Country Information

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: Berlin

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

Telephone services: Country Code: 49
Outgoing Code: 00

Emergency telephone numbers: Dial 112 anywhere in the EU to reach the emergency services. Additional local numbers:-Police – 110, Fire – 112.

Tourist information: German National Tourist Office, Nightingale House, 65 Curzon Street, London W1Y 8NE Tel: (0891) 600 100 (recorded information) or (020) 7493 0080 (general enquiries) Fax: (020) 7495 6129.

Passport information: Valid Passport required except: Holders of national ID cards issued to nationals of Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Luxembourg, The Netherlands, Portugal Republic of Ireland and Spain. Holders of National ID cards issued to national of Austria, Finland, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Malta, Monaco, San Marino and Switzerland. Requirements may be subject to short term change. Contact Embassy before departure.

Visa information: Required by all except: Nationals of countries referred to under passport exemptions above. Nationals of Andorra, Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Brunei, Chile, Columbia, Cook Islands, Costa, Rica, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guadeloupe, Guam, Guatemala, Honduras, Hungary, Israel, Jamaica, Kenya, South Korea, Macau, Malawi, Malaysia, Martinique, Mexico, New Caledonia, New Zealand, Norway, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Poland, Puerto, Rico, Réunion, St Pierre & Miquelon, Singapore, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Sweden, Uruguay, Vatican, City and Venezuela.

Health information: Health Risks: None 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. Major credit cards are accepted in 60% of shops, restaurants, hotels and petrol stations. Travellers cheques in all major currencies are accepted everywhere.
ATM availability: Over 40000 locations.

Cost of living: East Germany is still slightly cheaper than West Germany in small towns, although prices are reaching Western levels in the cities.

Languages: German. English and French may also be spoken.

Weather: Temperate climate throughout the country. Summers are warm and winters are cold. There is rain throughout the year.

Electricity: 220 volts AC, 50 Hz.

Post: An efficient service operates.

Transport: RAIL: It will take some time for the network in Eastern Germany to be brought up to Western standards. A modern, sophisticated rail system operates in the West of Germany. ROAD: Western area is covered by a modern network of motorways. Motorways in the East are of a reasonable standard but this may not be the case for secondary roads in the East. CAR HIRE: Available at most towns and railway stations. NOTE: It may be difficult to use credit cards at petrol stations. DOCUMENTATION: Foreign drivers may use their national driving licence for up to 1 year or IDP. Car registration details should be carried and EU citizens taking their own cars are strongly advised to take their ‘Green Card’ for full insurance coverage. BUS: Tend to run in towns. There are few intercity services.

Special information: Red roses are only given to lovers and odd numbers should be given. Casual wear is widely accepted although formal wear may be required in up market restaurants. Shops, businesses and schools begin at 08.00 or earlier.

Capital: Djibouti

Time zone: GMT + 3

Telephone services: Country Code: 253 Outgoing Code: 00

Emergency telephone numbers: Not present.

Tourist information: Office Nationale du Tourisme et de l’Artisanat (ONTA), BP 1938, place du 27 juin, Djibouti, Djibouti Tel: 353 790 Fax: 356 322.

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

Visa information: Required by all except nationals of France for a maximum stay of 3 months. An extension may be granted in Djibouti on request to the headquarters of the Police Nationale. Entry and Transit Visas are granted

Health information: Polio, Typhoid: Vaccination Required.
Malaria: Take precautions as Falciparum variety exists throughout the year. Resistance to chloroquine has been reported.
Yellow Fever: Required. A vaccination certificate is required for visitors over one year of age arriving from infected areas.
Other Health Risks: Cholera.

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: Djibouti Franc (DFr) = 100 Centimes.
Credit cards are accepted by airlines and large hotels only. French is the preferred currency in travellers cheques, but they are only accepted if marked as an External Account or Pour Compte Etranger. Sterling and US Dollars also accepted.
ATM availability: Unavailable

Cost of living: Expensive and should be avoided by those with tight budgets.

Languages: Arabic and French. English is spoken by hoteliers, taxi drivers and traders.

Weather: Very hot and dry between June and August. Slightly cooler between October and April with occasional rain.

Electricity: 220 Volts Ac 50 Hz

Post: Approximately 1 week to Europe by Airmail

Transport: TAXIS: Fares increase 50% after dark. CAR HIRE: 4 -wheel drive is recommended. Water and petrol supplies must be carried. RAIL: There is only 1 service to Ethiopia which tourists and business people are prohibited from using.

Special information: NOTE: HIGH RISK All but essential travel to Djibouti should be avoided. Do not use land border crossings Areas of the country are closed, and risk of banditry and fighting is prevalent in certain areas. Check with the Foreign and Commonwealth Travel Advice unit before departure. Visitors should register with their Embassy or Consulate shortly after arrival. Despite Djibouti being a Muslim country, casual wear is acceptable. However beach-wear should not be worn in the towns.

Capital: Copenhagen

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

Telephone services: Country Code: 45 Outgoing Code: 00

Emergency telephone numbers: Dial 112 anywhere in the EU to reach the emergency services. Additional local numbers:-Police and Ambulance – 112 (in Copenhagen).

Tourist information: Danish Tourist Board, 55 Sloane Street, London SW1X 9SY Tel: (020) 7259 5958/9 Fax (020) 7259 5955.

Passport information: Valid passport required by all except: Nationals of Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, The Netherlands, Portugal, Spain and Switzerland in Possession of a national identity card. Nationals of Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden in possession of identification papers if travelling entirely within Scandinavia. Nationals of Bosnia-Herzegovina in possession of a valid identity card valid for at least 6 months beyond length of stay with a valid visa. Requirements may be subject to short term change. Contact embassy before departure.

Visa information: Required by all except: Nationals of the UK with full British Passports. Nationals of Australia, Canada, the US and Japan. Nationals of EU countries. Nationals of Andorra, Argentina, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Brunei, Chile, Columbia, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Dominica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Estonia, Fiji, Grenada, Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Jamaica, Kiribati, South Korea, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Malaysia, Malta, Mauritius, Mexico, Monaco, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Norway, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Poland, St Lucia, St Vincent & The Grenadines, San Marino, Seychelles, Singapore, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, Suriname, Switzerland, Thailand, Togo, Trinidad & Tobago, Tuvalu, Uruguay, Vatican, City and Venezuela Nationals of Bermuda carrying a British Dependant Territories Passport.

Health information: No information available at present.

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

Currency: Danish Krone (Dkr) = 100 øre
Exchange: Eurocheques are cashed by hotels and banks and may also be used at most restaurants and shops. Personal cheques can not be used by foreigners in Denmark. Some banks may refuse to exchange large foreign bank notes
All major credit cards are accepted. Travellers cheques can be cashed by banks and hotels, and can be used at most hotels and shops. US dollars and Deutschmarks are the preferred forms of currency
ATM availability: Over 2500 locations.

Cost of living: Slightly cheaper than other Scandinavian countries but still relatively expensive.

Languages: Danish. English, German and French may also be spoken.

Weather: Summer June – Aug. Winter Oct – Mar which is wet with period of frost. Feb is the coldest month. Spring and Autumn are generally mild.

Electricity: 220 volts AC 50 Hz. Continental 2 pin lugs are used.

Post: 2 – 3 days to rest of Europe.

Transport: PUBLIC TRANSPORT: Extensive service provided. SEA: There are frequent ferry services between the islands. RAIL: The main cities on all islands are connected by the rail network. Express trains operate and ‘Inter-Rail’ and ‘Nord-Tourist’ pass (which can be used throughout Scandinavia) can provide good value. ROAD: CAR HIRE: Available to drivers over the age of 20. DOCUMENTATION: National driving licence is acceptable. Visitors taking their own car are advised to obtain a ‘Green Card’ as without will limit their insurance coverage.

Special information: Usual social courtesies should be observed. Casual dress is suitable for most places. Railway porters and washroom attendants will expect a tip.