Luxembourg - Consular Information Sheet
August 22, 2001
COUNTRY DESCRIPTION: Luxembourg is a highly developed
stable constitutional monarchy. Tourist facilities are widely
available.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS: A passport is required. A visa is
not required for American citizens for business or tourist stays
of up to 90 days. For further information concerning entry requirements
for Luxembourg, travelers can contact the Embassy of Luxembourg
at 2200 Massachusetts Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008, Tel.
(202) 265-4171/72, or the Luxembourg consulates general in New
York or San Francisco.
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 if
not present. Having such documentation on hand, even if not required,
may facilitate entry/departure.
CRIME: The crime rate in Luxembourg is generally low.
However, travelers should take common-sense precautions while
in Luxembourg. In particular, travelers should be especially cautious
while in airports and train terminals, where pickpockets can be
a problem. The loss or theft abroad of an U.S. passport should
be reported immediately to the local police and the nearest embassy
or consulate. U.S. citizens can refer to the Department of State's
pamphlet A
Safe Trip Abroad for ways to enjoy a more trouble-free
voyage. The pamphlet is available from the
Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office,
Washington, D.C. 20402, via the Internet at http://www.access.gpo.gov/su
docs, .
MEDICAL FACILITIES: Medical facilities are available,
but may be limited outside urban areas.
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 whether it will cover emergency expenses such as a medical
evacuation. Serious medical problems requiring hospitalization
and/or medical evacuation to the United States can cost thousands
of dollars or more. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate
cash payment for health services. 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 whether 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,
or autofax: (202) 647-3000.
OTHER HEALTH INFORMATION: Information on vaccinations
and other health precautions 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 their Internet
site at http://www.cdc.gov.
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 Luxembourg is provided for general reference
only, and may not be totally accurate in a particular location
or circumstance.
Safety of Public Transportation: Excellent
Urban Road Conditions/Maintenance: Excellent
Rural Road Conditions/Maintenance: Good
Availability of Roadside Assistance: Good
Luxembourg has a modern, well-maintained system of highways and
secondary roads. In mountainous areas, winding roads and cyclists
sometimes-slow traffic, and roads can be congested during rush
hour in the Luxembourg City environs. Visitors should drive defensively
in high volume commuter and tourist traffic, or during winter
fog and ice.
For specific information concerning Luxembourg driver's permits,
vehicle inspection, road tax and mandatory insurance, contact
the
Luxembourg National Tourist Office in New York at 212-935-8888,
or via the Internet at http://www.visitluxembourg.com. For international
driving permits, contact AAA or the
American Automobile Touring Alliance at http://www.aa.com.
AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT: The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration
(FAA) has assessed Luxembourg Civil Aviation Authority as category
1 --in compliance with international aviation safety standards
for oversight of Luxembourg air carrier operations. For further
information, travelers may contact the Department of Transportation
within the U.S. at 1-800-322-7873, or visit the
FAA's Internet website at http://www.faa.gov/avr/iasa.
The U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) separately assesses some
foreign air carriers for suitability as official providers of
air services. For information regarding the DOD policy on specific
carriers, travelers may contact DOD at (618) 229-4801.
CUSTOMS REGULATIONS: Luxembourg customs authorities encourage
the use of an ATA (Admission Temporaire/Temporary Admission) Carnet
for the temporary admission of professional equipment, commercial
samples, and/or goods for exhibitions and fair purposes. ATA
Carnet Headquarters, located at the U.S.
Council for International Business, 1212 Avenue of the Americas,
New York, NY 10036, issues and guarantees the ATA Carnet in the
United States. For additional information call (212) 354-4480,
send an e-mail to atacarnet@uscib.org, or visit http://www.uscib.org
for details.
CRIMINAL PENALTIES: While in a foreign country, U.S. citizens
are 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 Luxembourg
law, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested or imprisoned.
Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs
in Luxembourg are strict and convicted offenders can expect jail
sentences and heavy fines.
CHILDREN'S ISSUES: For
information on international adoption of children, international
parental child abduction, and international child support enforcement
issues, please refer to our Internet site at http://travel.state.gov/children's_issues
or telephone (202) 736-7000.
REGISTRATION AND EMBASSY LOCATION: Americans living in
or visiting Luxembourg are encouraged to register with the Consular
Section of the U.S. Embassy in Luxembourg to obtain updated information
on travel and security within Luxembourg. The U.S. Embassy is
located at 22 Boulevard Emmanuel Servais in Luxembourg City, Tel:
(352) 46-01-23 or Fax: (352) 46-19-39. The
Embassy website address is http://www.amembassy.lu.
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This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated November 15,
1999, to update information on Entry Requirements, Crime Information,
Medical Insurance, Traffic Safety and Road Conditions, Aviation
Safety Oversight, and Registration and Embassy Location.
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