Country Information

Capital: Niamey

Time zone: GMT + 1

Telephone services: Country Code: 227

Outgoing Code: 00

Emergency telephone numbers: Not present.

Tourist information: Office Nationale du Tourisme, Bp 612, avenue du Président H Luebke, Niamey, Niger Tel: 732 447 Fax: 733 940

Passport information: Valid passport required by all travellers. Return Ticket Required. Requirement may change at short notice. Contact the embassy before departure.

Visa information: Visa required by all except nationals of Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad Congo, Côte d’Ivoire, Gabon, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Mauritania, Morocco, Nigeria, Norway, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Togo and Tunisia.

Health information: Polio, Typhoid: Vaccination recommended
Malaria: Exists throughout the country in the Falciparum variety. Resistance to chloroquine has been reported.
Yellow Fever: A vaccination certificate is required by all travellers arriving from all countries over one year of age.
Other Health Risks: Bilharzia Cholera and 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: CFA Franc. (CFA Fr) = 100 centimes
Access and MasterCard are accepted on a limited basis. Hotels, restaurants and most shops exchange travellers cheques. French francs are the preferred currency.
ATM availability: Unavailable.

Cost of living: Moderately expensive for tourists.

Languages: French, Hausa – spoken widely in addition to other African languages

Weather: Summers are very hot from Oct – May. Heavy rains and high temperatures are common from July to Aug.

Electricity: 220/380 Volts Ac, 50 Hz

Post: Up to 2 weeks. Poste Restante operates.

Transport: ROAD: Many are impassable during the raining season. It is prohibited to travel on any other route than the one entered on your passport by the police in the previous town. BUS: Daily buses operate between the cities although can be unreliable. DOCUMENTATION: IDP, Carnet de Passage and 2 photos are required. The min age to drive is 23.

Special information: HIGH RISK: Following the coup in early April all travel to Niger should be avoided. For essential travel contact the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office Travel Advice Unit for up to date information. Niger remains politically unstable and travellers should be careful when visiting rural areas. Those travelling outside the capital should contact the Embassy first. Traditional Muslim beliefs prevail and should be respected. PHOTOGRAPHY: Permits are required from the police.

Capital: Abuja

Time zone: GMT + 1

Telephone services: Country Code: 234
Outgoing Code: 009

Emergency telephone numbers: Not present.

Tourist information: Nigerian Tourist Board, PO Box 2944, Trade Fair Complex, Badagry Expressway, Lagos, Nigeria Tel: (1) 618 665

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 ECOWAS countries for stays of up to 90 days, and nationals of Cameroon and Chad for up to 90 days.

Health information: Polio, Typhoid: Vaccination recommended.
Malaria: Exists throughout the year mainly in the Falciparum variety. Resistance to chloroquine has been reported.
Yellow Fever: A vaccination certificate is required from passengers over one year of age arriving form infected areas. Travellers arriving from non infected areas are advised to have the vaccination if travelling outside the urban areas.
Other Health Risks: Bilharzia, Cholera and Rabies. There is a very high prevalence of AIDS/HIV. Visitors should 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: Naira (N) = 100 Kobo
NOTE: Import and export of local currency is limited to N50 in notes
Credit cards have a limited acceptance, and due to a prevalence of credit card fraud, their use is not advised. Travellers cheques are accepted but expect to pay a high commission. US dollars and pound sterling are the preferred currency.
ATM availability: Unavailable.

Cost of living: Local produce can be bought inexpensively, but accommodation and foreign imports such as spirits, are very expensive.

Languages: English. There are over 250 local languages

Weather: The Southern coast is hot and humid with rainy season Mar – Nov. The North’s rainy season Apr – Sept. Nights are cold between Dec and Jan.

Electricity: 210/250 Volts AC, 50Hz.

Post: Unreliable and takes about 3 weeks.

Transport: FLIGHTS: Operate between the main cities. It is advisable to book in advance and account for delays which frequently occur. ROADS: Secondary roads are often impassable during the rainy season. Caution is required when travelling in the South. DOCUMENTATION: IDP is required

Special information: EXTREME RISK: in Kaduna area. Violent street crimes and armed robberies are prevalent as is police and military harassment. Visitors should ensure they are met on arrival to ensure safe travel to their destinations. Armed robberies are prevalent in Lagos. Incidents of kidnap have been reported this year. So far they have been released without harm; take local advise on travel arrangements. Visitors are advised not to travel after dark outside the main tourist areas. Business ‘deal’ fraud is widespread. Casual wear is suitable. Smoking in public places is illegal.

Capital: Managua

Time zone: GMT – 6

Telephone services: Country Code: 505
Outgoing Code: 00

Emergency telephone numbers: Police – 118, Fire – 265 0162, Ambulance – 265 1761.

Tourist information: Instituto Nicaragüense de Turismo (Inturismo), Hotel Intercontinental, 1 cuadra al Oeste y L cuadra al Lago, Managua, Nicaragua Tel: (2) 281 137 or 227 185 Fax: (2) 281 187

Passport information: Valid passport required by all, valid for a further 6 months (minimum). Return Ticket Required. Requirements may change at short notice. Contact the embassy before departure

Visa information: Required by all except: Nationals of Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Greece, Ireland, Luxembourg, The Netherlands, Sweden, Spain and the UK for up to 90 days (all other nationals do require a visa) Nationals of Argentina, Chile, El Salvador, Guatemala, Hungary, Honduras, Liechtenstein, Norway, South Korea, Switzerland and the USA for stays of up to 90 days.

Health information: Polio, Typhoid: Vaccination recommended.
Malaria: Exists in the Vivax variety from June to Dec in the rural areas and the outskirts of towns
Yellow Fever: A vaccination certificate is required by travellers over one year of age arriving from infected areas.
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: Nicaraguan Gold Córdobe (NIO) = 100 centavos.
Credit cards have limited use. Travellers cheques are accepted, preferably in US dollars.
ATM availability: Unavailable.

Cost of living: Relatively inexpensive but accommodation is in short supply.

Languages: Spanish. English is also spoken along the Mosquito Coast.

Weather: Tropical climate. Raining season = June – Nov. The mountains in the North are much cooler

Electricity: 110 Volts AC, 60 Hz

Post: Up to 2 weeks. Poste Restante is available in Managua

Transport: ROADS: Tarred roads exist to San Juan del Sur and Corinto. CAR HIRE: Available in Managua or at the airport. This is the most convenient way of travelling because public transport if often over crowded. DOCUMENTATION: National licences are only valid for 30 days. BUS: There is a service to the main towns, booking seats in advance is recommended. TAXI: Fares should be agreed in advance.

Special information: HIGH RISK: Hurrican Keith in 2000 caused severe flooding. Travel is still affected but conditions are improving. Check with embassy on arrival. Violent outbursts and bandit like activities do take place preceding major political events. Be prepared for for pick pocketing during your stay. Do not walk alone at night. PHOTOGRAPHY: Avoid taking photos of military installations.

Capital: Yangon (Rangoon)

Time zone: GMT + 6.30

Telephone services: Country Code: 95
Outgoing Code: 0

Emergency telephone numbers: Not present.

Tourist information: Myanmar (Burma) Travel Ltd., 95 Lillie Rd., London, SW6 7SX. Tel (020) 7610 3779 or Burma (Myanmar) Travel Services, 36c Sisters Avenue, London SW11 5SQ, Tel/Fax: (020) 7223 8987.

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.

Health information: Polio, Typhoid: Vaccination recommended
Malaria: Exists in certain areas especially below 1000m in the Falciparum variety, which is reported as being highly resistant to chloroquine with resistance to Sulfadoxine/pyrimethamine.
Yellow Fever: A vaccination certificate will be required if arriving from an infected area.

Other Health Risks: Cholera is a serious risk, Japanese Encephalitis, Plague, Filariasis, Dengue fever and Rabies. Trachoma is 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: Kyat (MMK) = 100 pyas NOTE: Import and export of local currency is prohibited. Only 25% of foreign currency changed to Kyats can be re converted on exit. Keep receipt for customs checks on exit.
Credit cards are not accepted, but travellers cheques can be exchanged.
ATM availability: Unavailable.

Cost of living: Can be high when compared with South East Asian countries standards especially when considering the low cost tourism facilities Myanmar has to offer.

Languages: Burmese. Over 100 district languages are spoken. English is often spoken in business circles.

Weather: Monsoon climate with 3 main seasons: Feb – May = hottest season with little or no rain. May – Oct = Rainy season. Oct – Feb = cooler.

Electricity: 220/230 Volts Ac 50 Hz

Post: Up to 1 week to Europe. It is recommended that correspondence is taken to the post office and registered for which a small fee will be charged.

Transport: FLIGHTS: Is the most efficient way to move around Myanmar, but delays are frequent and scheduled flights are limited. Following two fatal crashes in 1998 British Government employees have been instructed NOT to use Myanma Airways (NOTE: this is a different company from Myanma Airways International) SEA/RIVER: Regarded as the best way to see Myanmar but as delays are frequent allow plenty of time. ROAD: DOCUMENTATION: IDP is required. BUS: There are long distance buses but these are not recommended due to their condition and the condition of the roads. RAIL: Several good services operate. Tickets should be purchased 2 hours in advance.

Special information: HIGH RISK: in travel to Tachilek and Mai Sai border areas. Keep to officially designated tourist areas. All internal travel must be by train road or air. Cycling and hitchhiking are strongly discouraged. Do not photograph military personnel or installations. Political tension is high causing risk of sectarian violence. Avoid discussion of politics. Respect towards religious beliefs should be shown.

Capital: Ulan Bator

Time zone: GMT + 9 (GMT + 8 during the summer)

Telephone services: Country Code: 976 (Followed by 1 for Ulan Bator).
Outgoing Code: 00

Emergency telephone numbers: Not present

Tourist information: Mongolian Tourism Association PO Box 10/195, Ulan Bator, Mongolia.- 1 Prime Minster Amar Street, Ulan Bator 13, Mongolia Tel: (1) 323 363 or 320 219 Fax: (1) 323 363 or 320 219.

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

Visa information: Required by all except nationals of Kazakhstan (up to 90 days), nationals of Malaysia (for up to 28 days), nationals of the Philippines (up to 21 days), nationals of Singapore, Poland, Romania and North Korea (up to 14 days).

Health information: Polio, Typhoid: Vaccination recommended
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: Tugrik (MNT) = 100 mongos Exchange: Commercial banks in Ulan Bator and bureau de change at certain hotels.
Credit cards are accepted by main commercial banks and large hotels. US dollars are the preferred currency in travellers cheques.
ATM availability: Unavailable

Cost of living: Very cheap for Mongolians although visitors are expected to pay ten times the prices charged to locals. Ask the price before you eat. Independent travel can be relatively cheap although tour groups may be charged very high prices.

Languages: Khalkha Mongolian. Many dialects are spoken

Weather: Cool climate with short, mild summers and longer severe winters.

Electricity: 220 volts AC, 50 Hz.

Post: Airmail to Europe takes up to 2 weeks

Transport: FLIGHTS: Internal flights are operated by Air Mongol. NOTE: It is not known whether maintenance procedures are properly carried out on internal flights. RAIL: The main route runs from North to South. ROAD: Paved roads can only be found in or near major cities. Most of the roads are unpaved. BUS: Services run between towns. CAR HIRE: Available through tourism companies.

Special information: NOTE: As communications within Mongolia are poor, providing consular assistance can be difficult. Visitors may only enter Mongolia by air or train. Entry overland by other means is not permitted. Religious customs should be respected. Do not talk about death, divorce or accidents as mentioning these is considered a bad omen and will be taken seriously. SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS: Street crime is on the increase in Ulan Bator and visitors should exercise caution, do not go out on foot after dark.

Capital: Macau

Time zone: GMT + 8

Telephone services: Country Code: 853
Outgoing Code: 00

Emergency telephone numbers: All services – 999 (subject to change)

Tourist information: Macau Tourist Information Bureau, 6 Sherlock Mews, Paddington Street, London W1M 3RH Tel: (020) 7224 3390 Fax: (020) 7224 0601.

Passport information: Valid passport required by all. Requirements may change at short notice. Contact the embassy before departure.

Visa information: May be obtained on arrival in Macao. Nationals of countries, which do not maintain diplomatic links with Portugal must obtain their Visas in advance from Portuguese consulates overseas, and may not obtain them on arrival in Macao. Visas are required by all except: Nationals of Brazil. India, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Norway, Philippines, Singapore, South Africa, South Korea, Switzerland and Thailand for stays of less than 20 days. Residents of Hong Kong holding a Hong Kong Identity card. for a visit up to 90 days. Nationals of Great Britain, Australia, Canada, USA, EU, Japan for stays of less than 20 days. Narcotics, firearms, endangered species of animal and plants and pesticides.

Health information: Other Health Risks: Diarrhoeal diseases, hepatitis A and B, Oriental liver and oriental lung fluke and haemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome may occur in this area.

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: Pataca (MOP) = 100 avos MasterCard is accepted. Travellers cheques may be changed at hotels, banks and bureau de change. Cheques in US dollars are the preferred CURRENCY.
ATM availability: Over 20 locations.

Cost of living: Visitors may expect to pick up a variety of bargains since Macau is a free port. A wide range of accommodation, suitable for all budgets, is available.

Languages: Portuguese and Chinese (Cantonese). English may be spoken by those involved in tourism.

Weather: Sub – tropical climate with very hot summers. There is a raining period during the summer months. Winds can reach gale force and typhoons are not unheard of.

Electricity: Usually 220 Volts AC 50 Hz.

Post: 3 – 5 days

Transport: ROAD: There are 5 bus routes in he city. CAR HIRE: Available. TAXI: Fares should be agreed in advance. DOCUMENTATION: IDP not required from drivers from the UK.

Special information: Macau is a mixture of Portuguese, Chinese and Western culture, the visitor can experience all of these in one location. Violent crime is quite rare although residential burglaries and pick-pocketing is a problem.