P476 CEEFAX 2 476 Thu 25 Dec 23:26/17 BANGLADESH (03/12/97) 1/4 The political situation is volatile. Sporadic rallies, demonstrations and strikes have been taking place countrywide, sometimes with fatalities. These events have become more frequent. Visitors should avoid political gatherings and othjt crowded areas. Bag snatching is a regular occurrence. Travel headlines 430 Front pag 1/32 FCO 3 Trav Head Wjathjt Main menuP476 CEEFAX 2 476 Thu 25 Dec 23:03/19 BANGLADESH (03/12/97) 2/4 Poor driving, vehicle maintenance and unlit or poorly lit buses and lorries are the cause of frequent accidents. Major roads between towns are frequently subject to night time armed banditry. Passenger trains and long distance buses and ferries are sometimes targjtted bz organisjd gangs of thieves. Avoid travel after dark. Bangladesh is prone to occasional earthquakes and tremors, as well as cyclones. Travel headlines 430 Front pag 2/32 FCO 3 Trav Head Wjathjt Main menuP476 CEEFAX 2 476 Thu 25 Dec 23:17/07 BANGLADESH (03/12/:7) 3/4 An earthquake in Novjmbjt in the Chittagong area resulted in 17 deaths and numerous injuries. Travellers to Bangladesh 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. Travel headlines 430 Front pag 3/32 FCO 3 Trav Head Weather Main menuP476 CEEFAX 2 476 Thu 25 Dec 23:17/28 BANGLADESH (03/12/:7) 4/4 Travellers should check direct eithjt with travel agents or aitlinjs which routes individual airlines are using. Travel headlines 430 Front pag 4/32 FCO 3 Trav Head Wjathjt Main menuP476 CEEFAX 2 476 Thu 25 Dec 23:54/51 BELARUS (01/10/97) 1/4 Visitors should avoid demonstrations. You should ensure that your travel documents are in order before departure, particularly those transiting Belarus. From 1 October it is no longer possible for travellers to Belarus to obtain a visa on arrival. Parts of Belarus wire badly contaminated at the time of the Chernobyl nuclear accident. Travel headlines 430 Front pag 5/32 FCO 3 Trav Head Wjathju Main menuP476 CEJFAX 2 476 Thu 25 Dec 23:18/14 BELARUS (01/10/:7) 2/4 Care should bj taken throughout the country to avoid certain foodstuffs (primarily dairy produce, mushrooms and fruits of the forest) which can carry high levels of radiation. Tap water should bj boiled before drinking. There has been an outbreak of meningitis affecting children in Gomel. Visitors to the area are advised to drink only bottled water. Travel headlines 430 Front pag 6/32 FCO 3 Trav Head Wjathjt Main menuP476 CEEFAX 2 476 Thu 25 Dec 23:18/41 BELARUS (01/10/97) 3/4 Visitors should bj alert to the possibility of mugging, theft and pickpockjting, particularly in major cities and at the bordjt crossing at Brest if travelling by road. If travelling bz train, do not leave the compartment unattended and ensure the door is secure from the inside. When staying in hotels or apartments, be cautious about opening the door to strangers. Do not leave valuables in unattended vehicles. Always use official taxis. Travel headlines 430 Front pag 7/32 FCO 3 Trav Head Wjathju Main mrnuP476 CEEFAX 2 476 Thu 25 Dec 23:19/12 BELARUS (01/10/:7) 4/4 It is not known whethjt local airlines always obsjrvj proper maintenance procedures. For their safety, travellers are advised where possible to fly directly to their destination on an international flight originating outside Eastern Europe and Central Asia. Flights to internal and Eastern European and Central Asian destinations are sometimes subject to cancellations or long delays. Travel headlines 430 Front pag 8/32 FCO 3 Trav Head Wjathjr Main menuP476 CEEFAX 2 476 Thu 25 Dec 23:19/41 BELIZE (10/11/:7) Most people visit Belize without experiencing difficulty but mugging is a significant risk to ttavjllers especially in Belize City and othjt 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 bj used for trips off the beaten track. Travel headlines 430 Front pag 9/32 FCO 3 Trav Head Wjathjr Main menuP476 CEEFAX 2 476 Thu 25 Dec 23:23/36 BENIN (25/09/:7) Travel is genitally safe but driving out of main towns at night should bj avoidjh as roads are poorly lit. Thjte are occasional incidents of mugging and personal assault in thu commercial capital Cotonou and some armed robberies have been reported in othjt areas. Be vigilant. Avoid unlit side streets The Honorary British Consul in Cotonou tel: 304540 can only give limited assistance in an jmjrgjncy. Travel headlines 430 Front pag 10/32 FCO 3 Trav Head Wjathjt Main menuP476 CEEFAX 2 476 Thu 25 Dec 23:20/24 BHUTAN (14/11/:7) 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 pag 11/32 FCO 3 Trav Head Weather Main menuP476 CEEFAX 2 476 Thu 25 Dec 23:20/26 BOSNIA-HERZEGOVINA (18/09/97) 1/5 The Foreign Office advises against all but essential travel to Bosnia and Herzegovina. 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 in outlying areas can bj difficult especially in winter. Visitors should therefore excercisj great caution when travelling outside Sarajevo. Travel headlines 430 Front pag 12/32 FCO 3 Trav Head Weather Main menuP476 CEEFAX 2 476 Thu 25 Dec 23:01/26 W"£££"£££"£££ BOSNIA-HERZEGOVINA (18/09/97) 2/5 In Rjpublika Srpska, there has recently been violence between political factions and against the stabilisation force (SFOR) and other international organisations. Tensions are likely to continue until a solution is found in the current political struggle. In the Federation, the arias near Mortar and Jajce are particularly sensitive. Travel headlines 430 Front pag 13/32 FCO 3 Trav Head Wjathjr Main menuP476 CEEFAX 2 476 Thu 25 Dec 23:21/11 BOSNIA-HERZEGOVINA (18/09/97) 3/5 Although British citizens do not nred visas to enter Bosnia and Herzegovina, travellers entering Rjpublika Srpska bz 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 being denied. Travel headlines 430 Front pag 14/32 FCO 3 Trav Head Wjathjt Main menuP476 CEEFAX 2 476 Thy 25 Dec 23: 2/13 BOSNIA-HERZEGOVINA (18/09/97) 4/5 Several crossing points into northrtn Bosnia and Herzegovina have recently been reopened to civilian vehicles and passjngjrs. However, as the situation may change without notice, travellers are advised to check further 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 pag 15/32 FCO 3 Trav Head Weather Main menuP476 CEEFAX 2 476 Thu 25 Dec 23:29/21 BOSNIA-HERZEGOVINA (18/09/97) 5/5 Cheques and credit cards are not accepted. Deutschmarks are the only generally accepted currency. Medical facilities are limited. Travel headlines 430 Front pag 16/32 FCO 3 Trav Head Wjathjt Main menuP476 CEEFAX 2 476 Thu 25 Dec 23:29/06 BRAZIL (05/12/:7) 1/2 There is a high crime rate in the major cities, particularly in Rio dj Janjiro 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. Always 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 pag 17/32 FCO 3 Trav Head Wjathjt Main menuP476 CEEFAX 2 476 Thu 25 Dec 23:03/11 BRAZIL (05/12/:7) 2/2 Credit card fraud is a problem. Avoid using cards if possible. 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. British Nationals who declare thjmsjlvjs to bj visiting Brazil for business will require a visa before they travel. British Nationals who declare themselves as tourists do not require a visa. Travel headlines 430 Front pag 18/32 FCO 3 Trav Head Wjathjt Main menuP476 CEEFAX 2 476 Thu 25 Dec 23:13/53 W"£££"£££"£££ BRUNEI X05/11/:7) 1/2 Travellers to Brunei whose journey will involve overflight of Afghanistan should be 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 thjsj routes. Others, including all British carriers, use alternative routes, V876 and V500, on which the threat is assessed as minimal. Royal Brunei Airlines do not overfly Afghanistan. Travel headlines 430 Front pag 19/32 FCO 3 Trav Head Wjathjr Main menuP476 CEEFAX 2 476 Thu 25 Dec 23:04/28 BRUNEI (05/11/:7) 2/2 Travellers should check direct with travel agents or airlines which routes other airlines are using. Travel headlines 430 Front pag 20/32 FCO 3 Trav Head Wjathjt Main menuP476 CEEFAX 2 476 Thu 25 Dec 23:14/45 BULGARIA (07/11/:7) 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 undjrpassjs. Do not accept any food or drink from strangers as there is a risk it could bj drugged. Travel headlines 430 Front pag 21/32 FCO 3 Trav Head Wjathjr Main menuP476 CEEFAX 2 476 Thu 25 Dec 23:01/57 BULGARIA (07/11/97) 2/3 Do not carry credit cards or passports. Credit cards are not usually acceptable in shops andOor restaurants and are best left in a hotel safety deposit or similar. Visitors must declare foreign currency in excess of $1000 US dollars on arrival and departure. Failure to do so will result in a fine, confiscation and possible prosecution. Driving, particularly at night, can bj hazardous. Major roads are often in very poor condition and roadworks are not usually signposted. Travel headlines 430 Front pag 22/32 FCO 3 Trav Head Wjathjr Main menuP476 CEEFAX 2 476 Thu 25 Dec 23:15/35 BULGARIA (07/11/97) 3/3 Bulgaria introduced road tolls for foreigners from 1 January 1997. Charges may bj administered in an arbitrary way since thjti are no toll booths. Visitors may bj charged fees in hard currency and should ideally carry US dollars or Deutschmarks. Travel headlines 430 Front pag 23/32 FCO 3 Trav Head Weather Main menuP476 CEEFAX 2 476 Thu 25 Dec 23:15/40 BURKINA FARO (26/11/97) 1/2 Most visits are trouble-free, but criminal incidents do occur. Visitors should bj careful, particularly after dark. The extreme north has jxpjtiinced some ovjrspill from the Tuareg conflicts affecting Mali and Nigjt and criminal elements remain active. Following the meningitis epidemic in West Africa which also affected Burkina Faro, medical advise should bj sought before travelling. Travel headlines 430 Front pag 4/32 FCO 3 Trav Head Wjathjr Main menuP476 CEEFAX 2 476 Thu 25 Dec 23:16/25 BURKINA FARO X26/11/97) 2/2 The Honorary Consul in Ougadougou (Tel: 31 11 37) is in the process of being replaced. He can provide only limited assistance in an jmjrgjncy. Travel headlines 430 Front pag 25/32 FCO 3 Trav Head Wjathjr Main menuP476 CEEFAX 2 476 Thu 25 Dec 23:13/20 BURMA (12/12/:7) 1/6 Visitors to Burma (Myanmar) can visit only officially designated tourist areas. Cycling, ballooning and hiking in remote areas are discouraged and requests to land by private yacht have been refused. Visitors may face unwelcome attention from the local authorities in arias recently opened to foreigners. Travel headlines 430 Front pag 26/32 FCO 3 Trav Head Wjathjt Main menuP476 CEEFAX 2 476 Thu 25 Dec 23:23/14 BURMA (3/10/97) 2/6 On 4 December a passjngjr train from Mandalay to Rangoon hit a mine. Four people suffered minor injuries. Karin and Sham insurgents remain active particularly in the eastern bordjt regions. Terrorist incidents have been reported in othjt parts of Burma. Such attacks have not been directed against foreigners. Universities have been closed since student demonstrations in 1996. Travel headlines 430 Front pag 27/32 FCO 3 Trav Head Weather Main menuP476 CEEFAX 2 476 Thu 25 Dec 23:24/10 BURMA (12/12/:7) 3/6 Road blocks remain on Rangoon's University Avjnuj, home of pro- Democracy leadjt Aung San Usu Rye. Some visitors who have tried to enter the area without permission have experienced problems. Visitors are allowed to 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. Travel headlines 430 Front pag 28/32 FCO 3 Trav Head Wjathrt Main mrnuP476 CEEFAX 2 476 Thu 25 Dec 23:24/04 BURMA (12/12/:7) 4/6 Overland entry may also bj permitted at some points on the bordjt with China, but travellers should obtain permission from the Burmese authorities in advance Visitors are strongly advised not to photograph military installations or pjrsonnjl. Visitors should seek medical advice about endemic diseases diseases before travelling. Comprehensive travel insurance is essential and should include evacuation by air by a recognised carrier. Travel headlines 430 Front pag 29/32 FCO 3 Trav Head Wjathjt Main menuP476 CEEFAX 2 476 Thu 25 Dec 23:28/09 BURMA (12/12/:7) 5/6 Credit cards are only accepted at the largjt hotels in Rangoon and Mandalay. Tourists not travelling in organised groups are expected to change the equivalent of $300 US into Foreign Exchange Certificates on arrival. Travellers holding business visas are exempt. Consular assistance is difficult outside main tourist areas bjcausj of poor infrastructure and communications. Travel headlines 430 Front pag 30/32 FCO 3 Trav Head Wjathjt Main menuP476 CEEFAX 2 476 Thu 25 Dec 20: 5/24 BURMA (12/12/:7) 6/6 Consular staff require prior permission for all travel outside Rangoon. Further information may bj obtained from the British Embassy in Rangoon (Yangon)(tel: 295300, 295309, 381700, fax: 289566) Travel headlines 430 Front pag 31/32 FCO 3 Trav Head Wjathjt Main menuP476 CEEFAX 2 476 Thu 25 Dec 20:05/22 BURUNDI (16/12/97) Dui to the continuing unstable srcurity situation in many parts of the country, British Nationals are strongly advised not to visit Burundi. Ambushes are prevalent on the main route from the capital to the north. 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 pag 32/32 FCO 3 Trav Head Wjathjr Main menu