January 14, 2004

COUNTRY DESCRIPTION: Montserrat is a British overseas territory and part of the British West Indies. The island rises in a series of mountain slopes to a high point of over 3,000 feet at the Soufriere Volcano in the exclusion zone. Montserrat is a volcanic island. Ongoing eruption of Soufriere Hills Volcano in the south of the island has led since 1995 to the evacuation and relocation of residents in the so called ‘exclusion zone’ there. Additional evacuations may occur if volcanic activity increases. The dome of the volcano collapsed on July 12, 2003, covering roads and buildings with ash. There has been greatly reduced volcanic activity since then. However, because the volcano is still active and dangerous, access to the southern part of the island is restricted. Persons entering restricted areas without authorization are subject to fine and/or imprisonment. Except for falling ash, which can be heavy at times, life in the northern part of the island is normal and there is no direct danger to tourists or residents.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS: U.S. citizens may present a valid or expired passport, a certified U.S. birth certificate, or a certificate of naturalization, in addition to photo identification and an onward/return ticket and sufficient funds for their stay for entry into Montserrat. Although expired passports are accepted for entry, the Department of State strongly recommends that American citizens travel with valid U.S. passports. The nearest international airport is in Antigua. Helicopter and ferry services operate daily between Montserrat and Antigua. There is a departure tax payable upon leaving Montserrat.

In an effort to prevent international child abduction, many governments have initiated procedures at entry/exit points. These often include requiring documentary evidence of relationship and permission for the child's travel from the parent(s) or legal guardian not present. Having such documentation on hand, even if not required, may facilitate entry/departure.

For further information, travelers may contact the British Embassy, 19 Observatory Circle NW, Washington, D.C. 20008; telephone (202) 588-7800; or one of the United Kingdom's consulates in Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles, New York, or San Francisco. Internet: http://www.britain-info.org.

SAFETY AND SECURITY: For the latest security information, Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department’s Internet web site at http://travel.state.gov where the current Worldwide Caution Public Announcement, Travel Warnings and Public Announcements can be found.

The Overseas Citizens Services call center at 1-888-407-4747 can answer general inquiries on safety and security overseas. This number is available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). Callers who are unable to use toll-free numbers, such as those calling from overseas, may obtain information and assistance during these hours by calling 1-317-472-2328.

CRIME: The crime rate in Montserrat is low; however, travelers should take normal, common sense precautions. Avoid carrying large amounts of cash and displaying expensive jewelry; use hotel safety deposit facilities to safeguard valuables and travel documents.

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 U.S. Embassy responsible for American Citizens Services for Montserrat is located in Bridgetown, Barbados. If you are the victim of a crime while overseas, in addition to reporting to local police, please contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate for assistance. The Embassy/Consulate staff can, for example, assist you to find appropriate medical care, to contact family members or friends and explain how funds could be transferred. Although the investigation and prosecution of the crime is solely the responsibility of local authorities, consular officers can help you to understand the local criminal justice process and to find an attorney if needed.

U.S. citizens may refer to the Department of State's pamphlet, A Safe Trip Abroad, for ways to promote a trouble-free journey. The pamphlet is available by mail from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402, via the Internet at http://www.gpoaccess.gov/, or via the Bureau of Consular Affairs home page at http://travel.state.gov.

MEDICAL FACILITIES: The main hospital can handle most routine and surgical emergencies, however, there is no hyperbaric chamber in Montserrat. Doctors in private practice are also available. A dental clinic is offered, as are private dentistry services. Arrangements can be made quickly to transfer more serious problems off island by helicopter to Antigua or Guadeloupe.

MEDICAL INSURANCE: The Department of State strongly urges Americans to consult with their medical insurance company prior to traveling abroad to confirm whether their policy applies overseas and if it will cover emergency expenses such as a medical evacuation. U.S. medical insurance plans seldom cover health costs incurred outside the United States unless supplemental coverage is purchased. Further, U.S. Medicare and Medicaid programs do not provide payment for medical services outside the United States. However, many travel agents and private companies offer insurance plans that will cover health care expenses incurred overseas including emergency services such as medical evacuations.

When making a decision regarding health insurance, Americans should consider that many foreign doctors and hospitals require payment in cash prior to providing service and that a medical evacuation to the U.S. may cost well in excess of $50,000. Uninsured travelers who require medical care overseas often face extreme difficulties. When consulting with your insurer prior to your trip, ascertain whether payment will be made to the overseas healthcare provider or if you will be reimbursed later for expenses you incur. Some insurance policies also include coverage for psychiatric treatment and for disposition of remains in the event of death.

Useful information on medical emergencies abroad, including overseas insurance programs, is provided in the Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs brochure, Medical Information for Americans Traveling Abroad, available via the Bureau of Consular Affairs home page.

OTHER HEALTH INFORMATION: Information on vaccinations and other health precautions, such as safe food and water precautions and insect bite protection, may be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's hotline for international travelers at 1-877-FYI-TRIP (1-877-394-8747); fax 1-888-CDC-FAXX (1-888-232-3299), or via the CDC's Internet site at http://www.cdc.gov/travel. For information about outbreaks of infectious diseases abroad, please consult the World Health Organization's website at http://www.who.int/en. Further health information for travelers is available at http://www.who.int/ith.

TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS: While in a foreign country, U.S. citizens may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States. The information below concerning Montserrat is provided for general reference only, and it may not be totally accurate in a particular location or circumstance.

In Montserrat, vehicles are operated on the left-hand side of the road. There is no organized government roadside assistance, but local residents are often willing to aid those with car trouble.

For additional general information about road safety, including links to foreign government sites, please see the Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs home page at road_safety.html. For specific information concerning Montserrat driving permits, vehicle inspection, road tax and mandatory insurance, please contact the Montserrat Tourist Board in Montserrat at tel. 1 (664) 491-2230 or 491-8730. You may also email them at mrattouristboard@candw.ag.

AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT: There is no air service to Monserrat at present, therefore, no assessment by The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is available.

For further information, travelers may contact the Department of Transportation within the United States at tel. 1-800-322-7873, or visit the FAA's Internet website at http://www.faa.gov/avr/iasa/index.cfm. The U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) separately assesses some foreign carriers for suitability as official providers of air services. In addition, the DOD does not permit its personnel to use air carriers from Category 2 countries for official business except for flights originating from or terminating in the United States. Local exceptions may apply. For information regarding the DOD policy on specific carriers, travelers may contact the DOD at tel. (618) 229-4801.

CUSTOMS REGULATIONS: Montserrat customs authorities may enforce strict regulations concerning temporary importation into or export from Montserrat of items such as firearms, antiquities, medications, etc. Travelers may contact the British Embassy in Washington, D.C. or one of the United Kingdom's consulates in the United States for specific information regarding customs requirements.

CRIMINAL PENALTIES: While in a foreign country, a U.S. citizen is subject to that country's laws and regulations, which sometimes differ significantly from those in the United States and may not afford the protections available to the individual under U.S. law. Penalties for breaking the law can be more severe than in the United States for similar offenses. Persons violating Montserrat's laws, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested or imprisoned. Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Montserrat are strict, and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and heavy fines.

DISASTER PREPAREDNESS: In addition to the hazards posed by the Soufriere Volcano as outlined above, Montserrat can be affected by hurricanes. The hurricane season normally runs from June to the end of November, but there have been hurricanes in December in recent years. General information about natural disaster preparedness is available via the Internet from the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) at http://www.fema.gov. The official Montserrat Volcano Observatory website, www.mvo.ms, is helpful for updates on volcanic activity.

CHILDREN'S ISSUES: For information on international adoption of children and international parental child abduction, please refer to our Internet site at children's_issues.html or telephone the Overseas Citizens Services call center at 1-888-407-4747. The OCS call center can answer general inquiries regarding international adoptions and abductions and will forward calls to the appropriate country officer in the Bureau of Consular Affairs. This number is available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). Callers who are unable to use toll-free numbers, such as those calling from overseas, may obtain information and assistance during these hours by calling 1-317-472-2328.

REGISTRATION/EMBASSY AND CONSULATE LOCATIONS: Americans living in or visiting Montserrat may wish to register at the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy and obtain updated information on travel and security within Montserrat. The U.S. Embassy is located at the First Caribbean International Bank Building on Broad Street in Bridgetown, Barbados, telephone 1-246-436-4950, web site http://bridgetown.usembassy.gov, telephone 1-246-431-0225 or fax 1-246-431-0179. Hours of operation are 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and 1-2 p.m. Monday through Friday, except local and U.S. holidays. Assistance may also be provided by the U.S. Consular Agency in Antigua, Located at Bluff House, Pigeon Point, English Harbor, telephone 1-268-463-6531.

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This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated October 22, 2002, to update the sections on Country Description, Entry Requirements, Safety and Security, Crime, Medical Facilities, Traffic Safety, Customs Regulations, Disaster Preparedness, and Embassy and Consulate Locations for the
U.S. Embassy in Barbados.

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