|
|
|
| | Current Advisories to Expats |
|
|
|
23.11.05
|
To all American citizens: US Passports Policy, US Postal Rates, Avian Flu
|
|
|
This is a warden message for all American citizens. Please distribute it to your American citizen friends and colleagues. If you are a Warden notify your Warden Group. If you have any questions contact us, either by e-mail, or at the following number:
Phone: 7-095-728-5577
E-mail: moscowwarden@state.gov
The ACS unit at the Embassy wants to let you know about several issues for American citizens residing overseas.
ACS Hours
First, we want to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving. In response to a lot of inquiries, here is our schedule for holidays through next Spring.
The Embassy will be closed:
Thursday, 24 Nov. (Thanksgiving) [Open Friday, 25 Nov.].
Monday 26 Dec. (for Christmas).
Monday 2 Jan. to Friday 6 Jan. (for New Year - Russian Holidays )[Open Monday 9 Jan.]
Monday 16 Jan. (Martin Luther King Day).
Monday 20 Feb. (Presidents Day)
Thursday 23 Feb. (Defenders Day - Russian Holiday)
Wednesday 8 Mar. (Women's Day - Russian Holiday)
Monday, 1 May (International Labor Day - Russian Holiday)
Tuesday, 9 May (Victory Day - Russian Holiday)
Monday, 29 May (Memorial Day)
Monday, 12 June (Russian Independence Day)
ACS is open Monday through Friday 9 AM to noon and 2 PM to 4 PM. Our telephone number is (095) 728-5577. After hours, on the weekends and on holidays, the 24 hour Embassy Duty Officer can be reached through (095) 728-5000.
Holiday Travel
We also want to wish all Americans a good upcoming holiday season. It may be a little early but we want to get you thinking about your passports. If you need to get extra pages or to renew a passport, do it now. You do not want to be stopped at Sheremetevo the week before Christmas because you do not have enough pages in your passport for the exit stamp.
New Policy On U.S. Passports
In September 2005, the Department of State announced a new policy that will no longer allow amendments to existing U.S. Passports. In the past, U.S. passports were amended to show name changes or to correct information such as date or place of birth. Second passports, issued to travelers in certain specific circumstances, were extended by amending the expiration date if the traveler could show a continued need for one.
Because the new generation of U.S. passports - the e-Passport - will include a computer chip containing biographic and biometric information, U.S. passports can no longer be amended. This applies to all versions of U.S. passports. The Department of State and its embassies overseas can only issue a new passport showing a new name or corrected biographic information. Second passports will no longer be extended but a new second passport will be issued if the traveler still needs one.
New passports correcting information will be free of charge. The regular fee will be charged for all other passports. See the Department of State News Bulletin for more information. This policy does not cover the addition of extra pages. Embassies overseas and domestic passport agencies can still add extra pages to U.S. passports.
Passport Requirements for Visa Waiver Program (VWP)
You may have heard lately about the new round of passport requirements for travelers to the United States that went into effect this week. We want to remind you of several key points:
- These changes do not affect United States passports: These changes only affect foreign visitors to the United States who travel on the Visa Waiver program. An American citizen will always be able to enter the United States on a valid United Sates passport regardless of its format.
- These changes only affect travelers who seek to enter the United States without visas under the VWP: The VWP covers 27 countries in Western Europe and Asia as well as Australia and New Zealand. Canadian citizens are covered under a different section of the law and their ability to enter without a visa is unaffected. Russian citizens and others who must have a visa are also not affected. More information about the program may be found at
- These latest changes only affect passports issued after 26 October 2005: Passports issued after this date must have a digitized photograph (a photograph that is printed into the passport as opposed to one that is glued or laminated into the passport). Machine-readable passports issued before this date can be used for entry under the VWP even if they do not have a digitized photograph.
Avian Flu
The Department of State is closely following the spread and development of Influenza A/H5N1, commonly known as avian flu. As you know, this disease has appeared in several areas of Russia. The important points to remember are: - this virus affects almost exclusively birds; - the virus rarely infects humans and the very few human cases reported have been among workers in the poultry industry or persons having close contact to poultry; - what concerns public health officials is the possibility that the virus might potentially mutate and become easily transmittable from person to person, resulting in a serious health crisis.
As mentioned above, the disease has only been seen in humans who have had sustained contact with poultry. The threat of contracting avian flu from eggs or meat is very minimal and is eliminated by normal precautions you should already be taking in buying, preparing and eating poultry or game birds or their eggs. See www.foodsafety.gov for the best information about safe food handling. See also the latest Department of State fact sheet on Avian Flu and the U.S. Government's website on Avian Flu.
This announcement mentions that Tamiflu might be effective for individuals who have contracted avian flu. Please consult with your physician to determine if this course of treatment is the right one for you. If you are thinking of buying Tamiflu in Russia, be aware that Russia has a significant problem with counterfeit drugs. We advise you to only purchase medications from recognized health clinics or well-established pharmacy chains.
Change in US Postal Rates
The following is from a press release of the United States Postal Service:
Washington – The Governors of the U.S. Postal Service today voted to accept the Postal Rate Commission's recommendations to increase most postal rates and fees by approximately 5.4 percent across-the-board to take effect January 8.
This rate increase - the first since 2002 - is needed to fulfill the requirement of a federal law passed in 2003. That law requires the Postal Service to establish a $3.1 billion escrow account, with use of the funds to be determined by Congress at a later date. Without this federal mandate, it would not have been necessary to raise rates in 2006.
Jim Miller, Chairman of the Postal Service's Board of Governors, said: "The Governors take this action mindful of our obligation to assure the financial integrity of the nation's postal system. These increases will allow the Postal Service to meet the obligation established by Congress to place funds in escrow in 2006."
Since 1775, the Postal Service and its predecessor, the Post Office Department, has connected friends, families, neighbors and businesses by mail. It is an independent federal agency that visits 143 million homes and businesses every day, six days a week and is the only service provider delivering to every address in the nation. The Postal Service receives no taxpayer dollars for routine operations, but derives its operating revenues solely from the sale of postage, products and services. With annual revenues of more than $69 billion, it is the world's leading provider of mailing and delivery services, offering some of the most affordable postage rates in the world. The Postal Service delivers more than 46 percent of the world's mail volume-some 206 billion letters, advertisements, and periodicals and packages a year-and serves seven and a half million customers each day at its 37,000 retail locations nationwide. It’s a href=http://www.usps.com>website attracts more than 21 million visitors each month.
Selected Rate Changes
Rate changes (old and new rates)
First-Class Letter (1 oz.) $ .37 $ .39 Postcard .23 .24
First-Class Letter (2 oz.) .60 .63 Priority Mail (1 lb.) 3.85 4.05
Express Mail (1/2 lb) 13.65 14.40 Certified Mail 2.30 2.40
Express Mail (2 lb) 17.85 18.80 Money Orders (up to $500) .90 .95 |
|
|
|
|
06.10.05
|
To all American citizens: Potential for Terrorist Actions Caution
|
|
|
This is a warden message for all American citizens. Please distribute it to your American citizen friends and colleagues. If you are a Warden notify your Warden Group. If you have any questions contact us, either by e-mail, or at the following number:
Phone: 7-095-728-5577
E-mail: moscowwarden@state.gov
This public announcement is being renewed to inform American citizens traveling or living in Russia that there remains a heightened potential for terrorist actions, including attacks against civilians. This situation is likely to continue for some time. This supersedes the public announcement of March 30, 2005 and expires on March 30, 2006.
Acts of terrorism including bombings and hostage taking have occurred in Russia over the last several years. Bombings have occurred at Russian government buildings, hotels, tourist sites, markets, entertainment venues, schools, residential complexes, and on public transportation including the subway and scheduled commercial air flights. Hostage taking incidents have
included a raid on a school that resulted in horrific losses of life of children, teachers, and parents.
Presently, there is no specific indication that American institutions or citizens are targets but there is a general risk of American citizens being victims of indiscriminate terrorist attacks. American citizens in Russia should be aware of their personal surroundings and follow good security practices. Americans are urged to remain vigilant and exercise good judgment and discretion when using any form of public transportation. When traveling, Americans may wish to provide a friend, family member, or coworker a copy of their itinerary. Americans should avoid large crowds and public gatherings that lack enhanced security measures. Travelers should also exercise a high degree of caution and remain alert when patronizing restaurants, casinos, nightclubs, bars, theaters, etc., especially during peak hours of business.
Due to continued civil and political unrest throughout much of the Caucasus region, the Department of State already warns U.S. citizens against travel to Chechnya and all areas that border it: North Ossetia, Ingushetia, Dagestan, Stavropol, Karachayevo-Cherkessiya and Kabardino-Balkariya. United States government personnel are generally prohibited from traveling to these areas, and American citizens residing in these areas should depart immediately as the safety of Americans and other foreigners cannot be effectively guaranteed.
American citizens living in Russia or traveling there for even a few days are strongly urged to register with the embassy or nearest consulate general. Registration will allow the embassy to provide direct information on the security situation as necessary. Registration is done on-line and can be done in advance of travel. Information on registering can be found at the American Embassy website or at the Department of State's Consular Affairs website.
As the department continues to develop information on any potential security threats to U.S. citizens overseas, it shares credible threat information through its consular information program documents, available on the Internet here. In addition to information on the Internet, travelers may obtain up-to-date information on security conditions by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the U.S. or outside the U.S. and Canada on a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. |
|
|
|
|
09.07.05
|
To all American citizens: Explosions in Central London
|
|
|
This is a warden message for all American citizens. Please distribute it to your American citizen friends and colleagues. If you are a Warden notify your Warden Group. If you have any questions contact us, either by e-mail, or at the following number:
Phone: 7-095-728-5577
E-mail: moscowwarden@state.gov
The Security Office of the Embassy released the following guidance to embassy employees. This guidance is also applicable to the greater American community in Moscow.
British authorities have confirmed that unknown parties coordinated near simultaneous bomb attacks on three of the city's Underground trains and a double-decker bus that killed 37 and wounded 700. A group calling itself the "Secret Organization of Al Qaeda in Europe" has claimed responsibility, but there is currently no official declaration from British authorities that a particular group is responsible for the attacks.
While there is no information of a specific threat to Americans and American interests in Russia at this time, given the current worldwide threat environment the U.S. Embassy in Moscow recommends that Americans in Russia remain vigilant to security concerns. Embassy employees should continue to exercise caution, use discretion and remain aware of their surroundings when using any form of public transportation or attending public gatherings.
The US Embassy remains in close contact with both Russian and US authorities on this matter and will advise through this channel of any further related developments.
In addition, the Department of State has issued the following public announcement for the United Kingdom. We make it available for those members of the American community who may be planning to travel there.
Public Announcement - United Kingdom
The morning of July 7, 2005, explosions occurred at three Underground train stations and on a bus in Central London. The explosions appear to be the result of a terrorist attack. UK government officials have confirmed over 30 deaths and numerous injuries. There are reports of some American citizen injuries, but no American fatalities.
Access to Central London was temporarily restricted to accommodate emergency operations. UK officials expect transportation services on most Underground lines will be returning to normal during the course of July 8, with some disruptions. Information on disruptions to London transportation services can be found at www.tfl.gov.uk. Mobile www.tfl.gov.uk.Mobile phone systems suffered some disruptions in service but are returning to full operation.
Public services outside of Central London are available. Airports remain open and are handling normally scheduled flights. The National Rail Services are operating with some disruption. For train information, visit www.nationalrail.co.uk
http://www.nationalrail.co.uk. Tourist sites are open to the public.
The U.S. Embassy temporarily suspended public access on July 7, although emergency services remain available. It will be open for all public services on July 8. The public should refer to media news outlets for the most current information. For inquiries about the welfare and whereabouts of American citizens who are believed to have been in the vicinity of the explosions, please contact the U.S. Department of State by calling 1-888-407- 4747 in the U.S., and for callers outside the U.S. and Canada by calling a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444.
U.S. citizens should also consult the U.S. Department of State's Travel Warnings, Consular Information Sheets, the Worldwide Caution Public Announcement and other information, available at http://travel.state.gov. The U.S. Embassy in London can be reached at (020) 7499-9000 between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. local time.
Americans living or traveling in the UK are encouraged to register with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate through the State Department's travel registration website, https://travelregistration.state.gov. Americans without Internet access may register directly with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. |
|
|
|
|
28.06.05
|
To all American citizens: Summer Advisories
|
|
|
This is a warden message for all American citizens. Please distribute it to your American citizen friends and colleagues. If you are a Warden notify your Warden Group. If you have any questions contact us, either by e-mail, or at the following number:
Phone: 7-095-728-5577
E-mail: moscowwarden@state.gov
We want to wish you all a good summer. If you are traveling this season, safe travels. If you are leaving Moscow permanently, good luck in your onward adventures. We also want to take the opportunity to raise some important points of interest to Americans in Russia:
- We urge you to check your passport and make sure it will not expire soon and is not running out of pages. A quick check now can avoid much hassle compared to discovering a problem in the airport departure line. Remember to check your family's passports too. One twenty-minute visit to our offices can get additional pages put into your passport. We can also process passport renewals and issue a new document in about five working days. Check our website for information or contact us by e-mail or by phone: (095) 728-5577.
- As always, we ask you to share this message with all your American friends and colleagues and encourage them to register with the embassy. In August and September, there will be new Americans arriving in Russia. As you meet and greet them, would you also let them know about registration with the Embassy? More information about registration and all our services is available at www.usembassy.ru.
- The American Citizen Services (ACS) unit of the Embassy will maintain normal public hours (9-12 and 2-4 every working day) through the summer. We will be closed 04 July and 05 September for American holidays. No appointment is necessary for any of our services.
- Every Embassy compiles and posts on the Department of State website a Consular Information Sheet detailing conditions in the host country. The updated Consular Information Sheet for Russia has just been posted and may be viewed here. We urge all Americans coming to live in Russia or just to visit to read the Consular Information Sheet. The Consular Information Sheet is updated regularly and we welcome input from long-term residents.
- You may have heard something about new passport requirements for entry into the United States. It has become a complicated issue but there are a few simple points to remember:
First and most importantly, new requirements do NOT affect United States citizens. Any valid US passport, whatever its format, is good for entry to the United States at any time.
The new requirements only cover foreign citizens who a seeking to enter the United States on the Visa Waiver program. Tourists who are nationals of the following 27 countries are eligible to apply for entry to the United States without a visa: Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brunei, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Monaco, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, San Marino, Singapore, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the Netherlands, United Kingdom.
Citizens of Canada are covered under a different section of the law and their ability to enter without a visa is unaffected. Citizens of Russia and others who must have a visa are also not affected.
You may know someone or work with someone or even live with someone who does travel to the United States on the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). So, even though the requirements will not affect you as an American citizen, you may still be interested in the new requirements coming in to force.
As of last October, tourists wanting to enter on the VWP need to have a machine-readable passport. Otherwise, they were required to have a valid visa.
As of 26 October 2005, VWP travelers who are using a passport issued on or after 26 October 2005 must have a digital photograph in their passport. This means that their photograph is printed into their passport as an integral part of the document and is not a separate item laminated or glued into the passport. The new American passports, for example, have digital photographs printed directly in to the passport.
Under current policy, passports issued on or after 26 October 2006 must also contain encoded biometric information. |
|
|
|
|
18.04.05
|
To all American citizens: May Celebrations Caution
|
|
|
This is a warden message for all American citizens. Please distribute it to your American citizen friends and colleagues. If you are a Warden notify your Warden Group. If you have any questions contact us, either by e-mail, or at the following number:
Phone: 7-095-728-5577
E-mail: moscowwarden@state.gov
We pass on to the American community the following information that the Embassy Security Office has shared with Embassy employees as we approach the following dates: April 20th (Hitler's Birthday), the May Day Celebration on May 1, and the Victory Day Celebration on May 9. In previous years, extremist groups, particularly "Skinhead Groups", have marked these holidays by assaulting people of color, and in particular, by targeting foreigners. These groups are very dangerous and should be avoided. When out in town, do your best to avoid anyone resembling a Skinhead. They typically shave their heads and wear black leather clothing with Nazi Swastikas. Tourist areas that are frequently targeted by Skinheads include the Old Arbat, Red Square, Izmailovo Park, Gorbushka and other market places, Pushkinskaya Square, Gorky Park, Poklonnaya Gora, CD Rynoks, and nightclubs.
The Police have informed us of the potential for problems on the anniversary of Hitler's Birthday and have assured us that they will take every precaution deemed appropriate to ensure public safety. Should you encounter a Skinhead group and they become threatening, immediately look for police assistance and remove yourself from the situation as quickly as possible. Do not, under any circumstances, attempt to engage them in any way.
American citizens living in Russia or traveling there are strongly urged to register with the Embassy or nearest Consulate General. Registration will allow the Embassy to provide direct information on the security situation as necessary. Information on registering with the Embassy can be found at the Embassy web www.usembassy.ru or at the Department of State's Consular Affairs website. Americans may wish to refer to the March 30, 2005 Public Announcement on Russia, available on the Internet at http://travel.state.gov.
In addition to information on the Internet, travelers may obtain up-to-date information on security conditions by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the U.S. or outside the U.S. and Canada on a regular toll line at 1-317-472-2328. Information is also available from the Embassy's American Citizen Services unit at (095)728-5577 or moscowwarden@state.gov. |
|
|
|
|
|
The virtual community for English-speaking expats and Russians
