Country Information

Capital: Moscow

Time zone: Moscow and St Petersburg + 3 (GMT + 4 during the summer) Other regions vary.

Telephone services: Country Code: 7
Outgoing Code: 810; in smaller cities international calls may have to go through the operator.

Emergency telephone numbers: Fire – 01; Police – 02; Ambulance – 03

Tourist information: Intourist Travel Limited; Intourist House; 219 Marsh Wall; London E14 9PD Tel: (020) 7538 8600 Fax: (020) 7538 5967.

Passport information: Valid passport required by all except for nationals Bulgaria; Czech Republic; Hungary; North Korea; Mongolia; Poland Romania; Slovak Republic; Vietnam and Yugoslavia. Return Ticket required. Requirements may be subject to short-term change. Contact the relevant authority before departure. All travellers are advised to contact the nearest Russian Embassy or Consulate for up to date details.

Visa information: Required by all except nationals of Bulgaria; CIS; Cuba; Cyprus; Czech Republic; Hungary; North Korea; Mongolia; Poland; Romania; Slovak Republic and Vietnam.

Health information: Polio; Typhoid: Vaccination recommended
Other Health Risks: Cholera has been reported in Daghestan. Rabies is present.

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

Currency: Rouble (Rub) = 100 Kopeks Exchange: Only at official bureaux. All transactions must be recorded on the CURRENCY declaration form issued on arrival. It is wise to keep all your receipts. NOTE Import and Export of local currency is prohibited; all remaining local currency must be reconverted on departure.

All major credit cards are accepted. Travellers cheques are preferred to cash but you should also take some hard cash. US dollar cheques are recommended.
ATM availability: Over 350 locations

Cost of living: Moderate to expensive; since the change to free-market economy

Languages: Russian. English; French or German are spoken by some people

Weather: North and Central European Russia – Variable climate. Summer sunshine may be up to 9 hours a day whilst winters can be very cold. Siberia- Very cold winter with the possibility of pleasant summers. There is considerably seasonal temperature variation. Summers are usually short and wet. Southern European Russia – Winters are shorter than in the North.

Electricity: 220 volts AC; 50 Hz.

Post: Airmail to Western Europe takes over 10 days

Transport: AIR: Aeroflot runs services from Moscow to major cities. RIVER: Many companies offer cruises along several rivers. The Volga towns; The Golden Ring and Moscow – St Petersburg are popular routes. RAIL: The rail system is a vital part of the infrastructure due to the poor road system. Only a few long distance routes are open to use by visitors and reservations must be made on all journeys. NOTE: Do not leave possessions unattended at nay time. OAD: The European part of the Russian Federation depends heavily on it’s road network. The few roads in Siberia and further East are impassable during the winter. It is worthwhile to plan your route in advance and arrange motoring holidays through Intourist or another reputable agency.

Special information: EXTREME RISK: The Foreign & Commonwealth Office advises against travel to Chechen Republic and some other areas, check with FCO. Each specific region has its own code of dress and traditions which may be different to those in the West. NOTE: Carry ID at all times. Incidents of violent mugging; theft and pick pocketing in all cities continue to occur. Keep all valuables out of sight.

Capital: Kigali

Time zone: GMT + 2

Telephone services: Country Code: 250
Outgoing Code: 00

Emergency telephone numbers: All travellers should consult the foreign office in their country of residence regarding emergency assistance.

Tourist information: Office Rwandais du tourisme et des parcs nationaux (ORTPN), BP 905, Kigali, Rwanda Tel: 76514 Fax: 76512

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

Visa information: A passport and evidence of yellow fever immunization are required. Visa generally required except for American citizens entering Rwanda for less than 90 days and citizens of Burundi, DRC, Uganda and Tanzania; Those requiring a visa must obtain these in advance of travelling.

Health information: Polio, Typhoid: Vaccination recommended
Malaria: Exists throughout the year. Resistance to chloroquine has been reported
Yellow Fever: A vaccination certificate is required by all travellers arriving over one year of age.
Other Health Risks: Bilharzia, Rabies. There is a very high prevalence of AIDS/HIV. Visitors should seek medical advice before travelling. There are periodic outbreaks of meningitis.

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: Rwandese Franc (RwFr) = 100 centimes NOTE: Import and Export of local currency is limited to RwFr5000.

There is limited acceptance of MasterCard. Travellers cheques have limited acceptance. French francs are the preferred currency.
ATM availability: Unavailable

Cost of living: Due to recent civil unrest, the economy has been decimated

Languages: Kinyarwanda and French. Kiswahili is also spoken

Weather: Rwanda is cool due to its high latitude, but warmer in the lowlands. Mid Jan – Apr and mid Oct – Dec are the raining seasons.

Electricity: 220 Volts AC 50Hz. There is no electricity supply at present but some hotels have their own generators.

Post: Approximately 2 weeks.

Transport: FLIGHTS: Internal flights are operated by the national airline to the main towns. ROADS: Most roads are unsealed and in bad condition. BUS: Services operate and a timetable is available. DOCUMENTATION: An IDP is required.

Special information: Most of this ‘beautiful country of a thousand hills’ is now trouble free but visitors should take particular care on the eastern borders with DRC because of the conflict across the border. Elsewhere visitors should take the normal safety precautions with regard to money and street safety. Normal social courtesies apply. Travel after dark is not recommended because of the state of the roads. The traditional way of life is based on agriculture and cattle.

Capital: Riyadh

Time zone: GMT + 3

Telephone services: Country Code: 966
Outgoing Code: 00

Emergency telephone numbers: Not present.

Tourist information: Saudi Arabia Information Centre, Cavendish House, 18, Cavendish Square, London W1M 0AQ Tel: (020) 7629 8803 Fax: (020) 7629 0374.

Passport information: Valid passport required by all except Muslim Pilgrims holding ‘Pilgrim Passes’, tickets and other documents for their onward journey entering the country via Jeddah or Dahran. All passports must be valid for 6 months beyond the intended period of stay. Return Ticket required. Requirements may be subject to short-term change. Contact the relevant authority before departure.

Visa information: Visa should be obtained in advance of travel and are required by all except: Nationals of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates and holders of re-entry permits issued by the Saudi-Arabian government.

Health information: Polio, Typhoid: Vaccination recommended
Malaria: Exists in the falciparum variety throughout the year within certain areas. Cerebral malaria has been reported in the Jizan area.
Yellow Fever: A vaccination certificate is required from all travellers arriving from countries where any parts are infected.
Other Health Risks: Rabies, Bilharzia, Meningococcal Meningitis

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: Saudi Arabian Riyal (SAR) = 100 halalah. All major credit cards are accepted. Travellers cheques in, preferably, US dollars are accepted.
ATM availability: Over 1 000 locations.

Cost of living: Generally expensive and prices increase by 25% during the summer months and hotel charges double in Medina and Mecca during the pilgrimage season. Cheap accommodation and food can be found by the budget traveller.

Languages: Arabic. English is spoken in business circles

Weather: Desert climate. Jeddah is warm most of the year. Riyadh is hot in the summer and cooler during the winter. This is one of the driest countries in the world.

Electricity: 125/215 volts AC, 50/60 Hz.

Post: Airmail to Europe takes up to 1 week

Transport: FLIGHTS: There are 19 domestic airports and flying is the most convenient method of travelling around the country. ROAD: The system is continually being updated and expanded, however standards of driving are erratic and many driving offences carry an automatic prison sentence. TAXI: Available in all centres but are very expensive. Few have meters and fares should be agreed in advance. CAR HIRE: The major international companies have agencies in Saudi Arabia. Minimum driving age is 25. DOCUMENTATION: A national driving licence is valid for up to 3 months. An IDP with translation is recommended.

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 dress codes and behavioural codes are strictly adhered to. Penalties for drug offences are severe and include the death penalty. Non-political criminal activity is minimal, mainly due to the strict implementation of Saudi law. Extreme care must be taken when driving as the blame for accidents may be apportioned in an unexpected basis which may appear to be ‘wrong’ to western visitors. Visitors should be aware that innocent contact with veiled women can be misinterpreted. In view of three car bombings targeting British nationals towards the end of 2000 the Foreign and Commonwealth Office advice [FCO] should be reviewed before any travel plans are confirmed.

Capital: Honiara

Time zone: GMT + 11

Telephone services: Country Code: 677 Outgoing Code: 00

Emergency telephone numbers: Not present.

Tourist information: Refer to the Consulate.

Passport information: Passport valid for at least 6 months required by all. Return Ticket Required. Regulations may be subject to change at short notice. Contact the embassy before departure.

Visa information: Visa Not required for stays of up to 3 months except for nationals of Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka who do require a visa. A Visitors Permit is required by all other nationals and will be issued on arrival at the airport. A multi entry visa for Australia is advised for long term stays on the Solomon Islands.

Health information: Polio, Typhoid: Vaccination recommended.
Malaria: Exists throughout the year in particular areas in the Falciparum variety, which is reported to be highly resistant to chloroquine.
Yellow Fever: A vaccination certificate is required from travellers arriving within 6 days of leaving or transiting infected areas.
Other Health Risks: Immunisation against Hepatitis A recommended. Hepatitis is endemic. Filariasis, Dengue fever, and Typhoid.

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

Currency: Solomon Islands Dollar (SI$) = 100 cents. NOTE: Export of local currency is limited to SI$ 250.
Credit cards are not accepted. Australian dollar travellers cheques can be exchanged.
ATM availability: Unavailable.

Cost of living: Accommodation can be quite expensive due to the small number of hotels. However, in the Reef accommodation is cheaper.

Languages: English and Pidgin English and over 87 local dialects are spoken.

Weather: Mainly Hot and Humid with little variation throughout the year.

Electricity: 240 Volts AC 50Hz, Australian-type, flat 3 – pin plugs are commonly used.

Post: Approx. 7 days to Europe.

Transport: FLIGHTS: National airline runs services between main islands and towns. SEA: Large and small ships provide the best means of travelling between the islands. Services are run by the government and a host of private operators. ROAD: General condition is poor resulting in limited use. TAXI: Available in main cities, advisable to agree the fare in advance.

Special information: EXTREME RISK: Because of local tension we advise against travel to Guadalcanal. Permission is required before use of beaches – footpaths etc. Beachwear should be kept for the beach. Swimming is not advised in the sea around Honiara because of the presence of sharks – bristle-worms – stinging corals and sea urchins. Health insurance is essential. PHOTOGRAPHY: Always seek permission before taking photographs of locals.

Capital: Victoria

Time zone: GMT + 4

Telephone services: Country Code: 248
Outgoing Code: Calls must go through the operator

Emergency telephone numbers: Not present.

Tourist information: As for the High Commission Tel: (020) 7224 1670 Fax: (020) 7486 1352.

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: Please contact:High Commission for Seychelles
Head of Mission: HE Mr Bertrand Rassool
Website:
Address: Box 4PE
2nd Floor
Eros House
111 Baker Street
London W1M 1FE
Telephone: (020) 7224 1660

Facsimile: (020) 7487 5756

Office Hours (GMT): Mon-Thurs: 0900-1600; Fri: 0900-1200

Health information: Polio, Typhoid: Vaccination recommended
Yellow Fever: A visitors permit is required from visitors arriving within 6 days of leaving or transiting affected areas.
Other Health Risks: Rabies

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

Currency: Seychelles Rupee (Srs) = 100 cents Exchange: Airport and Banks. Amex and Visa are widely accepted. Travellers cheques, preferably in US dollars, are accepted in hotels, guest houses and most shops.
ATM availability: 3 locations.

Cost of living: The island is a luxurious getaway for affluent holiday makers. Prices are often very expensive

Languages: Creole. English and French.

Weather: Monsoon: Nov – Feb, which brings hot and humid weather. The temperatures rarely fall below 24 ºC.

Electricity: 240 volts AC, 50 Hz. British 3-pin plugs are in use.

Post: Airmail to western Europe takes up to 1 week

Transport: FLIGHTS: An efficient network of scheduled and chartered services operate. SEA: Privately owned schooners provide regular inter island connections. ROAD: There are paved roads only on the two largest islands. BUS: A regular service is operated on Mahè. Prices for buses and coaches are very reasonable. TAXIS: Government controlled. Rates on Praslin are 25% higher. CAR HIRE: Should be booked in advance. Minimum age is 21. DOCUMENTATION: A national licence is sufficient

Special information: Whilst the Seychelles is safe for travellers there has been some increase in theft especially on beaches. Do not walk off main streets after dark, especially if you are a woman. Avoid remote roads after dark as they are often without barriers and may have steep drops. Casual wear is acceptable. Tourism in the Seychelles is regulated to ensure that the character and natural beauty of the islands remain unspoilt.

Capital: Khartoum

Time zone: GMT + 2

Telephone services: Country Code: 249 Outgoing Code: International calls must go through the operator

Emergency telephone numbers: Not present

Tourist information: Public Corporation of Tourism and Hotels P.O.Box 7104, Khartoum, Sudan Tel: (11) 781 764. AND Ministry of Environment and Tourism P.O.Box 13226, Khatoum, Sudan Tel: (11) 471 329 Fax: 471 437

Passport information: Passport must have been valid for 6 months. Return Ticket Required. Requirements may change at short notice. Contact the embassy before departure

Visa information: Required by all except nationals of Central African republic, Libya, Syria and Tanzania. Required by transit passengers

Health information: Polio, Typhoid: Vaccination recommended
Malaria: Exists in the Falciparum variety throughout the year, throughout the country. High resistance to chloroquine has been reported
Yellow Fever: A vaccination certificate is required for passengers over 1 year of age arriving from infected areas and may be required from travellers leaving Sudan. Vaccination is strongly recommended to everyone arriving in Sudan planning to travel outside the urban areas
Other Health Risks: Bilharzia, Cholera, Rabies and Visceral leishmaniasis

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: Sudanese Pound (Sud £) = 100 piastres and Sudanese Dinar NOTE: Exchange rates are subject to great change and import and export of local currency is prohibited Amex is widely accepted but all other major credit cards are not accepted. Travellers cheques are accepted in sterling only.
ATM availability: Unavailable

Cost of living: Inexpensive, apart from the larger hotels in Khartoum

Languages: Arabic, English, Local dialects are widely spoken

Weather: Extremely hot with sandstorms from Apr – Sept in the Sahara region. Wet season in the south from May – Oct

Electricity: 240 Volts AC, 50 Hz

Post: Up to 1 week to Europe

Transport: Travelling outside the capital requires permission from the Sudanese government. FLIGHTS: Sudan Airways runs services to 20 national airports. ROADS: Outside the main towns roads are usually in very poor condition and unsuitable for travelling during the raining season. Vehicles must be in good condition, with a supply of spare parts, water, food, fuel on board. RAIL: There is an extensive rail network but services are very slow and uncomfortable. NOTE: Travellers must register with the Police headquarters within 3 days of arrival, and Police permission must be obtained before moving to another location within Sudan. DOCUMENTATION: Carnet de Passage, adequate finance and a road worthiness certificate (from embassy) are required. IDP is recommended. Trailers and cars less then 1500cc are refused entry

Special information: EXTREME RISK. British Government can only provide limited Embassy support. However we advise against all but essential travel to Sudan It is inadvisable to travel to any of Sudan’s Southern provinces due to civil war. Contact the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office Travel Advice Unit for up to date information. The Arab culture predominates in the North and in the South the people belong to a number of tribes