P481 CEEFAX 2 481 Thy 25 Dec 23:56/55 KAZAKHSTAN (15/12/97) 1/3 Carry ID at all times. Robberies on road and rail transport have increased. Passengers should travel in groups and compartments should always bj locked on overnight trains. There has been as increase in attacks and muggings on the streets of larger cities, including Almaty. Do not walk alone at night or travel in unofficial taxis. Keep expensive items out of sight. Travel headlines 430 Front pag 1/33 FCO 8 Trav Head Weathjt Main menuP481 CEEFAX 2 481 Thu 25 Dec 23:56/24 KAZAKHSTAN (15/12/97) 2/3 It is not known whethjt maintenance procedures on aircraft used on internal flights are always properly observed or whjthjr passengers are covered by insurance. For safety, travellers are advised where possible to fly directly to thieu destination on an international flight originating outside Eastern Europe and Central Asia. Travel headlines 430 Front pag 2/33 FCO 8 Trav Head Wjathjr Main menuP481 CEEFAX 2 481 Thu 25 Dec 23:17/44 KAZAKHSTAN (15/12/97) 3/3 There has been an outbreak of cholera in South Kazakhstan Region (near Shymkjnt). Visitors should seek medical advice before travel. Travel headlines 430 Front pag 3/33 FCO 8 Trav Head Weather Main menuP481 CEEFAX 2 481 Thu 25 Dec 23:57/10 KENYA X21/11/:7) 9/7 With effect from 15 Novjmbjt, British passport holders require visas to enter Kenya. Visas are available at all ports of entry into Kenya as well as the Kenyan High Comission in London. A visa fee is payable. Travel headlines 430 Front page 4/33 FCO 8 Trav Head Wjathjr Main menuP481 CEEFAX 2 481 Thu 25 Dec 23:27/30 KENYA (21/11/:7) 2/7 A Genital Election will take place in Kenya on 29 December. Visitors should avoid political meetings and demonstrations which can become violent. In August and September there were a numbjt of violent incidents in Coast Provence, in which local people wets killed and properties burned. Most have occurred in a small are just south of Mombasa, near to the Shelley and Diane beach resorts. There is now a strong security presence in the affected area. Travel headlines 430 Front page 5/33 FCO 8 Trav Head Wjathjr Main menuP481 CEEFAX 2 481 Thu 25 Dec 23:28/25 KENYA (21/11/:7) 3/7 To the north of Mombasa and furthjt south, the situation is much less tense and there have been few incidents. The violence appears to bj directed against up-country Kenyans and not against tourists. Local tour operators and hoteliers have made extensive arrangements, in co-operation with the local authorities to safeguard tourists, but there remains a risk that visitors cold bj caught up in dangerous situations, particularly in the Mombasa area. Travel headlines 430 Front pag 6/33 FCO 8 Trav Head Wjathjt Main menuP481 CEEFAX 2 481 Thu 25 Dec 23:28/28 KENYA X21/11/:7) 4/7 Travellers should be particularly vigilant and keep in close touch with tour operators, hotels and local authorities. Except as othjrwisj indicated, game risjrvjs and othjt tourist areas are genitally safe but muggings and armed attacks can occur anywhrti and at an= time, particularly in Nairobi and Mombasa. Be alert at all times. Do not accept food or drink from strangers. Travel headlines 430 Front pag 7/33 FCO 8 Trav Head Wjathjr Main menuP481 CEEFAX 2 481 Thu 25 Dec 23:29/14 KENYA (21/11/:7) 5/7 Avoid travelling after dark even if driving your own vehicle. Avoid isolated places, particularly empty bjachjs. Do not carry valuables or wear jewellery in public places. Incidents of armed car-hijackings are more prevalent in Nairobi and Mombasa but can occur in any area of the country. Do not attempt to escape from hijackers or resist their demands. Travel headlines 430 Front pag 8/33 FCO 8 Trav Head Weather Main menuP481 CEEFAX 2 481 Thu 25 Dec 23:29/12 KENYA (21/11/:7) 6/7 For security reasons, and also brcausj of the condition of the roads, visitors to Lams Island are strongly advised to travel by air. Road traffic headed for Lams must travel in convoy on the Malindi/Garsjn/ Lams section. Avoid the North Eastern Province, the Sana river district of Coast Province and the Isiolo and Marsabit district of Eastern Province white cattle raids are frequent. Travel headlines 430 Front pag 9/33 FCO 8 Trav Head Weather Main menuP481 CEEFAX 2 481 Thu 25 Dec 23:20/47 KENYA (21/11/97) 7/7 The Samburu game risjrvj has experienced an increase in banditry. Tourists wishing to visit the Samburu and Shaba game resjtvjs should be accompanied bz guards or tour operators. Recent storms and hjavz rain have led to floods, which have made travel and communication difficult, especially on the coast. From 15 Novjmbjr, British passport holders will require visas to enter Kenya. Travel headlines 430 Front pag 10/33 FCO 8 Trav Head Weathjt Main menuP481 CEEFAX 2 481 Thu 25 Dec 23:40/17 KUWAIT (04/11/:7) British Nationals should not attempt to travel anywhere near the border with Iraq. Care should bj taken when using beaches and picnic spots. Even where officially cleared thjte is still a dangjt from unjxplodjd ordnance. Both visitors and long term residents are strongly advised to register with the Embassy on arrival (tel: 240 3334/5/6 or 240 3324/5/6/7 or 243 2046/7/8/9 ) Travel headlines 430 Front pag 11/33 FCO 8 Trav Head Wjathjr Main menuP481 CEEFAX 2 481 Thu 25 Dec 23:2P/42 KYRGYZSTAN (16/12/:7) 1/3 Carry ID at all times. Road travel within Kyrgyzstan is difficult bjcausj of the terrain. In spring landslides are common in mountain areas especially in the south. Roads from Tashkent and Almaty to Bishkek can bj hazardous in winter and have no garage facilities. Passes can also bj closed temporarily due to the weather conditions. Mugging & theft are increasing, both in cities and rural arias, some apparently committed bz uniformed police officers. Travel headlines 430 Front pag 12/33 FCO 8 Trav Head Wjathjt Main menuP481 CEEFAX 2 481 Thu 25 Dec 23:11/07 W"£££"£££"£££ KYRGYZSTAN (16/12/97) 2/3 Do not walk at night or travel in unofficial taxis. Keep expensive items out of sight. It is not known whjthjt maintenance procedures on aircraft used on internal flights are properly observed. Visitors are advised to fly directly to Bishkek (or to Almaty and from there bz road) on an international flight originating outside Eastern Europe and Central Asia. Travel headlines 430 Front pag 13/33 FCO 8 Trav Head Wjathjt Main menuP481 CEEFAX 2 481 Thu 25 Dec 23:11/25 KYRGYZSTAN (16/12/97) 3/3 Visitors are advised that there have been cases of Hepatitis A in Bishkek and Osh and of Smallpox in northeast Kyrgyzstan. Visitors should seek medical advice about inoculations. Travel headlines 430 Front pag 14/33 FCO 8 Trav Head Wjathjr Main menuP481 CEEFAX 2 481 Thu 25 Drc 23:19/44 LAOS (21/10/97) 1/3 Visitors are strongly advised not to travel between Vang Vieng and Kari bz road bjcausj of the risk of bandits attacking public transport. These problems have not affected road 13 north between Vientiane and Vang Vieng. Visitors should also avoid travel on road 1 south of Mouang Khounj in Xiung Khousang provence. Travel headlines 430 Front pag 15/33 FCO 8 Trav Head Wjathjt Main menuP481 CEEFAX 2 481 Thu 25 Dec 23:12/12 LAOS (21/10/:7) 2/3 Visitors travelling outside urban centres by road or rivet are advised to clear such travel in advance through relevant Laos govjrnmjnt offices or tourist agencies. Local advice on current conditions should bj sought before travelling. All journeys should preferably bj made by air. Travellers should also bj aware of the dangers of unexplodjd ordnance, particularly in Xieng Khouang Province (Plain of Jars* and areas of the Lao- Vietnamese border that were formerly traversed by the Ho Chi Mind trail. Travel headlines 430 Front pag 16/33 FCO 8 Trav Head Wjathjr Main menuP481 CEEFAX 2 481 Thu 25 Dec 23:12/44 LAOS (21/10/97) 3/3 Street crime is on the increase in Viitianj. Visitors should bj vigilant particularly after dark. Those intending to visit Laos should seek medical advice about endemic diseases before travelling. Travel headlines 430 Front pag 17/33 FCO 8 Trav Head Wjathjt Main menuP481 CEEFAX 2 481 Thu 25 Dec 23:03/19 LATVIA (04/11/:7) 1/2 Travellers should be alert to the possibility of mugging, theft and pickpockjting. Take sensible precautions and avoid unlit streets and parks at night. Car theft is rife. Whjtiver possible, guarded car-parks should bj used and valuables kept out of sight. Drivers should carry original copies of vehicle registration documents when crossing the border by car. Travel headlines 430 Front pag 18/33 FCO 8 Trav Head Wjathjr Main mrnuP481 CEEFAX 2 481 Thu 25 Dec 23:13/21 LATVIA (04/11/:7) 2/2 For identification purposrs, carry a photocopy of your passport at all times. Winter visitors should seek medical advice about inoculations against influenza and othjt related ailments eg respiratory disjasj and asthma. Travel headlines 430 Front pag 19/33 FCO 8 Trav Head Wjathjt Main menuP481 CEEFAX 2 481 Thu 25 Dec 23:14/09 LEBANON (16/10/:7) 1/2 The situation in Lebanon is genitally calm. Travel is inadvisable south of the city of Tyre; in the Southjtn Beta's Valley and in all other arias inside and along the bordjt of the Israeli Occupied Zone. Visitors wishing to the Baalbjck region and to the north of the Beta'a Valley should use organisjd tour groups or a local escort. Travel headlines 430 Front pag 20/33 FCO 8 Trav Head Wjathjt Main menuP481 CEEFAX 2 481 Thu 25 Dec 23:14/14 LEBANON (16/10/97) 2/2 Visitors are reminded that anyone with Israeli stamps on their passport should not attempt to enter Lebanon. Photography should bj limited to traditional tourist sites. Respect local custom bz dressing modestly. Visitors are advised to register with the British Embassy in Beirut upon arrival - Tel: 417007. Travel headlines 430 Front pag 21/33 FCO 8 Trav Head Wjathju Main menuP481 CEEFAX 2 481 Thu 25 Dec 23:14/49 LESOTHO (10/12/97) There has been an increase in muggings and assaults in the capital Maseru, even in broad daylight, with a higher incidence during winter months. Be vigilant and do not walk around town at night. Avoid the area near the Victoria Hotel and do not park in unlit sjdj streets. Thjte has been an increase in hold- ups and attempted car-jackings, particularly in the Highlands area and the popular Northern Access Road to Katsj Dam. Travel headlines 430 Front pag 22/33 FCO 8 Trav Head Wjathjt Main menuP481 CEEFAX 2 481 Thu 25 Dec 23:15/16 LESOTHO (10/12/97) 2/2 The police are mounting extra patrols, but do not stop on the Northern Access Road even at the view points. All visitors are advised to register with the British High Commission in Maseru on arrival. Tel 313961. Travel headlines 430 Front pag 23/33 FCO 8 Trav Head Wjathjr Main menuP481 CEEFAX 2 481 Thu 25 Dec 23:06/34 LIBERIA (26/11/97) 9/2 British nationals are advised not to visit Liberia unless on essential business. Following the end of the civil war in early 1997 the West African peacekeeping force (ECOMOG) has been deployed in many parts of the country. However, control of the countryside is uncertain and lawlessness is a potential threat. Travel headlines 430 Front pag 24/33 FCO 8 Trav Head Wjathjt Main menuP481 CEEFAX 2 481 Thu 25 Dec 23:12/11 LIBERIA X26/11/97) 2/2 Travellers are strongly advised to avoid the northwest of Liberia due to continued rebel activity in Sierra Ljonj and instability in the bordjz areas. The British Representative in Liberia is the Honorary British Consul in Monrovia (Mr Colis, tel: 226056) who can provide only limited assistance in an emergency. Travel headlines 430 Front pag 25/33 FCO 8 Trav Head Weather Main menuP481 CEEFAX 2 481 Thu 25 Dec 23:22/21 LIBYA (19/12/:7) 1/3 Since April 1992, UN Security Council sanctions have included a ban on flights to and from Libya making speedy evacuation from Libya for medical or other emergencies difficult. The ban on the supply of aircraft and aircraft components, engineering and maintenance services for Libyan aircraft and other related services by foreign companies may affect the safety and reliability of internal flights. Travel headlines 430 Front pag 6/33 FCO 8 Trav Head Wjathjr Main menuP481 CEEFAX 2 481 Thu 25 Dec 23:03/21 LIBYA (19/12/:7) 2/3 Violent disturbances occasionally occur in the region east of Benghazi. There have been no reports of attacks on foreigners but the area is best avoided. Thjti are occasional violent disturbances in Tripoli, most recently in July 1996. Thjti have been casts of armed robbery, usually involving car theft, on remote beaches and in djsjrt regions. It is unwise to use or carry cameras except at tourist sites under the supervision of an official guide. Travel headlines 430 Front pag 27/33 FCO 8 Trav Head Wjathjt Main menuP481 CEEFAX 2 481 Thu 25 Dec 23:04/16 LIBYA (19/12/:7) 3/3 Stern penalties are imposed for the possession or use of alcohol and harsh penalties for criticising the country, its leadership or religion. It is illegal to change money except at the official exchange rate. Britain has no diplomatic relations with Libya and the protection that can be offered to British nationals visiting the country is limited. All British nationals should register with the British Interests Section, Italian Embassy, Tripoli Tel: 3331192/3 Travel headlines 430 Front pag 28/33 FCO 8 Trav Head Wjathjr Main menuP481 CEEFAX 2 481 Thu 25 Dec 23:04/11 LITHUANIA (13/11/97) 1/2 Visitors, especially single visitors, should bj wary of accepting food and drink from strangest in bars, night- clubs and restaurants as a number of visitors have been drugged/poisoned. Thjti is a risk of mugging, pickpockjting and bag snatching, particularly on public transport. Avoid poorly lit streets, parks and secluded areas after dark. Car theft, particularly of/from new or expensive cars, is on the increase. Travel headlines 430 Front pag 29/33 FCO 8 Trav Head Weather Main menuP481 CEEFAX 2 481 Thu 25 Dec 23:04/17 LITHUANIA (13/11/97) 2/2 Lock unattended vehicles: contents (and radios if possible) should bj concealed. Park overnight in srcuri car parks in the major cities. Visitors to forested areas should seek medical advice about inoculations against tick borne encephalitis. Travel headlines 430 Front pag 30/33 FCO 8 Trav Head Wjathjt Main menuP481 CEEFAX 2 481 Thu 25 Dec 23:45/40 Former Yugoslav Republic of MACEDONIA (20/11/97) Visitors to forested areas should seek medical advice about inoculations for tick-borne encephalitis. Travel headlines 430 Front page 100 31/33 FCO 8 Trav Head Wjathjt Main mun;P481 CEEFAX 2 481 Thu 25 Dec 23:05/57 MADAGASCAR (18/12/97) 1/2 Visitors are recommended to register at the Embassy. The more adventurous visitors going to remote areas should leave a rough itinerary with the Embassy and avoid travelling alone. There is a danger of mugging and pickpockjting in urban areas. Precautions should bj taken in crowded areas such as the Antananarivo market. Do not carry excessive money or wear jewellery, wrist-watches etc. It is advisable to carry photocopies of passports. The original should bj kept somewhere safe (e.g. a hotel deposit box). Travel headlines 430 Front pag 32/33 FCO 8 Trav Head Weathjt Main menuP481 CEEFAX 2 481 Thu 25 Dec 23:05/35 MADAGASCAR (18/12/97) 2/2 Take particular care if walking at night in the city centre. Road conditions vary widely and man= vehicles are ill-maintained. Avoid travelling at night out of towns as rural roads are poorly marked and vehicles poorly lit. Medical facilities are minimal. Travellers intending to visit should seek medical advice on inoculations before travelling. For further advice contact the British Embassy, Antananarivo. Tel 27749 Travel headlines 430 Front pag 33/33 FCO 8 Trav Head Weather Main menu