Country Information

Capital: Port Stanley

Time zone: GMT – 4

Telephone services: Country Code: 500
Outgoing Code: 0

Emergency telephone numbers: All services – 999

Tourist information: Falkland Islands Tourist Board, Old Transmitting Station, Stanley, East Falkland Tel: 22215 or 22281 Fax: 22619.

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 except nationals of EU and commonwealth countries, Chile, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, San Marino, Switzerland, Tunisia, Turkey and Uruguay. NOTE: Completion of visitor forms from the government office is required before, or on, arrival.

Health information: No information available at present

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

Currency: Falkland Islands Pound (FI£) = 100 pence. FE facilities available in Stanley and the Standard Chartered Bank.

Cheques issued by the main UK bank (up to £50) can be cashed with a valid cheque card. Credit cards have only a limited acceptance.

ATM availability: Unavailable.

Cost of living: Comparable with United Kingdom but tends to be more expensive, due to the importation of most requirements.

Languages: English.

Weather: Temperate climate conditioned by the surrounding sea.

Electricity: 240 Volts AC, 50 HZ

Post: 4 -7 days.

Transport: FLIGHTS: Light aircraft services can be used to travel between most of the Islands. ROAD: A 4 -wheel drive is recommended if travelling outside the capital where vehicles may become bogged down.

Special information: To visit the Falkland Islands an application has to be made to the Falklands Islands Government as they provide the transportation. The islands are made up of a small population, living in and around the capital.

Capital: Nicosia

Time zone: GMT +2 (GMT + 3 from the last Sunday in March to the Saturday before the last Sunday in September)

Telephone services: Country Code: 357 Outgoing Code: 00

Emergency telephone numbers: All services – 199

Tourist information: Cyprus Tourism Organisation, 213 Regent Street, London W1R 8DA Tel: (0171) 734 9822 or 734 2593 Fax: (0171) 287 6534

Passport information: PASSPORTS, must be valid for 3 months after date of departure for visitors not requiring visas. Those requiring visas must have their passport valid for at least 6 months from the point of departure. Return Ticket Required, may be subject to change at short notice. Contact consulate before travelling

Visa information: VISAS required by all except: Nationals of Great Britain, Australia, Canada, USA, EU, Japan. Nationals of Commonwealth countries (except nationals of Bangladesh, Bermuda, Pakistan who do require visas. Nationals of Bahrain, Fiji, Iceland, Kuwait, Liechtenstein, Norway, Oman, Poland, Qatar, Romania, Russia, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Switzerland, United Arab Emirates and Yugoslavia (Consult Embassy if passport as issued before the outbreak of civil war).

Health information: No vaccinations are compulsary. Please seek medical advice prior to travel

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

Currency: Cyprus Pound (C£) = 100 cents
Travellers cheques can be cashed in all banks, US dollars, Pound sterling and the Deutschemark are all accepted currencies. All major credit cards are accepted
ATM availability: Approximately 200 locations

Cost of living:

Languages:

Weather:

Electricity:

Post:

Transport:

Special information:

Capital: Paris

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: 33
Outgoing Code: 19

Emergency telephone numbers: Dial 112 anywhere in the EU to reach the emergency services. Additional local numbers:-Police – 17, Fire – 18, Ambulance – 15.

Tourist information: French Government Tourism Office, 178 Piccadilly, London W1V 0AL Tel: (0891 244 123 (France Information Line) Fax: (020) 7493 6594.

Passport information: All travellers must have a valid passport except: EU Nationals and nationals of Andorra Liechtenstein, Monaco and Switzerland, who may travel holding an expired passport provide it expired within the last 5 years, or a valid national ID card. Advisable to have a return ticket as proof of sufficient funds to finance stay, although this is not an absolute requirement. Requirements may be subject to short term change. Contact embassy before departure.

Visa information: Required by all except: Nationals of Great Britain, Canada, the EU, the USA, Japan. Nationals of Andorra, Argentina, Armenia, Bermuda, Brunei, Chile, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Hungary, Iceland, Israel (not including French Overseas Territories), South Korea, Liechtenstein, Malta, Monaco, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, San Marino, Singapore, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Switzerland, Uruguay and Vatican City providing there stay does not exceed 3 months in metropolitan France or 30 days in French overseas territories. NOTE: British citizens who have retained their Commonwealth passports may require a visa. Check with the visa section of the consulate.

Health information: No information available at present

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. All major credit cards are accepted.
ATM availability: Over 25,000 locations.

Cost of living: Similar to other Western European countries. Cities and tourism centres are more expensive than less commercial areas.

Languages: French. Basque is spoken in the Southwest by some and Breton in Brittany. Some English is spoken by much of the population.

Weather: Temperate climate in the North. Rainfall throughout the year. Some snow may fall in the winter. Mediterranean climate in the South. Relatively mild temperatures in the West. Summers can be very hot and sunny, inland areas can be mild.

Electricity: 220 volts AC 50Hz. Plugs are the 2 pin type.

Post: 2 – 3 days within the rest of Europe.

Transport: RAIL: Excellent service. ROAD: BUS: Very few long distance bus services exist. CAR HIRE: A list of agencies can be obtained from the tourist information office. The Mont Blanc tunnel between France and Italy is likely to be closed for some time, full details are available in English on the at French Ministry of Transport site DOCUMENTATION: A national driving licence is sufficient. Nationals from the EU are strongly advised to take a ‘Green’ card. The car registration documents must also be carried.

Special information: There have been sporadic bomb attacks on the island of Corsica. Visitors have been advised to exercise caution, particularly in town centres. Casual wear is common but the French are renown for their stylish dress sense. Topless sunbathing is tolerated on most beaches but naturism is restricted to certain beaches. Be aware of pick pockets and bag snatchers at railway stations and tourist areas. Do not expect to find work to finance your stay as France currently has a relatively high rate of unemployment.

Capital: Prague

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

Telephone services: Country Code: 42 Outgoing Code: 00

Emergency telephone numbers: Ambulance – 155, Fire – 150, Police – 158

Tourist information: Czech Tourist Authority, 95 Great Portland Street, London. W1N 5RA. Tel: (020) 7291 9920 Fax: (020) 7436 8300.

Passport information: Valid passport in good condition required by all except nationals of Germany who can enter with a valid national ID card. Passports must be valid for at least 8 months at the time of application and in a reasonable state. Requirements may be subject to short term change. Contact embassy before departure.

Visa information: Required by all except: Nationals of EU countries (except those with the endorsement British overseas Citizen who do require a visa. Nationals of Bulgaria; Croatia; Cyprus; Estonia; Hungary; Iceland; Latvia; Lithuania; Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia; Malta; Monaco; Norway; Poland; San Marino; Slovak Rebublic; Slovenia; Switzerland and Vatican City. Nationals of Cuba; South Korea and Malaysia. Nationals of CIS (except nationals of Armenia; Azerbaijan; Georgia; Tajikistan and Uzbekistan who do need visas). Nationals of Romania who have been invited from a Czech national which has been stamped by the representative aliens police and immigration service office.

Health information: Other Health Risks: Tick-borne encephalitis in forested areas

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

Currency: Koruna (Kc) or Crown = 100 hellers
Exchange: All banks, exchange offices, main hotels and cross border crossings.
NOTE: The import and export of local currency is prohibited by non-residents
All major credit cards are accepted in main hotels, restaurants and shops. Travellers cheques are widely accepted. The preferred currencies are US dollars, Sterling and German DM
ATM availability: Over 1 000 locations.

Cost of living: Currently cheaper than Western Europe. However as visitors are increasing so are the prices, and it can be expected to become increasingly difficult for the budget traveller.

Languages: Czech (spoken with Bohemia and Moravia). Slovak, Russian, German and English are also spoken.

Weather: Mild summers and cold winters

Electricity: Generally 220 volts AC 50 Hz.

Post: There is a 24 hour service available at the main post office in Prague. Poste Restante is available throughout the country.

Transport: FLIGHTS: Very cheap, quick and convenient. RAIL: Fares are low but supplements are payable for travel by express trains. Reservations should be made in advance for long journeys. BUS: Efficient and comfortable. They are more reliable than the train but it is advisable to book in advance. CAR HIRE: Available from several companies. TAXIS: Only use major companies who can tell you the type and colour of the car that will collect you. DOCUMENTATION: A national driving licence will be sufficient.

Special information: When using public transport ensure you pay the correct amount which will avoid paying any extra money to persistent train / bus conductors. Petty theft and pickpocketing are rife. Beware of bogus policemen who may want to see your passport and currency. PHOTOGRAPHY: Do not take photographs of anything connected to the military.

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: Ottawa

Time zone: Canada has 6 time zones from GMT – 3.5 in Newfoundland to GMT – 8 on the Pacific Coast.

Telephone services: Country Code: 1
Outgoing Code: 011

Emergency telephone numbers: 911 or 0 (depending on province).

Tourist information: Visit Canada Centre, 62 – 65 Trafalgar Square, London WC2N 5DT Tel: (0891) 715 000 (50p/min.) or (0891) 715 000 (general information)

Passport information: A passport valid for at least one day beyond the intended departure date from Canada is required. Return Ticket Required. Requirements may change at short notice. Contact the embassy before departure.

Visa information: Required by all except nationals of: Great Britain, Australia, USA, Japan, EU countries and others. NOTE: Visa regulations are subject to change at short notice, it is advisable to check with the nearest Canadian Consulate, Embassy or high commission prior to travel.

Health information: No information available at present.

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

Currency: Canadian Dollar (Can $) = 100 cents.
Credit cards are widely accepted. Travellers cheques in Canadian dollars are preferred
ATM availability: Over 13 000 locations.

Cost of living: Prices are similar to Western Europe. They are also dependent on season and province.

Languages: English. Quebec – French.

Weather: Summers are warm and sunny whilst winters can be very cold, especially in the North.

Electricity: 110 Volts AC 60 Hz. American style flat, 2 pin plugs are standard.

Post: 5 – 7 days.

Transport: FLIGHTS: About 75 airlines operate national services. RAIL: Services are extensive across Canada. ROADS: Extensive covering vast distances. COACH: One of the cheapest and most convenient ways of travelling the country. Each region is well served by networks of coach-lines. CAR HIRE: Available in all cities and airports to drivers with full licences over 21 years of age. DOCUMENTATION: Visitors may drive with their national driving licences for up to 3 months in all provinces.

Special information: Smoking has been barred from most public places.