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Capital: Vientiane

Time zone: GMT + 7

Telephone services: Country Code: 856
Outgoing Code: Telephone link exists with Bangkok.

Emergency telephone numbers: Not present.

Tourist information: National Tourism Authority of Laos People’s Democratic Republic, BP 3556, Avenue Lang Xang, Vientiane, Laos Tel: (21) 212 248 Fax: (21) 212 769.

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 by all. Transit passengers are exempt.

Health information: Polio, Typhoid: Vaccination recommended.
Malaria: Exists all year throughout the country in the Falciparum variety which has been reported as being highly resistant to chloroquine.
Yellow Fever: A vaccination certificate is required for travellers arriving from infected areas.
Other Health Risks: Rabies. Medical services are limited, comprehensive insurance is recommended. Seek medical advice before travel.

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: Laotian New Kip (Kp) = 100 cents
Exchange: Banks and hotels in Vientiane and Luang Prabang. NOTE: Import and export of local currency is prohibited. Both credit cards and travellers cheques are not accepted
ATM availability: Unavailable.

Cost of living: Laos is one of the poorest countries in the world. The foreign traveller would expect to pay very little for local items. As hotels are only located in the capital prices may fluctuate.

Languages: Laotian, French, Vietnamese and some English may be spoken.

Weather: Cooler weather in the highlands. Most of the country is hot and tropical, May – Oct has the highest temperatures and is the raining season. Nov – Apr = the dry season.

Electricity: 220 Volts AC 50 Hz.

Post: Restricted to Vientiane.

Transport: FLIGHTS: Domestic air services run from Vientiane to Luang Prabang, Pakse and Savannakhet. ROAD: Few roads are suitable for all-weather driving. Do not travel off the main roads. BUS: Services link only a few major towns. CAR HIRE: Arrangements can be made through hotels. DOCUMENTATION: IDP is recommended although not legally required. RIVER: Safety of river craft in the rainy season (when the river is in full spate) is in doubt.

Special information: Laos has only been accessible to foreign visitors since 1988. Tourists should avoid travelling outside the capital independently as bandits are likely to attack. Religious beliefs must be respected. Avoid all topics relating to politics. Laos nationals should not be touched on the head. Dress neatly and remove shoes when entering religious buildings. Buddha objects are religious images so do not pose in front of them and do not drink or sit on them. Common sense precautions should be followed with regard to personal safety.

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.

Capital: George Town

Time zone: GMT – 5

Telephone services: Country Code: 1 345
Outgoing Code: 0

Emergency telephone numbers: Police – 911, Ambulance 555. All services – 911

Tourist information: Cayman Islands Department of Tourism, The Cricket Square, Elgin Avenue, PO Box 67, Grand Cayman Tel: (94) 90623 Fax: (94) 94053.

Passport information: A valid passport is required by all except nationals of Canada the UK and the USA, if proof of nationality is provided and return or onward tickets shows that the visitor will leave the Cayman islands within 6 months. Return Ticket required. Requirements may be subject to short-term change. Contact embassy before departure.

Visa information: A visa is required by all except: Nationals of the countries referred to above. Nationals of Andorra, Antigua & Barbuda, Argentina, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belize, Botswana, Brazil, Chile, Costa Rica, Cyprus, Dominica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Gambia, Ghana, Grenada, Guatemala, Guyana, Iceland, India, Israel, Jamaica, Kenya, Kiribati, Lesotho. Liechtenstein, Malawi, Malaysia, Malta, Mauritius, Mexico, Monaco, Nauru, New Zealand, Nigeria, Norway, Oman, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Peru, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, San Marino, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Swaziland, Switzerland, Tanzania, Tonga, Trinidad, & Tobago, Tuvalu, Uganda, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

Health information: Polio, Typhoid: Vaccination recommended

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

Currency: Cayman Islands Dollar (CI$) = 100 cents.
Exchange: Us currency circulates freely.
Major credit cards are widely accepted. Travellers cheques in US dollars are widely welcomed
Credit cards are not accepted.
ATM availability: 4 locations.

Cost of living: Extremely expensive.

Languages: English. Local dialects are also spoken.

Weather: Warm tropical climate throughout the year. Wet season – May to Oct with generally brief showers

Electricity: 110 volts 60 Hz. American style (flat) 2 pin plugs are used.

Post: 5 – 7 days

Transport: ROAD: A good road network connects the coastal towns of all three main islands. BUS: A cheap but infrequent bus service operates between George Town and the West Bay. CAR HIRE: By far the best way to get around. DOCUMENTATION: An IDP is required in addition to insurance. Drivers must be over 21 years of age.

Special information: Beach-wear should be kept to the beach / pool.

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: 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: 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.