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Capital: Bangkok

Time zone: GMT + 7

Telephone services: Country Code: 66 Outgoing Code: 001

Emergency telephone numbers: Not present

Tourist information: Tourism Authority of Thailand, 49 Albermarle Street, London W1X 3FE Tel: (020) 7499 7679. fax: (020) 7629 5519.

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

Visa information: Overstaying visas can result in detention. Due to the complexity, and frequent changes to passport/visa requirements travellers are advised to check current regulations with their consulate prior to travel.

Health information: Polio, Typhoid: Vaccination recommended.
Malaria: Exists in the Falciparum variety in rural areas throughout the year. Resistance to chloroquine has been reported.
Yellow Fever: A vaccination certificate is required to those over 1 year of age arriving from infected areas.
Other Health Risks: Cholera, Japanese Encephalitis, Rabies Dengue Fever, Dysentery and Hepatitis A and E.

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: Baht (Bt) = 100 satang. NOTE: Export of local currency is limited to Bt 50000.
All credit cards are accepted. Travellers cheques, preferably in US dollars or Pound sterling, are accepted in large hotels and shops.
ATM availability: Over 2300 locations.

Cost of living: Relatively inexpensive. especially outside of Bangkok.

Languages: Thai. English, Malay and Chinese are also spoken.

Weather: Generally hot particularly between mid Feb and June. The monsoon season = mid May to Oct when the climate is hot with torrential rain. The most comfortable time for travelling is Nov to Feb.

Electricity: 220 Volts AC, 50 Hz. A variety of plugs are used.

Post: Up to 1 week.

Transport: FLIGHTS: The national airline runs services between the main towns. ROAD: There is a reasonable network of which all the major roads are paved. DOCUMENTATION: IDP is required. BUS: Very cheap but very crowded. Privately owned buses are more comfortable and are moderately priced. When taking the bus in the city leave the back seat free for the Saffron robed monks. BOAT: Services are good. NOTE: Obtain a good map as finding your way around can be confusing to the newcomer.

Special information: NOTE: Always keep hold of your passport. Do not give it to hotel owners, hire shops etc. There have been recent incidents of assaults on foreign tourists using unlicensed taxis. Be wary of accepting food or drinks from strangers as it may be drugged. Thai laws on the use and transportation of narcotics are stringent. Tourists should be vigilant of any packages or gifts given. Also note that there are no government ‘gem shops’ only gem scams! The Thai/Myanmar[Burmese] border is dangerous – check with local authorities before travelling to remote or border areas. The monarchy and religion are very sacred in Thailand. Insults to either, such as climbing on statues of Buddha will not be tolerated. Beach-wear should be confined to the beach / pool side. Take care when swimming off the coast of Phuket as strong riptides make swimming dangerous. Shoes should be removed before entering houses. PHOTOGRAPHY: Discretion should be used and permission obtained before taking photos.

Capital: Nuku’alofa

Time zone: GMT + 13

Telephone services: Country Code: 676 Outgoing Code: 0

Emergency telephone numbers: All emergency services – 911.

Tourist information: Tonga Visitor’s Bureau, PO Box 37, Vuna Road, Nuku’alofa, Tonga, Tel: 21733 Fax: 22507.

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

Visa information: Visa are issued on arrival to nationals of all countries.

Health information: Polio, Typhoid: Vaccination recommended.
Yellow Fever: A vaccination certificate is required from passengers over 1 year of age arriving from infected areas.
Other Health Risks: Competent medical and dental facilities are available. Hepatitis A and B occur. Health insurance is recommended.

Food & drink: Water outside of Nuku’alofa is untreated and not safe to drink. Dairy products are pasteurised.

Currency: Pa’anga (T$) = 100 seniti
Credit cards have limited use. Travellers cheques are accepted at some hotels and tourist shops. Australian dollar cheques are preferred.
ATM availability: Unavailable.

Cost of living: Relatively cheap

Languages: Tongan and English

Weather: Marginally cooler than most tropical areas. The best time is May to November. Heavy rains occur between Dec and Mar.

Electricity: 240 Volts Ac 50 Hz.

Post: 10 days

Transport: FLIGHTS: Royal Tongan Airlines operate regular flights between the main cities. SEA: Ferries sail between all the island groups. Schedules are subject to change according to demand and the weather. ROAD: A good network of metalled roads exists. Horses are often used. CAR HIRE: May be arranged through a number of agencies. DOCUMENTATION: A local licence is required from the police traffic department on production of a valid international or national driving licence, the fee and a passport. Min driving age = 18.

Special information: Shorts are not acceptable in towns. Visitors are not expected to tip.

Capital: Ankara

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

Telephone services: Country Code: 90 Outgoing Code: 00

Emergency telephone numbers: Ambulance – 112, Fire – 111, Police – 155

Tourist information: Turkish Tourist Office, First Floor, 170 – 173 Piccadilly, London W1V 9DD Tel: (020) 7629 771 Fax: (020) 7491 0773.

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

Visa information: Visa required by al except: Nationals of Barbados, Belize, Chile, Ecuador, Fiji, Grenada, Iceland, Iran; Israel, Jamaica, Kenya, South Korea, Kuwait, Liechtenstein, Malaysia, Malta, Mauritius, Monaco, Morocco, New Zealand, Northern Cyprus, Norway, Oman, Qatar, St Lucia, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Seychelles, Singapore, Switzerland, Trinidad & Tobago, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates, Uruguay and Vatican City for stay of up to 3 months. Nationals of Bosnia-Herzegovina, Croatia, Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Romania, Slovenia for stays of up to 2 months. Nationals of Bolivia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and South Africa for stays up to 1 month. Tourists from the following countries can obtain their visas on arrival for a fee, Austria, Belgium, Ireland, Italy, The Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, United Kingdom, Hong Kong and the USA for visits not exceeding 3 months. CIS, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Jordan, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Slovak Republic and Taiwan (China) for visits not exceeding 1 month. Albania, Guatemala, and Georgia, for visits not exceeding 15 days.

Health information: Polio, Typhoid: Vaccination recommended.
Malaria: Potential risk in the vivax form exists during period throughout the year in various areas.
Other Health Risks: Cholera incidents have not been evident over recent years but simple precautions when eating and drinking are advised. Rabies is present.

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

Currency: Turkish Lira (TL)
Exchange: Certificates of exchange must be retained to prove that legally exchanged currency was used. Money can be exchanged at all PTT branches.
Major credit cards are accepted. Travellers cheques in US dollars can be easily exchanged.
ATM availability: Over 5 000 locations.

Cost of living: Relatively inexpensive. The Ministry of Tourists advised tourists to stay in approved guest houses (Cost US$20+).

Languages: Turkish, Kurdish. French, German and English are also spoken.

Weather: The coasts have a hot Mediterranean climate with hot summers and mild winters.

Electricity: 220 volts AC, 50 Hz.

Post: Airmail to Europe takes 3 days.

Transport: ROAD: There is an extensive road development and maintenance programme. Care must be taken if driving as accidents can lead to serious complications and delay your travel. RAIL: Fares are comparatively cheap. COACH: Many companies provide services between major cities. CAR HIRE: Available in all main towns. DOCUMENTATION: IDP is required for visits over 3 months.

Special information: Do not deface or tear up currency it is an offence. There are risks of terrorism. The PKK (Kurdistan Workers Party) has warned tourists against visiting Turkey but have kept a low profile recently – this may alter at any time. Avoid all travel to Eastern Turkey and do not attempt to climb Mount Ararat in Eastern Turkey. Respect the Islamic traditions. Particular care should be taken while the tensions in the Middle East are heightened. Women should dress modestly and cover shoulders and arms. Informal wear is accepted but beach wear should be confined to the beach or pool. Drunkenness is not really tolerated. PHOTOGRAPHY: Do not take photographs of anything connected with the military.

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: São Tomé

Time zone: GMT

Telephone services: Country Code: 239
Outgoing Code: All international calls must go through the operator

Emergency telephone numbers: Not present.

Tourist information: Refer to the Consulate.

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

Visa information: Required by all, Transit visas are not required by those with tickets for onward journeys on the same day.

Health information: Polio, Typhoid: Vaccination recommended.
Malaria: Exists throughout the year in the Falciparum variety. Resistance to chloroquine has been reported.
Yellow Fever: Vaccination is strongly recommended to all travellers. A certificate is required for travellers arriving from infected areas.

Other Health Risks: Bilharzia, 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: Dobra (Db) = 100 centimes Credit cards are not accepted, US$ traveller’s cheques are preferred.
ATM availability: Unavailable

Cost of living: Very inexpensive, without a tourist industry and unspoilt by external influences

Languages: Portuguese and native dialects are most widely spoken. French and English are also spoken

Weather: Dry Season – June to Sept and Dec to beginning of Feb. The South is wetter than the North

Electricity: 220 Volts AC.

Post: Up to 2 weeks

Transport: FLIGHTS: There are 3 flights a week from São Tomé to Principe. ROADS: Generally deteriorating therefore a 4 wheel drive is required to get around. BUSES: A bus service is in operation. TAXIS: operate.

Special information: Usual social courtesies should be shown. Portuguese influence is still dominant

Capital: Mogadishu

Time zone: GMT + 3

Telephone services: Country Code: 252 Outgoing Code: International calls must go through the operator

Emergency telephone numbers: Emergency Telephone Numbers: – All travellers are advised to consult the foreign office in their country of residence before departure regarding emergency assistance

Tourist information: Not present.

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

Visa information: Visa required by all. Transit visas are not required by visitors with reserved onward travel

Health information: Polio, Typhoid: Vaccination recommended
Malaria: Exists throughout the year in the Falciparum variety. Resistance to chloroquine has been reported
Yellow Fever: Vaccination is strongly recommended to all travellers. A vaccination certificate is required by those arriving from infected areas
Other Health Risks: Bilharzia, Cholera ( VACCINATION REQUIRED) and 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: Somali Shilling (SoSh) = 100 cents NOTE: Import and export of local currency is limited to SoSh 200.
Diners Club has limited acceptance. US dollars cash is preferred to traveller’s cheques
ATM availability: Unavailable

Cost of living: Economy decimated by political strife and drought, resulting in high inflation and a scarcity of products.

Languages: Somali and Arabic

Weather: Jan – Feb Hot and Dry, Mar – June is the 1st raining season, monsoon winds occur between Jul and Aug . The 2nd raining season occurs between Sept and Dec

Electricity: 220 Volts AC 50 Hz

Post: Up to 2 weeks

Transport: ROAD: It is difficult to travel outside of Mogadishu by car because of poor road conditions. DOCUMENTATION: IDP is required

Special information: EXTREME RISK: We advise against all but essential travel. Many parts remain insecure especially in the south and the situation could suddenly change in the rest of the country Informal wear is acceptable. PHOTOGRAPHY: People with cameras must have permit.