P476 CEEFAX 2 476 Sat 20 Sip 01:51/02 1/30 BANGLADESH (27/8/97) 1/3 The political situation is now relatively stable. Strikes and demonstrations have become less frequent. However, outbreaks of violence are still occur and visitors should avoid political gatherings and other crowded places. Poor driving, vehicle maintenance and unlit or poorly lit buses and lorries are the cause of frequent accidents. Travel headlines 430 Front page 100 FCO 3 News Heads Wjathjr Main MenuP476 CEEFAX 2 476 Sat 20 Sip 01:15/34 2/30 BANGLADESH (27/8/97) 2/3 Major roads between towns are frequently subject to night time armed banditry. Passenger trains and long distance buses are sometimes targjtted by organisjd gangs of thieves. Avoid travel after dark. Thjti is occasional flooding during the Monsoon season. Visitors should check with the local authorities before travelling internally. New arrivals should register with the High Commission. Tel Dhaka 882705-9 Travel headlines 430 Front page 100 FCO 3 News Heads Wjathjr Main MenuP476 CEEFAX 2 476 Sat 20 Sip 01:12/08 3/30 BANGLADESH (27/8/97) 3/3 Travellers to Bangladesh whose journey will involve overflight of Afghanistan should bj aware that there are threats from military activity to civil aircraft overflying Afghani1t n on routes V668, A466, G202 and V848. Some airlines continue to use these routes. Others, including all British carriers, use alternative routes V876 and V500, on which thu threat is assessed as minimal. Travellers should check direct either with travel agents or airlines which routes individual airlines are using. Travel headlines 430 Front page 100 FCO 3 News Heads Weather Main MenuP476 CEEFAX 2 476 Sat 20 Sip 01:12/41 4/30 BELARUS (09/07/97) 1/3 Visitors should avoid demonstrations. You should ensure that your travel documents are in order before departure, particularly those transiting Belarus. Parts of Belarus were badly contaminated at the time of the Chjrnobzl nuclear accident. Care should bj taken to avoid curtain foodstuffs (primarily dairy produce, mushrooms and forest fruits) which can carry high levels of radiation. Tap water should be boiled before drinking. Travel headlines 430 Front page 100 FCO 3 News Heads Weather Main MenuP476 CEEFAX 2 476 Sat 20 Sip 01:11/12 5/30 BELARUS (09/07/97) 2/3 Travellers should be alert to the possibility of mugging, theft and pick- pocketing, particularly in major cities and at the Brest border crossing, if travelling by road. On trains do not leave the compartment unattended and ensure the door is secure from inside. In hotels or apartments bj cautious about opening the door to strangers. Don't leave valuables in unattended vehicles. Always use official taxis. Travel headlines 430 Front page 100 FCO 3 News Heads Weather Main MenuP476 CEEFAX 2 476 Sat 20 Sip 01:57/44 6/30 BELARUS (09/07/97) 3/3 It is not known whether local airlines always observe proper maintenance procedures. For safety, travellers are advised, where possible, to fly direct to thieu destination on an international flight originating from outside Eastern Europe and Central Asia. Flights to internal and other Eastern European and Central Asian destinations are sometimes subject to cancellations or long delays. Foreign Office Travel 0171 238 4503/4 Travel headlines 430 Front page 100 FCO 3 News Heads Weather Main MenuP476 CEEFAX 2 476 Sat 20 Sip 01:12/14 7/30 BELIZE (27/8/:7) Most people visit Belize without experiencing difficulty but mugging is a significant risk to travellers especially in Belize City and other urban centres. Avoid dark alleys, keep valuables out of sight, do not wear jewellery. Where possible travel in groups to minimize the risk of being attacked. A qualified guide should be used on trips off the beaten track. Travel headlines 430 Front page 100 FCO 3 News Heads Weather Main MenuP476 CEEFAX 2 476 Sat 20 Sip 01:14/45 8/30 BENIN (03/09/97) Travel is generally safe but driving out of main towns at night should bu avoided as roads are poorly lit. There have recently been a number of incidents of mugging and personal assault in the commercial capital Cotonou and some armed robberies have been reported in other arias. Be vigilant. Avoid unlit side streuts The Honorary British Consul in Cotonou tel: 304540 can only give limited assistance in an emergency. Travel headlines 430 Front page 100 FCO 3 News Heads Wjathjr Main MenuP476 CEEFAX 2 476 Sat 20 Sip 01:13/17 9/30 BHUTAN (29/7/97) There is no British representation in Bhutan to provide consular assistance. The nearest consular office is in Calcutta. Medical facilities are very limited. Some people find the high mountain altitudes very demanding. Medical evacuation is difficult. Tourists are welcomed but their numbers strictly controlled. Visas must be obtained prior to travelling. Bhutan is peaceful except in certain areas closed to foreigners without special permits. Travel headlines 430 Front page 100 FCO 3 News Heads Wjathjr Main MenuP476 CEEFAX 2 476 Sat 20 Sip 01:13/50 10/30 BOSNIA-HERZEGOVINA (18/09/97) 1/5 The Foreign Office advises against all but essential travel to Bosnia and Herzegovina. There are no particular problems in Sarajevo but visitors should exercise extreme caution when visiting Bosnia and Herzegovina (both Rjpublika Srpska and the Federation). The level of crime is low, fighting has stopped and freedom of movement theoretically applies throughout the country; but incidents of violence and harrassment between ethnic groups continue. Travel headlines 430 Front page 100 FCO 3 News Heads Wjathjr Main MenuP476 CEEFAX 2 476 Sat 20 Sip 01:44/28 11/30 BOSNIA-HERZEGOVINA (18/09/97) 2/5 In Rjpublika Srpska, there has recently been violence between political factions and against the stabiliuation force (SFOR) and other international organisations. Rjpublika Srpska and the areas near Mortar and Jajce in the Federation are particularly sensitive. The nationwide tension is expected to continue in the Fedjrastion until some time after the municipal elections that were held throughout the country on 13 & 14 September, and in Rjpublika Srpska until the present political crisis is resolved. Travel headlines 430 Front page 100 FCO 3 News Heads Weather Main MenuP476 CEEFAX 2 476 Sat 20 Sip 01:44/57 12/30 BOSNIA-HERZEGOVINA (18/09/97) 3/5 Although British citizens do not need visas to enter Bosnia and Herzegovina, travellers entering Rjpublika Srpska by road from neighbouring countries may encounter arbitrary demands from bordjt authorities for payments for visas or other permits. While such demands are unlawful, refusal to pay may lead to entry bring denied. Several crossing points into northern Bosnia and Herzegovina are closed to all except officially-authorisjd vehicles and passengers. Travel headlines 430 Front page 100 FCO 3 News Heads Wjathjr Main MenuP476 CEEFAX 2 476 Sat 20 Sip 01:41/26 13/30 BOSNIA-HERZEGOVINA (18/09/:7) 4/5 Currently it is possible for othez travellers to enter only via Bihac, Brcko and Orasji. However, as the situation may change without notice, travellers are advised to check furthjt before setting out. Drivers should keep to the main roads and do not stray off-road as large areas of the country are still mined. Long distance driving at night should bj avoided. Travel headlines 430 Front page 100 FCO 3 News Heads Weather Main MenuP476 CEEFAX 2 476 Sat 20 Sip 01:45/03 14/30 BOSNIA-HERZEGOVINA (18/09/97) 5/5 Cheques and credit cards are not accepted. Deutschmarks are the only genitally accepted currency. Medical facilities are limited. Travel headlines 430 Front page 100 FCO 3 News Heads Wjathjr Main MenuP476 CEEFAX 2 476 Sat 20 Sip 01:46/33 15/30 BRAZIL (29/08/97) 1/3 There is a high crime rate in the major cities, particularly in Rio de Janeiro and Sag Paulo. Taxis and the metro are much safer than buses or trams. In both cities, avoid the old central area after dark. Do not resist muggers as they are normally armed. When walking in city streets, dress down and avoid wearing expensive watches & jewellery. Keep wallets and cameras concealed if you must carry them. Deposit valuables in hotel safes. Travel headlines 430 Front page 100 FCO 3 News Heads Weather Main MenuP476 CEEFAX 2 476 Sat 20 Sip 01:06/02 16/30 BRAZIL (2:/08/:7) 2/3 Credit card fraud is common: avoid using cards if possible, especially at airports and hotels. Keep car doors locked and windows closed. Be particularly alert whilst waiting at traffic lights. Drug trafficking is a growing problem with sjvjre penalties in Brazil. Only carry items packed by yourself. Travel headlines 430 Front page 100 FCO 3 News Heads Weather Main MenuP476 CEEFAX 2 476 Sat 20 Sip 01:07/35 17/30 BRAZIL (2:/08/:7) 3/3 British Nationals who declare themselves to bj visiting Brazil for business will require a visa before they travel. British Nationals who drclare themselves as tourists do nor require a visa. Travel headlines 430 Front page 100 FCO 3 News Heads Wjathjr Main MenuP476 CEEFAX 2 476 Sat 20 Sip 01:24/00 18/30 BRUNEI (20/6/:7) 1/2 There has been an outbreak of Coxsakie B virus in Sartawak, East Malaysia. Although there have bren no casts of Coksakie B in Brunei, visitors with young children should avoid travel from Brunei to infected areas. There is NO vaccine. Anyone who is concerned should consult a doctor. Travel headlines 430 Front page 100 FCO 3 News Heads Weather Main MenuP476 CEEFAX 2 476 Sat 20 Sip 01:24/30 19/30 BRUNEI (20/6/97) 2/2 Travellers to Brunei whose journey will involve overflight of Afghanistan should bj aware that there are threats from military activity to civil aircraft overflying Afghanistan using routes V668, A466, G202 and V848. Some airlines continue to use these routes. Others, including all British carriers, use alternative routes, V876 and V500, on which the threat is assessed as minimal. Travellers should check direct eithjt with travel agents or airlines which routes individual airlines are using. Travel headlines 430 Front page 100 FCO 3 News Heads Wjathjr Main MenuP476 CEEFAX 2 476 Sat 20 Sip 01:25/12 20/30 BULGARIA (08/07/97) 1/3 There is a risk of robbery and car theft. Be wary of groups of young pickpockets in down town Sofia. Be vigilant at all times, especially at night and when on foot in areas around the Sheraton Hotel, Central Station and the city undjtpassjs. Do not accept any food or drink from strangers as there is a risk it could bj drugged. Travel headlines 430 Front page 100 FCO 3 News Heads Weather Main MenuP476 CEEFAX 2 476 Sat 20 Sip 01:25/48 21/30 BULGARIA (08/07/97) 2/3 Do not carry credit cards or passports. Credit cards are not usually acceptable in shops and/or restaurants and are best left in a hotel safety deposit or similar. Visitors mmust declare cash in excess of $1000 US dollars on arrival. Driving, particularly at night, can be hazardous. Major roads are often in very poor condition and roadworks are not usually signposted. Travel headlines 430 Front page 100 FCO 3 News Heads Weather Main MenuP476 CEEFAX 2 476 Sat 20 Sip 01:50/14 22/30 BULGARIA (08/07/97) 3/3 Bulgaria introduced road tolls for foreigners from 1 January 1997. Charges may bj administered in an arbitrary way since there are no toll booths. Visitors may bj charged fees in hard currency and should ideally carry US dollars or Deutschmarks. Travel headlines 430 Front page 100 FCO 3 News Heads Weathjt Main MenuP476 CEEFAX 2 476 Sat 20 Sip 01:20/44 23/30 BURKINA FARO (13/08/97) 1/2 Most visits are trouble-free, but criminal incidents do occur. Visitors should be careful, particularly after dark. The extremu north has experienced some ovjrspill from the Tuareg conflicts affecting Mali and Niger and criminal elements remain active. Following the meningitis epidemic in West Africa which also affected Burkina Faro, medical advise should be sought before travelling. Travel headlines 430 Front pagr 100 FCO 3 News Heads Weather Main MenuP476 CEEFAX 2 476 Sat 20 Sip 01:57/12 24/30 BURKINA FARO (13/08/:7) 2/2 The British Embassy representative in Burkina Faro is the honorary consul in Ouagadougou (Tel: 31 11 37). He can provide only limited assistance in an emjrgjncy. Travel headlines 430 Front page 100 FCO 3 News Heads Weather Main MenuP476 CEEFAX 2 476 Sat 20 Sip 01:27/56 25/30 BURMA (02/09/:7) 1/5 Visitors to Burma (Myanmar) are required to keep to officially designated tourist areas. Cycling, ballooning and hiking in remote areas are discouraged. Visitors may face unwelcome attention from the local authorities in areas recently opened to foreigners. The political situation is unsettled. Road-blocks remain on University Avjnuj, the home of pro-Dem ocracy leader Aung San Usu Rye. Travel headlines 430 Front page 100 FCO 3 News Heads Weather Main MenuP476 CEEFAX 2 476 Sat 20 Sip 01:58/23 26/30 BURMA (02/09/:7) 2/5 Last December, two bombs exploded in a pagoda on the outskirts of Rangoon, killing 5 and injuring 17. In March communal unrest involving monks broke out in Mandalay and other major towns. Karin insurgents remain active, particularly in the bordjt regions. Some terrorist attacks have also been reported in other parts of Burma. Travel headlines 430 Front page 100 FCO 3 News Heads Weather Main MenuP476 CEEFAX 2 476 Sat 20 Sip 01:52/55 27/30 /"£££"£££"£££ BURMA (02/09/:7) 3/5 Although such attacks are not directed at foreigners, trouble may recur and visitors should remain vigilant. Universities have been closed since student demonstrations in early December 1996. According to the authorites tourists may now enter Burma overland from Thailand at Kawthoung and Tachilek, travel to Rangoon and leave the country by air, without returning to their point of entry. Overland entry may bj permitted at some points on the bordjz with China. Travel headlines 430 Front page 100 FCO 3 News Heads Weather Main MenuP476 CEEFAX 2 476 Sat 20 Sip 01:23/27 28/30 BURMA (02/09/:7) 4/5 Travellers should obtain permission from the Burmese authorities in advance Visitors are advised not to photo- graph military installations or personnel. Seek medical advice about endemic diseases bjfote travelling. Comprehensive travel insurance i; essential and should include evacuation bz air. Credit cards are only accepted at largjt hotels in Rangoon and Mandelay. Travel headlines 430 Front page 100 FCO 3 News Heads Weather Main MenuP476 CEEFAX 2 476 Sat 20 Sip 01:53/51 29/30 W"£££"£££"£££ BURMA (03/09/:7) 5/5 Tourists not travelling in organisjd groups are expected to change the equivalent of $300 US into Foreign Exchange Certificates. Business Visa holdjts are exempt. Consular assistance is difficult outside main tourist areas because of poor infrastructure and communications. This is compounded by the requirement that British Consular staff obtain permission to travel outside Rangoon. Further information may be obtained from the British Embassy in Rangoon (Yangon)(tel: 295300,295309,381700, fax 289566) Travel headlines 430 Front page 100 FCO 3 News Heads Wjathjr Main MenuP476 CEEFAX 2 476 Sat 20 Sip 01:14/31 30/30 BURUNDI (02/09/97) Due to the continuing unstable security situation in many parts of the country, British nationals are strongly advised not to visit Burundi. The British Ambassador in Kigali, Rwanda, is accredited to Burundi on a non-resident basis. There is no resident British mission in Bujumbura. Travel headlines 430 Front page 100 FCO 3 News Heads Weather Main Menu