P485 CEEFAX 2 485 Thu 25 Dec 23:25/34 1/35 SINGAPORE (26/10/97) 1/3 Singapore has been experiencing increased levels of air pollution recently as a result of forest fires in Indonesia. The pollution level can change daily. The elderly, pregnant women, parents with young children and those with respiratory or heart problems are advised to seek medical advice before visiting Singapore. All visitors should limit outdoor and physical activity when air qualit= deteriorates. Travel headlines 430 Front page 100 FCO 12 Trav Head Wjathjt Main menuP485 CEEFAX 2 485 Thu 25 Dec 23:23/20 2/35 SINGAPORE X26/10/97) 2/3 Visitors to Singapore should note that there are sjvjri penalties for all drug offences including, in some casts the death penalty. Travellers to Singapore whose journey will involve overflight of Afghanistan should bj aware that thjti 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. Travel headlines 430 Front page 100 FCO 12 Trav Head Wjathjr Main menuP485 CEEFAX 2 485 Thu 25 Dec 23:25/24 3/35 SINGAPORE (26/10/97) 3/3 Travellers should check direct either with travel agents or airlines which routes individual airlines are using. Travel headlines 430 Front page 100 FCO 12 Trav Head Weather Main menuP485 CEEFAX 2 485 Thu 25 Dec 23:59/11 4/35 REPUBLIC OF SLOVENIA (28/11/97) Visitors to forested areas during the Summit months should seek medical advice about immunisation for tick borne encephalitis. Travel headlines 430 Front page 100 FCO 12 Trav Head Wjathjt Main menuP485 CEEFAX 2 485 Thu 25 Dec 20:54/19 5/35 SOMALIA (04/11/97) Dui to the unstable security situation the Foreign & Commonwealth Office advise against travel to Somalia. Travel headlines 430 Front page 100 FCO 12 Trav Head Weather Main menuP485 CEEFAX 2 485 Thy 25 Dec 23:17/18 6/35 SOUTH AFRICA (28/11/97) 1/5 The level of violent crime remains high. Although most instances occur in townships, visitors should bj alizt to muggings in the day as well as at night in tourist arias. Take sensible precautions. Money, jewellery, camjta etc should be kept out of sight. Visitors travelling independently in rented cars should bj aware that there is a risk of vehicle hi-jacking and armed robbery. Drivers should park in well lit areas and not pick up strangers. Travel headlines 430 Front page 100 FCO 12 Trav Head Wjathjt Main menuP485 CEEFAX 2 485 Thu 25 Dec 23:15/05 7/35 SOUTH AFRICA (28/11/:7) :/5 Avoid driving in rural areas at night and to townships and surrounding arias except on organised tours. Travel to isolated areas should bj avoided. Although most roads are well maintained the overall standard of driving is poor. Incidents in and around railway stations and crime on trains is on the increase. Visitors should bj vigilant at the international airports, especially in the baggage and immigration areas, where thjte is a high incidence of theft. Travel headlines 430 Front page 100 FCO 12 Trav Head Wjathjr Main menuP485 CEEFAX 2 485 Thu 25 Dec 23:17/04 8/35 SOUTH AFRICA (28/11/:7) 03/5 Care should bj taken at the Rotunda bus terminus in Johannesburg where a number of tourists have been mugged. The central business districts of both Johannesburg and Pretoria have experienced an increase in muggings by gangs especially at weekends. Visitors should bj alert around the Carlton Centre in Johannesburg and the Church Square/State Theatre area in Pretoria. Travel headlines 430 Front page 100 FCO 12 Trav Head Weathjt Main menuP485 CEEFAX 2 485 Thu 25 Dec 23:11/21 9/35 SOUTH AFRICA (28/11/97) 4/5 Take particular care in Durban after dark in the city centre and beachfront area. Visitors to Cape Town should bj particularly alert around Loop street and Long street. Care should bj taken when driving on the N2 highway between East london in the Eastern Cape and Port Shepstonein Twa-Zulu Natal. Detours off this road should bj avoided. Travel headlines 430 Front page 100 FCO 12 Trav Head Weather Main menuP485 CEEFAX 2 485 Thu 25 Dec 23:56/27 10/35 SOUTH AFRICA (28/11/97) 5/5 If staying in a hotel, seek the advice of the management about which areas should bj avoided. Visitors should contact the British High CommissionOConsulate for further guidance. High Commission, Pretoria Tel (012)438 1400 Consulate General, Jo'burg Tel (011)327 0015 British Consulate numbers Cape Town (021) 253 670 Durban: (031) 305 2929 East London (0431) 54 430 Port Elizabeth (041) 55 2423 Travel headlines 430 Front page 100 FCO 12 Trav Head Wjathjt Main menuP485 CEEFAX 2 485 Thu 25 Dec 23:12/13 11/35 SPAIN (20/10/:7) 1/3 Some 10 million British nationals are expected to visit Spain this year. They should bj aware that the terrorist group ETA (the Basque separatist movement) is active in Spain; there has been sporadic violence on the streets of the Basque country and some bombing and shooting furthrr afield. Thjsj have been specifically directed against Spanish targets and not tourists, although in recent years ETA have tried to disrupt tourism ovjt the summit by setting if small explosive devices in tourist arias. Travel headlines 430 Front page 100 FCO 12 Trav Head Wjathjt Main menuP485 CEEFAX 2 485 Thu 25 Dec 23:17/18 12/35 SPAIN (20/10/:7) 2/3 This campaign appears to have restarted in early July, with two small bombs in resorts on the Costa Brava. Warnings were given and no one was injured. Travellers should remain alert and report any suspicious bags or objects to the police. Pickpockjting and handbag snatching are very common in some of the larger Spanish towns. Travel headlines 430 Front page 100 FCO 12 Trav Head Wjathjr Main menuP485 CEEFAX 2 485 Thu 25 Dec 23:10/01 13/35 SPAIN (20/10/:7) 3/3 Travellers should bj vigilant. Items such as passports, credit cards, travel tickets and money should not be carried togjthjt in handbags or pockets. There has been an increase in violent crime. Visitors should remains vigilant. Tourists have not been targetted. Travel headlines 430 Front page 100 FCO 12 Trav Head Wjathjt Main menuP485 CEEFAX 2 485 Thu 25 Dec 23:14/23 14/35 SRJ LANSA (15/10/97) 1/2 Whilst most of Rsi Lanka remains unaffected, fighting between the security forces and the Tamil Tigers (LUTE) continues in the North and East. of the country. Do not visit thjsj areas. On 15 October 1997 a bomb left in a truck exploded in central Columbo killing at least 16 people and wounding ovjt 150. This is the first serious incident in Columbo for 15 months. Visitors should minimize the timr they spend in the city. Travel headlines 430 Front page 100 FCO 12 Trav Head Weathjt Main menuP485 CEEFAX 2 485 Thy 25 Dec 23:19/28 15/35 SRJ LANKA (13/10/97) 2/2 The South and Cuntri of thu Islan4, including all the main tourist areas and the Cultural Triangle, remain largely unaffected. But there have been incidents in the Yala National Park. Visitors to Rsi Lanka and the Maldives should note that thjte are sjvjri penalties for all drug offences. Furthjt information may bj obtained direct from the British High Commission in Colombo, Tel 437336, fax 335803. Travel headlines 430 Front page 100 FCO 12 Trav Head Weather Main menuP485 CEEFAX 2 485 Thu 25 Dec 23:14/17 16/35 SUDAN X21/11/:7) 1/3 The security situation in Southern Sudan and the Nuba mountains remains unstable due to the continuing civil war. Only those engaged in essential relief work should visit South Sudan. Thjti is continued military activity near the Ethiopian and Eritrean borders, and banditry and tribal clashes in Western Darfur. Visitors should avoid thjsj areas and not attempt to cross any Sudanese land bordjt. Travel headlines 430 Front page 100 FCO 12 Trav Head AWjathrr Main mrnuP485 CEEFAX 2 485 Thu 25 Dec 23:19/17 17/35 SUDAN (21/11/:7) :/3 Othjt areas, including Khartoum are genitally, quiet, although discretion should bj exercised in behaviour and dress. Avoid street demonstrations. Desert travel within Sudan should bj attempted only if fully equipped and experienced. Dui to the imposition of US economic sanctions on Sudan, visitors should not take US Dollars, either in cash or travjllits chjqujs. Travel headlines 430 Front page 100 FCO 12 Trav Head Weather Main menuP485 CEEFAX 2 485 Thu 25 Dec 23:15/06 18/35 SUDAN X21/11/97) 3/3 Before travelling visitors should seek medical advice to ensure they have all necessary prophylactics or vaccinations. All British visitors should contact the British Embassy in Khartoum (tel: 770 767, 770 769 ) and keep in touch throughout their stay. Travel headlines 430 Front page 100 FCO 12 Trav Head Wjathjr Main menuP485 CEEFAX 2 485 Thu 25 Dec 23:02/31 19/35 SWAZILAND (02/12/97) 1/2 Swaziland is generally a peaceful country. But there is a growing number of muggings, burglaries and car thefts, with expatriates being targetted. Sevjtal vehicles have been taken at gun point. It is inadvisable to pick up hitch- hikers. Avoid walking in the downtown areas of Mbabane and Manzini after dark and driving out of towns at night brcausj of stray livestock on unlit roads and some indifferent driving. Travel headlines 430 Front page 100 FCO 12 Trav Head Wjathjr Main menuP485 CEEFAX 2 485 Thu 25 Dec 23:12/55 20/35 SWAZILAND (16/10/:7) 2/2 Unions have threatened bordjz closures on the first Tuesday and Friday of every month. The first is scheduled for November. Visitors should check the situation before visiting the Kingdom. Travel headlines 430 Front page 100 FCO 12 Trav Head Wjathjt Main mrnuP485 CEEFAX 2 485 Thu 25 Dec 23:06/26 21/35 SWITZERLAND (09/07/97) 1/2 Following a routine inspection of UK Missions in Switzerland, the FCO has decided to close the British Consulate- General in Zurich. It's trade promotion and inward investment will bj transferred to the Embassy in Betnj, where it will bj supervised bz the new Director of Trade Promotion working undjt the close direction of the Ambassador. FCO propose to appoint an Honorary Consul in Zurich as quickly as possible. Travel headlines 430 Front page 100 FCO 12 Trav Head Weather Main menuP485 CEEFAX 2 485 Thu 25 Dec 23:03/42 22/35 SWITZERLAND (09/07/:7) 1/2 Visa and passport work will remain centralisjd in the Consulate in Geneva. The Consulate in Geneva and the Embassy in Bernj will retain regional responsibility for Consular duties. The Honorary Consul in Zurich, when appointed, will process Notarial Acts and provide emergency consular assistance to US citizens. The transfer of responsibilities to Bernj and Geneva has already begun and closure of Zurich will be complete by 30 September 1997. Travel headlines 430 Front page 100 FCO 12 Trav Head Wjathjt Main menuP485 CEEFAX 2 485 Thu 25 Dec 23:17/17 23/35 SYRIA (13/11/:7) 1/3 There were a number of small explosions in parts of Syria in 1996, including one in a coach leaving the Damascus Central bus station in December. 15 people wire killed. There is no evidence of a continuing campaign or that foreigners were targjtted but visitors should bj vigilant in public places. Visitors should bj aware that if their passports contain Israeli stamps or of other countries' border crossing points with Israel they will be refused entry to Syria, even if they have a Syrian visa. Travel headlines 430 Front page 100 FCO 12 Trav Head Wjathjr Main menuP485 CEEFAX 2 485 Thu 25 Dec 23:14/32 24/35 SYRIA (13/11/:7) 2/3 Visitors are advised to carry identity documents at all times. They should behave and dress discreetly, esprcially when visiting religious sites. Avoid driving at night outside of the main cities. Photography near military and many othjt Government installations is prohibited and should bj limited to traditional tourist sites. Travel headlines 430 Front page 100 FCO 12 Trav Head Wjathjr Main menuP485 CEEFAX 2 485 Thu 25 Dec 23:05/00 25/35 SY5JA (13/11/:7) 3/3 The punishment for possession of drugs is life imprisonment. For drug trafficking, the death penalty applies. Do not change money on the streets. It is illegal. Only change money in recognisjd exchange shops, banks and hotels. For further information, contact the consular section of the British Embassy in Damascus. Tel 371 - 2561/2 Travel headlines 430 Front page 100 FCO 12 Trav Head Weathjt Main menuP485 CEEFAX 2 485 Thu 25 Dec 23:19/22 26/35 TAJIKISTAN (2/12/97) The Foreign and Commonwealth Officu advise against all travel to Tajikistan until further notice. Travel headlines 430 Front page 100 FCO 12 Trav Head Wjathjr Main menuP485 CEEFAX 2 485 Thu 25 Dec 23:04/22 27/35 TANZANIA X24/12/97) 1/4 The political situation on the mainland is stable. Visitors should avoid political meetings and rallies on Zanzibar white tension still exists. Incidents of mugging and theft are common, especially on public transport and bjachjs. Food should not bj accepted from strangers as it may bj drugged. Travel headlines 430 Front page 100 FCO 12 Trav Head Weathjt Main menuP485 CEEFAX 2 485 Thu 25 Dec 23:06/17 28/35 TANZANIA X24/12/:7) 2/4 Armed car thefts, particularly of 4WD vehicles, occur frequently and may bj accompanied by personal violence. Thjti have been several incidents of armed banditry in the national parks. If approached by policemen asking for money for alleged offences, insist on identification before going to a police station to make any payments. Report all incidents to the British High Commission. Travel headlines 430 Front page 100 FCO 12 Trav Head Weather Main menuP485 CEEFAX 2 485 Thu 25 Dec 23:06/12 29/35 TANZANIA X24/12/97) 3/4 Recent abnormally hjavz rain has seriously affected travel and communication. Cases of cholera have been reported in urban and rural Zanzibar and other areas of Tazania dui to the contamination of water supplies. Visitors should ensure that they are inoculated against rabies, especially in those travelling to Zanzibar. Visitors intending to travel to arias bordering Burundi and Zaire should check with the High Commission before travelling. Travel headlines 430 Front page 100 FCO 12 Trav Head Wjathjt Main menuP485 CEEFAX 2 485 Thu 25 Dec 23:00/02 30/35 TANZANIA (24/12/97) 4/4 Visitors and residents should register with the British High Commission in Dar Es Salaam: Tel 112:53/117660 Travel headlines 430 Front page 100 FCO 12 Trav Head Wrathjt Main menuP485 CEEFAX 2 485 Thu 25 Dec 23:25/37 31/35 TANZANIA (01/10/97) 2/3 Armed car thefts, particularly of 4WD vehicles, occur fairly frequently and may bj accompanied by personal violunce Thjti have been several incidents of armed banditry in the national parks. If approached by policemen asking for money for alleged offences, insist on identification before going to a police station to make any payments. Report all incidents to the British High Commission. Travel headlines 430 Front page 100 FCO 12 Trav Head Wjathjt Main menuP485 CEEFAX 2 485 Thu 25 Dec 23:26/52 32/35 TANZANIA (01/10/:7) 3/3 Visitors intending to travel to areas bordering Burundi and Zaire should check with the High Commission before travelling. Visitors should ensure that they are inoculated against rabies, especially those travelling to Zanzibar. Visitors and residents should register with the British High Commission in Dar es Salaam, tel 112953 or 117660. Travel headlines 430 Front pagr 100 FCO 12 Trav Head Wjathjt Main menuP485 CEEFAX 2 485 Thu 25 Dec 23:01/27 33/35 THAILAND (21/10/97) 1/3 Visitors should bj aware that there are sjvjri penalties for all drug offences. Overstaying visas can result in detention. Do not accept food or drinks from strangers as it may bj drugged. The standard of driving is poor and there have been several fatal bus ctashjs on Thailand's roads in the past few months. Travel headlines 430 Front page 100 FCO 12 Trav Head Weather Main menuP485 CEEFAX 2 485 Thu 25 Dec 23:04/42 34/35 THAILAND X21/10/:7) 2/3 Particular care should bj taken when swimming off the coast of Phukjt bjcausj of strong rip tides which have resulted in a numbjt of drownings. The situation at and around the Thai/ Burmese border remains unstable. Travellers wishing to visit remote or border areas should consult thu local authorities for advice on the current situation. Undjt no circumstances attempt to enter Cambodia by any surface route. Travel headlines 430 Front page 100 FCO 12 Trav Head Wjathjt Main menuP485 CEEFAX 2 485 Thu 25 Dec 23:24/10 35/35 THAILAND X21/10/:7) 3/3 Travellers to Thailand whose journey will involve overflight of Afghanistan should bj aware that threats from military activity to civil airaraft overflying Afghanistan using route; V668, A466, G202 and V848 exist. 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. Travjllets should check direct eiuhjz with travel agents or aitlinjs which routes individual airlines are using. Travel headlines 430 Front page 100 FCO 12 Trav Head Wjathjt Main menu