Country Information

Capital: Dublin

Time zone: GMT

Telephone services: Country Code: 353
Outgoing Code: 16

Emergency telephone numbers: Dial 112 anywhere in the EU to reach the emergency services. Additional local numbers:-All services – 999

Tourist information: Irish Tourist Board, 150 – 151 New Bond Street, London W1Y 0AQ Tel: (020) 7493 3201 Fax: (020) 7493 9065.

Passport information: Valid passport required by all except: Nationals of EU countries providing they carry a national ID card, persons born in the United Kingdom travelling directly from the United Kingdom. Nationals of Liechtenstein, Monaco and Switzerland providing they carry a national ID card. 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 Australia, Canada, USA, EU, Japan. Nationals of Andorra, Argentina, Bahamas, Barbados, Botswana, Brazil, Chile, Costa Rica, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Fiji, Gambia, Grenada, Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, Israel, Jamaica, Kenya, South Korea, Lesotho, Liechtenstein, Malawi, Malta, Mauritius, Mexico, Monaco, Nauru, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Norway, Panama, Paraguay, Poland, San Marino, Sierra Leone, Singapore, South Africa, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Swaziland, Switzerland, Tanzania, Tonga, Trinidad & Tobago, Uruguay, Vatican City, Venezuela, Western Samoa, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

Health information: No information available at present.

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

Currency: In common with12 Member States of the European Union (EU), here the Euro is the currency. There are seven different banknotes and eight coins of the Euro. Each participating EU country has coins with one common side and a reverse side specific to each country, while the banknotes look the same throughout the euro area. All major credit cards and travellers cheques are accepted throughout Ireland.
ATM availability: Approximately 1 000 locations.

Cost of living: Food and drink can be quite expensive. However ‘Bed and Breakfast’, or camp sites offer cheaper accommodation.

Languages: Irish (Gaelic) is the official language and is mainly spoken in the west. English is more widely spoken.

Weather: Rain falls all year. Spring and autumn are very mild. Summers are warm, winters are much cooler.

Electricity: 220 volts AC, 50 Hz.

Post: Irish postage stamps must be used on all mail. Poste Restante correspondence is available.

Transport: RAIL: Extensive network between the main cities. ROAD: The network links all parts of Ireland. TAXI: Services available in the main cities. BUS: A nation-wide network of buses serves all the main cities but services to remote areas will be infrequent. CAR HIRE: Available from the major air and sea ports and large hotels. DOCUMENTATION: Owners taking their own cars into Ireland require the vehicles registration book, nationality plates, insurance for the Republic and a full EU licence or IDP. A ‘green card’ is strongly recommended.

Special information: The Irish are a very gregarious people and usually have very close community bonds. Visitors will find people very friendly. Casual wear is acceptable.

Capital: Banjul

Time zone: GMT

Telephone services: Country Code: 220
Outgoing Code: 00

Emergency telephone numbers: 495 133 (Embassy)

Tourist information: Ministry of Information and Tourism, The Quadrangle, Banjul, The Gambia Tel: 228 496 Telex: 227 753.

Passport information: Valid passport required by all. Return Ticket Required. Requirements may be subject to change at short notice. Consult the appropriate consular authority before finalising travel arrangements.

Visa information: Visas for Tourist and Business are granted. Required by all except nationals of Commonwealth countries. Nationals of Benin, Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, Côte d’Ivoire, Fiji, Guinea Republic, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Senegal, Togo. Nationals of Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Greece, Italy, Ireland, Luxembourg, The Netherlands, Spain and the UK, for the purpose of tourism only for visits no longer than 3 months. Nationals of Finland, Iceland, Norway, San Marino, Sweden, Tunisia, Turkey, for visits up to 3 months.

Health information: Polio, Typhoid: vaccination recommended.

Malaria: Present throughout the year in the falciparum variety. Resistance to chloroquine has been reported.

Yellow Fever: A vaccination certificate is required by all visitors over 1 year of age travelling from infected areas. Vaccination is recommended to all visitors planning to travel outside the urban areas.
Other Health Risks: Bilharzia, Cholera and Rabies are present. 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: Gambian Dalasi (Di) = 100 bututs
NOTE: currency must be declared on arrival and export of foreign currency is limited to the amount imported. Black market currency exchange is strongly discouraged.

MasterCard and Visa are accepted in large towns only. Travellers cheques are accepted, US dollars and pound sterling are the preferred currency.

ATM availability: Unavailable.

Cost of living: Services and prices for tourists will generally be expensive.

Languages: English

Weather: Generally recognised to have the most agreeable climate in West Africa. Mid Nov- Mid May = dry in coastal areas. June – Oct = Raining season. Inland the cool season is shorter and day time temperatures are very hot between March and June.

Electricity: 220 Volts AC 50Hz. Plugs = either round or square 3 pin.

Post: Information Unavailable.

Transport: ROADS: Few paved roads of which most are impassable during the raining season. Road improvements programmes are in place. TAXIS: Fares should be settled in advance. CAR HIRE: Possible check with company before travelling. DOCUMENTATION: IDP is required. RIVER: Ferries operate on a frequent basis along the river which connects Barra Point to Banjul. A weekly ferry operates between Banjul and Basse.

Special information: NOTE: There is an uncertain political outlook therefore security could change without warning. Contact the Foreign and Commonwealth Office Travel Advice Unit before departure. Beach wear is not suitable for towns. Visitors should respect the local laws and customs. Sea swimming can be dangerous.

Capital: Jerusalem

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

Telephone services: Country Code: 972 Outgoing Code: 00

Emergency telephone numbers: Fire / Police – 100, Ambulance – 101

Tourist information: Ministry of Tourism, PO Box 1018, 24 King George Street, Jerusalem 91009, Israel Tel: (2) 675 4811 Fax: (2) 56 25 34 07 or 56 25 08 90.

Passport information: Valid passport required by all. They must be valid for 6 months after the intended date of arrival. Return Ticket required. Requirements may be subject to short-term change. Contact the relevant authority before departure.

Visa information: All nationals require a stamp on arrival. Visas are required by all except: Nationals of Australia, Canada, USA, and EU countries (except Germany if born before 1928 and nationals of Spain who have to pay a stamp fee). Nationals of Argentina, Bahamas, Barbados, Bolivia, Brazil, Central African Republic, Chile, Columbia, Costa Rica, Cyprus, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Fiji, Gibraltar, Guatemala, Haiti, Hungary, Iceland, Jamaica, South Korea, Lesotho, Liechtenstein, Malawi, Malta, Mauritius, Mexico, Monaco, Netherlands Antilles, New Zealand, Norway, Paraguay, Philippines, St Kitts & Nevis, San Marino, Slovenia, South Africa, Suriname, Swaziland, Switzerland, Trinidad & Tobago, and Uruguay. All other nationals must obtain visas prior to arrival.

Health information: Polio, Typhoid: Vaccination recommended
Other Health Risks: Rabies

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

Currency: New Israeli Shekel (NIS) = 100 new agorot.
Exchange: Foreign currency can only be exchanged at authorised banks and hotels. Payment in foreign currency exempts tourists from VAT on certain purchases.
All major credit cards and travellers cheques are accepted.
ATM availability: Over 1000 locations.

Cost of living: Relatively expensive when compared with other middle Eastern countries, excluding Kibbutz.

Languages: Hebrew and Arabic. English is spoken in most major centres. French, Spanish, German, Yiddish, Russian, Polish and Hungarian may also be spoken.

Weather: Summers are hot with winds from the Mediterranean. Winters can be cool in the North. Spring and autumn are usually pleasant.

Electricity: 220 volts Ac, 50 Hz. 3 pin plugs are standard.

Post: Airmail to Europe takes up to a week.

Transport: RAIL: Regular services provided between Tel Aviv and other major centres. All services are closed between sunset on Fridays and sunset on Saturday and during religious holidays. ROAD: There is a good road network. BUS: Services are cheap, quick and efficient. DOCUMENTATION: Full national driving licence and insurance is required. IDP is recommended.

Special information: HIGH RISK: THE FCO ADVISE AGAINST TRAVEL TO THE WEST BANK AND GAZA WE ALSO ADVISE AGAINST ALL HOLIDAY AND OTHER NON-ESSENTIAL TRAVEL TO JURUSALEM. Visitors to Israel whould be extremely vigilant. The northern border with Lebanon (Western and Upper Galilee) should be avoided. In general because the regional security situation can change rapidly, you should keep aware of events and check the FCO travel website. Visitors should always be vigilant with personal possessions, travel documents and valuables especially on the beaches. There are restrictions on movement in and out of the Gaza strip. Dress is casual except in Holy places. In many restaurants and hotels it is considered an insult to smoke. SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS: Do not drive through the occupied territories. Do not hitch-hike. Avoid the centre of Hebron.

Capital: Conakry

Time zone: GMT

Telephone services: Country Code: 224
Outgoing Code: Must be made through the operator.

Emergency telephone numbers: 442 959 (Embassy)

Tourist information: Refer to the Embassy in Paris.

Passport information: Valid passport required by all. Return Ticket Required. Requirements may be subject to change at short notice. Consult embassy before departure.

Visa information: Visa for Tourist, Transit and Business are granted. Required by all except nationals of Algeria, Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, Côte d’Ivoire, Cuba, Egypt, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Mauritania, Morocco, Niger, Nigeria, Romania, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Togo, Tunisia.

Health information: Polio, Typhoid: Vaccination recommended
Malaria: Present in the Falciparum variety and resistance to chloroquine has been reported.
Yellow Fever: Vaccination is strongly recommended to all visitors. Those arriving from infected areas over one year of age are required to have a vaccination certificate.
Other Health Risks: Bilharzia, River Blindness, Hepatitis, Meningitis and rabies are present.

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: Guinea Franc (FG) = 100 centimes. NOTE: Import and export of local currency is prohibited. Foreign currency must be declared on arrival.
MasterCard has limited acceptance in the capital city. Travellers cheques can be changed at banks. French francs are the preferred currency.
ATM availability: Unavailable.

Cost of living: Tourist areas tend to be more expensive.

Languages: French and several local languages.

Weather: Hot and Humid climate. Wet season = May – Oct. Dry season = Nov – Apr.

Electricity: 220 Volts, 50 Hz

Post: Post will take over a week to reach Europe.

Transport: ROADS: Only 2/5 are suitable for all weather conditions. RAIL: A limited service exists which is generally not recommended. DOCUMENTATION: IDP is required.

Special information: Do not travel to the borders with Liberia or Sierra Leone. Tourists should not venture out into Conakry at night due to a high level of street violence. Muslim traditions should be respected. Casual dress is acceptable. PHOTOGRAPHY: Permits are no longer required but taking photos of public buildings, bridges, ports or anything connected to the military is prohibited.

Capital: Basse-Terre

Time zone: GMT – 4

Telephone services: Country Code: 590
Outgoing Code: 19

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

Tourist information: Police – 17, Fire and Ambulance – 18

Passport information: All travellers must have a valid passport except: EU Nationals and nationals of Andorra Liechtenstein, Monaco and Switzerland, who may travel holding an expired passport provided it expired within the last 5 years, or a valid national ID card. Return Ticket required. Requirements may be subject to short term change. Contact the Embassy before departure.

Visa information: See France, but specify Guadeloupe when making application.

Health information: Polio, Typhoid: Vaccination recommended
Yellow Fever: A vaccination certificate is required from visitors over 1 year of age coming from infected areas.
Other Health Risks: Bilharzia

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

Currency: French Franc (Ffr) = 100 centimes.
All major credit cards are accepted. Travellers cheques in French francs are welcomed.

ATM availability: Unavailable

Cost of living: Expensive due to a 15-30% tax levied on services depending on the time of year

Languages: French. Patois and English are widely spoken.

Weather: Warm weather all year round. Main raining season June – Oct. High humidity at times.

Electricity: 110/220 volts AC, 50 Hz.

Post: Post will take Approx. 1 week to Western Europe.

Transport: SEA: Regular ferry services move around the island. BUS: There is a good bus service. CAR HIRE: Many companies are present. DOCUMENTATION: National driving licence is sufficient. One years driving experience is required. IDP is advised.

Special information: Guadeloupe is a French overseas department and the French culture is clearly evident.

Capital: Malabo

Time zone: GMT + 1

Telephone services: Country Code: 240
Outgoing Code: Operator assistance may be required.

Emergency telephone numbers: Not present

Tourist information: The Centro Cultural Hispano-Guineano gives out good maps of the Island and mainland.

Passport information: Valid passport required by all. Return Ticket Required. Requirements may be subject to change at short notice. Contact the relevant consular authority before finalising travel arrangements.

Visa information: Required by all Business and Tourist.

Health information: Polio, Typhoid: Vaccination Required.

Malaria: Precautions required. Falciparum exists throughout the country and resistance to chloroquine has been reported.

Yellow Fever: Vaccination certificate will be required by all travellers.

Other Health Risks: Bilharzia, River blindness in unchlorinated water, oriental lung fluke (recently reported) and Cholera are present.

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: Export of local currency is limited to CFA Fr3000. CFA Franc can not be easily exchanged outside of the CFA Fr area

Diners Club is accepted on a limited basis in large towns only. Travellers cheques are not accepted.
ATM availability: Unavailable.

Cost of living: Tourists can expect to pay high prices for services.

Languages: Spanish, African dialects including Fang and Bubi are spoken.

Weather: Tropical climate throughout the year. Rainfall throughout the year although less falls between Dec and Feb.

Electricity: 220/240 Volts. AC

Post: Approximately 2 weeks

Transport: FLIGHTS: Advisable to book in advance. ROADS: There are few tarred roads and car hire companies are unavailable but taxis can be hired. SEA: there is a ferry between Malabo, Bata and Doula, allow 12 hours for the trip.

Special information: Although the current situation is calm caution should be exercised. Travelling after dark should be avoided. Visitors have recently experienced problems with corruption and petty theft. Europeans are likely to be met with curiosity and even suspicion. Foreign cigarettes are often accepted as gifts. PHOTOGRAPHY: A photo permit, available from the embassy is essential.