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Sibiu – a brief overview
Set on a flat plain abutting the Transylvanian hills, medieval Sibiu could have been plucked from the pages of a European fairy story. During the 12th century, this was the largest and most prosperous of the seven fortified cities built by Saxon settlers in the hills of central Romania, and its streets are still lined with medieval houses and looming watchtowers.
Sibiu has a long history as a centre for science, education and the arts: the first school, hospital, pharmacy and library in Romania were all constructed here during the medieval period. Today, Sibiu offers a medieval centre to rival Prague, but without the vast crowds of sightseers. Come here to see the real Transylvania.
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Top 10 sights in Sibiu

Brukenthal National Museum
550163 Sibiu
Romania
Tel: +40 269 217 691
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Opening times:
Tue-Sun 1000-1800 (Apr-Oct)
Wed-Sun 1000-1800 (Nov-Mar)
Housed in the stately Brukenthal Palace, the former home of the Austrian governor, the Brukenthal Museum is the nation’s top art gallery, with an impressive collection of Romanian and European paintings and sculpture. The collection includes a series of works by European masters that were confiscated by the Communist government and later stolen, before being recovered by the museum.
History Museum
Sibiu
Romania
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Opening times:
Tues-Sun 1000-1800 (Apr-Oct)
Wed-Sun 1000-1800 (Nov-Mar)
Administered by the Brukenthal Museum, the history museum in the Altemberger House charts the history of Romania from prehistoric times through invasions and empires to the modern day. The collection covers everything from Roman statues and medieval jewellery to flintlock rifles and suits of armour.
Evangelical Cathedral
Sibiu 550182
Romania
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Opening times:
Various
A grand Gothic edifice lording it over Piața Albert Huet, the Evangelical Cathedral (aka the Lutheran Cathedral of Saint Mary) is the city’s most famous monument. Founded in the 12th century, the cathedral contains the mausoleums of Romanian royalty and a famous organ from 1772, with a font made from metal reclaimed from captured Turkish cannons.
City Walls
Sibiu 550245
Romania
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The 12th-century walls of the fortified city of Sibiu are still visible in many parts of the city, and nine of the 39 watchtowers that once guarded the city are still intact. Built in classic Transylvanian style, these iconic towers conjure up images of the horse-drawn carts and men-at-arms who paraded under their arches in the medieval heyday of the Principality of Transylvania.
Pharmaceutical Museum
Sibiu
Romania
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Opening times:
Tue-Sun 1000-1800 (summer)
Wed-Sun 1000-1800 (winter)
Medicines and remedies were sold on this site for centuries before the pharmacy was converted into a fascinating museum, charting the history of early medicine in Romania. Shelves are piled high with pills, tonics and sinister-looking medieval medical tools.
Franz Binder Museum of World Ethnology
Sibiu
Romania
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Opening times:
Tue-Sun 1000-1800 (mid-May to Sep)
Tue-Sun 0900-1700 (Oct to mid-May)
Step from Romania to the far reaches of the globe at this quirky museum, displaying the curiosities amassed by the 19th-century collector Franz Binder. Displays cover everything from Asian shadow puppets to African masks and carvings.
Astra Museum of Traditional Folk Civilisation
Sibiu
Romania
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Opening times:
Tue-Sun 1000-1800 (Apr-Sep)
Tue-Fri 0900-1700 (Oct-Mar)
South of the centre, this open-air museum gathers together an impressive 120 traditional buildings in a vast country park. With structures rescued from across Romania, it’s a fascinating place to explore, and live-re-enactments bring the local traditions to life.
Museum of Hunting
550005 Sibiu
Romania
Tel: +40 369 101 784
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Opening times:
Tue-Sun 1000-1800 (summer)
Wed-Sun 1000-1800 (winter)
Set in the former hunting lodge of Colonel August von Spiess, master of hunts for King Ferdinand I, this intriguing museum is stuffed with mounted heads, trophy antlers and ancient muskets. It’s set beside the sprawling expanse of Sub Arini Park.
Holy Trinity Orthodox Cathedral
Sibiu
Romania
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Opening times:
Various
The graceful Orthodox cathedral on Strada Mitropoliei is said to have been inspired by the Byzantine churches of Constantinople (now Istanbul), embellished with baroque and Transylvanian elements. The main reason to visit is the lavish interior, painted floor to ceiling with images of saints and sinners.
Turnul Sfatului
Sibiu
Romania
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Opening times:
Daily 1000-1800
The Turnul Sfatului, or Council Tower, rises elegantly above Piața Mare on one side, and Piața Micã on the other. From the top of this medieval landmark, there are sweeping views over the old city to the green hills beyond. Paintings of Sibiu through the ages are displayed in the stairway that climbs to the top of the tower.
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Country information
Country overview
There aren’t many countries in Europe where farmers still drive horse-drawn wagons and covered markets dominate over shopping malls, but then Romania isn’t quite like other places. While other Eastern Bloc members have seen their cities spruced up and populated with boutique hotels, international restaurants and
quaint attractions, this traditional country still clings to its dog-eared charm. Yes, you’ll find the usual smattering of resort towns clustered around the Black Sea Coast, but outside the tourism hotspots Romania dances to the same rhythm it’s tapped out for a hundred years.
Geography
Romania is bordered to the north and east by Moldova and Ukraine, the southeast by the Black Sea, the south by Bulgaria, the southwest by Serbia and in the west by Hungary. The country is divided into four geographical areas. Transylvania (a belt of Alpine massifs and forests) and Moldavia compose the northern half of the country, which is divided down the middle by the north-south strip of the Carpathian Mountains. These comprise of 14 mountain ranges above 2,000m (6,560ft) with Moldoveanu Peak at 2,544m (8,300ft) the highest point. The terrain around here is a mix of extinct volcanic cones, lunar plains, thick forests and glacial lakes – perfect for hiking, cycling and adrenaline sports.
South of the east-west line of the Carpathians lies the flat Danube plain of Wallachia with the capital Bucharest, its border with Bulgaria being defined by the course of the Danube. The Danube Delta, the best-preserved of its kind in Europe and a haven for wildlife, is a biosphere reserve and a biodiversity World Heritage Site. Romania’s other major rivers include the Olt, the Siret and the Mures.
Romania’s coastline runs for nearly 200 km (120 miles) along the Black Sea, incorporating the port of Constanta and the Danube Delta.
General knowledge
Key facts
Population: 21790479
Population Density (per sq km): 91
Capital: Bucharest.
Language
Romanian is the official language. Some Hungarian and German are spoken in border areas, while French and English are spoken by those connected with the tourist industry.
Currency
New Leu (RON; symbol (plural) Lei) = 100 bani. Notes are in denominations of Lei500, 100, 50, 10, 5 and 1. Coins are in denominations of Bani50, 10, 5 and 1. (Old notes were in denominations of Lei1,000,000, 500,000, 100,000, 50,000 and 10,000 and coins in denominations of Lei5,000, 1,000, 500 and 100.)
Electricity
230 volts AC, 50Hz. Plugs are of the two-pin type.
General business opening hours
Mon-Fri 0900-1700.
Public holidays
Below are listed Public Holidays for the January 2019 – December 2020 period.
2019
Anul nou (New Year’s Day): 1 and 2 January 2019
Paştele (Orthodox Easter): 28 and 29 April 2019
Ziua muncii (Labour Day): 1 May 2019
Ziua Copilului (Children’s Day): 1 June 2019
Doua Zi de Rusalii (Orthodox Whitsun): 16 and 17 June 2019
Adormirea Maicii Domnului (Assumption Day): 15 August 2019
Ziua Sfantul Andrei (St. Andrew’s Day): 30 November 2019
Ziua Naţională (Republic Day): 1 December 2019
Crăciunul (Christmas): 25 and 26 December 2019
2020
Anul nou (New Year’s Day): 1 and 2 January 2020
Paştele (Orthodox Easter): 19 and 20 April 2020
Ziua muncii (Labour Day): 1 May 2020
Ziua Copilului (Children’s Day): 1 June 2020
Doua Zi de Rusalii (Orthodox Whitsun): 7 and 8 June 2020
Adormirea Maicii Domnului (Assumption Day): 15 August 2020
Ziua Sfantul Andrei (St. Andrew’s Day): 30 November 2020
Ziua Naţională (Republic Day): 1 December 2020
Crăciunul (Christmas): 25 and 26 December 2020
All information subject to change.
Flight and accommodation
Nightlife in Sibiu
As elsewhere in Romania, the prime location for nightlife is the city centre. Many of the city’s best bars and pubs are tucked into the vaulted cellars and basements around Piața Micã and Piața Mare.
For a more sophisticated night out, there’s always an orchestral concert at Sala Thalia.
Sala Thalia
Sibiu 550245
Romania
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Franz Liszt and Johann Strauss were regular visitors to Sibiu, and the elegant Sala Thalia, home to the State Philharmonic of Sibiu, is the best place to hear the sound of wind and strings today.
Oldies Pub
Sibiu
Romania
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True to its name, this old-fashioned beer hall feels like a step back in time; come for guest beers, live bands and a cheerful, laid-back vibe.
Atrium Classic Cafe
Sibiu 550182
Romania
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A self-styled art café with DJ sets, art shows, quirky live stage performances and bistro-style bar snacks.
Imperium
Sibiu 550159
Romania
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This moody, dimly lit basement jazz club is the place to come for hip sounds and cool cocktails.
Music Pub
Sibiu 550182
Romania
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An atmospheric vaulted cellar on Piața Mică, with live bands and just the right amount of dive bar chic.
Flight and accommodation
Restaurants in Sibiu
Food in Sibiu follows a traditional furrow, with most restaurants serving variations on classic Romanian cooking, or familiar dishes from around Europe.
Look out for Transylvanian delicacies such as ‘cheese pies’, a little like Turkish pide prepared with local cheese.
Max
Sibiu 550188
Romania
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Price: Expensive
With moody lighting and tables on the terrace, this is a great choice for a romantic dinner, with an eccentric menu that ranges from homemade pasta and pizzas to meat cooked on a hot stone.
Pardon Café & Bistro
Sibiu
Romania
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Price: Moderate
The perfect place for dinner before a show at the State Philharmonic, with a pan-European menu and walls piled high with antiques.
Crama Sibiu Vechi
550160 Sibiu
Romania
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Price: Moderate
Set in an atmospheric cellar, this reassuringly old-fashioned eatery is the best place to sample old-fashioned Romanian cooking.
Crama Sibiana
Sibiu
Romania
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Price: Moderate
A popular retreat from the bustle on Piața Micã, with tables in a cosy basement and a hearty menu of Romanian and Transylvanian staples.
La Pasaj
Sibiu
Romania
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Price: Cheap
A friendly and unpretentious café, tucked away on a lane in the Lower City, with a broad menu of soups, salads, pizzas and pasta dishes.
Flight and accommodation
Calendar of events
Sibiu Easter Fair
April 2019
Website
Venue: Piața Mare
Over 40 traders from across Romania set up wooden stalls over Easter selling all manner of enticing products. Meticulously decorated chocolate eggs are heaped in baskets alongside beautiful dried flower decorations. Shoppers can also pick up leather goods, jewellery and edible treats such as spicy sausages or fresh cookies.
Sibiu Jazz Festival
May 2019
Website
Venue: Various venues
Artists from across the globe, including Britain’s Courtney Pine, Germany’s Guther Hampel and Memphis-born musician Charles Lloyd, have performed at this terrific jazz fest. The festival’s roots can be traced to the founding of the Sibiu Jazz Club in the early 1970s.
Sibiu International Theatre Festival
14 – 23 June 2019
Website
Venue: Various venues
Dubbed the ‘third most important performing arts festival’ after Edinburgh and Avignon by the European commission, this arts extravaganza takes over Sibiu for 10 days each June. Among the hundreds of events are hilarious street performances, interactive dance shows, spectacular circus acts and world-class theatrical productions and concerts.
TIFF (Transilvania International Film Festival)
June 2019
Website
Venue: Various venues
Showcasing the best in Romanian cinema along with a superb selection of international films, TIFF screens an enthralling mix of contemporary movies and old favourites, using indoor and open-air venues. Watch out for extra-special events, such as the showing of a silent film to the accompaniment of a live orchestra.
ARTmania Festival
July 2019
Website
Venue: Piața Mare
Rock music is the main focus of this week-long festival, but the programme extends to art and photography exhibitions, film screenings and workshops. A stellar line-up of bands performs everything from punk and alternative rock to heavy metal and gothic metal.
Pottery Fair
September 2019
Venue: Piața Mare
Usually held in the first weekend of September, Sibiu’s pottery fair brings specialist craftspeople from all over Romania to show their wares in the main square. Visitors can admire and buy beautifully crafted ceramics, watch pottery demonstrations or even try their hand at spinning clay.
Astra Film Festival
Ocotber 2019
Website
Venue: Various Venues
In this festival devoted to documentaries, awards are presented in four categories: international, Romanian, Central and Eastern European, and student films. Astra also shows a thought-provoking choice of out-of-competition films, and audiences have the chance to meet and debate with directors.
Sibiu Christmas Market
November 2019 – January 2020
Website
Venue: Piața Mare
In the run-up to Christmas, traditionally decorated stalls fill the main square, adorned with gleaming lights and packed with an astonishing selection of goodies from hand-stitched cuddly animals to artisan smoked sausages. Carol singing, ice skating and gingerbread decorating complete the festive atmosphere.
All information subject to change. Please check the dates on the relevant event organizer’s website.
Flight and accommodation
Hotels in Sibiu
Fitting its status as cultural capital of Transylvania, Sibiu has an impressive assortment of places to stay.
Choose from grand historic properties, international chains, modern business hotels or a huge collection of simple pensiunea (guest houses).
Hilton Sibiu
Sibiu 550399
Romania
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Category: Expensive
Away from the centre but close to the museums in the southern suburbs, the Hilton offers immaculate rooms, four restaurants, a superior spa and views over the green expanse of Dumbrava Sibiului Natural Park.
Casa Luxemburg
Sibiu 550182
Romania
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Category: Expensive
You pay a premium for the location, but the smart, contemporary rooms with views over the Piața Micã and the Evangelical Cathedral are worth the mark up.
Hotel Imparatul Romanilor
Sibiu 550159
Romania
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Category: Moderate
A hint of belle époque grandeur hovers over this grand 18th-century hotel, full of gilt furniture, classical busts and potted palms.
Golden Tulip Ana Tower
Sibiu 550005
Romania
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Category: Moderate
A smart, business-class hotel, with great views, a superior restaurant and gym, and a handy location close to Sub Arini Park.
Ibis Sibiu
550324 Sibiu
Romania
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Category: Cheap
Set in a neat modern tower, the Ibis offers all the expected creature comforts and great city views, at a bargain rate.
Flight and accommodation
Best time to visit
Today: Thursday, 21.02.2019 22:00 UTC

sunny
temperature
-1°C
wind direction
northwind speed
2.5 mphhumidity
77%7 days forecast
Saturday
23.02.2019
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-1°C / -9°C
Monday
25.02.2019
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Tuesday
26.02.2019
4°C / -4°C
Wednesday
27.02.2019
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Thursday
28.02.2019
10°C / 1°C
Friday
01.03.2019
9°C / 6°C
Climate & best time to visit Romania
Romania is a great year-round tourist destination. The best times to visit in terms of climate are the end of April to the beginning of July and from end of August to the end of October as temperatures are mild and pleasant. Summers can be hot especially in Southern Romania, including Bucharest, but along the Black Sea Coast, sea breezes offer moderate temperatures. Winters are coldest in the Carpathian Mountains where there is snow from December through to April. Snow also falls throughout most of the country.
The ski season in Romania runs from December to March, although high resorts such as Stana de Vale often remain open until late April. Prices are cheaper at the beginning and the end of the season, with Christmas often the busiest time.
On the Black Sea Coast, tourism reaches its height between June and August and temperatures during the summer months can reach a sizzling 40°C. Look for deals in May and September, when the weather is still balmy but the season isn’t yet in full swing.
Other seasonal activities include bird-watching (from mid-April to mid-May in the Danube Delta) and wine-tasting, which focuses around a series of festivals in September and October.
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Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
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absolute max | absolute min | Ø absolute min | Ø absolute min | relative humidity | Ø precipitation | days with deposit > 1mm | sunshine duration | |
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Jan | 15 °C | -31 °C | 0 °C | -8 °C | 86 % | 28 mm | 7 | 2.2 h |
Feb | 21 °C | -29 °C | 4 °C | -5 °C | 81 % | 26 mm | 6 | 3.1 h |
Mar | 30 °C | -23 °C | 10 °C | -1 °C | 73 % | 31 mm | 6 | 4.5 h |
Apr | 30 °C | -6 °C | 15 °C | 3 °C | 69 % | 54 mm | 9 | 5.3 h |
May | 32 °C | -3 °C | 20 °C | 8 °C | 71 % | 78 mm | 11 | 6.6 h |
Jun | 35 °C | 1 °C | 23 °C | 11 °C | 73 % | 99 mm | 12 | 7.1 h |
Jul | 37 °C | 5 °C | 25 °C | 12 °C | 72 % | 86 mm | 10 | 7.9 h |
Aug | 37 °C | 1 °C | 25 °C | 11 °C | 72 % | 68 mm | 8 | 7.5 h |
Sep | 36 °C | -3 °C | 21 °C | 8 °C | 74 % | 51 mm | 6 | 6.1 h |
Oct | 32 °C | -9 °C | 16 °C | 3 °C | 78 % | 42 mm | 6 | 5.2 h |
Nov | 25 °C | -20 °C | 9 °C | 0 °C | 82 % | 34 mm | 6 | 2.8 h |
Dec | 19 °C | -29 °C | 3 °C | -4 °C | 85 % | 30 mm | 7 | 1.8 h |
year | 37 °C | -31 °C | 14 °C | 3 °C | 76 % | 627 mm | 94 | 5.0 h |
Flight and accommodation
Phone calls & Internet
Telephone
Country code: +40
Mobile telephony and Internet
Since June 2017, EU citizens traveling within the EU, and also in Iceland, Norway and Liechtenstein have been able to use their cell phones and surf the Net without incurring any extra charges: In other words, customers pay the same price for phone calls, text messages and data volume as they do at home. Restrictions do apply to the constant use of SIM cards abroad, however, and caps may be set on data packages. For full details, contact your mobile telephony provider in your country. Travelers using a SIM card from a non-EU state do not benefit from the new arrangement.
Free Internet access via Wi-Fi is possible in many busy tourist spots. When using public Wi-Fi networks, it is a wise precaution to ensure encryption of all passwords, credit card details and banking TANs entered. Use of a VPN app or security software to check the safety of a hotspot is recommended.
Flight and accommodation
Shopping in Sibiu
Key Areas
Art galleries and antique shops add a hint of class to shopping in Sibiu. The best shopping areas are in the old centre, around Piața Mare and Piața Mică, and along Strada Nicolae Bălcescu.
Markets
The Christmas and Easter markets in Piața Mare pull in huge crowds, but there are several year-round markets that are worth browsing for local foodstuffs. You can pick up good Transylvanian cheeses in the Cibin Market on Piața Cibin, while the Rahova Market on Strada Rahovei has fresh fruit, vegetables and flowers.
Shopping Centres
Mall offerings are lean in historic Sibiu. A futuristic mall for the centre is still in the planning stages, but Shopping City Sibiu (out of town on Strada Sibiului DN 1) has megastores, supermarkets and brand name franchise stores for all.
Flight and accommodation
Traveller etiquette
Social Conventions
A handshake is the most common form of greeting, but Romanian men may kiss a woman’s hand when being introduced. Mr or Mrs should be used when greeting someone for the first time. Visitors should follow normal European courtesies on social occasions. Dress tends to be rather conservative but casual wear is suitable. Beachwear should not be worn away from the beach or poolside. If visiting a home, a small wrapped gift should be given to the host, such as flowers or chocolates (to women only), wine or liquor. Flowers should be given as a gift in odd numbers only. Many Romanians are smokers and gifts of Western cigarettes are greatly appreciated.
Other well-appreciated gifts include toiletries.
Photography
Military installations should not be photographed. Some tourist attractions require visitors to pay a fee (sometimes hefty) for taking photographs.
Smoking
The Romanian government bans smoking in every public place, but, as in many countries in Eastern Europe, smokers have little respect for non-smokers and for smoking laws. Smoking is forbidden on planes, on buses and on some trains. Luxury hotels have designated no-smoking floors but very few restaurants have no-smoking sections.
Flight and accommodation
Health
Main emergency number: 112
Food & Drink
Mains water is normally chlorinated, and whilst relatively safe, may cause abdominal upsets; bottled water is available. Milk is pasteurised and dairy products are safe for consumption. Local meat, poultry, seafood, fruit and vegetables are generally considered safe to eat.
Other Risks
Hepatitis C and tuberculosis occur and hepatitis B is endemic. Stray dogs may carry the tick-borne African typhus disease and rabies is also present. If bitten, seek medical advice without delay. There have been confirmed outbreaks of avian influenza (bird flu) in the Danube Delta, Transylvania and Bucharest. The Romanian authorities have taken measures to contain the outbreaks and no human infections or deaths have been reported. In 2012, several cases of the West Nile Virus were reported by the Romanian National Institute of Health, and travellers to the Danube Delta are recommended to wear long-sleeved shirts and trousers and to apply insect repellent.
Flight and accommodation
Visa & Immigration
IATA Travel Centre
The IATA Travel Centre delivers accurate passport, visa and health requirement information at a glance. It is a trusted, centralized source for the latest international travel requirements. The IATA Travel Centre is the most accurate source available because it is based on a comprehensive database used by virtually every airline, and information is gathered from official sources worldwide, such as immigration and police authorities.