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Capital: Basseterre

Time zone: GMT – 4

Telephone services: Country Code: 1 869 Outgoing Code: 1 (Caribbean, Canada and USA) 011 elsewhere

Emergency telephone numbers: 911

Tourist information: St Kitts & Nevis Ministry of Tourism, Culture and the Environment, Box 132, Bay Rd. Basseterre, St.Kitts. Tel: 465 2602 or 465 4040 Fax: 465 8794.

Passport information: Valid passport required by all except nationals of Canada and the USA with valid ID (for up to 6 months). Return Ticket required. Requirements may be subject to short-term change. Contact embassy before departure.

Visa information: Required by all except nationals of: Great Britain, Australia, Canada, USA, EU Countries (except Portugal who do require a visa) and Japan. Commonwealth countries (except Namibia and South Africa who require visas) Argentina, Bahrain, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Columbia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Fiji, Guatemala, Honduras, Iceland, Israel, Jordan, South Korea, Kuwait, Liechtenstein, Mexico, Monaco, The Netherland Antilles, Nicaragua, Norway, Oman, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Puerto Rico, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Suriname, Switzerland, Taiwan, United Arab Emirates, Uruguay, US Virgin Islands and Venezuela. Visitors continuing their journey to a third country within 14 days (Not available to certain nationals – see High Commission).

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

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

Currency: Easter Caribbean Dollar (EC$) = 100 cents. Amex and Visa are the only credit cards accepted. Travellers cheques in US dollars are preferred.
ATM availability: 2 locations.

Cost of living: Very expensive, especially accommodation although this is reduced in the low season.

Languages: English

Weather: Hot tropical climate with cooling sea breezes. Possibility of hurricanes Aug – Oct. Most rainfall during the summer May – Oct. Showers may occur throughout the year.

Electricity: 230 volts Ac, 60 Hz.

Post: 5 – 7 days

Transport: SEA: There is a regular ferry service between St Kitts and Nevis. ROAD: A good road network on both island makes anywhere accessible within minutes. BUS: There are private; regular but unscheduled buses, which provide a comfortable service. TAXIS: Services on both islands have set fares. CAR & MOPED HIRE: Several agencies provide hire services. It is best to book cars through the airline well in advance. DOCUMENTATION: A local temporary licence must be obtained from the Police Traffic Department before driving any vehicle. This is readily issued on presentation of a valid national licence and a fee of EC$ 30.

Special information: The islands are now commercialised and all visitors are readily welcomed. Suitable clothes should be worn for towns and hotel/restaurants Tourism is on the increase, especially on Nevis.

Capital: Pyongyang

Time zone: GMT + 9

Telephone services: Country Code: 850 Outgoing Code: Calls go through the operator.

Emergency telephone numbers: Not present

Tourist information: National Directorate of Tourism, Central District, Pyongyang DPR Korea Tel: (2) 381 7201. Fax: (2) 381 7607.

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

Visa information: Required by all. NOTE: Tourism in North Korea is currently permitted only in officially organised groups of 10 persons only.

Health information: Polio, Typhoid: Vaccination recommended.
Malaria: No reports of malaria
Yellow Fever: No reports of yellow fever
Other 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: Won (NKW) = 100 jon.
NOTE: Import and export of local currency is prohibited
Credit cards and Travellers cheques are not accepted.
ATM availability: Unavailable

Cost of living: Mismanagement of the economy and the loss of several valuable trading partners has resulted in a shortage of commodities and an increase in prices.

Languages: Korean.

Weather: Hottest: July – Aug which is also the raining season. Dec – Jan is the coldest time. Spring and Autumn are usually dry and mild

Electricity: 110/220 Volts AC 60 Hz.

Post: Approximately 10 days. Outside the capital services are slow and unlimited.

Transport: ROAD: Quality is good. RAIL: Extensive rail network

Special information: Independent travel is prohibited, however there are official tours available, via Regent Holidays, UK. Concessions are made for specific business trips. There is no UK representation, in extreme emergencies British citizens may be able to approach the Swedish Embassy or German presence in Pyongyang.

Capital: Pyongyang

Time zone: GMT + 9

Telephone services: Country Code: 82
Outgoing Code: 001

Emergency telephone numbers: Police: 112; Fire & Emergency: 119

Tourist information: Korean National Tourism Corporation; 20 St George Street; London W1R 9RD Tel: (020) 7409 2100 Fax: (020) 7491 2302.

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

Visa information: Visa required. For full details contact the embassy for an up to date list of requirements for different nationalities.

Health information: Polio, Typhoid: Vaccination recommended.
Other Health Risks: Cholera; Japanese Encephalitis.

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: Won (SKW. NOTE: if the amount of foreign currency is greater than US$ 10 000 in value it must be registered on arrival. Export of local currency is limited to SKW 500 000.
All credit cards are widely accepted. Travellers cheques are accepted; but may be difficult to cash in smaller towns. US dollars are the preferred currency.
ATM availability: Over 1 000 locations.

Cost of living: Caters for all types of budget. Hotels are government registered. Travellers usually opt to stay in Yogwans; the traditional Korean inn; which are reasonably priced; self-catering is available. Internal travel is inexpensive and reliable.

Languages: Korean.

Weather: Hottest during the raining season = July – Aug. Coldest = Dec – Jan. Spring and Autumn are mild and mainly dry.

Electricity: 110/220 Volts AC 60 Hz

Post: Approximately 10 days. Outside the capital services are slow and unlimited.

Transport: FLIGHTS: Frequent domestic services operate between main centres. ROAD: Excellent motorways link all major cities but minor roads may be poorer quality. BUS: Inexpensive and frequent services operate but are often overcrowded and make no allowances for English speakers. DOCUMENTATION: IDP is required.

Special information: Korean culture is unique; incorporating a vivid portrayal of self-identity. Traditional agrarian culture persists in rural areas whilst the cities are a blend of history and technology. Shoes must be removed when entering someone’s house. Use the right hand for passing and receiving.

Capital: Kuwait City

Time zone: GMT + 3

Telephone services: Country Code: 965
Outgoing Code: 00

Emergency telephone numbers: Not present.

Tourist information: Kuwait Information Centre, 48 Queens Gate, London SW75HR.Tel: (020) 7589 2929 Fax: (020) 7225 0879.

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

Visa information: Required by all except: Nationals of Bahrain, Oman, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates for a stay up to 3 months. Nationals of Saudi Arabia for an unlimited period.

Health information: Polio, Typhoid: Vaccination recommended.
Other Health Risks: Cholera

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

Currency: Kuwait Dinar (KWD) = 1000 fils.
All credit cards and travellers cards are accepted. US dollars are the preferred cheque currency
ATM availability: 180 locations.

Cost of living: Expensive and may be difficult for the budget traveller.

Languages: Arabic. English is generally widely understood.

Weather: Similar to Europe but hotter and dryer. Summer: (Apr – Oct) is hot and humid with little rain. Winter: (Nov – Mar) is cool with limited rainfall.

Electricity: 240 volts AC, 50 Hz single phase. UK-type flat 3 pin plugs are used

Post: Airmail to Western Europe takes about 5 days.

Transport: ROAD: A good network exists between cities. BUS: Reliable and inexpensive service operates between main cities. TAXI: Popular and reliable service, but fares should always be agreed in advance. CAR HIRE: Available. DOCUMENTATION: IDP required. Temporary licence available on presentation of a valid British licence.

Special information: NOTE: 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 British nationals should not attempt to travel anywhere near the border with Iraq. British nationals should register with their Embassy on arrival. All Islamic laws should be respected. Women should dress modestly. Men should not wear shorts or go topless in public. It is greatly appreciated if visitors learn a few words of Arabic. SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS: There is a danger of unexploded land mines throughout the country. Seek advice before using beaches and venturing out of the city. PHOTOGRAPHY: In theory a photography permit is required.

Capital: Beirut

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

Telephone services: Country Code: 961
Outgoing Code: 00

Emergency telephone numbers: Police – 386 440 425 (Emergency police – 16), Fire – 310 105, Ambulance – 386 675

Tourist information: Lebanon Tourist and Information Office, 90 Piccadilly, London W1V 9HB Tel: (020) 7409 2031 Fax: (020) 7493 4929.

Passport information: Valid passport required by all except: Nationals of Syria arriving from their country with valid national ID. Passports must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the estimated duration of stay. Return Ticket required. Requirements may be subject to short term change. Contact the relevant authority before departure.

Visa information: Required by all except: Syrians, Nationals of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates can obtain their visas on arrival at Beirut airport. Do not enter with Israel stamps on your passport. Obtain a visa in advance – three month visa costs 100,000 Lebanese Lira. If you have an Israeli stamp in your passport you will be refused entry to Lebanon even if you have a valid visa.

Health information: Polio, Typhoid: Vaccination recommended.
Yellow Fever: A vaccination certificate is required from travellers coming from infected areas.
Other Health Risks: Cholera, Rabies.

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

Currency: Lebanese Pound (L£) = 100 piastres.
Credit cards and travellers cheques have limited acceptance
ATM availability: Over 30 locations.

Cost of living: Relatively expensive. Accommodation can be especially expensive for the traveller looking for a cheap place to stay. Food, however can be cheap if purchased from sandwich and snack bars.

Languages: Arabic. French and English are spoken. Kurdish and Armenian are spoken by a small minority.

Weather: Summer (June – Sept) is hot along the coast and cooler in the mountains. Winter (Dec to mid Mar) is mostly rainy with snow in the mountains. Spring and Autumn are cool and pleasant.

Electricity: 110/220 volts, AC 50 Hz.

Post: Usually 5- 6 days to Europe, up to 8 days to the USA.

Transport: BUS: Intercity buses are cheap and efficient but may be uncomfortable. TAXI: Fares should be agreed in advance. They are usually shared and a 50% surcharge will be added after 2200 hours. CAR HIRE: chauffeur-driven cars are recommended although self drive cars are available. DOCUMENTATION: IDP is recommended although not legally required.

Special information: Because of the situation of global and regional insecurity at present, travllers should exercise extreme caution and make only necessary journeys to this country. If you intend to travel despite this advice you should be aware that you should always carry ID. Muslim traditions and practices should be respected. Casual must modest dress is suitable for day-time clothing. The main danger spots are in the south which can be subject to Israeli shelling or air raids. Do not travel in the Israeli Occupied Zone. PHOTOGRAPHY: Only take photographs at obvious tourist sites.

Capital: Almaty

Time zone: GMT + 6 – East (Main Zone), + 5 – Central, + 4 – Western, (GMT + 7, + 6, + 5 respectively during the summer)

Telephone services: Country Code: 7 (3272 for Almaty).

Outgoing Code: International calls are made at reduced rate between 2000 – 0800 local time.

Emergency telephone numbers: All services – 03

Tourist information: Proftour’ Association (former Kazakh Council for Tourism) 5 Mitina Street, Almaty, Kazakhstan Tel: (3272) 640 567 Fax: (3272) 531 928.

Passport information: As regulations are expected to change at short notice visitors are advised to contact the consulate for an up to date list of passport/visa requirements. Carry your passport, or an Embassy certified copy, at all times. Return Ticket Required. Requirements may be subject to change at short notice. Contact the relevant authority before travelling.

Visa information: Visas are required by all. Travellers are advised to contact the consulate for current visa requirements. Visitors should obtain a visa before travelling to Kazakhstan. Applications MUST be made in advance of travel. A letter of invitation must be included with all visa applications. Local hotels can provide such letters. The local authorities have recently restricted the issue of visas at ports of entry and will only do so in extreme circumstances. The agreement allowing visas issued for one Commonwealth of Independent State (CIS) country to be used to transit another CIS country is no longer valid. Visitors planning to visit two or more CIS countries should contact the relevant embassies for advice before travelling.Visitors staying longer than three days need to register with the local authorities. The police can arrest visitors who do not carry identification.

Health information: Other Health Risks: Anthrax, Diptheria, Hepatitis A., Rabies, and Tuberculosis, Tick-borne encephalitis and Crimean haemorrhagic fever in the mountains, Bubonic plague in southern and western regions.

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: 1 Tenge = 100 tigin
Exchange: must be made at authorised bureaux and receipts should be retained for all transactions. US Dollars are preferred
Major credit cards are accepted in large hotels. US Dollar travellers cheques are preferred
ATM availability: 3 locations.

Cost of living: Generally inexpensive

Languages: Kazakh, Russian.

Weather: Continental climate: Summers are hot and winters are cold. The hottest period is between July and August.

Electricity: 220 volts Ac, 50 Hz. Plugs are the round 2 pin continental type.

Post: 2 – 3 weeks. Addresses should be laid out from top to bottom: country, postcode, city, street, house number/name, and finally the name of the person.

Transport: RAIL: Cost is minimal to Western fares and there are regular connections between all major centres. NOTE: There has been an increase in robberies on rail and road. Passengers should travel in groups and compartments should be locked on overnight trains. Muggers often target Western looking people as it is assumed that they will be carrying valuables. ROAD: A reasonable network connects all towns. BUS: There are reliable connections between all main towns. CAR HIRE: Hertz has agencies at the airport and the large hotels in the city centre. DOCUMENTATION: IDP is required.

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 robberies and personal attacks have increased especially in the larger cities. Do not walk alone on the streets at night or travel in unmarked taxis. Keep expensive items out of sight. Kazakh’s are very hospitable. Shorts should not be worn except for sports. Formal dress is often required for evening engagements.