Country Information

Capital: Bridgetown

Time zone: GMT – 4

Telephone services: Country Code: 1 246
Outgoing Code: 011

Emergency telephone numbers: Police – 112, Ambulance – 115, Fire – 113. All services – 119.

Tourist information: Barbados Tourism Authority, 263 Tottenham Court Road, London, W1P OLA Tel: (020) 7636 9448 Fax: (020) 7637 1496.

Passport information: Passport must be valid for 6 months after date of entry by all except: Nationals of the USA and Canada, who hold a valid return ticket, who have embarked from their home country for stays not exceeding 3 months and who have a naturalisation certificate or original birth certificate accompanied by a driving licence with photograph or employment identification with photograph. Nationals of Commonwealth countries for stays up to 6 months (except nationals of India, Pakistan and South Africa where special conditions apply) for stays of up to 6 months Return Ticket required. Requirements may be subject to short-term change. Contact embassy before departure.

Visa information: Visa not required by nationals of EU countries for stays up to 6 months.

Health information: Seek Advice from GP before travel.
Polio, Typhoid: Vaccination recommended.
Yellow Fever: A vaccination certificate if required from passengers over 1 year of age coming from infected areas.

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

Currency: Barbados Dollar (Bds$) = 100 cents.
All major credit cards are accepted. Travellers cheques, preferably in US dollars and Pound sterling, are accepted.
ATM availability: 45 locations.

Cost of living: Generally expensive. Avoid the tourist centres if travelling on a budget, although prices throughout the island are quite expensive.

Languages: English. Local Bajan dialect is also spoken.

Weather: Subtropical climate cooled by sea breezes. Wet season – July till Nov when brief showers occur. Dry season – Dec till June.

Electricity: 110 volts AC 50 Hz American style 2-pin plug are used.

Post: Up to 1 week.

Transport: FLIGHTS: Several operators run flights between neighbouring islands. ROAD: A good network of roads run throughout the island. BUS: Frequent comprehensive coverage of the island. Although cheap buses are crowded during the rush hour. CAR HIRE: Various vehicles can be hired at the airport or large hotels. DOCUMENTATION: A Barbados driving licence is required, a valid national or IDP should be held.

Special information: Attacks and thefts are rare although persistent salesmen are likely to continually approach you. Visitors should exercise common sense precautions such as not exhibiting conspicuous signs of wealth and not to visit deserted beaches at night.

Capital: Dhaka

Time zone: GMT + 6

Telephone services: Country Code: 880
Outgoing Code: 00

Emergency telephone numbers: Police central control point Dhaka 866 551-3, Ambulance and Fire Service Head Office Dhaka 9 555 555.

Tourist information: Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation (National Tourism Organisation) 233 Old Airport Road, Tejgaon, Dhaka 1215, Bangladesh Tel: (2) 817 855 Fax: (2) 817 235.

Passport information: Valid passport required. Return Ticket required. Requirements may be subject to short-term change. Contact the relevant authority before departure.

Visa information: Required by all except: Holders of re-entry permit issued by Bangladesh. Those continuing their journey on the same day by the same or first connecting aircraft without leaving the airport do not require a visa.

Health information: Seek Advice from GP before travel.
Polio, Typhoid: Vaccination recommended.
Malaria: Exists throughout the year in the whole country with the exception of Dhaka City. The falciparum variety is reported to be highly resistant to chloroquine.
Yellow Fever: A vaccination certificate is required if arriving from an infected area.
Other Health Risks: Cholera, Rabies, Filariasis, Visceral leishmaniasis, Dengue Fever, Dysentery and Hepatitis A, B and E are present.

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: Bangladeshi Taka (Tk) = 100 poisha. Exchange: Many shops in the cities will offer better exchange rates than the banks. NOTE: All currency exchange must be entered on a currency declaration form.
Diners Club and Amex are accepted. Visa and Mastercard accepted to a lesser extent Travellers cheques can be exchanged at Dhaka Airport major hotels and banks. Passport required for card transactions.
ATM availability: Limited availability.

Cost of living: You are expected to bargain for everything. Cost of Living can be cheap if willing to sacrifice luxuries.

Languages: Bengali (Banga). English is spoken in Government and commercial circles.

Weather: Generally a hot humid climate with a monsoon season from June to October. Temperatures are highest in April and May when it is generally dry. The cool season is November to March.

Electricity: 220/240 volts AC, 60 Hz. Plugs are of the British 5 an 15 amp, 2 or 3 pin 9 (round) type. Supply is erratic and subject to load shedding.

Post: Airmail takes 5 days to Europe. Surface mail can take several months and is not secure.

Transport: Many roads and railways are still damaged from the floods, but there are many ferry crossings. NOTE: Poor driving and vehicle maintenance as well as unlit buses and lorries are the cause of frequent accidents. You are recommended to hire a driver when travelling outside of Dhaka BUS: Services serve between all major towns, fares are generally low. TAXI: Available at airports and major hotels. Agree fares in advance. CAR HIRE: Available at airports and major hotels. There is little mass transport available within towns RICKSHAWS and AUTO RICKSHAWS are available for transport in Dhaka but caution is advised when travelling by Rickshaw and is not recommended after dark. DOCUMENTATION: IDP or national licence is accepted.

Special information: NOTE: New arrivals should register with the High Commission in Dhaka. Money must not be given as gifts as it causes offence. Religious customs should be respected by all visitors. Because of the recent flood disaster safety and health precautions are necessary when travelling. PHOTOGRAPHY: In rural areas people are unused to tourists and therefore respect should be shown. Do not take photographs of military installations. SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS: Visitors should avoid demonstrations and crowded places where outbreaks of violence have occurred. Major roads between towns are subject to night time armed banditry. The British Foreign and Commonwealth Office advise that sporadic demonstrations are a problem at present. Avoid political gatherings. Avoid travel after dark.

Capital: Brussels

Time zone: GMT + 1

Telephone services: Country Code: 32
Outgoing Code: 00

Emergency telephone numbers: Dial 112 anywhere in the EU to reach the emergency services. Additional local numbers:- Police – 101, Fire, Ambulance – 100, or from a mobile phone – 112.

Tourist information: Belgian Tourist Office, 5th Floor, 29 Princes Street, London W1R 7RG Tel: (0891) 600 255 or (0891) 887 799 (recorded message 50p/min.) Fax: (020) 7458 0045.

Passport information: Valid passport required by all: except nationals of EU countries and nationals of Andorra, Liechtenstein, Malta, Monaco, San Marino and Switzerland providing they carry a national ID card. 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, Japan, Andorra, Argentina, Brazil, Brunei, Chile, Costa Rica, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, Israel, Jamaica, South Korea, Liechtenstein, Malawi, Malaysia, Malta, Mexico, Monaco, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Norway, Panama, Paraguay, Poland, San Marino, Singapore, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Switzerland, Turkey (if resident in an EU country and have a residence permit valid for a further 4 months), Uruguay, Vatican City and Venezuela

Health information: Other Health Risks: None at present.

Food & drink: Water is considered drinkable, normal precautions should be observed with food. In January 1999 Dioxins entered the food chain in Belgium – visitors are advised to take advice on eating pork, chicken or dairy products

Currency: Belgian Franc (Bfr) = 100 centimes
Credit cards and Travellers cheques are widely accepted. US dollars are the preferred currency.
ATM availability: Over 2000 locations.

Cost of living: Relatively expensive, similarly to other Western European countries.

Languages: Dutch and French.

Weather: Warm May – Sept, and snow likely during the winter months.

Electricity: 220 Volts AC 50 Hz. Plugs are 2 pin.

Post: 2- 3 days to other European destinations. Poste Restante is available in the main cities.

Transport: RAIL: A dense, regular service operates. A reduced rate card can be purchased for unlimited discounts for 1 month period.

Special information: “Flemings” often prefer to speak English; rather than French, to Foreign visitors.

Capital: Abu Dhabi

Time zone: GMT + 4

Telephone services: Country Code: 971
Outgoing Code: 00

Emergency telephone numbers: All services – 344 663 (only Abu Dhabi).

Tourist information: Federal Ministry of Tourism and Culture, PO Box 5053, Dubai, UAE Tel: (4) 615 500 Fax: (4) 615 648

Passport information: Passport valid for at least 6 months from date of arrival required by all. Return Ticket Required. Requirements may be subject to short-term change. Contact the relevant authority before departure.

Visa information: Visa required by all except: Nationals of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia. Nationals of the UK with the endorsement ‘British Subject Citizen of the UK and Colonies’ or ‘British Citizen’ for a maximum of 30 days. Transit passengers who do not leave the airport on arrival.

Health information: Polio, Typhoid: Vaccination recommended.
Malaria: Risk exists in the valleys and the lower slopes of mountainous areas of the Northern States.
Other Health Risks: Cholera, Rabies.

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

Currency: UAE Dirham (UAE Dh) = 100 fils.
Exchange: Most hotels All credit cards are accepted. Travellers cheques preferably in US dollars can be easily exchanged.
ATM availability: Over 280 locations.

Cost of living: Relatively expensive although the budget traveller will be able to find cheaper hotels and food away from the main tourist areas. Prices are constant throughout the year.

Languages: Arabic. English is widely spoken.

Weather: June – Sept is the hottest period with little rainfall. Oct – May is a more comfortable time to visit.

Electricity: 220/240 volts AC, 50 Hz. Square 3 pin plugs are widespread.

Post: Airmail takes about 5 days to reach Western Europe.

Transport: SEA: Passenger services serve all coastal ports. ROAD: There are good, roads running along the West Coast. BUS: A limited service links most towns. However most hotels run their own scheduled service to the airport, city centre and beach. TAXI: Most travellers find taxis to be the most convenient and quickest method of transport. Taxis are metered and there is a surcharge for air-conditioned taxis. CAR HIRE: Most international companies have agencies at the airport and hotels. DOCUMENTATION: Renters must produce 2 photographs, passports and either a valid international or national licence. IDP is recommended.

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 this is one of the most liberal countries in the Gulf, although it is still very conservative by Western standards. Respect Muslim traditions. It is illegal to smoke or drink in public places during Ramadan. Western entertainment is available in the form of cocktail bars, public houses and cinemas.

Capital: Ouagadougou

Time zone: GMT

Telephone services: Country Code: 226
Outgoing Code: 00

Emergency telephone numbers: Unavailable

Tourist information: Direction de l’Administration Touristique et Hôtelière, BP 624, Ouagadougou 01, Burkina Faso Tel: 306 396

Passport information: A valid passport is required by all. Return Ticket Required.

Visa information: Visa required by all.

Health information: Polio, Typhoid: Vaccination recommended
Malaria: Take precautions as Falciparum variety present.
Yellow Fever: R. with vaccination certificate if arriving from an infected area. OTHER: Bilharzia, Rabies, Cholera, River Blindness and Sleeping Sickness.
Other Health Risks: A meningitis epidemic has affected West Africa – seek medical advice before travelling.

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: CFA Franc (CFA Fr).
Visa and MasterCard have limited acceptance. Travellers cheques are accepted on a limited basis. French francs are the preferred currency.
ATM availability: Unavailable.

Cost of living: Burkina Faso is the sixth poorest country in the world

Languages: French with several indigenous languages.

Weather: Tropical climate. Dec – Mar are the best months. rainy season = Jun – Oct. Winds blow Nov- Feb which brings cool and dry weather.

Electricity: 220/380 volts AC 50 Hz. Plugs = 2 pin.

Post: Up to 2 weeks by airmail. There are few post offices. Poste Restante is available with a mail- charge for collection of letters.

Transport: ROAD: Most are impassable during the raining season. Police check points often cause delay. FLIGHTS: there are few domestic flights. DOCUMENTATION: Temporary driving licences are available from local authorities if you present a valid national driving license.

Special information: Most visits to Burkina Faso are trouble free, but criminal incidents do occur and care should be taken, particularly after dark. Customs should be respected especially in traditional rural areas. Clothing can be casual and should be appropriate for the hot weather.

Capital: Kabul

Time zone: GMT + 4.5

Telephone services: At the time of writing no services were available.

Emergency telephone numbers: At the time of writing no services were available.

Tourist information: Afghan Tourist Organisation (ATO), Ansari Wat, Shar-i-Nau, Kabul, Afghanistan Tel: (9251) 30323.

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: Visa required by all except: Nationals of Afghanistan holding official passports. Travellers holding re-entry permits issued by Afghanistan. Travellers holding confirmed onward tickets and continuing their journey to another country by the same aircraft within 2 hours.

Health information: Polio, Typhoid, Vaccination recommended
Malaria: Exists in the falciparum and vivax varieties.
Yellow Fever: A vaccination certificate is required if arriving from endemic or infected areas. Travellers arriving from non endemic areas should note that vaccination is strongly recommended for travel outside the urban areas.
Other Health Risks: Cutaneous leishmaniasis, Cholera, tick born relapsing fever, Typhus, and Rabies are all present.

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: Afghani (Af) = 100 puls.
Credit cards and travellers cheques are not accepted.
ATM availability: Unavailable.

Cost of living: Limited accommodation and commodities in Kabul. All are inexpensive

Languages: Pashtu and Dari Persian. English, French, German and Russian are also spoken

Weather: Regions above 2500m are extremely cold. There are considerable differences between temperatures in the summer and winter and between day and night in lowland regions and the valleys

Electricity: 220 volts AC, 50 Hz.

Post: No postal, telephone, fax or telex services available.

Transport: Buses, trolley buses and taxis operate in Kabul. It is essential to check these services with the relevant airline offices

Special information: EXTREME RISK: No travellers should enter Afghanistan and great care is needed in bordering countries and especially regions close to the international border with Afghanistan.