State Department: Serbia-Montenegro - Public Announcement, July 1, 1998
Serbia-Montenegro - Public Announcement
July 1, 1998
The Department of State warns U.S. citizens against travel to and around
Serbia's southern province of Kosovo. The potential for rapid changes in
the security situation there is high. Ongoing tensions between ethnic
Serbs and ethnic Albanians have worsened in spring 1998, with a series of
armed clashes throughout the region.
Both the police and Kosovo Liberation Army (UCK) are active in the
region and each operates numerous checkpoints throughout Kosovo. There
have been incidents at both kinds of checkpoints where guards have fired at
vehicles whose occupants did not obey their commands. Due to the potential
for violence, the authority of the individuals operating any checkpoint
should not be challenged.
While American citizens traveling in other parts of the country have not
to date experienced security problems, travelers should be aware that
sanctions imposed against Serbia-Montenegro may adversely affect their
travel plans. Due to the sanctions affecting financial institutions in
Serbia-Montenegro, for example, merchants and hotels have begun to refuse
credit cards as a form of payment. Travelers will find it increasingly
necessary to travel with sums of cash, an inconvenience which increases the
potential for theft. In addition, European nations have stated that they
will deny landing rights to Jugoslav Airlines (JAT). When this policy is
implemented, and especially if Serbia-Montenegro retaliates against
European air carriers, those wishing to depart Serbia-Montenegro may find
it necessary to leave overland and enter another country in order to board
an international flight.
American citizens already in Serbia-Montenegro may contact the U.S.
Embassy for current security information. The Embassy is located at Kneza
Milosa 50, Belgrade; telephone (381)(11) 645-655.
For further general information on travel to Serbia-Montenegro, consult
the latest Department of State Consular
Information Sheet.
No. 98-025
This supersedes the Public Announcement dated
May 12, 1998.
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