Country by country guide
Every country in the world is included. For some countries, not all headed sections are relevant, in which case they have been omitted. In others, the amount of information which it is necessary to convey has resulted in the extension and subdivision of some of the sections. The entry for the United States of America is dealt with State by State and includes extended profiles of California, Florida, Hawaii, Nevada and New York. Certain islands, states and territories do not have their own entry in the World Travel Guide, but are instead grouped together; this applies particularly to island groups. Examples include the Galápagos Islands, which can be found under Ecuador. In other cases, countries may, correctly or not, be known popularly by more than one name: Sri Lanka/Ceylon, Myanmar/Burma, for instance.
Contact addresses
Addresses are given in the following order: the name and address of the national tourist board or other relevant contact within the particular country; the diplomatic representative of the particular country in either the UK or mainland Europe; the name and address of the country's Tourist Board in the UK, where applicable; the British Embassy or High Commission in the particular country; the country's diplomatic representative and Tourist Board in the USA; the US Embassy in the country in question; the country's diplomatic representative and Tourist Board in Canada; and the Canadian Embassy or High Commission in the country. Addresses of Consulates or sections specifically handling visa applications can also be found here. For ease of reference, the country dialling code is now given at the end of this section.
General
POPULATION: Figures given are taken from the most reliable official statistics available.
GEOGRAPHY: The country's location is given, followed by a list of the main geographical features.
GOVERNMENT: Information is given on the type of government, the date the country gained independence (if applicable), the names of the head of state and the head of government and the dates they were elected.
LANGUAGE: Information is given about the principal official, spoken and understood languages.
RELIGION: The main religious denominations are given.
TIME: Information on national and regional time-zones is given, together with details of Daylight Saving Time/Summertime where appropriate.
ELECTRICITY: Information is included on voltages and, where available, on cycles (in Hertz) and the types of plugs used.
COMMUNICATIONS: Information is given on the Telephone, Mobile telephone, Fax, Internet, Telegram and Postal services available. The country dialling code is given; dialling this code from any other country will connect it with the country in question. (This code is also given at the beginning of the contact addresses.) Also included is the outgoing international code from the country, where available. The Press section lists the main English-language papers published in that country and, where none exist, the most important papers published in the national language(s). International Radio Services: The chart shows a selection of frequencies for receiving the BBC World Service (except in the UK) and Voice of America (except Canada and the USA) in each country in MHz. The most up-to-date information is also available on their websites, the addresses of which are also listed.
The information on Mobile telephones gives the type of network, details of the network operator(s) and information on handset hire (if applicable). In general, most countries in Europe, Africa, Australasia and Asia will have GSM networks, while in North and South America and the Caribbean CDMA/TDMA or AMPS networks are more common. Telephones designed for one type of network are not compatible with other network types, which means that visitors will usually have to arrange to hire handsets if they want to use their mobile telephones. Often, the visitor's mobile telephone company will have 'Roaming agreements' with companies abroad. This means that the visitor's company can make arrangements for the visitor to use their handset on the foreign network, if contacted in advance. However, if no roaming agreement exists (and especially if the network concerned is incompatible with the visitor's handset), it may be necessary to hire a handset from the foreign network operator. Some countries will have roaming agreements only with the countries from which they receive most visitors; for example, certain countries in the Pacific region will have their roaming agreements with telephone companies in Australia and New Zealand. It is worth noting that in some countries it may be easier to communicate by mobile telephone than by ordinary telephone. The information on Internet states whether there are cybercafés in the country and who the main Internet Service Providers are. The growth of Internet technology has been so rapid that nearly all countries now have cybercafés; however, they may only be located in the capital city or main urban areas. Visitors should also note that Internet and E-mail access can be problematic owing to power cuts and a shortage of telephone lines. It may be easier to communicate by fax in some countries. The ISPs are given in case the visitor takes a laptop and wants to arrange to connect to the Internet with the foreign ISP. This would enable them to avoid making expensive international telephone calls to their own ISP. Again, many ISPs have roaming agreements with their foreign counterparts, and Internet access can therefore be arranged by the traveller through their own ISP before departure. However, where this is not possible, the traveller can arrange access directly.
Passport and Visa
Information is presented by means of a quick-glance table on the passport and visa requirements for British and other EU nationals, as well as Australian, Canadian, American and Japanese nationals. Information, where available, is also given on the types and prices of visas and their validity, where to apply for visas, application requirements, the length of time an application takes to process and the procedures to be followed when renewing visas. There is also some information on who to contact if seeking temporary residence. Information on passports and visas is provided in the main by Embassies and High Commissions based in London. Other relevant information is included where necessary.
In many cases, the same regulations for passports and visas (or other identity documents) apply equally to all countries who are members of a particular international organisation (such as the Commonwealth or the EU). Occasionally, in the notes following the charts, the organisation only, rather than the often lengthy list of member states, will be referred to.
In the interests of clarity and brevity, various groups of people who are often exempt from passport and visa requirements have generally not been referred to in the charts or notes. These include holders of seamen's books, UN travel passes, service or diplomatic passports and stateless persons.
Unless otherwise stated in the chart, all travellers should be in possession of a return ticket and/or sufficient funds for the duration of their stay. In many cases they will be required to prove this on arrival in the country, or when they apply for their visa prior to departure.
Note: Although every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information included in this section, entry requirements may be subject to change at short notice. If in doubt, check with the Embassy or High Commission concerned, being sure to state the nature of the visit (ie business, touristic, transit) and the intended length of stay, and to confirm exactly what documentation will be required for the application. Remember that Transit visas may be required for stopovers.
Entry and other restrictions: Nationals of Taiwan and Israel especially (though not exclusively) may be subject to restrictions when visiting other countries. These range from limiting the categories of persons who may visit to a total ban on entering a country, even for transit purposes. Travellers whose passports indicate that they have entered these countries may also be subject to restrictions. Some countries enforce stricter regulations for those crossing land borders than for those entering by air or sea. Travellers whose passports confer less than full British citizenship may also be subject to additional requirements. In such cases it is advisable to check with the relevant Embassy or with the Foreign Office well in advance. Brief details follow.
British passports: Under the terms of the British Nationality Act 1981, which came into force on January 1, 1983, 'Citizenship of the United Kingdom and Colonies' has been divided into six categories. The three main categories are: British Citizen, for those closely connected with the UK (the holder has automatic right of abode in the UK); British Overseas Territories Citizen, for those with certain specific ties with one or more of the overseas territories; and British Overseas Citizen, for those citizens of the UK and Colonies who have not acquired either of the above citizenship. The other three categories are: British Nationals (Overseas), for former British Dependent citizens in Hong Kong who changed their status after the handover of Hong Kong to China in 1997; British Subjects; and British Protected Persons. Since January 1, 1983, no endorsement about immigration status has been necessary on passports issued to British Citizens as they will automatically be exempt from UK immigration control and have the right to take up employment or to establish themselves in business in another member state of the EU.
Visitors should check with the relevant Embassy or High Commission if they have any queries regarding which level of citizenship is necessary to qualify for entry to any country destination without possession of a visa.
All applications and enquiries should be made to the following: Passport Office, London Globe House, 89 Eccleston Square, London, SW17 1PN, who also handle visa requirements relating to British Overseas Territories (tel: (08705) 210 410); or the Home Office Nationality Directorate, Third Floor, India Buildings, Water Street, Liverpool L2 0QN (tel: (0151) 237 5200); or its regional offices in Belfast, Glasgow, Newport and Peterborough.
The Schengen Agreement: Since March 1995, a 'borderless' region known as the Schengen area has been declared covering the following states: Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Italy, Luxembourg, The Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain and Sweden.
Schengen countries now issue standard Schengen visas, and nationals holding visas issued by one of the Schengen countries are, in principle, permitted to travel freely within the borders of all 15. However, since Schengen states are still free to decide their own visa requirements, entry regulations may vary and nationals not requiring a visa for one Schengen country may require one for other Schengen countries. This has various practical implications; for example, travellers may be refused entry to a Schengen country for which they do not require a visa if holding onward tickets to a country for which they do require a visa. Travellers should check with the authorities of the country they intend to visit as to whether they require a visa. If visiting more than one Schengen country, the traveller should apply for the Schengen visa to the Embassy/Consulate of the first or main country to be visited.
There are three types of Schengen visa: Airport Transit, Transit and Short-stay visas. For stays of over three months, a long-stay visa will be required, and will be valid only in the country of issue.
Money
The entries for each country provide information on currency denominations, currency restrictions, recent exchange rates for Sterling, the US Dollar and the Euro; and banking hours.
Currency: The denominations of notes and coins given are correct at the time of writing, but new ones may be introduced or old ones withdrawn, particularly in countries with high rates of inflation. In some countries, certain foreign currencies may be accepted instead of, or in addition to, the local currency.
In most cases, UK Sterling and US Dollar bank notes and travellers cheques can be exchanged at banks and bureaux de change. Generally a Currency exchange section is included, giving additional information and local regulations. In certain countries of the world, some foreign currencies are more readily exchanged than others, and details are included where this is likely to affect a visitor carrying Sterling notes or travellers cheques. Banks may recommend US Dollars in preference to Pounds Sterling, depending on the exchange rates, and will also be able to offer up-to-date information as to the acceptability of Sterling in a particular country.
It is worth remembering that certain currencies can be reconverted into Sterling only at very disadvantageous rates; others cannot be reconverted at all. In some cases, banknotes of a very low value will not be negotiable in the UK, whilst denominations which are considered too high may attract a less favourable rate of exchange. However, US travellers can expect to get a better rate for US$100 notes than for US$5, but please note that many banks will refuse to exchange US$1 notes. Coins should not be brought back, as UK banks will not be able to exchange them, or may do so only at a very disadvantageous rate. Some countries prohibit reconversion except at airports or borders, and then only up to a certain limit. It is often advisable to only change the amount needed to cover immediate expenses.
Currency restrictions permitting, it may be advisable to change enough money in the UK to cover practicalities such as taxi fares from the airport, in the event of the airport bank not being open (these banks do not always keep normal banking hours; details are sometimes given in the Travel - International section). Visitors should also note that each country has specific Public Holidays (see Public Holidays section).
Credit & debit cards: Information has been given on the acceptability of credit and debit cards, although space clearly does not permit a list of organisations which will accept any particular card.
Travellers cheques: These are widely accepted as shown. In some places there are preferences, usually for US Dollar travellers cheques.
Exchange rate indicators: A selection of exchange rates, spanning the past year or more, has been included in each country entry. These figures are usually middle rates, ie the average of buying and selling prices. Some countries operate a two- or three-tiered exchange rate, in which case the rates quoted are the most advantageous, and are the ones which would apply to a foreign visitor. In other countries, there is an official rate of exchange, but visitors may often find the unofficial rates to be more to their advantage. It must be stressed that these figures are only a guide based on rates supplied by the Financial Times, or in some cases, from a country's embassy.
Subject to availability, permitted currencies can usually be bought in UK banks before departure. In many cases it is best to obtain travellers cheques as well.
Currency restrictions: Most countries permit the unlimited import of foreign currency, although it is often subject to declaration on arrival. In such cases, the export of foreign currency will usually be limited to the amount imported and declared. Some countries insist on the exchange of a certain quantity of foreign currency for each day of the visit and this may need to be done in advance. In some cases, receipts must be kept in order to reconvert surplus local currency on departure; in others, special forms or permits may be required.
The import and export of local currency is sometimes prohibited, or limited to certain amounts or denominations of coins or banknotes.
Travellers should note that black market transactions are not necessarily favourable, in some cases illegal, and cannot be accounted for (which may cause problems when leaving a country). Changing money on the black market often results in severe punishment (including, in some places, a possible death sentence).
European Monetary Union (EMU) and the Euro: On 1 January 1999, the Euro became the official currency of 11 of the 15 member states of the European Union. In all the countries belonging to the Eurozone, it is now possible to use one single currency. The new Euro coins and notes appeared on 1 January 2002. The currencies of the countries within the Eurozone were in circulation until 1 July 2002, when Euro completely replaced them. The value of the national currencies in the participating states has been fixed against the Euro (see rates below). At the time of writing, three EU member-states - Denmark, Sweden and the United Kingdom have not joined the single currency.
Listed below are the Euro conversion rates: (a) against the currencies of the 12 participating countries (fixed); (b) against the Pound Sterling and US Dollar (variable):
- Fixed Euro rates: Fixed Euro rates: 1 Euro = BFr40.34 (Belgium); DM1.96 (Germany); Pta166.39 (Spain); FFr6.56 (France); IR£0.79 (Ireland); L1936.27 (Italy); Luxfr40.34 (Luxembourg); G2.20371 (The Netherlands); ASch13.7603 (Austria); Esc200.48 (Portugal); Fmk5.94 (Finland); DR340.750 (Greece);
- Variable Euro rates: Euro = £0.63 (UK); US$1.00 (USA) (correct at the time of writing).
Duty free
All duty-free allowances, including differentials for EU and non-EU travellers, are given where applicable, as well as information on prohibited items and any other relevant details.
The import or export of animals, plants, meat or meat products, commercial samples and certain other goods may involve complicated regulations or restrictions; details given in the text are not necessarily exhaustive and should only be used as a general guide. Further information may be obtained from the appropriate High Commission, Embassy or Tourist Board, HM Customs and Excise or the British Overseas Trade Board.
Following the introduction of the Single European Market in 1993, there are now no legal limits imposed on importing duty-paid tobacco and alcoholic products from one EU country to another (except to Denmark, Finland and Sweden, where limits will be imposed until 2004). However, travellers may be questioned at customs if they exceed the amounts recommended and may be asked to prove that the goods are for personal consumption only.
Note: On 30 June 1999, duty-free shopping at airports and ferry terminals within the EU was abolished.
Public Holidays
This section lists all public, statutory holidays which will affect the traveller. The holidays given are usually those when government offices, businesses and banks will close. Note that the dates for Islamic holidays are approximate, since they must accord with local sightings of the moon. The dates given are correct within one or two days. Similar variations of dating occur for Hindu, Buddhist and Chinese holidays.
In some cases, official dates for public holidays had not been fixed at the time of writing. Check with the respective Tourist Office, Embassy or High Commission for further details.
Health
Vaccination requirements and/or recommendations are presented in a quick-glance chart. Wherever an immunisation is considered 'advisable', it is strongly advised that precautions are taken, even though they may not be strictly necessary. Occasionally this advice may conflict with advice given by the relevant Tourist Board or Embassy, but it is felt that the recommendations of the Department of Health and the World Health Organization are worth heeding, on the principle of safeguarding against even a minimal risk. It is important to note that general standards of hygiene and sanitation may be higher in tourist areas and cities than in rural areas. Where immunisation is required, vaccination should be taken well in advance so that adequate intervals between doses can be maintained: rapid courses do not guarantee the same level of immunisation. Children and pregnant women may require special vaccination procedures. (See the immunisation chart in the Health appendix.)
The information contained in the Health appendix and in the country sections has been compiled from several sources including the Department of Health, the World Health Organization, the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine and the British Medical Journal (official publication of the British Medical Association).
We would particularly like to thank Dr G R Williams, MRCP, DTMH, Consultant Physician in Infectious Diseases at the Ayrshire General Hospital, for his help in updating the Health appendix and, in particular, the chart of vaccination and prophylaxis requirements and programmes.
Travel
This information is divided into sections for International and Internal travel for the country.
International
AIR: The name and code of the major airline serving the country is given (usually the national airline). In almost all cases the approximate flight times from London and other major cities to the main airport are also given; it must be stressed that these figures are approximate, and depend on a number of factors including the airline taken, the number and duration of stopovers and the route. Information is also supplied on the major international airports, including the distance from the city centre. Also included is a departure tax, where applicable.
SEA: Where applicable, ferry and cruise ports will be mentioned and details, where available, will be given of international ferry services.
RIVER: In cases where a river, such as the Danube or the Nile, runs through more than one country, services available from one country to the other will be specified.
RAIL: Where applicable, the main international rail routes are described.
ROAD: The main border crossings and routes between countries are described.
Internal
AIR: Where appropriate, further information is given on internal air services and domestic airports. Departure tax is given where applicable.
SEA/RIVER/LAKE: Where applicable, ferry ports will be mentioned and details, where available, will be given of internal ferry services.
RAIL: The main internal rail routes are described. The section also covers some special fares and reductions available.
ROAD: The main road routes are described, as are the quality and extent of the major coach, bus, taxi and car-hire services. Driving regulations and documentation required are also referred to. Please note that as the validity of a visitor's national driving licence varies from country to country, contact should be made with the motoring club or driver-licensing authority in the country of residence to determine whether or not an International Driving Permit is required. The International Driving Permit cannot be issued outside the country responsible for issuing the holder's national driving licence.
URBAN: Where appropriate, many countries also have a section giving details of travel facilities in and around the main cities.
For some countries, a journey times chart has also been included, giving the approximate journey times between the capital and major towns/cities/islands in the country.
Accommodation
Details are given on the range of available hotel accommodation including government classifications, regulations, etc, according to the latest information available at the time of writing. Details of the national hotel association are provided where possible, together with specific information on the national Grading system. The national grading system should not be confused with local award schemes such as the AA or Michelin star systems. Information is also included on other accommodation, including SELF-CATERING, GUEST-HOUSES, CAMPING/CARAVANNING and YOUTH HOSTELS.
Business Profile
Information is presented under the following headings:
ECONOMY: There is a brief description of the economy of each country. The section also identifies the country's principal exports and imports and its major trading partners.
BUSINESS: This section includes the best times to visit, the necessity or otherwise for visiting cards, prior appointments, translation/interpreter services and punctuality, the required style of dress for business meetings, as well as business/office hours.
COMMERCIAL INFORMATION: The national chamber of commerce in each country is in a position to be able to offer detailed commercial advice and information to any prospective business traveller. For this reason the address, telephone and fax numbers, e-mail address and website (where applicable) of the chamber of commerce and/or other relevant organisation(s) have been included in this section.
CONFERENCES/CONVENTIONS: A brief description of the conference/convention facilities within the country is included, along with the name, address, telephone and fax numbers, e-mail address and website (where applicable) of the national conference organisation.
Climate
This section includes a brief description of the country's climate, including recommendations on clothing. The information is supplemented by at least one climate graph per country, giving average maximum and minimum monthly temperatures, precipitation, humidity and sunshine hours.