Country Information

Capital: Manila

Time zone: GMT + 8

Telephone services: Country Code: 63
Outgoing Code: International calls to smaller towns must go through the operator

Emergency telephone numbers: Not present

Tourist information: Philippine Department of Tourism, 17 Albermarle Street, London W1X 7HA Tel: (020) 7499 5443 (general enquiries) or (020) 7499 5652 (incentive travel) Fax: (020) 7499 5772.

Passport information: Valid passport required by all. Passport MUST be valid for more than six months. Return Ticket Required. Requirements may change at short notice. Contact the embassy before departure.

Visa information: Visa required by all except transit passengers. Tourists and business travellers will not require visas providing they have a valid passport for at least one year and onward tickets, providing their stay does not exceed 21 days. NOTE: Certain nationalities will require pre arrival approval by the authorities in Manila before visas can be issued. Check with the embassy before making travel arrangements. Overstaying can lead to detention and heavy fines.

Health information: Polio, Typhoid: Vaccination recommended
Malaria: Exists throughout the year in certain areas below 600m in the Falciparum variety, which has been reported as being highly resistant to chloroquine.
Other Health Risks: Dengue Fever, Bilharzia, Cholera and Rabies

Food & drink: Water is untreated and not safe to drink. Avoid dairy products as they are not pasteurised. Fruit and vegetables should be peeled before consumption.

Currency: Philippine Peso (PP) = 100 centavos Exchange: Large commercial and central bank dealers in Manila. Always use authorised money changers or banks in Manila Metro area.
Credit cards are accepted in larger cities. Travellers cheques may be difficult to exchange and commissions may be high. US dollar cheques are the preferred currency.
ATM availability: Over 800 locations.

Cost of living: Can be relatively inexpensive in comparison with Northern and Western Europe. Philippines is a haven for shoppers with bargains available at all shops, but especially markets. Hotels range from the deluxe to small guest houses and prices vary accordingly.

Languages: Filipino. English is widely spoken and Spanish may also be spoken.

Weather: Tropical climate with constant sea breezes. Rainy season = June – Sept. Oct – Feb is the cool dry season. Mar – May is usually hot and dry. There are occasional typhoons between June and Sept.

Electricity: 220 Volts AC 60 Hz. 110 Volts is available in most hotels. Plugs = flat and round 2 and 3 pin

Post: At least 5 days.

Transport: FLIGHTS: Internal services are operated by several companies. Reservations should be confirmed prior to departure date due to high demand. BUS: Widely available and cheap. ROAD: Travel off national highways and paved roads, especially at night, is particularly dangerous. Inter island travel by small boats can be hazardous as storms whip up very quickly.

Special information: EXTREME RISK: in Mindinao – Southern Zamboanga Peninsula and islands south west of Mindinao. Typhoons earth quakes and volcanoes are known hazards in the Philippines. Seek advice on recent activity before travelling. Tourists from the West are considered wealthy by the host population. Stick to the main tourist areas. Visitors are required to carry dentification at all times. Visitors are advised to be vigilant and avoid travel off the beaten track especially on Mindinao where bandits and Islamic militants are active. There are also many cases of kidnapping and piracy. Casual dress is acceptable in most areas excluding Muslim areas where visitors will be required to cover up. Armed Islamic groups are active in some areas and great care is needed [Consult the FCO website] Medical care is VERY expensive. Passports must be valid for more than 6 months. Overstaying the length of the visa is a serious offence which can lead to detention and heavy fines. The Philippines consist of over 7 000 islands . Charter planes may be hired to visit the most remote. Possession or trafficking in even the smallest amount of drugs can lead to the death penalty. Take care of accepting food and drinks from strangers as there are reports of these being laced with substances that cause drowsiness or unconsciousness. There are also reports of single male travellers being set up for extortion over charges of paedophile activity for which there are severe penalties including the death sentence.

Capital: Kuala Lumpur

Time zone: GMT + 8

Telephone services: Country Code: 60
Outgoing Code: 00

Emergency telephone numbers: All services – 999

Tourist information: Tourism Malaysia, 57 Trafalgar Square, London WC2N 5DU Tel (020) 7930 7932 Fax: (020) 7930 9015.

Passport information: Passport valid for further 6 months beyond the intended stay in Malaysia is required. All visitors must have proof of adequate funds for stay. Return Ticket required. Requirements may change at short notice. Contact the embassy before departure.

Visa information: Most nationals do not require a visa to enter Malaysia providing the stay is less than a month and for social, business purposes. A visit pass is required which will be issued at the point of entry.

Health information: Polio, Typhoid: Vaccination recommended
Malaria: Exists in certain inland regions e.g. Sabah where there is a risk in the Falciparum variety which has been reported as being highly resistant to chloroquine.
Yellow Fever: A vaccination certificate is required by those arriving from infected areas
Other Health Risks: Cholera, Rabies, febrile encephalitis, and Dengue fever – prevalent in urban as well as rural areas. Japanese encephalitis has been reported in the rural areas of Ipoh, Seremban and Port Dickson, travellers should seek medical advise if they intend to travel to these areas.

Food & drink: Water is considered drinkable, normal precautions should be observed with food. Fruit and vegetables should be peeled before consumption. When drinking from cans, always use a straw, which is generally provided.

Currency: Ringgit (r) = 100 sen NOTE: Import and export of local currency is limited to RM 1,000 without prior approval. Declare all foreign currency notes on the travellers declaration form so that they may exported.There are severe penalties for exchange control offences.
All credit cards are accepted. Travellers cheques are accepted by all banks, hotels and department stores. US dollar cheques are the preferable currency.
ATM availability: Over 2000 locations

Cost of living: Can be reasonably inexpensive. Wide range of accommodation available, varying from luxury hotels to campsites in the national park and Taman Negara area. Goods and luxury items vary in price depending on location.

Languages: Bahasa Malaysian. English is also widely spoken

Weather: Tropical without extremely high temperatures. Days are very warm whilst nights are fairly cool. August is the wettest time of the West coast. East Malaysia has heavy rains Nov – Feb. Rainfall differs in the East and West coast according to the Monsoon wind.

Electricity: 220 Volts Ac 50 Hz. Square 3 pin plugs are used.

Post: There are post offices in the commercial centres of all towns.

Transport: ROAD: Most roads are paved. BUS: Services are extensive. TAXI: There is a surcharge after 2400 – 0600 of 50%.

Special information: Avoid travelling to the islands east of Sabah. Avoid large gatherings and demonstrations as they could result in violence. Respect religious beliefs – take off your shoes at the door and wear appropriately modest clothing. Smoking is prohibited in a number of public places. Malaysia prides itself on an expansive range of cuisine. There are very severe penalties for drug offences including the death penalty. There have been incidences of piracy in Malasian waters.

Capital: Islamabad

Time zone: GMT + 5

Telephone services: Country Code: 92
Outgoing Code: 00

Emergency telephone numbers: Not present.

Tourist information: Ministry of Culture, Sport and Tourism, Block D, Pakistan Secretariat, Islamabad, Pakistan Tel: (51) 214 697 Fax: (51) 815 767.

Passport information: Valid passport required by all. Return Ticket required. Requirements may be subject to short term change. Contact the relevant authority before departure.

Visa information: Visa Required by all except nationals of: Iceland, Maldives Republic, Singapore, South Korea, Trinidad & Tobago, Western Samoa and Zambia for a stay of 90 days or less. Nationals of Nepal for a stay of 30 days or less.

Health information: Polio, Typhoid: Vaccination recommended
Malaria: Exists throughout the year in the falciparum variety in all areas below 2000m. The falciparum variety has been reported as being highly resistant to chloroquine
Yellow Fever: A vaccination certificate is required from all travellers coming from any part of a country where Yellow Fever is endemic. Children under 6 months of age are exempt providing the mother has proof of her own vaccination before the child was born.
Other Health Risks: Cholera, Rabies.

Food & drink: Water is untreated and not safe to drink. Avoid dairy products as they are not pasteurised. Fruit and vegetables should be peeled before consumption.

Currency: Pakistani Rupee (Re singular, Rs plural) = 100 paisa Amex and Diners Club are widely accepted. Travellers cheques are generally accepted at most banks, 4 and 5 star hotels and major shops. US dollars are the preferred currency. ATM availability: 3 locations

Cost of living: Staying in Pakistan can be relatively cheap if you are willing to shop at the markets and sacrifice luxuries.

Languages: Urdu and English. There are regional languages of Sindhi, Baluchi, Punjabi and Pashtu. There are numerous local dialects

Weather: There are three seasons: Winter: (Nov to Mar) where the weather is warm but cooled by sea breezes. Summer: (Apr – July) with extreme temperatures. Monsoon (July to Sept) which has the highest rainfall on the hills.

Electricity: 220 volts Ac, 50 Hz. Round 2 or 3 pin plugs are in use.

Post: Airmail takes 4 to 5 days to reach Western Europe

Transport: FLIGHTS: There are many daily flights from Karachi to the commercial centres. Air transport is the quickest and most efficient means of travel. RAIL: A legacy of British Rule is an extensive rail network based on the main line from Karachi to Lahore, Rawalpindi and Peshawar which has several daytime and overnight trains. Travel in air-conditioned coaches is advised along with reservations for longer journeys. ROAD: The highway network between cities is well made and maintained. BUS: Regular services run between most towns and villages. Air-conditioned coaches are recommended for longer journeys. Advance booking is advised. TAXI: By far the most efficient mean of urban travel, being reasonably priced and widely available. CAR HIRE: Available in major cities. DOCUMENTATION: An IDP will be issued on presentation of a national driving licence.

Special information: Travel to Pakistan should only be undertaken if absolutely essential. The British Foreign and Commonwealth office are advising British citizens already there to consider leaving. Please note there is EXTREME RISK: In federally administered tribal areas and all areas bordering Afghanistan.

Capital: Maputo

Time zone: GMT + 2

Telephone services: Country Code: 258
Outgoing Code: Outgoing International calls must go through the operator

Emergency telephone numbers: All services – 493924 ( Maputo only), Police – 119, Ambulance – 117, Fire – 198

Tourist information: Empresa Nacionale de Tourismo (ENT) CP 2446, Avda 25 de Setembro 1203, Maputo, Mozambique Tel: (1) 420 147 or (1) 450 150 Fax: (1) 421 796.

Passport information: Valid passport required by all with a minimum validity of 6 months. Return Ticket Required. Requirements may change at short notice. Contact the embassy before departure

Visa information: Required by all.

Health information: Polio, Typhoid: Vaccination recommended
Malaria: Risk exists throughout the year across the whole country in the Falciparum variety. Reported as being highly resistant to chloroquine
Yellow Fever: A vaccination certificate is required by all travellers over one year of age arriving from infected areas.
Other Health Risks: Bilharzia, Cholera and Rabies. There is a very high prevalence of AIDS/HIV. Visitors should seek medical advice before travelling.

Food & drink: Water is untreated and not safe to drink. Avoid dairy products as they are not pasteurised. Fruit and vegetables should be peeled before consumption.

Currency: Mozambique Metical (M) = 100 Centavos NOTE: import and export of local currency is prohibited.
No credit cards or travellers cheques are accepted currently

ATM availability: Unavailable

Cost of living: Although civil war has ended economy remains unstable.

Languages: Portuguese in addition to many African languages

Weather: The climate varies according to the area. Inland is cooler with most rain between Jan and March. The coast is warm and dry Apr – Sept. Hottest and wettest between Oct – March.

Electricity: 220 Volts AC, 50Hz.

Post: Approximately 1 week by air to Europe. Available from main cities.

Transport: FLIGHTS: Air taxi services are available and are the safest means of travel outside the main cities due to the internal fighting. RAIL: All rail services are liable to disruption at present. BUS: Buses are available but plenty of food and water should be taken since journeys are frequently interrupted by check points to examine documents. DOCUMENTATION: IDP is required.

Special information: NOTE: Travel to the Montepuez region should be avoided. Throughout the country armed robbery and other violent crimes are prevalent. No road should be considered safe. There is also the risk of unexploded mines. Travel between major cities should only be undertaken in daylight. Road travel becomes difficult or impossible in the rainy season (Jan-March). Some roads are still damaged by floods in the south and central areas. Check with local authorities before travelling. Casual wear is acceptable. Formal dress is seldom required.

Capital: Warsaw

Time zone: GMT + 1 (GMT + 2 during the summer)

Telephone services: Country Code: 48
Outgoing Code: 00

Emergency telephone numbers: Police – 997, Fire – 998, Ambulance – 999

Tourist information: Polish National Tourist Office, First Floor, Remo House, 310 – 312 Regent Street, London W1R 5AJ Tel: (020) 7580 8811 Fax: (020) 7580 8866.

Passport information: Valid passport required by all. Requirements may be subject to short-term change. Contact the relevant authority before departure.

Visa information: Required by all except: Nationals of the UK for tourists or business visits not exceeding 6 months. Nationals of all other EU countries for periods not exceeding 90 days. Nationals of Andorra, Argentina, Bolivia, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Honduras, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Latvia, Lithuania, South Korea, Malta, Monaco, Nicaragua, Norway, San Marino, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Switzerland, Uruguay, and the USA for visits not exceeding 90 days. Nationals of Bulgaria, Cuba, Estonia Hungary, Macedonia, (FYROM), Mongolia, Romania, for visits not exceeding 30 days Nationals of CIS countries providing they hold an official invitation or vouchers from travel agencies (except nationals of Uzbekistan) who do require a visa.

Health information: Other Health Risks: Rabies, Tick-borne encephalitis.

Food & drink: Water is untreated and not safe to drink.

Currency: Zloty (Zl) = 100 grozy Exchange: border crossing points, hotels. NOTE: Import and export of local currency by non-residents is prohibited.
All major credit cards and travellers cheques are accepted. Travellers cheques in German Deutschmarks are preferred.
ATM availability: Over 500 locations.

Cost of living: Prices are no longer as cheap as they once were.

Languages: Polish. There is a German-speaking minority. English and French may also be spoken.

Weather: Temperate climate with warm summers and cold winters. Rain falls throughout the year

Electricity: 220 volts AC, 50 Hz. Continental sockets are used

Post: 4 days. Poste Restante facilities are available throughout the country

Transport: ROAD: BUS: There are good regional bus and coach services. CAR HIRE: Various car rental agencies operate and rental also available at the airport. DOCUMENTATION: Travellers using their own cars should have car registration cards, a ‘green card’ for insurance purposes an valid insurance. An IDP is recommended although not compulsory.

Special information: Visitors are made welcome by the Poles, who are a very hospitable. Roman Catholicism plays an important role in daily rural life. Conservative casual wear is acceptable for the day. More formal attire is suitable for social evenings out. Visitors are advised to register with a hotel or local authorities within 48 hours of arrival. There is a serious risk of personal robbery on trains and at main rail stations. Passengers are at most risk when boarding trains. Never leave property unattended.

Capital: Windhoek

Time zone: GMT + 2

Telephone services: Country Code: 264
Outgoing Code: 09

Emergency telephone numbers: Police – 1011, Ambulance – 2032276, Fire – 2032270

Tourist information: Namibia Tourism, Private Bag 13346, Windhoek, Namibia Tel: (61) 284 0111 Fax: (61) 221 930

Passport information: Valid passport required by all, must be valid for 6 months after the date of leaving Namibia. Return Ticket Required. Requirement may change at short notice. Contact the embassy before departure.

Visa information: Visa Not required by nationals of EU countries (except Greece which do require visas) for stays of up to 3 months. Nationals of Angola Australia Botswana Brazil Canada CIS Cuba Iceland Japan Kenya Lesotho Liechtenstein Mozambique New Zealand Norway Singapore South Africa Swaziland Switzerland Tanzania USA Zambia Zimbabwe for up to 3 months.

Health information: Polio, Typhoid: Vaccination recommended.
Malaria: Malaria exists within certain areas during periods of the year in the Falciparum variety
Yellow Fever: A vaccination certificate is required by those arriving from infected areas excluding those under 1 year of age. If arriving by scheduled flights and are in transit a certificate will not be required if passengers do not leave the airport.
Other Health Risks: Bilharzia, Cholera, Rabies. There is a very high prevalence of AIDS/HIV. Visitors should seek medical advice before travelling.

Food & drink: Water is untreated and not safe to drink.

Currency: Namibian Dollar (N$) = 100 cents South African Rand (r) is also still in use. CC: Widely accepted. NOTE: All currency must be declared at the point of entry. Import and export of local currency is limited to N$500.
Credit cards are widely accepted. Travellers cheques in German DM currency are widely accepted
ATM availability: 34 locations

Cost of living: Moderately expensive in urban areas but reasonably inexpensive in rural locations

Languages: English, Afrikaans, German and African languages are spoken.

Weather: The coast is cool and rain free most of the year. Inland rain falls between Oct – Apr. Summer temperatures are high.

Electricity: 220/240 Volts AC, Plugs are of the 3 pin type

Post: 4 days to 2 weeks. Good airmail service available

Transport: ROADS: Are well maintained. FLIGHTS: Are often the most economic way to travel. The national airline links all the major cities. RAIL: Trains operate between the main cities and offer first class and sleeping facilities. DOCUMENTATION: IDP is required.

Special information: Western customs prevail. EXTREME RISK: in Caprivi and Kavango. Do not travel to Caprivi because of a state of emergency and do not enter the Sperrgebeit (prohibited diamond area). Also avoid the Angola border where there has been military action. Take advice locally on which areas to avoid. Do not enter the townships at night.