Country Information

Capital: Berlin

Time zone: GMT + 1 (GMT + 2 from the last Sunday in March to the Saturday before the last Sunday in September)

Telephone services: Country Code: 49
Outgoing Code: 00

Emergency telephone numbers: Dial 112 anywhere in the EU to reach the emergency services. Additional local numbers:-Police – 110, Fire – 112.

Tourist information: German National Tourist Office, Nightingale House, 65 Curzon Street, London W1Y 8NE Tel: (0891) 600 100 (recorded information) or (020) 7493 0080 (general enquiries) Fax: (020) 7495 6129.

Passport information: Valid Passport required except: Holders of national ID cards issued to nationals of Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Luxembourg, The Netherlands, Portugal Republic of Ireland and Spain. Holders of National ID cards issued to national of Austria, Finland, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Malta, Monaco, San Marino and Switzerland. Requirements may be subject to short term change. Contact Embassy before departure.

Visa information: Required by all except: Nationals of countries referred to under passport exemptions above. Nationals of Andorra, Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Brunei, Chile, Columbia, Cook Islands, Costa, Rica, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guadeloupe, Guam, Guatemala, Honduras, Hungary, Israel, Jamaica, Kenya, South Korea, Macau, Malawi, Malaysia, Martinique, Mexico, New Caledonia, New Zealand, Norway, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Poland, Puerto, Rico, Réunion, St Pierre & Miquelon, Singapore, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Sweden, Uruguay, Vatican, City and Venezuela.

Health information: Health Risks: None at present

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

Currency: In common with12 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. Major credit cards are accepted in 60% of shops, restaurants, hotels and petrol stations. Travellers cheques in all major currencies are accepted everywhere.
ATM availability: Over 40000 locations.

Cost of living: East Germany is still slightly cheaper than West Germany in small towns, although prices are reaching Western levels in the cities.

Languages: German. English and French may also be spoken.

Weather: Temperate climate throughout the country. Summers are warm and winters are cold. There is rain throughout the year.

Electricity: 220 volts AC, 50 Hz.

Post: An efficient service operates.

Transport: RAIL: It will take some time for the network in Eastern Germany to be brought up to Western standards. A modern, sophisticated rail system operates in the West of Germany. ROAD: Western area is covered by a modern network of motorways. Motorways in the East are of a reasonable standard but this may not be the case for secondary roads in the East. CAR HIRE: Available at most towns and railway stations. NOTE: It may be difficult to use credit cards at petrol stations. DOCUMENTATION: Foreign drivers may use their national driving licence for up to 1 year or IDP. Car registration details should be carried and EU citizens taking their own cars are strongly advised to take their ‘Green Card’ for full insurance coverage. BUS: Tend to run in towns. There are few intercity services.

Special information: Red roses are only given to lovers and odd numbers should be given. Casual wear is widely accepted although formal wear may be required in up market restaurants. Shops, businesses and schools begin at 08.00 or earlier.

Capital: Djibouti

Time zone: GMT + 3

Telephone services: Country Code: 253 Outgoing Code: 00

Emergency telephone numbers: Not present.

Tourist information: Office Nationale du Tourisme et de l’Artisanat (ONTA), BP 1938, place du 27 juin, Djibouti, Djibouti Tel: 353 790 Fax: 356 322.

Passport information: Valid passport required by all. Return Ticket Required. Requirements may be subject to change at short notice. Contact the appropriate diplomatic or consular authority before finalising travel arrangements.

Visa information: Required by all except nationals of France for a maximum stay of 3 months. An extension may be granted in Djibouti on request to the headquarters of the Police Nationale. Entry and Transit Visas are granted

Health information: Polio, Typhoid: Vaccination Required.
Malaria: Take precautions as Falciparum variety exists throughout the year. Resistance to chloroquine has been reported.
Yellow Fever: Required. A vaccination certificate is required for visitors over one year of age arriving from infected areas.
Other Health Risks: Cholera.

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: Djibouti Franc (DFr) = 100 Centimes.
Credit cards are accepted by airlines and large hotels only. French is the preferred currency in travellers cheques, but they are only accepted if marked as an External Account or Pour Compte Etranger. Sterling and US Dollars also accepted.
ATM availability: Unavailable

Cost of living: Expensive and should be avoided by those with tight budgets.

Languages: Arabic and French. English is spoken by hoteliers, taxi drivers and traders.

Weather: Very hot and dry between June and August. Slightly cooler between October and April with occasional rain.

Electricity: 220 Volts Ac 50 Hz

Post: Approximately 1 week to Europe by Airmail

Transport: TAXIS: Fares increase 50% after dark. CAR HIRE: 4 -wheel drive is recommended. Water and petrol supplies must be carried. RAIL: There is only 1 service to Ethiopia which tourists and business people are prohibited from using.

Special information: NOTE: HIGH RISK All but essential travel to Djibouti should be avoided. Do not use land border crossings Areas of the country are closed, and risk of banditry and fighting is prevalent in certain areas. Check with the Foreign and Commonwealth Travel Advice unit before departure. Visitors should register with their Embassy or Consulate shortly after arrival. Despite Djibouti being a Muslim country, casual wear is acceptable. However beach-wear should not be worn in the towns.

Capital: Copenhagen

Time zone: GMT + 1 (+2 from the last Sunday in March to the Saturday before the last Sunday in September.)

Telephone services: Country Code: 45 Outgoing Code: 00

Emergency telephone numbers: Dial 112 anywhere in the EU to reach the emergency services. Additional local numbers:-Police and Ambulance – 112 (in Copenhagen).

Tourist information: Danish Tourist Board, 55 Sloane Street, London SW1X 9SY Tel: (020) 7259 5958/9 Fax (020) 7259 5955.

Passport information: Valid passport required by all except: Nationals of Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, The Netherlands, Portugal, Spain and Switzerland in Possession of a national identity card. Nationals of Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden in possession of identification papers if travelling entirely within Scandinavia. Nationals of Bosnia-Herzegovina in possession of a valid identity card valid for at least 6 months beyond length of stay with a valid visa. Requirements may be subject to short term change. Contact embassy before departure.

Visa information: Required by all except: Nationals of the UK with full British Passports. Nationals of Australia, Canada, the US and Japan. Nationals of EU countries. Nationals of Andorra, Argentina, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Brunei, Chile, Columbia, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Dominica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Estonia, Fiji, Grenada, Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Jamaica, Kiribati, South Korea, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Malaysia, Malta, Mauritius, Mexico, Monaco, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Norway, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Poland, St Lucia, St Vincent & The Grenadines, San Marino, Seychelles, Singapore, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, Suriname, Switzerland, Thailand, Togo, Trinidad & Tobago, Tuvalu, Uruguay, Vatican, City and Venezuela Nationals of Bermuda carrying a British Dependant Territories Passport.

Health information: No information available at present.

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

Currency: Danish Krone (Dkr) = 100 øre
Exchange: Eurocheques are cashed by hotels and banks and may also be used at most restaurants and shops. Personal cheques can not be used by foreigners in Denmark. Some banks may refuse to exchange large foreign bank notes
All major credit cards are accepted. Travellers cheques can be cashed by banks and hotels, and can be used at most hotels and shops. US dollars and Deutschmarks are the preferred forms of currency
ATM availability: Over 2500 locations.

Cost of living: Slightly cheaper than other Scandinavian countries but still relatively expensive.

Languages: Danish. English, German and French may also be spoken.

Weather: Summer June – Aug. Winter Oct – Mar which is wet with period of frost. Feb is the coldest month. Spring and Autumn are generally mild.

Electricity: 220 volts AC 50 Hz. Continental 2 pin lugs are used.

Post: 2 – 3 days to rest of Europe.

Transport: PUBLIC TRANSPORT: Extensive service provided. SEA: There are frequent ferry services between the islands. RAIL: The main cities on all islands are connected by the rail network. Express trains operate and ‘Inter-Rail’ and ‘Nord-Tourist’ pass (which can be used throughout Scandinavia) can provide good value. ROAD: CAR HIRE: Available to drivers over the age of 20. DOCUMENTATION: National driving licence is acceptable. Visitors taking their own car are advised to obtain a ‘Green Card’ as without will limit their insurance coverage.

Special information: Usual social courtesies should be observed. Casual dress is suitable for most places. Railway porters and washroom attendants will expect a tip.

Capital: Roseau

Time zone: GMT – 4

Telephone services: Country Code: 1 767 Outgoing Code: 1 (for the USA, Canada and most Caribbean Islands), 011 for other countries

Emergency telephone numbers: 999

Tourist information: Caribbean Tourism Organisation, 42 Westminster Gardens, Artillery Row, London SW1P 1RR Tel: (020) 7222 4335 Fax: (020) 7222 4325.

Passport information: Valid passport required by all except: Nationals of Canada and the USA who must have suitable ID and onward travel tickets. Return Ticket required. Requirements may be subject to short-term change. Contact embassy before departure.

Visa information: Not required by: Nationals of commonwealth countries for stays of up to 6 months. Nationals of the USA for up to 6 months. Nationals of all other countries for stays of up to 21 days. Enquire at the nearest Embassy or High Commission for the latest, complete list of regulations regarding visas.

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: East Caribbean Dollar (EC$) = 100 cents. Travellers cheques are accepted in most hotels – US Dollars preferred.
All major credit cards have limited acceptance.
ATM availability: 1 location

Cost of living: Not as expensive as some of the other Caribbean islands.

Languages: English. Creole French is spoken by most of the population.

Weather: Hot, subtropical climate all year round. Raining season June – Oct, which is also the hottest time

Electricity: 220/240 volts AC 50 Hz.

Post: Post to Europe takes approximately 14 days. There is no Poste Restante service.

Transport: ROAD: There are more than 700km of well maintained roads on the island, although even these can be difficult when driving. BUS: Service exists but is unpredictable. TAXIS: Are the most efficient means of transport. CAR HIRE: Available but driving can be difficult. DOCUMENTATION: IDP is recommended. A valid foreign licence can be used to get a temporary visitors licence.

Special information: Beach wear should be kept to the beach or pool side. PHOTOGRAPHY: Permission should be asked before taking photos of local people.

Capital: Santa Domingo

Time zone: GMT – 4

Telephone services: Country Code: 1 809
Outgoing Code: 011

Emergency telephone numbers: 711/809 472 7111

Tourist information: Caribbean Tourism Organisation, 42 Westminster Gardens, Artillery Row, London SW1P 1RR Tel: (020) 7222 4335 Fax: (020) 7222 4325.

Passport information: Valid passport required by all. Must remain valid for 6 months following date of departure. Return Ticket required. Requirements may be subject to short-term change. Contact Embassy before departure.

Visa information: Required by all except: Nationals of Argentina, Austria, Denmark, Ecuador, Finland, Greece, Iceland, Israel,Japan, South Korea, Liechtenstein, Norway, Sweden, the UK, and Uruguay as tourists only for a maximum of 90 days. Nationals of Belgium, France, Germany, Ireland, Luxembourg, The Netherlands, Portugal and foreign nationals who are legal residents of Denmark, France, UK, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, The Netherlands, Portugal and Spain in possession of a valid passport and tourist card. Nationals of Australia, Canada and the USA and Peru in possession of a legal tourist card valid for 60 days from point of entry. NOTE: Refer to the nearest consulate for a complete, up to date list of regulations for all countries.

Health information: Polio, Typhoid: Vaccination Required. – Polio is endemic.
Malaria: Exists throughout the year in particular areas in the Falciparum variety, which has been reported as being highly resistant to chloroquine.
Other Health Risks: Rabies, Bilharzia Dengue Fever and Hepatitis

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: Dominican Republic Peso (RD$) = 100 centavos.
NOTE Import and export of local currency is prohibited.
All major credit cards are accepted. Travellers cheques, in any international currency, are accepted by some banks.
ATM availability: Over 100 locations.

Cost of living: The best buys are the island’s own handicrafts, such as amber jewellery and decorative pieces encasing insects, leaves or dewdrops. Other bargains are wood-carvings, limestone carvings and Dominican turquoise.

Languages: Spanish. English is also spoken.

Weather: Hot tropical climate. Rainy season June – Oct when possible hurricanes may also occur.

Electricity: 110 volts AC 60 Hz.

Post: 7 days. Advisable to post all mail from the central post office in Santo Domingo.

Transport: ROAD: There is a reasonable network of roads although not all are all weather and 4 wheel drives are recommended for wet weather. BUS: Cheap and efficient service runs from the capital to the main towns. CAR HIRE: Several car hire companies are present. DOCUMENTATION: IDP or national licence can be used. NOTE: Min. age for driving is 25. Credit cards are recommended when paying for car hire.

Special information: The Dominican Republic is now a major tourist destination. A variety of activities are available for all types of traveller, from a Las Vegas-style review and casinos to classical concerts. Store valuables in hotel safety deposit boxes. Unaccompanied women should exercise vigilance at night around hotels.

Capital: Algiers

Time zone: GMT + 1

Telephone services: Country Code: 213
Outgoing Code: 00

Emergency telephone numbers: Not available at present.

Tourist information: Algerian Consulate 6 Hyde Park London SW7 5EW Tel: (020) 7589 6885 Fax: (020) 7589 7725

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

Visa information: Visa required by all except nationals of the following countries: Argentina, Benin, Bosnia, Herzegovina, Croatia, Guinea-Bissau, Guinea Republic, Libya, Mali, Malta, Mauritania, Senegal, Seychelles, Slovenia, Syria, Tunisia, Yemen, Serbia and Montenegro.

Health information: Polio Typhoid: Vaccination recommended
Malaria: Limited Risk
Yellow Fever: Recommended. Certificate is required if arriving from infected areas.
Other Health Risks: Bilharzia present.

Food & drink: Water is untreated and not safe to drink. Take local advice and normal precations with food.

Currency: Algerian Dinar (AD) = 100 centimes
NOTE: when exchanging money a receipt is required that should be presented on departure. Foreign money must be declared via a declaration form and stamped at arrival.

Very limited acceptance of credit cards. Travellers cheques can only be changed in 4-star hotels. French francs are the preferred currency.

ATM availability: Over 100 locations.

Cost of living: Visitors should expect to pay much more than local people.

Languages: Arabic French and English are spoken in tourist centres.

Weather: During the Summer the temperatures can be very high with humid weather in the North. Travel delays can be caused by sandstorms and coastal towns are also prone to storms.

Electricity: 127/220 Volts. Plugs = European 2-pin

Post: Airmail from the main cities takes 3-4 days from elsewhere it takes much longer.

Transport: RAIL: Daily services between the main centres. COACH: Not recommended for long journeys. ROAD: Most are in good condition. NOTE: For desert travel vehicles must be in good working order as breakdown facilities are virtually non-existent. Water and petrol supplies must be carried. DOCUMENTATION: IDP is required. If your own car is used a Carnet de Passage also be required. Insurance must be purchased at the border. Proof of ownership is essential.

Special information: HIGH RISK. The Travel Advice Unit of the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office advises against travel to Algeria unless on essential business. There have been a number of attacks on tourists. Because of the situation of global and regional insecurity at present, travellers who intend to travel despite this advice should exercise extreme caution and make only necessary journeys in Algeria.