Country Information

Capital: Bishkek

Time zone: GMT + 5 (GMT + 6 during the summer)

Telephone services: Country Code: 7 ( 3312 for Bishkek).
Outgoing Code: International calls can be made from telephone offices, via an operator service

Emergency telephone numbers: All services – 03

Tourist information: State Committee for Tourism and Sport, Togolok Moldo 17, 720033 Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan Tel: (3312) 220 657 Fax: (3312) 212 845.

Passport information: Valid passport required by all and must be valid for 1 year after period of stay. Requirements may be subject to short-term change. Contact the relevant authority before departure.

Visa information: As requirements are liable to change visitors are advised to contact the Kyrgyz embassy in Brussels

Health information: Polio, Typhoid: Vaccination recommended.
Other Health Risks: Rabies, Diphtheria. Hepatitis A and Tick-borne encephalitis. Consult your doctor before travelling.

Food & drink: Water is untreated and not safe to drink. It may be difficult to obtain a balanced diet and it may therefore be wise to take vitamin supplements.

Currency: 1 Som = 100 Tyn.
Exchange: All bills are normally settled in tax. Due to the shortage of change travellers advised to take small notes. NOTE: The import and export of foreign currency is prohibited.
Credit cards are accepted in some of the large hotels in the capital. Take US Dollars in cash in preference to traveller’s cheques.
ATM availability: Unavailable.

Cost of living: Very inexpensive.

Languages: Kyrghz and Russian. English may be spoken by those involved with tourism

Weather: Continental climate with little rain. Heavy snowfalls can be expected in the winter

Electricity: 220 volts AC, 50 Hz. Round 2 pin continental plugs are standard.

Post: Anything from 2 weeks to 2 months.

Transport: ROAD: Travel by road is difficult because of the terrain. BUS: There are regular services to many parts of the country but they often crowded. TAXI: Can be found in all major towns. Many are unlicensed and fares should be agreed in advance. Many street names have changed so it is wise to ask for directions with the old and new street names. DOCUMENTATION: IDP is required and 2 photos.

Special information: Mugging and theft is increasing in cities as well as rural areas some thought to be committed by uniformed police. Exercise caution at all times and keep valuable items out of sight. Do not walk at night. Carry your passport or a photocopy of it with you at all times. Failure to do so may result in arrest. Do not travel in unofficial taxis. Visitors to Southern Kyrgyzstan, including Osh, should take particular care and register with the British Honorary Consul (Tel: 3312 660869) before travelling to this area.

Capital: Zagreb

Time zone: GMT + 1 (+ 2 from the last Sunday in March to the Saturday before the last Sunday in September)

Telephone services: Country Code: 385
Outgoing Code: 99

Emergency telephone numbers: Police – 92, Fire – 93, Ambulance – 94

Tourist information: Croatian National Tourist Office, 2 The Lanchesters, 162-164 Fulham Palace Road, London W6 9ER, Tel: (020) 8563 7979, Fax: (020) 8563 2616.

Passport information: Valid passport required by all except those holding a valid identity card. Return Ticket Required, may be subject to change at short notice. Contact the Embassy before travelling.

Visa information: Visas are issued on the border and are required by all except: Nationals of the EU, Nationals of Algeria, Argentina, Bulgaria, Chile, Czech Republic, Ecuador, Hungary, Japan, Liechtenstein, Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Malta, Monaco, Norway, Poland, Romania, San Marino, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Switzerland, Turkey and Vatican City. Nationals of Australia, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa and the USA may obtain visas on arrival in Croatia.

Health information: Health Risks: 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: The Kuna (Kn) = 100 Lipa (Lp).
Exchange: The only true repositories of value and real medium of exchange locally are the German DM and the US$ (Sterling is rarely used).
NOTE: The import and export of local currency is limited to Kn 2000.
All major credit cards are accepted. German DM is the preferred Travellers cheque currency
ATM availability: Over 80 locations.

Cost of living: The Croatian economy is still recovering after civil war. Visitors may be charged higher prices than locals.

Languages: Croat-Serb with the Latinate alphabet.

Weather: Continental climate in the North and Mediterranean on the Adriatic cost.

Electricity: 220 volts AC, 50Hz

Post: May take several days.

Transport: ROAD/RAIL: The main road/rail route to and from Western Europe now effectively stops at Zagreb (coming from Ljublijana) with extensive detours via Hungary for international traffic going South to and from Serbia, Republic of Macedonia and Greece. DOCUMENTATION: National or IDP required. A ‘Green’ card should be carried by visitors taking their own car into Croatia.

Special information: Visitors from Foot & Mouth infested areas may be strip searched and dis-infected at entry points. Everyone MUST be bale to show proof of identification when asked – carry your passport and keep a photocopy of your passport details in a safe place. Tourism facilities are operating normally and normal travel precautions should be taken. Outside the tourist areas there may be some unexploded mines from the war in 1995. Travel should be avoided in areas adjoining Rebublika Srspka (Bosnia-Herzovogena; Serbia and Montegnegro) For up to date information contact the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office advice unit before travelling. Certain restrictions exist on taking photographs in some areas.

Capital: Port-au-Prince

Time zone: GMT – 5

Telephone services: Country Code: 509
Outgoing Code: 00

Emergency telephone numbers: Police – 114, Ambulance – 118.

Tourist information: Caribbean Tourism Organisation, 42 Westminster Gardens, Artillery Row, London SW1P 1RR Tel: (020) 7222 4335 Fax: (020) 7222 4325.

Passport information: Valid passport required by all except nationals of Canada and the USA, over 18 years of age with proof of nationality for a stay of up to 30 days. However because of recent political relations between the USA and Haiti, the US Embassy is advising travellers from the USA to be in possession of a valid passport. Return Ticket required. Requirements may be subject to short-term change. Contact embassy before departure

Visa information: Visa required by all except: Nationals of the UK holding passports that indicate right of abode in the UK. Nationals of Austria, Denmark Germany, Luxembourg and Sweden for a stay not exceeding 90 days. Nationals of the USA and Canada for a stay not exceeding 90 days. Nationals of Argentina, Israel, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Norway, South Korea and Switzerland for stay not exceeding 90 days. Visas are available on arrival for nationals of France for a stay of up to 3 months and for nationals of Spain and Italy for a stay of up to 1 month. Travellers in transit who do not leave the airport.

Health information: Polio, Typhoid: Vaccination recommended
Malaria: Exists throughout the year on the Falciparum variety below 300m.
Yellow Fever: Recommended. A vaccination certificate s required from all passengers coming from infected areas.
Other Health Risks: Bancroftian filariasis, 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: Gourde (Gde) = 100 centimes Exchange: US$ accepted and exchanged everywhere. CC, AMEX is widely accepted, others less so. TC: Accepted in banks and major shops.

Amex is widely accepted, but others less so. Travellers cheques are accepted in banks and major shops. US dollars are the preferred currency.

ATM availability: Unavailable.

Cost of living: Accommodation is limited in Haiti, varying form luxury hotels to modest small inns and guesthouses.

Languages: French and Creole. English is widely spoken in tourist areas.

Weather: Tropical climate with high humidity. Intermittent rain throughout the year. Hill resorts are much cooler.

Electricity: 110 volts AC, 60 Hz.

Post: Up to 1 week.

Transport: ROADS: All weather roads have been constructed. BUS: Operate on an unscheduled basis. TAXI: Station wagons run between the capital and the large towns. CAR HIRE: Available independently or through the hotels. NOTE: Petrol can be scarce outside the capital. DOCUMENTATION: Some national licences are accepted but IDP is recommended.

Special information: RISK of personal crime and violence, especially for tourists due to their relative affluence. It is estimated that 85% of the population live below the poverty line. Do not leave your accommodation after dark and do not travel to rural areas.

Capital: Libreville

Time zone: GMT + 1

Telephone services: Country Code: 241
Outgoing Code: 00

Emergency telephone numbers: Not present

Tourist information: Office National Gabonaise du Tourisme, PO Box 161, Liberville, Gabon Tel: 722 182

Passport information: Valid passport required by all except nationals of: Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Congo, and Equatorial Guinea who must have an ID card or passport expired for less than 5 years. Return Ticket Required. Requirements may be subject to short term change. Contact the relevant consular authority before finalising travel arrangements.

Visa information: Visa Required by all except nationals of Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Congo, Côte d’Ivoire, Senegal and Togo. Nationals of France can obtain a visa on arrival. Tourist and business visas are granted.

Health information: Polio, Typhoid, Vaccination recommended
Malaria: Precautions required. Falciparum variety prevalent. Resistance to chloroquine has been reported.
Yellow Fever: A vaccination certificate is required by all travellers over one year of age.
Other Health Risks: Bilharzia, Cholera, rabies, River blindness also present. Although incidence of Ebola is unlikely, sensible precautions should be taken.

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: CFA Franc (CFA Fr) = 100 centimes.
NOTE: Import of local currency is limited to CFA Fr 250000.
There is very limited acceptance of any credit cards or travellers cheques.

ATM availability: Unavailable.

Cost of living: Prices and services are generally expensive for the tourist.

Languages: French and the African language – Fang

Weather: May – Sept = Dry Season. Feb – Apr = Raining Season. Trade winds prevail during the dry season

Electricity: 220 Volts Ac 50 Hz

Post: Airmail at least 1 week to Western Europe.

Transport: FLIGHTS: Regular domestic flights operate. SEA: River barges and Ferries operate along the waterways. RAIL: Currently being expanded connects main cities. ROAD Mostly not tarred of poor standard, inadvisable during the raining season. CAR HIRE: Possible from main hotels and airports. DOCUMENTATION: IDP required.

Special information: A yellow fever certificate will be required to enter the country.

Capital: Budapest

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

Telephone services: Country Code: 36
Outgoing Code: 00

Emergency telephone numbers: Police – 107, Ambulance – 104, Fire – 105

Tourist information: Tourinform (Hungarian Tourist Board), H 1052 Budapest, Süt? u. 2, Hungary Tel: (1) 117 9800 Fax: (1) 117 9578.

Passport information: Valid passport required by all except nationals of France and Germany holding a national identity card . All passports must be valid for at least 6 months. Requirements may be subject to short term change. Contact embassy before departure.

Visa information: Required by all except: Nationals of Canada, USA, Japan for a stay of up to 90 days. Nationals of the UK for a stay of up to 6 months. Nationals of Austria, Finland and Spain for a stay up to 30 days. Nationals of Argentina, Bulgaria, Chile, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Iceland, Israel, South Korea Liechtenstein, Monaco, Norway, Poland, Seychelles, South Africa, Switzerland and Uruguay for a stay up to 90 days. Nationals of CIS (with the exception of citizens of Uzbekistan who do need a visa), Bosnia-Herzegovina, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Malaysia, Malta, Nicaragua, Romania, San Marino, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Yugoslavia (Serbia and Montenegro) for at stay up to 30 days. Nationals of Singapore for a stay up to 14 days

Health information: Other Health Risks: Rabies

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

Currency: Hungarian Forint (HUF) = 100 fillér
Exchange: banks, hotels, airports, railway stations, some restaurants. NOTE: Import and export of local currency is limited to HUF 10000. Retain all exchange receipts.
All major credit cards and travellers cheques are widely accepted. German DM is the preferred currency.
ATM availability: Over 1000 locations.

Cost of living: Westerners will not experience great disparity in local and Western prices

Languages: Hungarian (Magyar). German is widely spoken. Some English and French may also be spoken, mainly in the West.

Weather: June – Aug. is usually very warm. Spring and autumn are mild and winters are very cold. There is rainfall throughout the year and snow in winter.

Electricity: 220 volts Ac, 50 Hz.

Post: 3 – 7 days to other European destinations.

Transport: RAIL: All main cities are connected by regular services but facilities are often inadequate. Concessions are available to groups of six or more and the young and elderly. ROAD: Generally the road system is good. Zero alcohol is permitted when driving. BUS: Services link Budapest with the major provincial towns. CAR HIRE: Available at large hotels and the main airports. DOCUMENTATION: Pink national UK licence is accepted but IDP is required if a green licence is held.

Special information: Petty crime is rife in Budapest especially in tourist areas. Only carry a photocopy of your passport. Do not carry large amounts of money. Very few people speak English outside of large hotels and restaurants. A knowledge of German is very useful. Usual social courtesies apply. Both Christian and surname should be used in introductions. PHOTOGRAPHY: Do not take photographs of anything connected with the military. Other restrictions will be sign posted.

Capital: St George’s

Time zone: GMT – 4

Telephone services: Country Code: 1 473
Outgoing Code: International operator must be used.

Emergency telephone numbers: Police – 112, Ambulance – 434. All services – 911.

Tourist information: Board of Tourism, PO Box 293, Burns Point, St George’s, Grenada Tel: 440 2001 or 440 2279 or 440 3377 Fax 440 6637.

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

Visa information: Visa required by all except: Nationals of Great Britain, Australia, Canada, USA, EU countries, Japan. Those who continue their journey to a third destination, providing they hold onward tickets and are travelling within 14 days of arriving. Nationals of commonwealth countries (except nationals of Cyprus and Pakistan who do need a visa). Nationals of Bulgaria, Chile Czech Republic, Iceland, Israel, South Korea, Liechtenstein, Norway, Poland, Slovak Republic, Switzerland, Taiwan, (China) and Venezuela. Visitors holding a re-entry permit.

Health information: Polio, Typhoid: Vaccination recommended
Yellow Fever: A vaccination certificate is required from those over one year of age coming from infected areas.
Other Health Risks: Rabies.

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

Currency: DEastern Caribbean Dollar (EC$) = 100 cents.
All travellers cheques and major credit cards are widely accepted. US dollars are the preferred currency.

ATM availability: Unavailable.

Cost of living: Moderate to expensive. Hotels need to be booked well in advance. Prices may vary with seasonal changes and specific events. Duty free shops exist with an international market.

Languages: English

Weather: Tropical climate. Rainy season June – Dec. Dry season Feb – May.

Electricity: 220/240 volts AC, 50 Hz.

Post: Post will take approximately 14 days to reach Europe.

Transport: SEA: Round island trips are very popular, small to large boats can be hired. ROAD: They are narrow and winding. CAR HIRE: A large variety if vehicles can be hired. DOCUMENTATION: IDP is recommended. BUS: Cheap but slow service operates.

Special information: Beach-wear is not acceptable in town.