you want to go to Armenia?

The border between Armenia and Azerbaijan is closed and we advise against all but essential travel near the border with Azerbaijan due to the unresolved dispute over Nagorno Karabakh. This particularly covers the border areas of Tavush and Gegharkunik regions, where there has been sporadic gunfire. In Tavush Marz we specifically advise against travel on the road from Ijevan to Noyemberyan, which passes close to the border and military emplacements, and on the roads beyond Berd.

The British Embassy cannot provide consular assistance to you if you are in the Nagorno-Karabakh region. 

There is a low threat from terrorism. But you should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks, which could be in public areas including those frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.

British citizens should avoid locations where demonstrations may take place. If it is necessary to be in the vicinity of a demonstration or gatherings, you should exercise vigilance and caution at all times. See Political Situation.

We advise all British citizens travelling in or living in Armenia to register with the FCO via the Locate online registration service. We would be grateful for any assistance registered British citizens could provide in making other Britons aware of the Locate service if they have not registered.

You should carry a photocopy of your passport as identification at all times.

You should take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. 

SAFETY AND SECURITY

Safety and Security - Terrorism 

There is a low threat from terrorism.  But you should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks, which could be in public areas including those frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.  

Safety and Security - Crime 

Crime, especially violent crime, remains relatively low in Armenia.  But there are incidents of pick pocketing, bag snatching, theft from cars and burglary involving British or other foreign nationals. You should not carry your passport, credit card, travel tickets and money together.  We advise you to leave spare cash, passports and valuables in a safe place.  

There have been occasional shooting incidents, chiefly related to organised crime. Although tourists and foreigners were not targeted, there is a risk of being caught up in such events and you should remain vigilant at all times. 

We also advise that you take the same personal safety precautions on the street and when using ATMs as you would in the UK.  Take particular care if using them after dark, especially if you are alone.  Check no one has followed you after conducting your business.  

Safety and Security - Local Travel

The border between Armenia and Azerbaijan is closed and we advise against all but essential travel close to the border with Azerbaijan, particularly the border areas of Tavush and Gegharkunik regions, where there have been reports of sporadic gunfire. We specifically advise against all travel on the road from Ijevan to Noyemberyan, which passes close to the border and military emplacements, where there have also been some reports of sporadic gunfire. If travelling between Armenia and Georgia we advise you to use one of the routes further west, or through the Lori region.

The land border with Turkey is also closed, but there are now direct flights from Yerevan to Istanbul. Travelling within the South Caucasus can be difficult and needs careful planning. 

Safety and Security - Local Travel - Road travel 

You are permitted to drive in Armenia on an International driving licence. The local standard of driving is poor. If you plan to drive in Armenia, you should be prepared for drivers who drive recklessly and flout traffic laws. The roads are also in a poor state, particularly in the coldest months (November to February).   If you are walking, you should be careful when crossing roads and use subways where available. 

Safety and Security - Local Travel - Rail Travel 

Public transport is often overcrowded and poorly maintained. If you have to travel by train, secure your valuables, do not leave the compartment unattended, and lock the door from the inside.

Safety and Security - Local Travel - Air travel 

Evidence suggests that some airlines serving Armenia do not always comply with international safety standards in respect of maintenance procedures.  Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) staff have therefore been advised to avoid flying with non-scheduled or non-international airlines from Armenia if an acceptable alternative means of travel exists.

Western airlines currently serving Armenia are BMI, Czech Airlines, Lot Polish Airlines, Air France and Austrian Airlines.

On 15 July 2009, a Caspian Airlines flight from Tehran to Yerevan crashed 75 miles northwest of Tehran shortly after takeoff.  All 168 passengers and crew onboard were killed. The cause of the crash has not yet been revealed.

A Canadian-built CRJ-100, operated by the Belarussian state airline Belavia, crashed shortly after taking off from Yerevan airport on 14 February 2008. There were no fatalities. An investigation concluded poor aircraft maintenance was to blame.

Lake Titicaca

Worlds collide around Lake Titicaca. Here the desolate altiplano (Andean plateau) meets the storied peaks and fertile valleys of the Andes. Green, sun-dazed islands contrast with freezing dirt farms. Ancient agrarian communities live alongside the chaos of the international marketplace.

Campesinas (peasant women) in bowler hats and sandals made from recycled truck tires tend to their llamas as light aircraft full of contraband fly overhead. Coca smugglers count their money in tumbledown towns that rear out of the dust like anthills. On howling cold nights, people huddle together, yet this place parties like nowhere else. In a country known for its riotous religious fiestas, Puno’s Candelaria is one of the greatest shows of all.

Lake Titicaca shimmers with a distinctive navy blue, and its gemlike islands and gentle shores are an agricultural paradise. Crumbling cathedrals, rolling hills, checkerboard valleys and Bolivia’s highest mountains in the background all conspire to make anyone a pro photographer. According to Andean belief, this lake gave birth to the sun, as well as the father and mother of all the Incas, Manco Cápac and Mama Ocllo. Pre-Inca Pukara, Tiwanaku and Collas all lived here and left monuments scattered across the landscape – from waist-high burial towers for dwarves to comical oversized stone penises. This is the heartland of South America, where priests bless taxis and lawyers sacrifice llamas. Rug up and jump in.

Come to Ecuador

The Galápagos Islands Climate

The weather in the Galápagos Islands is largely determined by the ocean currents. Normally from June to December, there is a cold current rising from the south which creates a cool moist fog called "garúa", close to the ocean making the climate rather cool and dry. In December, the wind has less force, the ocean is calm and the currents change, surrounding the islands with the warm Pánama Current from the North. These currents create a definable weather pattern of hot sunny mornings followed by clouds and occaisional showers in the afternoons. Needless to say, this is usually the favorite time to visit. Based on all of this information, it would be safe to say: from June to December it's cool, cloudy and dry. From December to June it's warm, sunny and rainy.

The Andes Climate

Even though this region is layed on top of the equator it's not as hot as you might expect it to be. The temperature ranges and the weather alway depends on the altitude and the time of year. Obviously, as a general rule, the higher you are in altitude, the colder it will be. Given this, in Quito the temperature won't get lower than 5ºC (42ºF) at night, and about 28ºC (88ºF) during the day. The rainy season of the Andes takes place usually from December to May and the rest of the year is relatively sunny. It's hard to predict Ecuador's weather. During the rainy season it may rain in the afternoons, if it rains at all.

The Amazon Climate 

A relatively constant thing in the Amazon is that it's humid and warm. The average temperatures are from about 20ºC to 28ºC (72ºF to 88ºF) and "dry season" is usually from November to March, which, like everything else related with the ecuadorian weather, isn't constant.

The Coast Climate

The coast, is where you can always expect with a  hot atmosphere, making a swim in the Pacific Ocean pleasent. The teperatures range stretches from 24ºC to 30ºC (80ºF to 92ºF). Rainy season is usually is from December until May and the dryer stage takes place the rest of the year. 

South Africa and your dreams

Health

Visitors entering South Africa from yellow fever infected areas require yellow fever international certificate of vaccination. Certain low altitude regions in Northern Province, Eastern Transvaal (including the Kruger National Park) and north east of KwaZulu-Natal are prone to malaria. Visitors to these areas are strongly advised to take anti-malaria medication before traveling. Tap water is generally considered safe in urban areas but not so elsewhere. Bilharzia occurs in the north and east of the country where you are advised not to swim in fresh water. HIV-AIDS is prevalent in the country and due care is called for.

Visas

All visitors to South Africa require passports valid for at least 30 days after planned date of exit. For those visiting for upto 90 days no visas are required from citizens of Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Japan, United States, Switzerland and the European Union. There is also visa waiver for between 30-90 days for a few other selected countries. But visa requirements vary from time to time and you are advised to check on prevailing status well ahead of travel. Visas are not issued at South Africa border points.

People & Culture

South Africa is such a vibrant country due to the diversity of its people. There is a lot to be said for the wildlife and natural attractions of this land but you will have missed much if you have no encounters with its people. The Khoi-San (bushmen) are entitled to claim of having the deepest roots and some of their ancestors’ rock and cave paintings date back 26,000 years ago. Other prominent members of this “rainbow nation” include Zulu, Tswana, Ndebele, Xhosa, Sotho, Indian, Afrikaans and those of British origin. The Zulu is one of the more vibrant of traditional black cultures and their dance and dress is quite striking.

In historic terms, apartheid has just recently been dethroned and it is not surprising that colour is still such as an important part of peoples identity. Some knowledge of English will help you get by in urban areas and almost elsewhere in the country. Beer and brandy are the popular routes to getting tipsy though many are increasingly finding South Africa’s excellent wines tempting. The music scene is vibrant and groups such as Ladysmith Black Mambazo are now well known in the west. The country has so many stories to be told as the grandees who award the Nobel Prize for literature have recognized. The 2003 winner was Cape Town born J.M Coetzee, who follows in the footsteps of Nadine Gordimer winner of the prize in 1991.

Communications

Telephone, fax, telegram, post and Internet services are available. Direct dialing to many countries is available at most hotels. The country code for South Africa is 27. Mobile phones are based on GSM 900 network and coverage extends to most urban areas. You can obtain a GSM card that will allow you to make international calls to any country. E-mail is accessible at Internet cafes around the country.

Accommodation

Hotels and resorts in South Africa are plenty in the popular tourist routes and are equal to the needs of most. From the discerning traveler who accepts none else than 5-star luxury to the cost conscious who is happy to wake up in a plain and cosy guesthouse. Accommodation options encompass hotels, game lodges and camps, resorts, health spas, motels, guesthouses, bed and breakfasts, holiday farms, beach cottages, holiday flats and bungalows. There are also over 800 camp and caravan sites in the country.

Money

The local currency is the South African Rand (ZAR). Foreign currency can be exchanged at bureaux de change, some hotels, and larger shops and restaurants. Automated foreign exchange machines and ATMs are also available at limited locations. Travelers cheques (i.e checks) are valid at banks, hotels, shops and restaurants. You get the most reasonable exchange rates for US dollar, Euro and Pound Sterling. Visa and Mastercard credit cards have the widest acceptance. American Express and Diners Club have slightly less acceptability.

Climate

In general South Africa has a warm temperate climate to the delight of many sunshine-seekers. The country experiences about seven months of sunshine. The colder part of the year falls between May and August. But for such a large country there are of course variations. The coast of KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga and Northern Province are generally hot and humid and June and July are the preferred holiday months.

Winters are generally mild except at the higher altitudes where there are occasional snowfalls to the consternation of those visitors with fixed ideas about climatic conditions in Africa. Summer can be uncomfortably hot in the Low Veld. The hotter areas include the lower Orange River valley and the Mpumalanga Lowveld. Regions in the north east of the country can get quite humid. In Cape Town region rainfall is highest in winter. Most of the rest of the country experiences the highest rainfall in the summer. Those who have come to view game are advised to travel in winter when the grass is short and the animals are much easier to sight.

International Travel

Johannesburg is fast becoming a regional hub for air travel. The country’s national carrier is South African Airways (SAA). There are numerous direct and indirect South Africa flights for those traveling from Europe and North America. There are also flights from other parts of Africa, the Far East and South America. International airports in the country are: Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban, Bloemfontein and Port Elizabeth. As Cape Town’s stature as a destination grows, there is an increasing number of direct international flights.

Local Travel

The road infrastructure is good and it is easy and convenient to get around the country by car. Self-drive and chauffeur-driven rental cars in South Africa are widely available. Visitors must be in possession of an international driving license. The country has taken after the British and driving is on the left.

The principal cities of Bloemfontein, Cape Town, Durban, East London, Johannesburg, Kimberley, Port Elizabeth and Pretoria are serviced by daily flights. South African Airways among other domestic carriers operates on the principal routes. Cruises offer links between the country’s major ports such as Durban, Port Elizabeth, Cape Town and East London.

Rail services of varying quality link the main cities. The luxury and very pricey Blue Train offers an express service between Pretoria, Victoria Falls, Hoedspruit, Port Elizabeth and Cape Town. Long-distance trains are equipped with sleeping compartments. You should reserve ahead of travel especially for overnight journeys. A number of bus operators run intercity express links using modern air-conditioned coaches.

Travel Insurance

There are world-class medical facilities in South Africa. Health and the usual travel insurance are recommended.

What to Wear

If you travel in summer you should pack light cottons, linens and rainwear. For winter you need warmer clothes and rainwear if you travel to the Cape region. Casual wear will be adequate for most occasions. On formal social functions however men should turn out in dinner jackets and black ties and women in full-length dresses.