Country Information

Capital: Baghdad

Time zone: GMT + 3 (GMT + 4 during the summer).

Telephone services: Country Code: 964
Outgoing Code: 00

Emergency telephone numbers: Not present.

Tourist information: Iraqi Interests Section, 21 Queen’s Gate, London SW7 5JG Tel: (020) 7584 7141/6 Fax: (020) 7584 7716.

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: Holders of Israeli passports or other passports containing Israeli visas. US passports are not currently valid for travel to or in Iraq without special validation being required.

Health information: Polio, Typhoid: Vaccination recommended.
Malaria: Exists entirely in the vivax variety between May and November.
Yellow Fever: A vaccination certificate is required from travellers arriving from infected areas.

Other Health Risks: Visceral leishmaniasis, Bilharzia, Crimean-Congo fever, 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: Iraqi Dinar (ID) = 20 dirhams = 1000 fils
NOTE: Import of local currency is allowed up to ID 25. Export of local currency is limited to ID 5.
Credit cards and travellers cheques are not accepted.

ATM availability: Unavailable

Cost of living: Since the Gulf War and the imposition of United Nations sanctions, Iraq’s economy has become hyper-inflated.

Languages: Mostly Arabic. Some Kurdish, Turkish and Aramaic.

Weather: Summers are hot and dry, winters are warm with some rain.

Electricity: 220 volts AC, 50 Hz.

Post: Usually takes 5 – 10 days between Europe and Iraq but can take much longer

Transport: BUS: Services run between Baghdad and other main cities. TAXI: Available in the cities. Fares should be agreed in advance. Metered taxies charge twice the amount shown on the meter. CAR HIRE: Available at the airport and in Baghdad. DOCUMENTATION: IDP is required and third party insurance is necessary.

Special information: EXTREME RISK. Travelling to Iraq is strongly discouraged by virtually all governments. Visitors should respect the Islamic religion and act accordingly. Avoid taking photographs.

Capital: Almaty

Time zone: GMT + 6 – East (Main Zone), + 5 – Central, + 4 – Western, (GMT + 7, + 6, + 5 respectively during the summer)

Telephone services: Country Code: 7 (3272 for Almaty).

Outgoing Code: International calls are made at reduced rate between 2000 – 0800 local time.

Emergency telephone numbers: All services – 03

Tourist information: Proftour’ Association (former Kazakh Council for Tourism) 5 Mitina Street, Almaty, Kazakhstan Tel: (3272) 640 567 Fax: (3272) 531 928.

Passport information: As regulations are expected to change at short notice visitors are advised to contact the consulate for an up to date list of passport/visa requirements. Carry your passport, or an Embassy certified copy, at all times. Return Ticket Required. Requirements may be subject to change at short notice. Contact the relevant authority before travelling.

Visa information: Visas are required by all. Travellers are advised to contact the consulate for current visa requirements. Visitors should obtain a visa before travelling to Kazakhstan. Applications MUST be made in advance of travel. A letter of invitation must be included with all visa applications. Local hotels can provide such letters. The local authorities have recently restricted the issue of visas at ports of entry and will only do so in extreme circumstances. The agreement allowing visas issued for one Commonwealth of Independent State (CIS) country to be used to transit another CIS country is no longer valid. Visitors planning to visit two or more CIS countries should contact the relevant embassies for advice before travelling.Visitors staying longer than three days need to register with the local authorities. The police can arrest visitors who do not carry identification.

Health information: Other Health Risks: Anthrax, Diptheria, Hepatitis A., Rabies, and Tuberculosis, Tick-borne encephalitis and Crimean haemorrhagic fever in the mountains, Bubonic plague in southern and western regions.

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: 1 Tenge = 100 tigin
Exchange: must be made at authorised bureaux and receipts should be retained for all transactions. US Dollars are preferred
Major credit cards are accepted in large hotels. US Dollar travellers cheques are preferred
ATM availability: 3 locations.

Cost of living: Generally inexpensive

Languages: Kazakh, Russian.

Weather: Continental climate: Summers are hot and winters are cold. The hottest period is between July and August.

Electricity: 220 volts Ac, 50 Hz. Plugs are the round 2 pin continental type.

Post: 2 – 3 weeks. Addresses should be laid out from top to bottom: country, postcode, city, street, house number/name, and finally the name of the person.

Transport: RAIL: Cost is minimal to Western fares and there are regular connections between all major centres. NOTE: There has been an increase in robberies on rail and road. Passengers should travel in groups and compartments should be locked on overnight trains. Muggers often target Western looking people as it is assumed that they will be carrying valuables. ROAD: A reasonable network connects all towns. BUS: There are reliable connections between all main towns. CAR HIRE: Hertz has agencies at the airport and the large hotels in the city centre. DOCUMENTATION: IDP is required.

Special information: Because of the situation of global and regional insecurity at present, travellers should exercise extreme
caution and make only necessary journeys to this country. If you intend to travel depite this advice you should be aware that robberies and personal attacks have increased especially in the larger cities. Do not walk alone on the streets at night or travel in unmarked taxis. Keep expensive items out of sight. Kazakh’s are very hospitable. Shorts should not be worn except for sports. Formal dress is often required for evening engagements.

Capital: Tehran

Time zone: GMT + 3.5 (GMT + 4.5 during the summer)

Telephone services: Country Code: 98
Outgoing Code: 00

Emergency telephone numbers: Not present.

Tourist information: Refer to Consulate.

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: Required by all except: Nationals of Bosnia-Herzegovina, Saudi Arabia and Turkey for stays not exceeding 3 months.

Health information: Polio, Typhoid: Vaccination recommended
Malaria: Exists in the vivax variety in certain provinces. Resistance to chloroquine has been reported in the falciparum variety.
Other Health Risks: Cutaneous leishmaniasis, Tick-borne relapsing fever and Bilharzia.

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

Currency: Iranian Rial (RL) = 100 Dinars.
Foreign visitors must convert the equivalent of US$ 300 into Iranian Rials. Declare all currency on arrival.
Credit cards and travellers cheques are not accepted.
ATM availability: Unavailable.

Cost of living: Commodities are quite limited outside the main city of Tehran. The economy is in a state of transition following the war with Iraq and the US embargo on Iranian oil.

Languages: Persian (Farsi). Arabic in Khuzestan and Turkish in the Northwest. English, French and German are often spoken by businessmen and officials.

Weather: Summers are hot and dry and winters are harsh.

Electricity: 1220 volts AC, 50 Hz.

Post: At least 2 weeks to Western Europe.

Transport: ROAD: There is an extensive road network but the quality is unreliable. BUS: Cheap and comfortable although may be erratic. TAXIS: Available in all cities. CAR HIRE: Available in all cities and airports. DOCUMENTATION: IDP and personal insurance is required. All motorists must possess a carnet de passage or pay a large deposit.

Special information: Because of the situation of global and regional insecurity at present, travellers should exercise extreme caution and make only necessary journeys to Iran. If you intend to travel depite this advice you should be aware that travellers should always be vigilant and ensure that their papers are in order. After recent disturbances in Tehran particular care may be needed and crowds should be avoided. Western influences are discouraged. There has been an increase in the numbers of robberies by men posing as taxi drivers. Vistors should order taxis from reputable firms. There has also been a spate of bag snatching by young men on motorcycles. Particular care should be taken not to offend against the Islamic religion. Women should behave modestly and dress conservatively. PHOTOGRAPHY: Restrict photography to tourist areas as military installations are sometimes difficult to identify and photgraphing them is strictly prohibited.

Capital: Vientiane

Time zone: GMT + 7

Telephone services: Country Code: 856
Outgoing Code: Telephone link exists with Bangkok.

Emergency telephone numbers: Not present.

Tourist information: National Tourism Authority of Laos People’s Democratic Republic, BP 3556, Avenue Lang Xang, Vientiane, Laos Tel: (21) 212 248 Fax: (21) 212 769.

Passport information: Valid passport required by all. Return ticket required. Requirements may change at short notice. Contact the embassy before departure.

Visa information: Visa Required by all. Transit passengers are exempt.

Health information: Polio, Typhoid: Vaccination recommended.
Malaria: Exists all year throughout the country in the Falciparum variety which has been reported as being highly resistant to chloroquine.
Yellow Fever: A vaccination certificate is required for travellers arriving from infected areas.
Other Health Risks: Rabies. Medical services are limited, comprehensive insurance is recommended. Seek medical advice before travel.

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: Laotian New Kip (Kp) = 100 cents
Exchange: Banks and hotels in Vientiane and Luang Prabang. NOTE: Import and export of local currency is prohibited. Both credit cards and travellers cheques are not accepted
ATM availability: Unavailable.

Cost of living: Laos is one of the poorest countries in the world. The foreign traveller would expect to pay very little for local items. As hotels are only located in the capital prices may fluctuate.

Languages: Laotian, French, Vietnamese and some English may be spoken.

Weather: Cooler weather in the highlands. Most of the country is hot and tropical, May – Oct has the highest temperatures and is the raining season. Nov – Apr = the dry season.

Electricity: 220 Volts AC 50 Hz.

Post: Restricted to Vientiane.

Transport: FLIGHTS: Domestic air services run from Vientiane to Luang Prabang, Pakse and Savannakhet. ROAD: Few roads are suitable for all-weather driving. Do not travel off the main roads. BUS: Services link only a few major towns. CAR HIRE: Arrangements can be made through hotels. DOCUMENTATION: IDP is recommended although not legally required. RIVER: Safety of river craft in the rainy season (when the river is in full spate) is in doubt.

Special information: Laos has only been accessible to foreign visitors since 1988. Tourists should avoid travelling outside the capital independently as bandits are likely to attack. Religious beliefs must be respected. Avoid all topics relating to politics. Laos nationals should not be touched on the head. Dress neatly and remove shoes when entering religious buildings. Buddha objects are religious images so do not pose in front of them and do not drink or sit on them. Common sense precautions should be followed with regard to personal safety.

Capital: Reykjavik

Time zone: GMT

Telephone services: Country Code: 354
Outgoing Code: 90

Emergency telephone numbers: 112 All services

Tourist information: Iceland Tourist Bureau, 3rd Floor, 172 Tottenham Court Road, London W1P 0LY Tel (020) 8286 8008.

Passport information: Valid passport with at least 3 months validity are required by all except nationals of: Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, The Netherlands and Switzerland holding a national ID card, nationals of Finland, Norway, Denmark and Sweden travelling from a Scandinavian country. Regulations may change at short notice and you are advised to contact the relevant consular authority before finalising travel arrangements.

Visa information: Required by all

Health information: No information available at present

Food & drink: Water is considered drinkable, normal precautions should be observed with food.

Currency: Icelandic Krona (1Kr) = 100 aurar.
Credit cards widely accepted. Travellers cheques widely used.
ATM availability: Over 500 locations at main banks.

Cost of living: Can be very expensive, as with other Scandinavian countries.

Languages: Icelandic. English and Danish are also widely spoken.

Weather: Summers are mild and winters are rather cold. From the end of May to the beginning of August there are nearly 24 hours of perpetual daylight in Reykjavik, whilst in the Northern part of the country the sun rarely sets at all. The weather is highly changeable at all times of the year.

Electricity: 220 volts AC, 50 Hz.

Post: No information available at present.

Transport: Roads: serve all settlements. Rail: There is no rail system Airlines: connect 12 local airports.

Special information: See FCO for bad weather warning.

Capital: Beirut

Time zone: GMT + 2 (GMT + 3 during the summer)

Telephone services: Country Code: 961
Outgoing Code: 00

Emergency telephone numbers: Police – 386 440 425 (Emergency police – 16), Fire – 310 105, Ambulance – 386 675

Tourist information: Lebanon Tourist and Information Office, 90 Piccadilly, London W1V 9HB Tel: (020) 7409 2031 Fax: (020) 7493 4929.

Passport information: Valid passport required by all except: Nationals of Syria arriving from their country with valid national ID. Passports must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the estimated duration of stay. Return Ticket required. Requirements may be subject to short term change. Contact the relevant authority before departure.

Visa information: Required by all except: Syrians, Nationals of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates can obtain their visas on arrival at Beirut airport. Do not enter with Israel stamps on your passport. Obtain a visa in advance – three month visa costs 100,000 Lebanese Lira. If you have an Israeli stamp in your passport you will be refused entry to Lebanon even if you have a valid visa.

Health information: Polio, Typhoid: Vaccination recommended.
Yellow Fever: A vaccination certificate is required from travellers coming from infected areas.
Other Health Risks: Cholera, Rabies.

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

Currency: Lebanese Pound (L£) = 100 piastres.
Credit cards and travellers cheques have limited acceptance
ATM availability: Over 30 locations.

Cost of living: Relatively expensive. Accommodation can be especially expensive for the traveller looking for a cheap place to stay. Food, however can be cheap if purchased from sandwich and snack bars.

Languages: Arabic. French and English are spoken. Kurdish and Armenian are spoken by a small minority.

Weather: Summer (June – Sept) is hot along the coast and cooler in the mountains. Winter (Dec to mid Mar) is mostly rainy with snow in the mountains. Spring and Autumn are cool and pleasant.

Electricity: 110/220 volts, AC 50 Hz.

Post: Usually 5- 6 days to Europe, up to 8 days to the USA.

Transport: BUS: Intercity buses are cheap and efficient but may be uncomfortable. TAXI: Fares should be agreed in advance. They are usually shared and a 50% surcharge will be added after 2200 hours. CAR HIRE: chauffeur-driven cars are recommended although self drive cars are available. DOCUMENTATION: IDP is recommended although not legally required.

Special information: Because of the situation of global and regional insecurity at present, travllers should exercise extreme caution and make only necessary journeys to this country. If you intend to travel despite this advice you should be aware that you should always carry ID. Muslim traditions and practices should be respected. Casual must modest dress is suitable for day-time clothing. The main danger spots are in the south which can be subject to Israeli shelling or air raids. Do not travel in the Israeli Occupied Zone. PHOTOGRAPHY: Only take photographs at obvious tourist sites.