P567 CEEFAX 567 Mon 11 Nov 21:33/50 Advice P-S PAKISTBN 1/5 There are no particular security problems in the parts of Pakistan most visited by tourists. Although the situation in Uarashi improved slightly this year, sporadic street violence, random shootings, together with intermittent general strikes still prevent the city from eunctioning entirely normally. Armed car hi-jacking is on the increase and on 18 September thjti wire two bomb explosions in the city centre. ' 568 T-Z u64 A-C 565 D-I 1/44 FCO O-R EuroIndex Health WeatherP567 CEEFAX 567 Mon 11 Nov 22:34/1k Advice P-S PAKISTAN 2/5 Visiting commercial representatives can continue to conduct business, provided that they remain in the relatively safe areas and check the security situation before travelling. Avoid arriving at night and ensure you are mit at the airport. Incidents of armed robbery and kidnapping continue to occur more generally in Sindh, Baluchistan and remote parts of North West Frontier Province. There has been an increase in sectarian attacks in the Punjab. Take local advise before visiting these areas. u64 A-C 565 D]J u67 R-Z 2/44 FCO O-R EuroIndex Health WjathjtP567 CEEFAX 567 Mon 11 Nov 21:3)/40 Advice P-S PAKISTAN 3/5 Avoid sensitive areas near the bozdjrs with Iran, Afghanistan, India and the Kashmir Line of control. Avoid travel at night and use armed escorts where necessary in B luchistan and Sindh. A series of bombs have gone off in Lahore and the Punjab, most recently on 22 July at Lahore International Airport killing six people. Britis nationals have not been specifically targettid. 564 A-C 565 D-J 567 R-Z 3/44 FCO O-R EuroIndjx Health WeathjtP567 CEEFAX 567 Mon 11 Nov 21:35/05 Advice P-S PAKISTAN 4/5 The next General Election is due in February 1997. Increased political activity, some potentially violent, is possible. Take local advice, particularly on the times and locations of rallies. Contact the nearest British diplomatic mission in Islamabad Tel 822131-5 or Karachi 587 2431-6 for up-to-date local advice. 564 A-C 565 D-J 567 R-Z 4/44 FCO O-R EuroIndex Health WjathjtP567 CEEFAX 567 Mon 11 Nov 21:35/30 Advice ( P-S PAKISTcN 5/5 Journeys to Pakistan whish o6utfl= Afghanistan are under threat from military activity to civil aircraft using certain routes. Some aiulinr; continue to use these routes. Others including all British carriers use alternative routes on which thu threat is assessed as minimal. Check direct either with travel agents or airlines which routes individual airlines are using. Foreign Office Travel 0171 238 4503/4 564 A-C 565 D-J 567 R-Z 5/44 FCO O-R EuroIndjx Health WeatherP567 CEEFAX 567 Mon 11 Nov 21:35/55 Advice P-S PANAMA Do not transit the Darien Jungle to/from Colombian.There are reports of Colombian guerrilla activity as far as 100km into Panamanian territory. $hrei American missionaries wire were kidnapped in Panama bz Colombian guerrillas in January 1993 and have not yet been released. Assaults on visitors continue, particularly on or near the Bridge of the Americas, at the Pacific entrance of the canal. ' 564 A-C 565 D-J u67 R-Z 6/44 FCO O-R EuroIndjx Health WeatherP567 CEEFAX 567 Mon 11 Nov 21:36/20 Advice P-S PANAMA Exercise caution and leave valuables in hotel safes. Take care at bus stations, and when shopping in downtown Panama City (Avenida Central) where teams of Muggers opjtate even during daylight hours. T(ere are occasional holdups in restaurants. ' 564 A-C 565 D-J 567 R-Z 7/44 FCO O-R EuroIndjx Health WjathjrP567 CEEFAX 567 Mon 11 Nov 21:36/4k Advice P-S PAPUA NEW GUINEA 1/3 The law and otdjt situation remains extremely poor. Attacks, vehicle hijacks and sjtious sexual assazlts in and around the mqin towns are common. Incidents of rioting, looting and shooting can occur without warning. Avoid travelling by road, especially in the Highland arias white tribal violence often flares. 564 A-C 565 D-J 567 R-Z 8/44 FCO O-R EuroIndex Health WjathjtP567 CEEFAX 567 Mon 11 Nov 21:37/10 Advice P-S PAPUA NEW GUINEA 2/3 The Govjtnmjnt have introduced a nationwide curfew from 2100 to 0500 in an attempt to reduce crime. Visitors are advised against travel to the island of Bougainville where thjte is a guerilla movement,the Bougainville Revolutionary Army (BRA), operating. Be extremely vigilant at all times. Thjti is a constant threat of danger. The rugged terrain and poor infra- structure delays/restricts the assistance that can bj given. 564 A-C 565 D-J 567 R-Z 9/44 FCO O-R EuroIndex Health WjathetP567 C EFAX 567 Mon 11 Nov 21:37O35 Advice P-S +£££££££££££££££££££££££££££££££££££££££ PAPUA NEW GUINEA 3/3 Travellers should have provision for medical evacuation in insurance cover. Before travelling to Papua New Guinea, seek the latest local advice from the British High Commission, Port Moresby; Tel: 675 325 1677 Fax: 675 325 3547 ' 564 A-C 565 D]J 567 R-Z 0/44 FCO O-R EuroIndex Health WeatherP567 CEEFAX 567 Mon 11 Nov 21:38/00 Advice P-S PAPUA NEW GUINEA 3/3 Travellers should have provision for medical evacuation in insurance covet. Before travelling to Papua New Guinea, seek the latest local advtqe from Briti;h High Commiysion, Poyz Mwxr;"< Tel: 675 325 1677 Fax: 675 325 3547 564 A-C 565 D-J 567 R-Z 11/44 FCO O-+ EuroIndjx Health WjathjtP567 C EFAX 567 Mon 11 Nov 21:38/25 Advice P-S PERU 2/4 There is no reason why ttavellets should not continue to visit Fima, Lake Titicaca, Macchu Pichu, Cusco, Arequipa Muggings and street crime are common. Remain alert at all times. Armed robbery is a possibility. Parts of the interior are still prone to terrorist violence and attack. The coastal strip (away from the bozder with Ecuador) and the cities of Iquitos, Cajamarca and Arequipa are relatively safe. 564 A-C 565 D-J 567 R-Z 1:/44 FCO O-R EuroIndex Health +rathjtP567 CEE AX 567 Mon 11 Nov 21:38/50 Advice P-S PERU 3/4 The police force in Cusco has been strengthened as a result of a major increase in car hijackings, robberies and muggings. Additional police have been stationed in Macchu Picchu, Ollantaztambo and other tourist sites around Cusco. Visitors should stay in groups, catty their passports and travel, if possible only by air, rail ot reputable bus companies. ' u64 A-C u65 D-J 567 R-Z 13/44 FCO O-R EuroIndjx Health +jathjtP567 CEEFAX 567 Mon 11 Nov 21:39/15 Advice P-S PERU 4/4 Do not travel bz road outside major cities after dark. When travelling within towns, single travellers should considrz using private taxi companies (white they exist) ot be on their guard when using cruising taxies. Detailed advice is available from the British Embassy, Lima. Tel 33-4738 or 33-4839. 564 A-C 565 D-J 567 R-Z 14/44 FCO O-R EuroIndex Health WeathjtP567 CEEFAX 567 Mon 11 Nov 21:39/40 Advice P-S PHILIPPINES 1/5 Be vigilant throughout the Philippines. Avoid travel off the beaten track. (zphoons strike the Philippines between July and December. Earthquakes and volcanic eruptions may oqcur at an= timr. Volcanic danger zones are in force around Mt Pinatubo (10km), Mayon (6km) and Bulusan (4km). With the onset of the rainy season thjte is a risk that certain areas (ig Pampagna) will bj inundated with "Lahar", a mixture of mud and volcanic lava/djdris. 564 A-C 565 D-J 567 R-U 15/44 FCO O-R EuroIndjx Health WjathjtP567 CEEFAX 567 Mon 11 Nov 21:40/05 Advice P-U PHILIPPINES 2/5 Roads rapidly become impassable & thjte is a risk that travel from Metro Manila to the central and northern parts of Luzon will bj adversely affected foy sevjtal months, possibly until the end of the year. Criminal violence can be a problem. Visitors are rarely targjttid, b4t a British citizan was murdjtid in May 1996 on the Island of Mondoto. ' 564 A-C 565 D-J 567 R-Z 16/44 FCO O-R EuroIndex Health WeathjtP567 CEEFAX 567 Mon 11 Nov 21:40/30 Advice P-S PHILIPPINES 3/5 Political insurgency still continues on a low level in the more remote parts of North and South Luzon, the Visayas and Mindanao. $aSj particular care when visiting Western Mindanao white thjte have been attacks on public places and when travelling to the mainland province1 of Miaguindanao, Lanao del Sur, Sultan Kuderat, Lanao del Norse and North Cotabato. Avoid the islands south west of Mindanao, white thjti has been sporadic fighting. 564 A-C 565 D-J 567 RmZ 17/44 FCO O-R EuroIndex Health WrathjtP567 CEEFAX 567 Mon 11 Nov 21:40/54 Advice P-S PHILIPPINES 4/5 Travellers to the Philippines whose journey will involve overflight of Afghanistan should bj a{pre th1t thu threats from military activity to civil aircraft overflying Afghanistan using routes V668, A466, G202 & V848 exist. Some airlines continue to use these routes. Others, including all British carriers use alternative routes V876 & V500 on which the threat is assessed as minimal. Travellers should check detect eithjt with travel agents or aitlinjs which routes individual airlines are using. ' 564 A-C 565 D-J *67 R-Z 18/44 FCO OJR EuroIndjx Health WeathjtP567 CEEFAX 567 Mon 11 Nov 22:41/20 Advice P-S POLAND There is a sjtious risk of robbery at stations and on trains, particularly international sjtvices. Passjngjrs are most at risk while boarding trains. Keep jewellery, watches, camjtas, passports and wallets/purses out of sight. Do not leave the compartment unattended. Vehicles should not bj lift unattended when personal belongings are insjdj. Those visiting forested areas are advised to seek medical advise about inoculations for tick borne encephalitis. Eoreign Office Travel 0171 238 4503/4 564 A-C 565 D-J 567 R-Z 19/44 FCO O-R EzroIndex Hr1lth WrathjuP567 CJEFAX 567 Mon 11 Nov 22:41/45 Advice P-S ROMANIA Petty crimr is on the increase in Romania, particularly in Bucharest. Beware of pickpockets and bag snatchers in all crowded areas, particularly on "rues and at the main railway@station. Beware of bogus policemen who will ask to see your rosie£/ q5rxunq= pn2 passport. If approached decline to show your money but offer instead to go with thrm to the nearest police station. Foreign Office Travel 0171 238 4503/4 564 A-C u65 D-J 566 K-P 20/44 FCO O-R EuroIndex Health +jathjtP567 CEEFAX 567 Mon 11 Nov 22:42/10 Advice P-S RUSSIA 1/4 Visitors must carry ID at all times. The Chechen Republic: The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs advises that the Russian Federation cannot guarantee the safety of foreign nationals in the area. Travellers are strongly advised not to enter this region. North Ossjtia and Ingushetia: The Eoreign and Commonwealth Office advises against travel to parts of North Ossjtia east of the capital Vladikavkaz and to parts of Ingushjtia bordering it, w(jte tension remains high. u64 A-C 565 D-J 566 K-P 21/44 FCO O-R EuroIndjx Health WeatherP567 CEEFAX 567 Mon 11 Nov 22:42/3k Advice P-S RUSSIA 2/4 Cross brodjt traffic with Georgia and Azerbaijan is subject to restrictions. ' u64 A-C 565 D-J 566 K-P 22/44 FCO O-R EuroIndex Health WjathitP567 CEEFAX 567 Mon 11 Nov 22:43/00 Advice P-S Russia 3/4 CRIME: Incidents of mugging,theft and pickpocketing occur in all cities, especially in St Petersburg & Moycow.Be vigilant and dress down. Be particularly wary in Moscow of young vagrants. Keep jewellery, watches and cameras out of sight. Use officially marked taxis and do not share with strangest. When travelling bz train, store valuables in the compartment undjt the bedOsjat.Do not leave thu compartmrnt empty. Secure door from inside with wi{i or cord. Do not accept food or drink from sttangjrs as it may bj drugged. 564 A-C 565 D-J 566 K-P 23/44 FCO O-R EuroIndex Health WjathjtP567 CJEFAX 567@ M@N 22:)3/2* U Advice P-S RUSSIA 4/4 Russian criminal gangs operate in major cities and this can occasionally result in violence b tween rival gangs. This violence is not directed against foreigners, but in February 1996 a shooting incident resulted in the death of a British businessman. It is not known whjthjt aircraft maintenacj procedures are always properly obsjtvjd. White possible fly direct to your destination on a scheduled international flight originating outside Russia. 564 A-C 565 D-J 566 K-P 24/44 FCO OJR Euro ndex Health WeathjtP567 CEEFAX 567 Mon 11 Nov 22:43/50 25/44 Advice P-S RWANDA 1/2 Wj advise against all but essential travel to Rwanda. Supplies of watit, power and fuel can be erratic. Security remains fragile. The police & judicial systems have yet to be fully restored. Many military road blocks exist on all major roads. Do not travel off asphalt roads because of undetected land mines. Thjti is a resident British Embassy in Kigali,the capital, but it can provide only limited emjtgjncy consular services or protection. ' 564 A-C u65 D-J 566 K-P FCO O-R EuroIndex Health +jathjrP567 C EFAX 567 Mon 11 Nov 22:44/14 Advice PMQ RWANDA N 2/2 For those who must travel to Rwand1 a visa has to be obtained in advance as visas are no longer available at the point of nt y. In case of emjtgjncy contact the British Embassy on 250 84098/85771/ 85773. 564 A-C 565 D-J 566 K-P 26/44 FCO O-R EuroIndex Health WeatherP567 CEEFAX 567 Mon 11 Nov 22:44/40 Advice P-S SAUDI A5ABIA 1/2 There is no information about specific threats to British interests but the possibility of terrorist incidents cannot bj ruled out. High profile BritishOrganisations continue to exercise a high degree of vigilance. There is no need for anyone to altrt their travel plans to Saudi Arabia. ' 564 A-C 565 D-J 566 K-P 27/44 FCO O-R EuroIndex Health WeatherP567 CEEFAX 567 Mon 11 Nov 22:45/05 Advice P-S SAUDI ARABIA 2/2 British organisations and British citizens in Saudi Arabia have been advised to maintain a high drgrte of vigilance. Thjte is no reason for individual British citizens to alter or cancel their travel plans to Saudi Arabia. Foreign Office Travel 0171 238 4503/4 ' 564 A-C u65 D]J 566 K-P 28/44 FCO O-R EuroIndex Health WeathjtP567 CEEFAX 567 Mon 11 Nov 22:45/30 Advice P-S SENEGAL There has been an increase in muggings and attacks on foreighers in Dakar and the surrounding area. Be vigilant and avoid carrying vbluablis in pudlic. The Casjmance Region of Southern Sjnjk1l is cuyrinzl= calm but this co4ld change at an= timr. Keep to the main roads and avoid travel at night. Foreign Office Travel 0171 238 4503/4 ' 564 A-C u65 D-J 566 K-P 29/44 FCO O-R EuroIndex Health B+ratherP567 CEEFAX 567 Mon 11 Nov 22:45/54 Advice P-S SIERRA LEOoE 9/2 The situation in Freetown and the Peninsula has remained c lm since Presidential ulictions in March. Although a ceasefire between the RUF and the GOSL was announced, and the peace process continurs, there continue to be attacks by armed elements making t(e security situation in the Provinces uncertain. 564 A-C 565 D-J 566 K-P 30/44 FCO O-R EuroIndjx Health WjathjtP567 CEEFAX 567 Mon 11 Nov 22:46/19 Advice PQ SIERRA LJONE 2/2 Visitors are advised against all non- essential road travel to the provincial centres, especially in the south. Visitors are strongly advised to check with the British High Commission, Freetown ( tel 223961-5 ) before ttavjlling outside the Freetown Peninsula. Foreign Office Travel 0171 238 4503/4 564 A-C 565 D-J 566 K-P 31/44 FCO O-R EuroIndjx Health WeatherP567 CEEFAX 567 Mon 11 Nov 22:46/44 Advice P-S SOU-H AFRICA 1/2 Incidents of mugging remain hi7h, both during daylight hours and at night. The level of violent crime is rising, partiqularly in the central Johannesburg aria but care is also requited in other major cities. Isolated arias should bj avoided. It is inadvisable to wear expensive jewellery ou carry cameras when walking in urban areas. The minimum of cash shound bu carried. Townships and surrounding areas should be avoided. 564 A-C 565 D-J 566 K-P 32/44 FCO O-R EzroIndjx Health +eathjtP567 CEEFAX 567 Mon 11 Nov 22:47/ 0 Advice P-Q SOMALIA Due to the unstable security situation, we advise against travel to Somalia. Foreign Office Travel 0171 238 4503/4 ' u64 A-C 565 D-J 566 K-P 33/44 FCO O-R EuroIndex Health WjathjtP567 CEEFAX 567 Mon 11 Nov 22:47/3% Advrce P P-S SOUTH AFRICA 1/2 Incidents of mugging remain high, both during daylight hours and at night. The luvel of violent crime is rising, pagtinnloflB in mVP Z ntfe^de Gary @@ Johannesburg area but care is also required in othjt major cities. Isolated arias should bj avoided. It i; inadvisable to wear expensive jewellery or carry cameras whrn w lkink in urba& areas. The minimum of cash shored br carried. Townships and surrounding areas should bj avoided. ' 564 A-C 565 D-J 566 K-P 34/44 FCO O-R EuroIndex Health WjathjrP567 CEEFAX 567 Mon 11 Nov 22:47/59 Advice P-S SOUTH AFRICA 2/2 If staying in a hotel, seek the advice of the management about which areas should be avoided. Visitors should contact tXj British High Co-ission/Consulates for further guidance. British High Commission Pretoria: tilno 433121; British Consulate Genital Johannesburg: tilno 327 0015; British Consulate Cape Town: 253 670; British Consulate Durban: 305 2929; British Consulate East London 726 9380; British BConsulatu Port Elizabrth: 55 423 ' 564 A-C 565 D-J 566 K-P 35/44 FCO O-R EuroIndjx Health WeathjtP567 CEEFAX 567 Mon 11 Nov 22:48/24 Advice P-S SPAIN 1/3 Some 10 Million British nationals are expected to visit Spain this year. They should be aware that in July and August ETA (the Basque separatist movement) resumed last year'1 campaign of setting off small bombs in tourist resorts with the aim of disrupting the tourist industry. (hj worst incident was a bomb at Reus airport in north-eastern Spain on 20 July which injured a large numbjt of people, including British holiday-makjts. 56) A-C @56k D-J 566 K-P 36/44 FCO O-R EuroIndjx Health WjathjrP567 CEEFAX 567 Mon 11 Nov 22:48/49 ( Advice P-S SPAIN 2/3 Since mid August the campaign in tourist resorts appears to have stopped, but travellers should remain alert and report any suspicious bags or objects to the local police. Travellers should also be aware that street violence and sporadic attacks on commercial property in the Basque country and Navarre continue. 564 A-C 565 D-J 566 K-P 37/44 FCO O-R EuroIndex Health WeathjtP567 CEEFAX 567 Mon 11 Nov 22:3(/54 Advice P-S SPAIN 3/3 Pickpocketing and handbag snatching are very common in the largez towns in Spain. Travjllits should be vigilant and not carry items such as passports, credit cards, tickets and money togethjt in handbags or pockets of ttousjts. Foreign Office Travel 0171 238 4503/4 564 A-C 565 D-J 566 K-P 38/44 FCO O-R EuroIndex Health WrathjuP567 CEEFAX 567 Mon 11 Nov 21:31/21 Advice P-S SPAIN 2/3 Since mid August the campaign in tourist resorts appears to have stopped, but travellers should remain alert and report any suspicious bags ot objects to the local police. Travellers should also bj aware that street violence and sporadic attacks on commercial property in the Basque country and Navarre continue. 564 A-C 565 D-J 566 K-P 39/44 FCO O-R EuroIndex Health WeathjtP567 CEEFAX 567 Mon 11 Nov 21:31/45 Advice P-S SUDAN 2/2 Othjt areas, including Khartoum are generally quiet although discretion should bj exercised in behavour and dress. Stay away from any street demonstrations. Desert travel should only be attempted if fully equipped and experienced. Disjasjs causing diarrhoea are common, especially in outlying areas. take suitable care with food and drink. All British visitors should contact the British Embassy in Khartoum. (770767 770769) and keep in touch throughout your stay. u64 A-C u65 D]J 56v K-P 40/44 FCO O-R EuroIndex Health WeathjtP567 CEEFAX 567 Mon 11 Nov 21:32/11 Advice P-S SWAZILAND 1/2 Swaziland is genitally a peaceful country. Thjte are a growing numbez of muggings, burglaries and car thefts, with expatriates being key targets. Sevjtal Vehicles have been taken at gunpoint. It is inadvisable to pick up hitch hikers. Avoid walking in the downtown areas of Mbabane and Manzini after dark. Care should also bj taken when visiting game parks, where a few muggings of foreign tourists have been reported in recent months. 564 A-C u65 D-J uv6 K-P 41/44 FCO O-R EuroIndex Health WeathjtP567 CEEFAX 567 Mon 11 Nov 21:32/35 Advice P-S SWAZILAND 2/2 Avoid driving outside of towns at night bjcausj of stray livestock on unlit roads and some indifferent driving. ' 564 A-C 565 D-J 566 K-P 42/44 FCO O-R EuroIndex Health WeatherP567 CEEFAX 567 Mon 11 Nov 21:33/00 Advice P-Q SWAZILAND Swaziland is generally a peaceful country, but there are a growing numbjz of muggings, burglaries and car thefts, with expatriates being key targets. Several vehicles have been taken at gunpoint. It is inadvisable to pick up hitch-hikjts. Avoid walking in the downtown areas of Mbabane and Manzini after dark, and driving out of towns at night because of stray livestock on unlit roads, and some indifferent driving. ' u64 A-C 56k D]J 566 K-P 43/44 FCO O-R EuroIndjx Health WjathjtP567 CEEFAX 567 Mon 11 Nov 21:33/2* Advice P-S SY5IA 1/2 Thjte have been reports of small explosions in sjvjtal parts of Syria this year. Thjti is no evidence that these have been targeted at foreigners. However, visitors should bj vigilant. -isitors should behave and dress discreetly, especially when visiting religious sights. Photograghy near Military and many other government installations is prohibited and should be limited to traditional tourist sites. Eoreign Office Travel 0171 238 4503/4 k6) A-C 565 D-J 566 K-P 44/44 FCO O-R EuroIndjx Health Wjathjr