Western companies hire security services, but this has not always proven effective in avoiding armed extortion attempts.

Safety Tips

Although officials in the Newly Independent States have in many cases expressed willingness to cooperate with U.S. officials in emergencies involving U.S. citizens, communications and transportation can be slow and difficult, and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate may be more than a day's travel away. To reduce the risk of becoming a victim of crime, exercise the same precautions that you would in any large city and follow these tips:

-- Safety begins when you pack. Leave expensive jewelry, unnecessary credit cards, and anything you would hate to lose at home.

-- Never display large sums of money when paying a bill. Conceal your passport, cash, and other valuables on your person. Do not trust waist packs or fanny packs because pickpockets have learned that is where the valuables are stored.

-- Do not leave valuables in your hotel room; have them locked in the hotel safe.

-- Be vigilant on public transport and at tourist sites, food markets, flea markets, art exhibitions, and all places where crowds gather.

-- Even slight intoxication is noted by professional thieves. Therefore, if you drink in a public place, do so only with a trusted friend who has agreed to remain sober.

-- If you are the victim of crime, report it immediately to the local police and to the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. It is worthwhile to report a theft, because stolen items are sometimes retrieved.

-- Avoid hailing unmarked cars as taxis. Although this is a common practice in the NIS, foreigners have been robbed and assaulted by the drivers of such unmarked cabs. Never accept a ride from a driver who already has other passengers.

Useful information on safeguarding valuables, protecting personal security, and other matters while traveling abroad is provided in the Department of State pamphlet, "A Safe Trip Abroad," which is for sale from the U.S. Government Printing Office. (See back cover for ordering information.)

Photography Restrictions

The majority of areas formerly closed to foreigners have been opened; currently, only areas and installations closed to the general public can be closed to foreigners. However, use good judgment when photographing in museums and sensitive areas. (Many museums do not permit photography near the exhibits.) When in doubt, ask your tour guide or someone else in authority if it is acceptable to take a photograph.

The following are general guidelines for photo-taking in the Newly Independent States:

Photographs are permitted of architectural monuments, cultural, educational, and medical buildings, theaters, museums, parks, stadiums, streets and squares, and living quarters and landscape scenes.

If prior permission is obtained from officials of the institution concerned, photographs may be taken of industrial enterprises which manufacture non-military products, farms, railroad stations, airports, riverports, and governmental, educational, and social organizations.

Telephone Service to the U.S.

Long distance telephone calls can usually be made from a hotel. It is also possible to make calls from the local Telephone and Telegraph office. This is the cheapest way to call, but it also necessitates standing in line and putting in a request to make an international call. A rudimentary knowledge of the local language is extremely helpful for those placing a call through the Telephone and Telegraph office.

U.S. Priority Mail Services

Federal Express, DHL, TNT, and United Parcel Service all offer priority mail services between the U.S. and Russia and the U.S. and Ukraine. (However, even packets sent by priority mail may be held up in customs for up to a week.)

Legal Matters

How to Avoid Legal Problems

While in a foreign country, a U.S. citizen is subject to that country's laws and regulations. In some instances, laws in the NIS countries differ significantly from those in the United States and do not afford the protections available to the individual under U.S. law. Exercise caution and carefully obey local laws. Penalties for breaking the law can be more severe than in the United States for similar offenses. Persons violating the law, even unknowingly, may have difficulties with the authorities and may be expelled and forced to forfeit the unused part of a prepurchased tour. Serious transgressions of the law can lead to arrest and imprisonment.

Under Article 12 of the U.S.-USSR Consular Convention of 1964 (which the U.S. considers to remain in force), government authorities in the NIS countries are required to inform the U.S. embassy or consulate of the arrest or detention of a U.S. citizen and to permit communication with the detained citizen within two to four days of arrest. If you are detained by authorities, ask that a U.S. consular officer be informed and that you be allowed to meet with a consular officer without delay.

Dual Nationality

The U.S. government has notified the governments of the Newly Independent States that the U.S.-USSR Consular Convention of 1964 is considered to remain in force. The United States recognizes as an established principle of international law that every sovereign state has the right to decide under the provisions of its own laws who is and who is not its citizen. The U.S. Department of State maintains the following:

-- U.S. citizens, whether by birth or naturalization, possess full American citizenship and its accompanying benefits and responsibilities despite any additional entitlement to other citizenships.

-- A U.S. citizen entering a country of the Newly Independent States with a U.S. passport and a valid visa is regarded as a U.S. citizen by that country for purposes of the visit, regardless of whether the foreign government might also consider that person to be their citizen.

-- U.S. citizens cannot lose their U.S. citizenship because of automatic acquisition of foreign citizenship. However, if a U.S. citizen contemplates voluntarily accepting dual nationality in connection with assuming duties as a government official in one of the NIS countries, he or she should first consult with the Department of State's Office of Overseas Citizens Services at 202-647-5225 or with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.

The countries of the Newly Independent States generally do not prevent a U.S. citizen possessing a U.S. passport and appropriate visas from visiting those countries and returning to the United States, or to his or her country of permanent residence, even if under foreign laws he or she is considered a citizen of a NIS country. Any dual national U.S. citizen traveling in any country in the region should contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate immediately if any question arises about his or her U.S. or foreign citizenship.

Legal Permanent U.S. Residents

Please be aware that the ability of U.S. authorities to assist legal permanent U.S. residents is limited. These individuals should travel with appropriate documentation of their legal status in the U.S. Those who are citizens of an NIS country should ensure that they have the correct entry/exit permission from the appropriate embassy in the United States before they travel.

Marriage Abroad

Americans contemplating marriage to a citizen of Russia or other NIS country should contact the Consular Section of the nearest American embassy or consulate before the marriage takes place. Consular officers cannot perform marriages, but can provide information about local regulations concerning marriage.

Adopting A Child Abroad

It is technically possible to adopt a child from most countries in the Newly Independent States. However, adoption laws and procedures vary from country to country, and are subject to change with little prior notice. In general, adoption procedures throughout the region are complicated, and prospective parents should be prepared to go through a lengthy process before being allowed to adopt a child. The Department of State maintains country specific information on file about the current laws and procedures for international adoption in the Newly Independent States. U.S. citizens interested in adopting a child from one of these countries are encouraged to contact their state's Department of Health and Human Services to locate an agency that specializes in international adoptions, and/or the Department of State's Office of Children's Issues, in the Office of Overseas Citizens Services, at 202-736-7000 for further information on foreign country adoption requirements.

Country Profiles

The following sections contain information on the individual countries of the Newly Independent States. This is a challenging and exciting time to visit these countries. Because travel conditions are changing rapidly throughout the region, you will need to research and plan your visit carefully before leaving the United States. Be patient and flexible once you are underway in order to have a successful and pleasurable trip. For updates on each of these countries, please consult the current Consular Information Sheets.

RUSSIA

Visas

Russian law requires that all travelers who spend more than three days in Russia register their visas through their hotel or sponsor. Visitors who have not registered their visas may be prevented from leaving the country. In addition, all foreigners must have an exit visa to depart Russia. For short stays, the exit visa is issued together with the entry visa; for longer stays, the exit visa must be obtained by a sponsor after the traveler's arrival.

Problems with tourist visas should be referred first to Intourservice, located in many major hotels. If problems are encountered with other types of visas, travelers should contact their sponsor, who will intercede with OVIR on the behalf of U.S. citizens.

Errors in the dates or other information on the visa can occur, and it is a good idea to check your visa carefully before departing the United States. U.S. citizens can contact the Russian Embassy, Consular Division, 1825 Phelps Place, NW, Washington, D.C. 20008, telephone (202) 939-8918, 939-8907, or 939-8913, or the Russian Consulates in New York, San Francisco or Seattle for current information on visa requirements.

Passports

In the event your passport is lost or stolen, please be aware that the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Russia only accept U.S. dollars, rubles or travelers checks as payment for a replacement passport. (The American Consulate General in Vladivostok does not accept payment for consular fees in traveler's checks.)

Areas of Instability

At press time, the political situation remains particularly unsettled in Russia's Caucasus area, which is located in southern Russia along its border with Georgia and Azerbaijan. Travel to this area is considered dangerous. The regions of the Chechen Republic, the Ingush Republic and the North Ossetian Republic have experienced continued armed violence and have a state of emergency in effect. Street demonstrations, which sometimes turn violent, may occur without warning, although announcements of demonstrations in Moscow are usually carried on local English-language radio news programs.

Crime

Crime is a growing problem in Russia, particularly in major cities and along the highway between St. Petersburg and Vyborg. Additional information may be found on page 16 in the section on "Crime."

Air Travel

The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration and Russian Civil Air Authorities conducted a joint safety evaluation of Russia's civil aviation. Airlines certified to operate internationally meet higher standards than domestic-only air carriers yet also fly to most domestic destinations. The Russian Department of Air Transport has provided a list, which is available from the U.S. Embassies in Moscow or Kiev or by writing the Department of State's Office of Overseas Citizen's Services, of those airlines certified by Russia for international operations. Travelers should note that safety certification of the airlines on this list is provided solely by the Russian Department of Air Transport; the Federal Aviation Administration only provides safety certification of U.S. airlines. In addition, a few foreign international airlines are starting to offer flights between some of the countries in the region. While Russian airlines are in transition to meet international standards, flexibility and patience are the keys to successful air travel throughout the region.

Auto Travel and Insurance

All tourists entering Russia by automobile are required to sign a statement guaranteeing the re-export of their automobiles. This obligation also applies to vehicles which may have been damaged during your travels.

Your automobile should be fully insured under a policy valid for Russia and for any other country you will enter. Insurance policies may be purchased from Lloyds of London or from Ingostrakh, Kuybyshev Street 11/10, Moscow and Zakharyevskaya Street 17, St. Petersburg. Ingostrakh is a Russian organization that insures foreigners in Russia. Ingostrakh also sells auto insurance for travelers who plan to drive out of Russia through Finland by car. Auto insurance obtained in Russia is accepted in some of the other NIS countries.

Be aware that Russian law allows the insurance company to refuse compensation for damage if a driver is pronounced by the authorities to be under the influence of alcohol at the time of an accident. Such determinations can be made without the benefit of any tests.

Currency

Though Russia operates on the basis of a cash-only economy, some hotels and restaurants in Moscow and St. Petersburg have begun to accept credit cards. (These are usually foreign run, joint venture operations.) However, do not assume your hotel will accept your credit card as payment!

If you find yourself short of funds in Moscow, St. Petersburg, or Vladivostok, there are several possible avenues for assistance. Western Union has agents in Moscow, St. Petersburg and Vladivostok, as well as in other cities in the NIS, which can disburse money wired from the U.S. In addition, money can be transferred from a bank account in the U.S to Dialogbank, located in the Slavianskaya Hotel (the minimum transfer is $1,000). In case of an emergency, funds may also be wired to an American citizen through the State Department's Overseas Citizens Services at 202-647-5225. The funds are generally disbursed two business days later at the American Citizens Services unit of the U.S. Embassy. In Moscow, automatic teller machines which accept American Express credit cards are located at the American Express office and the Mezhdunarodnaya (International) Hotel. An automatic teller machine which accepts Visa cards is located in the Metropol Hotel. Dialogbank in the Radisson Hotel provides cash advances for Mastercard holders. The American Express offices in Moscow and St. Petersburg can cash travelers checks and personal checks for card holders. In addition, the St. Petersburg office can provide card holders with cash advances up to $500. In Vladivostok, Credo Bank (located near the Territorial Administration building) can cash American Express traveler's checks for rubles only and provide cash advances in dollars on Visa credit cards.

During periodic cash shortages, it can be difficult or impossible to cash travelers checks for dollars, for other convertible (hard) currency, or even for rubles. In places where it is possible to cash traveler's checks (such as in some hotels in major cities), the fee may be high (for example, 5%). In addition, the currency situation varies from city to city. In Moscow, cash may be available at Dialogbank or American Express. In St. Petersburg, rubles may be available but not hard currency (though rubles and hard currency are generally available).

Customs

Russian customs laws and regulations are in a state of flux and are not consistently enforced. All items which may appear to have historical or cultural value (icons, art, rugs, antiques, etc.) may be taken out of Russia only with prior written approval of the Ministry of Culture and payment of up to 100 percent duty. Caviar may only be taken out of Russia with a receipt indicating it was bought in a store licensed to sell to foreigners. Failure to follow the customs regulations may result in confiscation of the property in question. For further information, see the general information section on "Shopping."

Russian Law

On February 6, 1992, Russia established a new citizenship law recognizing dual nationality only if there is an agreement between the two countries which specifically addresses dual nationality. At this time, the United States and Russia do not have a dual nationality agreement. Therefore, if you hold dual nationality and encounter problems in Russia, you may not be permitted to leave and the ability of a U.S. consul to assist you may be limited.

Russian President Boris Yeltsin has signed into law legislation which requires all foreigners staying in Russia for more than 3 months to undergo a test for the AIDS virus. The details of the new law were not available at the time this brochure went to press. Please refer to the current Consular Information Sheet for updated information on this issue.

ARMENIA

Travelers are advised to obtain a visa from the Embassy of the Republic of Armenia in Washington, D.C. before traveling to Armenia. It is possible to obtain a 21-day visa at the main airport in Yerevan upon arrival, but at a higher cost. Travelers without a visa cannot register at hotels and may be required to leave the country immediately via the route by which they entered.

Air transportation to and from Armenia is limited, and passengers should be prepared to cope with frequent delays, unexpected refueling stops, and poor service. Other modes of transportation may be unreliable and uncomfortable. Although the U.S. government no longer prohibits U.S. officials from traveling overland between Georgia and Armenia, travelers should exercise caution. Travelers should be aware that there is frequent armed conflict along portions of the Armenian-Azerbaijani border.

Travelers should be prepared for a lack of electricity and heat, fuel shortages, and limited availability of consumer goods. Traveler's checks and credit cards are not accepted. Armenia has a relatively low rate of violent crime, but robbery has increased.

AZERBAIJAN

A passport and visa are required to enter Azerbaijan. Businesspersons who apply for visas more than five days in advance and tourists who apply more than ten days in advance will not be charged for their visas. Individuals requesting visas for less time or arriving in Baku without a valid Azerbaijani visa will be charged a fee ranging from $40 to $250 for their visa. Although visas can be obtained in Baku after arrival, passports without visas are retained by immigration authorities at the airport. Visitors must apply to the consular department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs the next working day to retrieve their passport. All visitors to Azerbaijan are strongly urged to obtain a visa prior to their arrival. Travelers with valid Georgian visas are permitted to enter Azerbaijan for five days. Thereafter, they must obtain an Azerbaijani visa. Visa applicants must include a letter of invitation from an individual or organization in Azerbaijan when applying for a visa. Outside the United States, visas may be obtained from Azerbaijani embassies in Germany, Turkey, and the United Kingdom. For additional information on visa requirements, contact the Embassy of Azerbaijan in Washington, D.C. at telephone 202-842-0001 or fax 202-842-0004.

Although Azerbaijan has a low rate of violent crime, incidents of street crime and assaults on foreigners are increasing. Travelers should exercise caution as public disturbances may occur without warning. In the capital of Baku, armed troops are positioned outside a number of government buildings to provide additional security. Azerbaijan has been engaged in an ethnic conflict with Armenia over the territory of Nagorno-Karabakh. Approximately twenty percent of the territory of Azerbaijan is occupied by Armenian forces from Nagorno-Karabakh. Travelers may be stopped at roadblocks while vehicles and travel documents are inspected. Travel to several regions is restricted and requires advance permission from the Ministry of the Interior. The Consular Section of the American Embassy in Baku can provide additional information on the crime situation including safety tips and contact numbers for the local police.

Train travel in the Caucasus region has been severely disrupted by civil strife and is not secure. Air travel to Azerbaijan is currently available through Turkey on a regular basis, and, through Germany and the United Kingdom on a more limited schedule.

A state of emergency and midnight to 5:00 a.m. curfew established in October 1994 remain in effect for Baku. There are numerous roadblocks and checkpoints throughout the capital. Visitors to Azerbaijan are encouraged to exercise extreme caution.

BELARUS

A visa is required for entry into Belarus. Visas may be obtained at the Belarusian Embassy in Washington, D.C. or the Consulate in New York. An invitation from a Belarusian sponsor, whether an individual or a travel agency, is required. Russian and Kazakh visas are valid for transit (up to three days) through Belarus. Visas may also be obtained at Belarusian embassies and consulates abroad, although this can be a time-consuming process.

Travelers passing through Belarus on the way to other points in the NIS must possess a Belarusian transit visa. On occasion, travelers taking the train from Warsaw, Poland to Vilnius, Lithuania have been required to leave the train in Grodno, Belarus and return to their point of departure to obtain a transit visa. Transit visas are not available on the train. This problem can be avoided by taking the direct rail route that goes to Sestokai, Lithuania via Suwalki, Poland, without passing through Belarus.

U.S. citizens residing in Belarus are required to register with the local Office of Visas and Registration (OVIR). Failure to do so will result in fines and frequent visits from local militia. U.S. citizens residing in hotels are automatically registered.

Traveler's checks are not accepted in Belarus. Intourist hotels in Minsk accept American Express, and several stores selling imported goods and the Planeta Hotel accept Visa cards.

The number of reported diphtheria cases in Belarus has quadrupled in the past three years. The Centers for Disease Control recommends immunization against diphtheria.

GEORGIA

A passport is required for entry into Georgia, but a visa is not required before arrival. Visitors who enter at the Tbilisi airport receive a temporary stamp at passport control and are instructed to obtain a visa from the Consular Division of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Visas are usually granted within five days. Travelers who have valid visas for Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Kazakhstan can use these visas for transit (up to three days) through Georgia without an additional Georgian visa. Those arriving from or departing to other countries, including the remainder of the Newly Independent States, must obtain a Georgian visa in order to leave the country. On an exceptional basis, the Georgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs can assist travelers to obtain visas at the checkpoint at Sarpi on the border with Turkey, and at the port of Batumi on the Black Sea. Arrangements must be made in advance to issue a visa at one of these entry points.

Travelers should be aware of the risks of travel in Georgia. Some terrorist incidents have occurred in connection with regional conflicts. Despite the nominal end of the war in Abkhazia, travel in that region is still hazardous. High crime rates in South Ossetia make unofficial and unescorted travel there risky. The security situation in Tbilisi has improved slightly, but crime rates are still high. The security of overland travel inside Georgia is minimal. Trains destined for Armenia have occasionally been targeted by terrorists, and all train and vehicular traffic is vulnerable to robbery by bandits.

Violent crime is not uncommon in Georgia. Sporadic gunfire, often celebratory in nature, can be dangerous to bystanders. Travelers on the metro system in Tbilisi are particularly susceptible to criminal acts. Petty theft and pickpocketing is common, especially in open-air markets. While police authority has improved slightly, security conditions can change rapidly.

KAZAKHSTAN

Entry visas are issued at the Kazakhstan Embassy on the basis of a letter of invitation from a Kazakh organization, or at the Almaty Airport. Visas issued at the airport without a letter of invitation are only valid for three days. Kazakhstan immigration officials consider visas for Russia, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Armenia, and Belarus to be valid for transit (up to three days) through Kazakhstan.

Incidence of infectious diseases in Kazakhstan is generally higher than in the U.S., and immunizations are unavailable. Drinking only boiled or bottled water will help guard against cholera, which has been reported.

Common street crime has increased, especially at night, and some robbery victims have been assaulted. Robbers congregate around hotels that cater to foreigners. Walking in a group or utilizing an official metered taxi with door to door service is the best way to traverse the cities after sunset.

KYRGYZSTAN

Visas are required for entry into Kyrgyzstan. Visas are issued by the Kyrgyz Embassy in Washington, D.C. No letter of invitation is required for a stay of up to two months. For detailed information, contact the Kyrgyz Embassy at telephone (202) 628-0433 or fax (202) 347-3718. In countries where no Kyrgyz Embassy is present, the Russian Embassy has the authority to issue a Kyrgyz visa. All visitors staying in Kyrgyzstan more than three days are required to register with OVIR, the Office of Visas and Registration. Visitors who do not register within three days are fined.

Currently, no airline provides dependable, regularly scheduled international air service into Bishkek. Most air travelers fly to Almaty, Kazakhstan, and then travel overland to Bishkek (approximately a four-hour journey). Train travel in the region is irregular and arduous.

Kyrgyzstan has a moderate rate of violent crime, and members of the foreign community have been singled out as targets. Some incidents of muggings have occurred outside hotels catering to foreigners.

Kyrgyzstan has a cash-based economy, and credit cards are not accepted. Only one bank accepts traveler's checks, and the fee can be as high as 20 percent.

MOLDOVA

Travelers must have visas to enter Moldova. Visas are available from the Moldovan Embassy in Washington, D.C., from the Moldovan Consulate in Frankfurt, Germany, or in other selected cities. When traveling to Moldova with the intention of continuing elsewhere in the NIS, keep in mind that visas for travel to other NIS countries are mandatory and difficult to obtain in Moldova.

The U.S. Embassy in Chisinau advises that only essential travel should be undertaken into or through the Transnistria region. There are frequent checkpoints in Transnistria, manned by armed, young and inexperienced paramilitary units who are not under the control of the Moldovan government and whose members rarely understand English. Travelers may be subject to extortion or robbery at checkpoints. Only Air Moldova and Tarom (Romania's national airline) regularly fly to Moldova. Air Moldova service is well below Western standards. Aircraft appear to be old and cabin areas are in poor condition. Train service is also below Western standards and an increasing number of Americans have been victimized while traveling on international trains to and from Moldova.

The Centers for Disease Control recommend Hepatitis B series for certain travelers. In addition, rabies vaccinations may be useful as casual exposure to stray dogs is common throughout Chisinau.

TAJIKISTAN

At the time of publication, a Travel Warning for Tajikistan was in effect. Although a cease-fire is in effect between the warring factions and peaceful elections were held, sporadic fighting continues along the Tajikistan-Afghanistan border. In addition, unsettled conditions exist in some areas of the countryside, particularly in parts of the Gharm Valley and Gorno-Badakhshan. There is a potential for terrorist actions in the capital, Dushanbe, primarily targeting Russians. The U.S. Embassy provides a full range of consular services, but is extremely limited in the services it can provide outside Dushanbe. For updated information, contact the Office of Overseas Citizens Services, at 202-647-5225.

A visa is required for entry into Tajikistan. Registry at a hotel is prohibited without a visa, and travelers who enter the country without a visa will be required to leave immediately via the route by which they entered. In the United States, Tajik visas are issued by the Russian Embassy in Washington, D.C., or the Russian Consulates in New York, San Francisco, or Seattle. Contact these sources for current information on visa requirements for Tajikistan.

Due to the unsettled situation in the region, travel to, from, and within Tajikistan is difficult and unreliable. The only regular international air travel to and from Dushanbe are connections to Moscow and St. Petersburg via Air Tajikistan. These flights may be cancelled due to lack of fuel. International train connections are extremely dangerous because of criminals operating on board. Travelers to other Central Asian countries or Russia must have appropriate visas, which are not available in Tajikistan.

The civil war has significantly contributed to the deterioration of Tajikistan's medical infrastructure. Many trained medical personnel have left the country and there is a potential for significant outbreaks of disease due to the migration of refugees and the discontinuance of immunization activities.

International banking services are not available in Tajikistan. Traveling with large amounts of cash can be dangerous. However, credit cards and traveler's checks are rarely accepted in lieu of cash.

TURKMENISTAN

Without a visa, travelers to Turkmenistan cannot register at hotels and will be required to leave the country immediately via the route by which they entered. If a visa is not obtained from the Embassy of Turkmenistan in Washington, D.C., it may be obtained on arrival at the airport for twenty dollars for a ten-day stay. This visa may be obtained without presenting an invitation letter. However, if an extension of the visa is necessary, a letter of invitation must be furnished by the traveler's host to support the application. Extensions may be authorized by applying at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. Generally, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs takes five working days to process any requests to extend visas, although for a fee, this process can be expedited.

UKRAINE

Visas for entry into Ukraine may be obtained in advance from the Embassy of Ukraine, or the Ukrainian Consulates in New York or Chicago. Almost all Ukrainian visas are issued on the basis of invitations. The invitation may be extended by a person, company, or organization in Ukraine or through a tour company voucher.

Travelers who intend to visit Russia from Ukraine must have a Russian visa. Visitors who arrive in Ukraine without a visa must obtain one at the border point. Three day visas for travelers arriving without an invitation are issued for $150.00 at Kiev, Odessa, Lviv, and Simferopol airports and at the ports of Odessa and Yalta. Sometimes travelers art also required to purchase a tourist voucher for the visa to be issued. Visas are not normally available at land crossing points.

Travelers are usually denied admission to Ukraine without a visa, or if the entire number of entries on the Ukrainian visa have been used. Those travelers intending to enter neighboring countries, such as Russia or Poland, and then re-enter Ukraine should keep this in mind. Travelers departing Ukraine do not need an exit visa; however, the visa must be valid (not expired) for departure to take place.

All foreigners staying in Ukraine for more than three days are required to register their passports with local law enforcement authorities (though this requirement is sporadically enforced). The registration requirement is automatically met when foreigners stay in hotels, when resident business persons register their businesses, or when students register under established exchange programs. Private visitors must have their hosts, relatives, or landlords register their U.S. passport at the local "Visas, Permits, and Passport Department" (VVIR) office of the Ministry of Internal Affairs. Visitors who do not register may experience delays when leaving Ukraine, as well as fines or other difficulty when trying to extend visas. (Check your visa carefully for any errors in the dates of travel, number of entries, and/or authorized destinations in Ukraine.) A fee of ten U.S. dollars or the equivalent in Ukrainian currency is usually charged for visa extensions or passport registration.

Your letter of invitation cannot be issued by an American in Ukraine, unless that person represents, is employed by, or studies in a registered organization (such as a joint venture or recognized university). In recent years, some Americans whose visas are sponsored by missionary groups, even registered ones, have faced problems with visa extension. The Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs no longer extends visas for private Americans, only for journalists, certain businesspersons, and other select foreigners spending extended time in Ukraine. The U.S. Embassy in Kiev accepts only U.S. dollars or Ukrainian coupons as payment for passport replacement.

There have been isolated cases of diphtheria, typhoid and cholera in Ukraine. Adequate vaccination received before leaving the United States protects against these diseases.

Ukrainian customs regulations prohibit the sending of money through the international mail system to Ukraine. Money sent through the mail is subject to confiscation. Make sure you have enough money to cover your expenses before entering Ukraine. In Kiev, cash may be available at the Agroprombank, Export/Import Bank, or Bank Ukraina.

It is legal for Ukrainian citizens to hold hard currency; therefore, a black market does not exist for U.S. dollars. It is legal only to use a bank, hotel, or licensed currency exchange kiosk (in Ukrainian "Obmen Alyut") to exchange money. Several banks and financial companies, including Western Union, can cash travelers checks and disburse money wired from the United States. In addition, a credit card cash advance may be obtained for a fee at "Xchange Points," a company headquartered in Kiev's Lybid Hotel. As of March 1995, Ukraine has no operating Western bank.

Customs declarations are carefully examined upon departure from Ukraine; keep receipts for purchases made both inside and outside Ukraine. Certain items deemed to be of historical or artistic significance may be unexportable. When purchasing artwork, always request a certificate attesting to the item's value and artistic significance. In Kiev, the Ministry of Culture on Prorizna Street has an office that can also issue these certificates, after a complicated bureaucratic process.

Crimea has experienced chronic, low-level tension on the political level since 1992. Contact the U.S. Embassy in Kiev or the Office of Overseas Citizens Services for current information on the situation.

UZBEKISTAN

Private travel to Uzbekistan must be arranged through a travel agency (package tour) which has a relationship with Uzbek tourism, or via an invitation from a private Uzbek citizen organization or business which requests visa issuance through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs at least a month in advance. This is a time-consuming process; travelers are encouraged to make their arrangements a at least two months prior to their departure. Visas are issued at embassies and consulates abroad, although transit visas may be issued at Tashkent Airport.

Uzbekistan's visa policy, which requires that the visa specify each city to be visited, is under review. Travelers should contact the Embassy of Uzbekistan or refer to the current Consular Information Sheet for clarification of Uzbekistan's visa requirements for American citizens. Travelers without a proper visa cannot register at hotels, will be fined and required to leave the country immediately via their entry route. Unlike other NIS countries, travelers with NIS visas are permitted entry to Uzbekistan for genuine transit only. Travelers with NIS visas who intend to visit Uzbekistan and then return to the NIS country from which they arrived must obtain a separate visa for Uzbekistan. Transit visas are available for Tashkent and other transit points such as Termez and Urgench, with confirmation of onward transportation within three days. All travelers in Uzbekistan for even one day are required to register with OVIR, the Office of Visas and Registration. Travelers who stay in a hotel are automatically registered, but all other travelers are responsible for registering themselves. Fees for registration with OVIR range from twenty to two hundred dollars, depending on length of stay. Visitors without proper registration are subject to fines (ranging from twenty to sixty dollars) and possible harassment by local authorities. Also, the government of Uzbekistan officially requires visitors to carry a medical certificate proving that they are not HIV infected, but this requirement is only sporadically enforced.

Diseases contracted by foreigners in Uzbekistan include salmonella, hepatitis A and B, typhoid, rabies, and meningitis. Other food and waterborne diseases are common. Therefore, travelers are advised to drink only boiled or bottled water and to peel all fruit and vegetables. Due to inappropriate sanitation conditions, travelers should avoid eating dairy products and most food sold in the streets.

Uzbekistan is a country in transition; a resurgence of Islamic tradition coexists with an increase in common street crime. Although modest Western-style clothing is appropriate in Tashkent, women should be prepared to dress conservatively in areas outside the capital. In rural areas, women in pants, short skirts, or sleeveless blouses face a risk of harassment. In urban areas, all travelers should take the same precautions against crime that they would take in a large American city.

Moscow: Novinskiy Bulvar 19/23
tel. (7)(095) 252-2451
After hours duty officer: tel. (7)(095) 252-1898 or 255-5123

U.S. Consulates General are located at:

St. Petersburg: Ulitsa Furshtadskaya 15
tel. (7-812) 275-1701
After hours duty officer: (7-812) 274-8692

Vladivostok: 12 Mordovtseva
tel. (7-4232) 268-458 or 267-117

Yekaterinburg: tel. (7-3432) 601-143, or by fax, 601-181
The Consulate General in Yekaterinburg provides emergency services only for American citizens.

18 General Bagramian Street
Yerevan, ARMENIA
tel. (7-8852) 15-11-44

Prospect Azadlig 83
Baku, AZERBAIJAN
tel. (9-9412) 98-03-35, (9-9412) 98-03-36 or (9-9412) 98-03-37

46 Starovilenskaya Ulitsa
Minsk, BELARUS
tel. (7-0172) 31-50-00

25 Atoneli Street
Tbilisi, GEORGIA
tel. (7-8832) 98-99-67 or (7-8832) 98-99-68

99/97A Furmanova Street
Almaty, KAZAKHSTAN
tel. (7-3272) 63-24-26

Erkindik Prospect #66
Bishkek, KYRGYZSTAN
tel. (7-3312) 22-27-77

Strada Alexei Mateevici 103
Chisinau, MOLDOVA
tel. (373-2) 23-37-72

Interim Chancery
#39 Ainii Street
Oktyabrskaya Hotel
Dushanbe, TAJIKISTAN
tel. (8-3772) 21-03-56

9 Pushkin Street
Ashgabat, TURKMENISTAN
tel. (7-3632) 35-00-45, 35-00-46, 35-00-42

Yuria Kotsubinskoho 10
Kiev, UKRAINE
tel. (380-44) 244-7344, 7345, 7349; 216-3805 (afterhours)

82 Chelanzarskaya
Tashkent, UZBEKISTAN
tel. (7-3712) 77-14-07 or (7-3712) 77-22-31

Embassy of the Republic of ARMENIA
1660 L St., NW
11th Floor
Washington, D.C. 20036
telephone: (202) 393-5983

Embassy of the Republic of AZERBAIJAN
927 15th St., NW
Suite 700
Washington, D.C. 20005
telephone: (202) 842-0001

Embassy of the Republic of BELARUS
New Hampshire Ave. NW
Suite 1619
Washington, D.C. 20009
telephone: (202) 986-1604/1606

Embassy of the Republic of GEORGIA
1511 K St., NW
Suite 424
Washington, D.C. 20005
telephone: (202) 393-6060

Embassy of the Republic of KAZAKHSTAN
3421 Massachusetts Ave, NW
Washington, D.C. 20008
telephone: (202) 333-4507

Embassy of the Republic of KYRGRZSTAN
1511 K St., NW
Suite 706
Washington, D.C. 20005
telephone: (202) 347-3732

Embassy of MOLDOVA
1511 K St., NW
#333 Washington, D.C. 20005
telephone: (202) 783-3012 (main switchboard)
(202) 783-4218 (visa information/Consular Section)
fax: (202) 783-3342

Embassy of the RUSSIAN FEDERATIVE REPUBLIC
1125 16th St., NW
Washington, D.C. 20036
telephone: (202) 939-8907/8911/8913/8918

Russia also has consulates in the following U.S. cities:
-- 2790 Green St., San Francisco, CA 94123
-- 9 E. 91st St., New York, NY, 10021
-- 2001 6th Ave., 23rd Floor, Seattle, WA 98121

Embassy of the Republic of TURKMENISTAN
2207 Massachusetts Ave., NW
Washington, D.C. 20008
telephone: (202) 588-1500

Embassy of UKRAINE
3350 M St., NW
Washington, D.C. 20007
telephone: (202) 333-0606, 333-7507/08/09
fax: (202) 333-0817

Embassy of the Republic of UZBEKISTAN
1511 K St., NW
Suites 619, 623
Washington, D.C. 20005
telephone: (202) 638-4267

Uzbekistan Consulate
866 United Nations Plaza
Suite 326
New York, NY 10017
telephone: (212) 486-7570

For general travel information, the following pamphlets may be ordered from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402; telephone 202-512-1800. The price of each publication is $1, except where noted.

Your Trip Abroad (price $1.25)
A Safe Trip Abroad Tips for Americans
Residing Abroad

Country specific information can be found in the following publications:

Tips for Travelers to the Caribbean
Tips for Travelers to Sub-Saharan Africa
Tips for Travelers to Central and South America
Tips for Travelers to the People's Republic of China
Tips for Travelers to Mexico
Tips for Travelers to the Middle East and North Africa (price $1.25)
Tips for Travelers to South Asia

General visa information for these and other countries is available in Foreign Entry Requirements. You may order Foreign Entry Requirements for 50 cents from the Consumer Information Center, Pueblo, CO 81009.

DEPARTMENT OF STATE PUBLICATION 10269
Bureau of Consular Affairs
Revised May 1995

The information in this publication is in the public domain and may be reproduced without permission. When this material is reproduced, the Department of State would appreciate receiving a copy at: CA/P/PA, Room 6831, Department of State, Washington D.C. 20520-4818.