Country Information

Capital: Pretoria

Time zone: GMT + 2

Telephone services: Country Code: 27 Outgoing Code: 09

Emergency telephone numbers: Police – 1011, Ambulance – 10222, Fire – 1022

Tourist information: In the Arrivals Halls of most of the International Airports in South Africa AND South African Tourism Board (SATOUR), Private Bag, X164, 442 Rigel Avenue South, Frasmusrand, Pretoria 0001, South Africa Tel (12) 347 0600 Fax (12) 454 889 or 454 768.

Passport information: Valid passport required by all and must be valid for 6 months after proposed departure. years. Return Ticket Required. Requirements may be subject to change at short notice. Contact the High Commission before departure.

Visa information: Requirements may be subject to change at short notice, please check before travelling. Currently visas are issued on arrival for business or tourist purposes for nationals of EU member countries, or nationals of Australia, Canada, Japan, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland, USA, and New Zealand. Similarly visa for visits of up to 90 days by nationals of Argentia, Brazil, Chile, Ecuador, Israel, Malta, Paraguay, St. Helena, Urugay and Venezula. It may be possible for Nationals of other states to obtain a visa on arrival but you are advised to check with the High Commission well before travel (Allow at least ten weeks to process a visa if required in advance.)

Health information: Polio, Typhoid: Vaccination recommended
Malaria: Exist throughout the year. Precautions recommended, falciparum form is prevalent. Resistance to chloroquine has been reported
Yellow Fever: A vaccination certificate is required on arrival by all travellers over one year of age travelling from infected areas. Passengers arriving by unscheduled flights at airports other than those used by scheduled airlines must possess a certificate
Other Health Risks: Bilharzia, Cholera and Rabies are also present. There is a very high prevalence of AIDS/HIV. Visitors should seek medical advice before travelling.

Food & drink: Water outside of municipal areas is untreated and not safe to drink. Avoid dairy products except those bought sealed from supermarkets as they are not pasteurised. Fruit and vegetables should be peeled before consumption.

Currency: South African Rand (r) = 100 cents NOTE: Import and export of Local Reserve Bank notes is limited to R500. Foreign currency must be declared on arrival.
All major credit cards are widely accepted. Travellers cheques in all currencies are accepted, including SA Rand.
ATM availability: Widely available in all cities.

Cost of living: Accommodation and other tourist facilities in the cities can be expensive. Avoid short trips in city taxis which are sometimes more expensive than long distance journeys.

Languages: English and Afrikaans with 9 other African languages, Ndebele, Pedi, Soto, Swati, Tsonga, Tswana, Venda, Xhosa, and Zulu

Weather: Generally warm and sunny. Winds are usually mild

Electricity: 250 Volts AC in Pretoria, 220/230 Volts AC elsewhere

Post: Airmail takes 1 week although it is often much longer. Poste Restante is available throughout the country

Transport: FLIGHTS: Regular domestic flights operate between the main cities. SEA: Various cruises are operated between the major ports. ROAD: Good roads connect the main towns. NOTE: Fines are imposed for speeding. It is illegal to carry petrol unless in ‘built up’ petrol tanks. DOCUMENTATION: (IDP) International Driving Permit is required

Special information: The level of violence remains high throughout South Africa ans care should be taken when travelling to safeguard yourself against the risks of random mugging and theft – day and night. Casual remarks should not be made about the political situation; which is complex. There is a risk of car-jacking and armed robbery. It is unwise for outsiders from any race to enter into a black township without a guide. Daylight muggings are not uncommon especially in parts of Johannesburg. Unauthorised overstaying can result in arrest at departure and imprisonment until trial when a high fine is likely to be imposed. PHOTOGRAPHY: Be cautious in rural areas and ask permission before taking photographs.

Capital: Lusaka

Time zone: GMT + 2

Telephone services: Country Code: 260
Outgoing Code: 00

Emergency telephone numbers: All services – 1 2 25067 / 254798

Tourist information: Zambia National Tourist Board, 2 Palace Gate, London W8 5NF (0171) 589 6343

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: Ireland and the UK. Nationals of Commonwealth, dependant and associated states (with the exception of Ghana, India, Nigeria, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka who do need visas). Nationals of Fiji, Norway, Romania, Serbia and Montenegro.

Health information: Polio, Typhoid: Vaccination recommended
Malaria: Exists in the Falciparum variety throughout the whole country all year. Resistance to chloroquine has been reported. Malaria is endemic and worsens during the rainy season
Yellow Fever: Vaccination is strongly recommended to all travellers. Those arriving from infected areas will require a vaccination certificate
Other Health Risks: Bilharzia, and Rabies Outbreaks of cholera and dysentery occur regularly during the rainy season. 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. Drinking water should be filtered and boiled and visitors should avoid eating food purchased from local street vendors. Avoid dairy products as they are not pasteurised. Fruit and vegetables should be peeled before consumption.

Currency: Kwacha (K) = 100 ngwee
Exchange: only at authorised banks and bureaux de changes
NOTE: Import and export of local currency is limited to K100. Currency exchange forms must be shown if purchasing airline tickets in Zambia.
American Express is widely accepted, with other credit cards less so. Travellers cheques are widely accepted. US dollars are the preferred currency.
ATM availability: Unavailable.

Cost of living: High inflation means that prices for tourists tend to be expensive.

Languages: English and over 73 local dialects.

Weather: High altitudes prevents the temperatures becoming too hot. The winter is cool and dry from May – Sept. The weather is hot and dry from Oct – Nov. the hot raining season is Dec – Apr.

Electricity: 220 Volts, AC, 50 Hz.

Post: 7 – 14 days to Europe.

Transport: FLIGHTS: There are over 127 airstrips in the country and several charter companies operate domestic flights. ROADS: A good network exists but they ban be dangerous in the raining season. DOCUMENTATION: IDP is recommended. BUS: Services are often unreliable and can be very overcrowded. RAIL: Trains serve Lusaka; Ndola, Kitwe and Mulobezi. Local services are limited.

Special information: Care and sensible precautions should be taken when travelling in Zambia to minimise the risk of muggings and armed robberies. Non-essential travel to the North-Western areas of Zambia bordering the Democratic Republic of Congo and Angola should be avoided due to the increasing violence in these countries. Travellers to rural areas have very limited health facilities. In general travellers to remote areas will be met with curiosity. Particular care should be taken in these areas. African culture and traditions dominate. Traditional dancing is popular throughout the country and many colourful annual ceremonies take place.

Capital: Harare

Time zone: GMT + 2

Telephone services: Country Code: 263
Outgoing Code: 00

Emergency telephone numbers: General emergencies – 999 Police – 995, Ambulance – 994, Fire – 993

Tourist information: Zimbabwe Tourist Development Corporation (ZTDC), PO Box 8052, corner of Jason Moyo Avenue and Fourth Street, Causeway, Harare, Zimbabwe Tel: (4) 793 666 Fax: (4) 793 669

Passport information: Valid passport required by all with at least 6 months from date of entry. Return Ticket Required. Requirements may change at short notice. Contact the embassy before departure

Visa information: Visa required by all except: nationals of E.U. countries (except nationals of Finland, Portugal and Greece who do need a visa.) Nationals of Antigua & Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Botswana, Brunei, Cyprus, Dominica, Fiji, French Overseas Territories, Gambia, Ghana, Grenada, Guyana, Iceland, Jamaica, Kenya, Kiribati, Lesotho, Liechtenstein, Malaysia, Maldives, Malta, Mauritius, Monaco, Namibia, Nauru, Nepal, New Caledonia, New Zealand, Norway, Papua New Guinea, St Kitts & Nevis, San Marino, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, South Africa, Swaziland, Solomon Islands, Switzerland, Tanzania, Tonga, Trinidad & Tobago, Tuvalu, Uganda, Vanuatu, Western Samoa and Zambia. NOTE: Citizens of the former Yugoslavia should contact the Zimbabwean diplomatic representation in order to obtain up to date information on visa requirements

Health information: Polio, Typhoid: Vaccination recommended
Malaria: Exists in certain areas throughout the year in the Falciparum variety. Resistance to chloroquine has been reported
Yellow Fever: A vaccination certificate is required for travellers arriving from infected areas
Other Health Risks: Bilharzia, Cholera and Rabies. Incidence of AIDS is high, Visitors should seek medical advice before travelling.

Food & drink: Piped water in urban areas is considered drinkable. Normal precautions should be observed with food. In rural areas water is untreated and not safe to drink. All fruit and vegetables should be peeled before consumption.

Currency: Zimbabwe Dollar (Z$) = 100 cents
Exchange: Major currencies at hotels and banks.. NOTE: Import and export of local currency is limited to Z$500.
American Express, Diners Club and Visa are all widely accepted. Banks and major hotels will exchange Travellers cheques. US dollars are the preferred form of currency.
ATM availability: Over 75 locations.

Cost of living: Lower prices can be found away from the tourist centres if you are willing to live simply.

Languages: English, Shona and Ndebele.

Weather: Set – Oct = Hot, dry season. Rainy season = Nov to Mar. Best time to visit = Apr – May and Aug – Sept

Electricity: 220/240 Volts AC, 50 Hz.

Post: Up to 1 week to Europe by airmail.

Transport: FLIGHTS: Domestic flights run between the main cities. ROADS: Excellent road network. DOCUMENTATION: IDP is required and vehicle identification. BUS: Services are provided in most parts of the country. NOTE: If you are white and use the rural bus services you may provoke attention. RAIL: Daily between the main cities.

Special information: HIGH RISK: There have been serious violent incidents connected with election campaining including attacks on white by-standers and illeagal mass occupation of white owned land by supporters of the ruling party. Some white farmers have been kinapped and murdered; one of them outside a police station; therefore police protection connot be guaranteed. Avoid large crowds and demonstrations as they could turn violent without warning. Avoid rural areas without checking the local situaion. Petty crime is prevalent in Harare. Be careful at ATM machines. Backpackers are at risk in the main tourist areas. Visitors should exercise extreme caution if travelling in eastern and southern areas due to severe flooding damage from January to March.

Capital: Lomé

Time zone: GMT

Telephone services: Country Code: 228 Outgoing Code: 00

Emergency telephone numbers: Not present

Tourist information: TDirection des Professions Touristiques, BP 1289; Lomé, Togo Tel 215 662 Fax: 218 927

Passport information: Valid passport required by all except nationals of Great Britain, Australia, Canada; USA. Nationals of: Ghana, Mauritania, and Nigeria bearing a Carnet de Voyage. Nationals of: Benin, Burkina Faso, Central African Republic, Chad, Côte d’Ivoire, Guinea Republic, Mali, Niger, and Senegal bearing a Carnet de Voyage or a valid national ID card. Return Ticket Required. Requirements may change at short notice. Contact the embassy before departure

Visa information: Visa required by all except nationals of those countries marked (*) above. Nationals of Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, The Netherlands, Spain, Sweden. Nationals of Andorra, Benin, Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Côte d’Ivoire, Gabon, Ghana, Guinea Republic, Liberia, Madagascar, Mali, Mauritania, Monaco, Niger, Nigeria, Norway, Senegal, Sierra Leone. Nationals of Cameroon for a period of 10 days

Health information: Polio, Typhoid: Vaccination recommended
Malaria: Exists throughout the year in the Falciparum variety reported to be highly resistant to chloroquine
Yellow Fever: A vaccination certificate is required for all passengers arriving over one year of age
Other Health Risks: Bilharzia, Cholera, Meningitis, 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 Amex is widely accepted, but all other credit cards are unacceptable. Travellers cheques are only accepted in the capital city, The preferred currency is French francs
ATM availability: Unavailable

Cost of living: Hotels are of international standard, but accommodation in general is in short supply. Consequently prices are high

Languages: French and local African languages. English is spoken very little

Weather: Raining season: Apr – June. Hottest months: Feb – Mar. Short rains: Oct – Nov

Electricity: 220 Volts AC 50Hz single phase. Plugs are square or round 2 pin

Post: Up to 2 weeks by airmail to Europe. Postal facilities are limited to the main towns. Post Restante is available and very reliable

Transport: FLIGHTS: Air Togo runs flights to the main cities. ROAD: Are generally impassable during the raining season. RAIL: Services operate between Lomé an main cities. BUS/TAXI: Most are efficient and cheap. CAR HIRE: Available in Lomé. DOCUMENTATION: IDP is required

Special information: Visitors should be vigilant at all times. Beachwear to be worn at the pool/beach side. Voodoo is still practised in some areas, which also serve the tourist industry. Visitors should stop at all check points on request

Capital: Tashkent

Time zone: GMT + 5

Telephone services: Country Code: 7 (3712 for Tashkent).
Outgoing Code: 00

Emergency telephone numbers: All services – 03

Tourist information: Uzbektourism, 13 Marylebone Lane, London W1 Tel: (020) 7935 1899 Fax: (020) 7935 9554

Passport information: Passports required by all and must be valid for 6 months prior to departure date. Requirements may be subject to short-term change. Contact the relevant authority before departure

Visa information: Visa required by all except nationals of CIS countries and some of the former Eastern block countries. All visitors are advised to contact the relevant authority for a full list of regulations

Health information: Polio, Typhoid: Vaccination recommended
Malaria: Risk exists near the Afghan border
Other Health Risks: Diphtheria is endemic. Rabies and Cholera are also health risks. Vaccinations for Hepatitis are also recommended

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: The Som is now the official currency, which was introduced in 1994
Cash is the only real form of currency, US Dollars are the preferred foreign currency. Exchan ge: use banks and official bureau de change. NOTE: The import and export of local currency is prohibited
Credit cards and travellers cheques are not accepted
ATM availability: Unavailable

Cost of living: The limited variety of goods that are available are extremely inexpensive

Languages: Uzbek. Russian, Tajik, Kazakh and English are also spoken

Weather: Continental Climate. South is the warmest. Summer temperatures can be very hot. The most comfortable time to visit is during the spring or Autumn

Electricity: 220 volts AC, 50 Hz. Round 2 pin continental plugs are standard

Post: Letters to Western Europe and the USA take between two weeks and two months

Transport: ROAD: A reasonable road network exists. BUS: Services connect the major towns and cities. TAXIS: Can be found in all major centres. Many licences are unlicensed which should be avoided. Travellers are advised to agree the fare in advance and not share with strangers. Use the old and new (since independence) street names when asking for directions. DOCUMENTATION: IDP will be required when car hire is introduced

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 due to recent bombings in Tashkent tourists are advised to exercise caution. Although the situation is returning to normal; there is still a possibility of further bombing. Keep valuables out of sight. There is terrorist activity and kidnappings in some areas of the country. Long distance travel by train should be avoided. Do not leave the compartment unattended and lock the door. It is not recommended to use local airlines as they are not always regularly maintained. Shorts are rarely worn and women should be prepared for unwelcome attention from the local male population if they wear them.

Capital: Bangkok

Time zone: GMT + 7

Telephone services: Country Code: 66 Outgoing Code: 001

Emergency telephone numbers: Not present

Tourist information: Tourism Authority of Thailand, 49 Albermarle Street, London W1X 3FE Tel: (020) 7499 7679. fax: (020) 7629 5519.

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

Visa information: Overstaying visas can result in detention. Due to the complexity, and frequent changes to passport/visa requirements travellers are advised to check current regulations with their consulate prior to travel.

Health information: Polio, Typhoid: Vaccination recommended.
Malaria: Exists in the Falciparum variety in rural areas throughout the year. Resistance to chloroquine has been reported.
Yellow Fever: A vaccination certificate is required to those over 1 year of age arriving from infected areas.
Other Health Risks: Cholera, Japanese Encephalitis, Rabies Dengue Fever, Dysentery and Hepatitis A and E.

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: Baht (Bt) = 100 satang. NOTE: Export of local currency is limited to Bt 50000.
All credit cards are accepted. Travellers cheques, preferably in US dollars or Pound sterling, are accepted in large hotels and shops.
ATM availability: Over 2300 locations.

Cost of living: Relatively inexpensive. especially outside of Bangkok.

Languages: Thai. English, Malay and Chinese are also spoken.

Weather: Generally hot particularly between mid Feb and June. The monsoon season = mid May to Oct when the climate is hot with torrential rain. The most comfortable time for travelling is Nov to Feb.

Electricity: 220 Volts AC, 50 Hz. A variety of plugs are used.

Post: Up to 1 week.

Transport: FLIGHTS: The national airline runs services between the main towns. ROAD: There is a reasonable network of which all the major roads are paved. DOCUMENTATION: IDP is required. BUS: Very cheap but very crowded. Privately owned buses are more comfortable and are moderately priced. When taking the bus in the city leave the back seat free for the Saffron robed monks. BOAT: Services are good. NOTE: Obtain a good map as finding your way around can be confusing to the newcomer.

Special information: NOTE: Always keep hold of your passport. Do not give it to hotel owners, hire shops etc. There have been recent incidents of assaults on foreign tourists using unlicensed taxis. Be wary of accepting food or drinks from strangers as it may be drugged. Thai laws on the use and transportation of narcotics are stringent. Tourists should be vigilant of any packages or gifts given. Also note that there are no government ‘gem shops’ only gem scams! The Thai/Myanmar[Burmese] border is dangerous – check with local authorities before travelling to remote or border areas. The monarchy and religion are very sacred in Thailand. Insults to either, such as climbing on statues of Buddha will not be tolerated. Beach-wear should be confined to the beach / pool side. Take care when swimming off the coast of Phuket as strong riptides make swimming dangerous. Shoes should be removed before entering houses. PHOTOGRAPHY: Discretion should be used and permission obtained before taking photos.