ESTONIA

Passport and/or Visa Requirements: For information concerning entry requirements, contact the Estonian Embassy, 2131 Massachusetts Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C 20008, telephone: (202) 588-0101, or the Consulate General of Estonia in New York City.

Medical Facilities: Medical care in Estonia is limited. There is a shortage of basic medical supplies, including disposable needles, anesthetics, and antibiotics. Elderly travelers and those with existing health problems may be at risk due to medical facilities which do not meet western standards. Doctors and hospitals expect immediate cash payment for health services. The U.S. Embassy maintains a list of English speaking physicians. As U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States, travelers have found that supplemental insurance offering overseas coverage has proven useful. Further information on health matters can be obtained from the Centers for Disease Controland Prevention's international travelers hotline, tel: (404) 332-4559.

Travel Warnings, Advisories and Areas of Instability: The rate of violent crime is increasing. Foreigners who are not in large groups can be at risk on the streets of Tallinn after dark, especially if they have been drinking. Street muggings, car vandalism and car thefts occur. Robberies have occurred on trains, in train stations, hotel rooms, bars and restaurants, and on the street both day and night. The police suffer from a lack of manpower and equipment and are not capable of responding to all of these problems. Police officers are not likely to speak English, and it can be difficult to obtain police assistance. It is wise for travelers to exercise the same precautions with regard to personal safety and protection of valuables in Tallinn that they would in any major U.S. city.

The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to the local police and the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. The Department of State's pamphlet "A Safe Trip Abroad" provides useful information on guarding valuables and protecting personal security while traveling abroad. This publication is available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington D.C. 20402.

Drug Penalties: U.S. citizens are subject to the laws of the country in which they are traveling. Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs are strict and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and fines.

Registration and Embassy Location: U.S. citizens may register at the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy and obtain updated information on travel and security within Estonia. The U.S. Embassy in Tallinn is located at Kentmanni 20, telephone (372-6) 312-021. The cellular phone number for emergencies is 011-372-5-244-091, if dialed from the U.S. and 8-25-244-091 if dialed from within Estonia.