Country Information

Capital: Tehran

Time zone: GMT + 3.5 (GMT + 4.5 during the summer)

Telephone services: Country Code: 98
Outgoing Code: 00

Emergency telephone numbers: Not present.

Tourist information: Refer to Consulate.

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: Required by all except: Nationals of Bosnia-Herzegovina, Saudi Arabia and Turkey for stays not exceeding 3 months.

Health information: Polio, Typhoid: Vaccination recommended
Malaria: Exists in the vivax variety in certain provinces. Resistance to chloroquine has been reported in the falciparum variety.
Other Health Risks: Cutaneous leishmaniasis, Tick-borne relapsing fever and Bilharzia.

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

Currency: Iranian Rial (RL) = 100 Dinars.
Foreign visitors must convert the equivalent of US$ 300 into Iranian Rials. Declare all currency on arrival.
Credit cards and travellers cheques are not accepted.
ATM availability: Unavailable.

Cost of living: Commodities are quite limited outside the main city of Tehran. The economy is in a state of transition following the war with Iraq and the US embargo on Iranian oil.

Languages: Persian (Farsi). Arabic in Khuzestan and Turkish in the Northwest. English, French and German are often spoken by businessmen and officials.

Weather: Summers are hot and dry and winters are harsh.

Electricity: 1220 volts AC, 50 Hz.

Post: At least 2 weeks to Western Europe.

Transport: ROAD: There is an extensive road network but the quality is unreliable. BUS: Cheap and comfortable although may be erratic. TAXIS: Available in all cities. CAR HIRE: Available in all cities and airports. DOCUMENTATION: IDP and personal insurance is required. All motorists must possess a carnet de passage or pay a large deposit.

Special information: Because of the situation of global and regional insecurity at present, travellers should exercise extreme caution and make only necessary journeys to Iran. If you intend to travel depite this advice you should be aware that travellers should always be vigilant and ensure that their papers are in order. After recent disturbances in Tehran particular care may be needed and crowds should be avoided. Western influences are discouraged. There has been an increase in the numbers of robberies by men posing as taxi drivers. Vistors should order taxis from reputable firms. There has also been a spate of bag snatching by young men on motorcycles. Particular care should be taken not to offend against the Islamic religion. Women should behave modestly and dress conservatively. PHOTOGRAPHY: Restrict photography to tourist areas as military installations are sometimes difficult to identify and photgraphing them is strictly prohibited.

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: Reykjavik

Time zone: GMT

Telephone services: Country Code: 354
Outgoing Code: 90

Emergency telephone numbers: 112 All services

Tourist information: Iceland Tourist Bureau, 3rd Floor, 172 Tottenham Court Road, London W1P 0LY Tel (020) 8286 8008.

Passport information: Valid passport with at least 3 months validity are required by all except nationals of: Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, The Netherlands and Switzerland holding a national ID card, nationals of Finland, Norway, Denmark and Sweden travelling from a Scandinavian country. Regulations may change at short notice and you are advised to contact the relevant consular authority before finalising travel arrangements.

Visa information: Required by all

Health information: No information available at present

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

Currency: Icelandic Krona (1Kr) = 100 aurar.
Credit cards widely accepted. Travellers cheques widely used.
ATM availability: Over 500 locations at main banks.

Cost of living: Can be very expensive, as with other Scandinavian countries.

Languages: Icelandic. English and Danish are also widely spoken.

Weather: Summers are mild and winters are rather cold. From the end of May to the beginning of August there are nearly 24 hours of perpetual daylight in Reykjavik, whilst in the Northern part of the country the sun rarely sets at all. The weather is highly changeable at all times of the year.

Electricity: 220 volts AC, 50 Hz.

Post: No information available at present.

Transport: Roads: serve all settlements. Rail: There is no rail system Airlines: connect 12 local airports.

Special information: See FCO for bad weather warning.

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: Rome

Time zone: GMT + 1 (GMT + 2 in summer)

Telephone services: Country Code:39 Note the leading zero IS required for city codes eg. 06 for Rome; 02 for Milan; 011 for Turin; 081 for Naples; 041 for Venice and 055 for Florence including when dialling locally. Mobile phones DO drop the zero. IDD: International Direct Dialling is avilable-NOTE telephone codes changed in December 1998. From then, the leading zero is required when calling both within Italy and from abroad; even within the same telephone district. For example, to call the British Embassy in Rome, previously 482 5441 from within Rome; 06 482 5441 from the rest of Italy; and +39 6 482 5441, has now become 06 482 5441 from anywhere in Italy (including Rome) and +39 06 482 5441 from outside Italy. This does not apply to mobile phones (for which there are many “area” codes), which still drop the leading zero. Outgoing Code:00

Emergency telephone numbers: Dial 112 anywhere in the EU to reach the emergency services. Additional local numbers:-Police – 112, Ambulance – 113, Fire – 115

Tourist information: Italian State Tourist Office (ENIT), 1 Princes Street, London W1R 8AY Tel: (020) 7408 1254. Press 1 to bypass recorded message. Fax: (020) 7493 6695.

Passport information: Valid passport required by all except nationals of Austria, Belgium, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Luxembourg, The Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Sweden with a valid national ID card. Nationals of Andorra, Liechtenstein, Monaco, San Marino, and Switzerland if carrying national ID cards. Requirements may be subject to change at short notice. Contact the relevant authority before travelling.

Visa information: Visa required by all except: Nationals of the EU, Australia, Canada, USA, Japan. Nationals of Andorra, Argentina, Bermuda, Bolivia, Bosnia, Herzegovina, Brazil, Chile, Columbia, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Hong Kong (British Nationals), Hungary, Iceland, Jamaica, Kenya, South Korea, Liechtenstein, Macedonia, Malaysia, Malta, Mexico, Monaco, New Zealand, Norway, Paraguay, Poland, San Marino, Singapore, Slovak Republic, Switzerland, Uruguay, Vatican City, Serbia and Montenegro, for stays not exceeding 3 months. Nationals of Venezuela for visits not exceeding 60 days. Nationals of Israel for stays not exceeding 30 days.

Health information: Other Health Risks: Rabies.

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

Currency: In common with 12 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. Mastercard, Visa and Diners Club are all widely accepted. ATM availability: Over 20 000 locations.

Cost of living: Cities and tourist centres can be very expensive, especially at centres of historical or religious importance.

Languages: Italian with dialects in different regions. French (in border areas from the Riviera to the area North of Milan. Slovenian spoken in provinces. German, French and English may be spoken in cities and resorts.

Weather: Summer is hot, especially in the South. Spring and Autumn are mild. Winter is much drier in the South. Mountain regions are colder with heavy snowfalls.

Electricity: 220 volts Ac, 50 Hz.

Post: 7 – 10 days but may be subject to delays. Letters for Poste Restante should be addressed to Fermo Post and the Town. When sending mail underline the destined country and write the person’s surname in capitals.

Transport: RAIL: Simple, but cheap and efficient. ROADS: BUS: Services connect main towns and local services also operate. CAR HIRE: Available in all the main towns. DOCUMENTATION: A ‘Green Card’ must be carried or other insurance. A UK licence is valid but ‘Green’ licences will need to be translated.

Special information: Considerable seismic activity is continuing on Mt. Etna (Eastern Sicily.) Climbing Mt. Etna is prohibited without a guide. The Roman Catholic church holds a high position in Italian society. Visitors must dress conservatively when visiting religious buildings and smaller traditional communities. Theft is quite common, especially in the cities. It is advisable to remain extremely alert at all times. The Mont Blanc Tunnel will be closed for the forseeable future due to an accident early in 1999.

Capital: Kingston

Time zone: GMT – 5

Telephone services: Country Code: 1 876
Outgoing Code: 011

Emergency telephone numbers: Police – 119, Fire/Ambulance 110.

Tourist information: Jamaica Tourist Board (at High Commission in London) Tel: (020) 7224 0505 Fax: (020) 7224 0551.

Passport information: Valid passport required by all except nationals of the USA and Canada entering Jamaica from the USA or Canada who hold a valid national ID. If entering from other countries they do require a 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 EU countries (For varying lengths of stay – see the High Commission). Nationals of commonwealth countries for stays not exceeding 6 months. Nationals of the USA for stays not exceeding 6 months. Nationals of Iceland, Israel, Liechtenstein, Mexico, Norway, Turkey, for stays not exceeding 3 months. Nationals of Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Japan, and Uruguay for a period not exceeding 30 days. Nationals of Venezuela for stays not exceeding 14 days.

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

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

Currency: Jamaican Dollar (J$) = 100 cents.
Exchange: Visitors should only change money at airport bureaux, banks or hotels.
All major credit cards are accepted. US dollar travellers cheques are recommended

ATM availability: Over 45 locations.

Cost of living: Expensive in the tourist centres.

Languages: English. Local patois is also spoken.

Weather: Tropical climate. Offically the rainy season is May/June and September/October although showers can occur at any time. Evenings tend to be cooler. Jamaica is in the Caribbean hurricane path, hurricanes if they strike are most likely July through November. Check for likelihood before travel.

Electricity: 110 volts AC, 50 Hz. American 2 pin plugs are mainly used.

Post: 4-5 days

Transport: ROAD: One third of the 17.000 km network is tarred. BUS: Reliable in Kingston and Montego bay less so for trans island travel. TAXI: Not all taxis are metered. CAR HIRE: Most major towns and airport have hire facilities. DOCUMENTATION: A full UK licence is valid for up to 1 year.

Special information: HIGH RISK: Most visits to Jamaica are trouble free but travellers need to be constantly vigilant because violent crime and robbery are continuing problems. Do not resist robbers. Do not walk out or use public transport at night, avoid isolated areas in daytime and do not walk alone on beaches. There are severe penalties for drug offences. Be cautious travelling to and from Kingston Airport as this route traverses inner city areas which can be violent.