Grenada travel advice

This advice has been reviewed and reissued. The overall level of the advice has not changed.

Travel Summary

• There is a confirmed human case of the H1N1 virus - Swine Flu in Grenada. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has raised its Pandemic Threat Alert Phase to Level 6. You should monitor media reports for any developments and advice. There is a dedicated Swine Flu page on this website. Guidance on Pandemic Flu can be obtained on the UK Department of Health website.
  
  
• There is no British High Commission in Grenada. For emergency consular assistance, please telephone - The Office of the Honorary British Consul on (00) (1) 473 440 8844. Alternatively contact the British High Commission in Bridgetown, Barbados. See the Contact Details of this advice for more details.
  
  
• The hurricane season in Grenada normally runs from June to November. See the Natural Disasters section of this advice and Tropical Cyclones for more details.
  
  
• Around 25,000 British nationals visited Grenada in 2006 (Source: Grenada Tourist Authority). Most visits to Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique are trouble-free. The main types of incident for which British nationals required consular assistance in Grenada in 2008 were: replacing lost and stolen passports and dealing with arrests and detentions, mostly for drugs offences. However, you should be aware that cases of robbery and other crimes do occur. See the Crime section of this advice for more detail.
  
  
• 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.
  
  
• We recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. You should check any exclusions and that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake. See the General (Insurance) section of this advice and Travel Insurance for more details.

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. For more general information see Terrorism abroad.

Crime

Around 25,000 British tourists visit Grenada each year (source: Grenada Tourist Authority) and the vast majority of visits are trouble-free. Grenada is a friendly and welcoming country and overall crime rates are relatively low. Despite the relaxed atmosphere, however, there have been incidents of violent crime including murder. These tend to occur within the local community but can sometimes affect tourists.

You should therefore maintain at least the same level of security awareness as you would in the UK and ensure that your living accommodation is secure. Apply the same measures if you are staying on a yacht. Avoid walking alone in isolated areas, including beaches, after dark. Do not carry large amounts of cash or jewellery. Valuables and travel documents should be left, where possible, in safety deposit boxes and hotel safes.

For more general information see Victims of crime abroad.

Political Situation

Grenada Country Profile

Local Travel

Mini-bus, water taxi and ferry services are operating.

Road Travel

Motorists drive on the left in Grenada. Driving standards in Grenada are not as high as in the UK and you need to be tolerant of the more relaxed attitude to the rules of the road of many Grenadian drivers. In some areas, there are open drains at the side of roads; extra care is needed to negotiate potential hazards to tyres and bodywork. Take particular care at pedestrian crossings, traffic lights and roundabouts even if you think you have the right of way. Use only designated bus stops to ride the local mini buses; the practice of flagging down buses on busy roads is responsible for many accidents. Many roads are steep, with hairpin bends and potholes in places; drive slowly and vigilantly.

Mini bus services are operating throughout the island, which provide relatively cheap and fast (often dangerously so) travel within Grenada. Standard taxi fares exist for most destinations but it is sensible to clarify the fare with the driver before beginning a journey. Self-drive cars can be hired locally. Given the steepness of many roads in the mountainous hinterland, automatic four-wheel drive vehicles are popular, particularly following the damage to many roads caused by the Hurricanes. You are required to purchase a local driving permit (East Caribbean Dollars 30 for a three-month permit) and will need to produce a full UK driving licence to obtain one.

For more general information see Driving abroad.

Air Travel

You will have to pay a departure tax when leaving Grenada. The cost is East Caribbean Dollars 50 per person which can also be paid in US Dollars ($20). For more general information see Airline security.

Local laws and customs

You should note that there are severe penalties for all drug offences. Pack all luggage yourself and do not carry anything through customs for anyone else.

You should be aware that it is an offence for anyone, including children, to dress in camouflage clothing.

Certain homosexual acts are illegal under Grenadian laws.

For more general information for different types of travellers see Your trip.

Entry requirements

Visas

British passport holders do not need visas to enter Grenada for visits up to three months. You should note that overstaying without permission is an offence and paid employment is prohibited without a work permit.

Entry requirements may change from time to time and should be checked with the Grenada High Commission, London.

Foot and mouth disease

You are banned from bringing meat products into Grenada from the United Kingdom in your personal luggage.

Health

There is a confirmed human case of Influenza A (H1N1) - Swine Flu in Grenada. The World Health Organisation (WHO) Pandemic Threat Alert Phase has been raised to Level 6. The WHO website has further details. You should monitor media reports for any developments and advice. There is a dedicated Swine Flu page on this website. Guidance on Pandemic Flu can be obtained on the UK Department of Health website.

Dengue fever occurs in Latin America and the Caribbean and can occur throughout the year. In 2007 there was a marked increase in the number of reported cases of dengue across the region. It is found throughout Grenada.

You should exercise normal precautions to avoid exposure to HIV/AIDS. For more general information on how to do this see HIV and AIDS.

You should seek medical advice before travelling to Grenada and ensure that all appropriate vaccinations are up-to-date. For further information on vaccination requirements, health outbreaks and general disease protection and prevention you should visit the websites of the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) or NHS Scotland’s Fit for Travel or call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47.

For more general health information see Travel health.

Natural disasters

Hurricanes

The hurricane season in the Caribbean normally runs from June to November. You should monitor local and international weather updates from the World Meteorological Organisation and the National Hurricane Centre. For more general information see Tropical Cyclones.

General

Insurance

We recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. It is particularly important that this includes air ambulance charges and medical costs in a third country as serious medical cases are often referred overseas. You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake. For more general information see Travel insurance.

Keep a copy of the photopage of your passport and relevant entry stamp in case your documents are lost or stolen.

If things do go wrong when you are overseas then this is How we can help.

Consular Registration

Register with our LOCATE service to tell us when and where you are travelling abroad or where you live abroad so our consular and crisis staff can provide better assistance to you in an emergency. More information about registering with LOCATE

Package Holidays

If you are on a package holiday, you must travel on the specified return date. If you fail to do so it is likely that you will have to pay the cost of a return ticket yourself.

Passports

In the event of loss of your passport, you will need to apply to the Passport Office at the British High Commission, Barbados for a replacement. There is no British High Commission in Grenada. Urgent applications can be speeded up if you pay courier costs, but even so, the issue of a replacement passport could still take up to ten working days.

El Salvador travel advice

This advice has been reviewed and reissued with an amendment to the Summary (elections). The overall level of advice has not changed.

Travel Summary

• Heavy rain over the weekend of 7 and 8 November has caused heavy flooding in the San Salvador and San Vicente regions of the country. The President has declared a State of Emergency whilst cleanup and ongoing operations continue to assist thousands of displaced people. The international airport is open, but local travel by road may be interrupted by landslides and flooding. Please contact our Honorary Consul for more localised travel information.
  
  
• We continue to advise against all but essential travel to neighbouring Honduras, with the exception of the Bay Islands, due to the ongoing political crisis. Although elections took place on 29 November as scheduled work on political and national reconciliation is still ongoing. As a result of these events the situation, particularly in the capital Tegucigalpa, remains unpredictable and may change very quickly. Equally neighbouring countries (El Salvador, Guatemala and Nicaragua) may close land borders and stop air links at short notice. The curfew previously in place in Honduras has been lifted, but could be reintroduced at any time should there be a change in the situation. Anyone intending to travel to or through Honduras should contact his or her travel operator for further advice and to keep abreast of the situation by monitoring local media, the FCO’s Travel Advice on Honduras and by checking our Embassy’s website at www.ukinguatemala.fco.gov.uk.
  
• There is no British Embassy in El Salvador. The British Embassy in Guatemala City has overall responsibility for El Salvador. In the event of an emergency you can contact the British Honorary Consul in San Salvador for assistance. See the General (Consular assistance) section of this advice for more details.
  
  
• The rainy season in El Salvador normally runs from June to November, coinciding with the hurricane season in the Caribbean. See the Natural Disasters (Rainy Season) section of this advice for more details.
  
  
• Dengue Fever is endemic to Latin America and the Caribbean and can occur throughout the year. See the Health section of this advice for more details.
  
  
• The main types of incident for which British nationals required consular assistance in El Salvador in 2008 was for replacing lost and stolen passports as a result of pickpocketing.
  
  
• There are very high crime rates in El Salvador. You should take care if you need to travel in downtown San Salvador and on roads outside major towns and cities at night. See the Crime and Local Travel sections of this advice for more details.
  
  
• 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.
  
  
• We recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for the activities you want to undertake. See the General (Insurance) section of this advice and our Travel Insurance page for more details.

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.

For more general information see our Terrorism Abroad page.

Crime

El Salvador has one of the highest crime rates in Latin America. The majority of serious crime involves Salvadorians and does not affect visitors. However there have been several attacks on tourists in recent years including robberies, carjackings and assaults. The main types of incident for which British nationals require consular assistance in El Salvador is replacing lost and stolen passports as the result of pickpocketing.

Petty crime is a problem in cities and tourist areas. You should be particularly careful of your belongings at bus stations, airports, tourist places and on public transport. You should keep your valuables locked away in a safe or keep them on your person when travelling. Carry a photocopy of your passport for identification purposes.

Despite the high levels of crime most visits to El Salvador are trouble-free. However, the risk of becoming a victim exists and you should take steps to mitigate the risk. You should take your personal security seriously and be aware of your surroundings at all times. The following advice may help:

• You should take great care travelling anywhere in El Salvador at night. You should take particular care if you need to go to downtown San Salvador, other towns or cities, or and travel on roads outside of major towns and cities after dark. Within San Salvador, areas such as Escalón, San Benito, Zona Rosa, Maquilishuat, La Grand Via and Multiplaza are safer at night, although you should still exercise caution.
• You should take care travelling alone in El Salvador. When travelling to remote areas it may be safer to travel with others or take part in a tour with a reputable company. The same applies to walking on remote trails, as there have been reports of attacks on tourists walking alone.
• You should avoid displaying items of value such as laptops, MP3 players, cameras and mobile phones. This is particularly important when arriving at the airport. There have been several instances of foreigners being targeted when leaving the vicinity of the airport. You are advised not to wear expensive jewellery and only carry minimal amounts of cash when travelling in El Salvador.
• It is safer to withdraw money from ATMs in shopping centres or change money in hotels or banks. It is wise not to withdraw too much money at one time. There have been attacks on foreigners after they have withdrawn money from ATMs. You should avoid withdrawing money at night.
• You should not resist when being robbed. Victims have been killed and injured resisting attack.
• There have been instances of armed attacks on vehicles travelling in El Salvador. Avoid travelling on unpaved roads as you are at greater risk of attack in remote areas with fewer police patrols. The road between El Salvador and Guatemala has seen attacks and you should exercise caution. Please see the Local Travel Section for more information.
• For shorter trips within towns and cities it is safer to take radio or hotel taxis rather than public buses or unofficial taxis.
• You should be aware that the risk of kidnapping in El Salvador still exists, despite success by the National Police in tackling the problem in recent years. Kidnap gangs generally target rich Salvadorians rather than visitors.

For more general information see our Victims of crime page.

Political Situation

El Salvador Country Profile

Demonstrations occur in El Salvador from time to time and can do so with little warning. They can become violent and disrupt movement. You are advised to avoid large gatherings or demonstrations.

The El Salvador Constitution prohibits political activities by foreigners, and participation in activities such as demonstrations may result in detention and/or deportation.

Local Travel

Public buses are poorly maintained and often overcrowded. Robberies often occur and foreigners are sometimes targeted. Using a reputable tour company for longer journeys may reduce the risks associated with travel on these buses. It is safer to travel short distances in radio or hotel taxis.

When travelling by car, it is safer to travel on main roads between major cities and destinations.You are at greater risk of attack in remote areas with fewer Police patrols. Take simple precautions such as locking doors and keeping windows closed whilst travelling.

You should exercise particular caution when travelling to/from the border with Guatemala and when travelling this road by car, especially in vehicles with El Salvador number plates. You should use only reputable coach companies when travelling to/from Guatemala. There have been reports of violent attacks on vehicles, particularly on the Guatemalan side of the border. Vehicles with El Salvador number plates are often targeted.

There have been recent reports of attacks on vehicles travelling in Santa Ana and on the route between Comalapa airport and San Salvador.

You should pay attention to your security at the border areas with Guatemala and Honduras. You should avoid openly changing large amounts of money and make sure valuables are kept out of sight. It is often better to cross borders in the morning as borders sometimes close in the early evening. It also allows time for you to reach your destination before dark.

As a result of past conflicts, there remains unexploded ordnance such as landmines in the countryside. Those going off-road should be aware of these potential dangers when visiting the more remote locations. You should take local advice and avoid travel to such areas if advised.

Road Travel

The main highway through El Salvador is being brought up to international standards. The other main routes to Honduras are in good condition. Some roads, however, are in poor condition and can be dangerous to drive on. Care should be taken whatever road is used as the standard of driving is low.

For more general information see our Driving Abroad page.

Swimming

Swimming on El Salvador’s Pacific coast can be dangerous due to strong undertows. The currents around La Bocana de San Diego are particularly treacherous. Several people have drowned in recent years. The number of lifeguards is limited and you should avoid swimming on isolated beaches.

Local laws and customs

For more general information for different types of travellers see our Your trip page.

Entry requirements

Visas

UK passport holders can enter El Salvador as tourists or business visitors for up to 90 days without a visa. This can be extended on application to the Salvadorean immigration department, Centro de Gobierno, San Salvador; Tel: (503) 2221 2111.

Passport validity

You should ensure that your passport has at least six months validity from the date of intended travel.

Central America Border Control Agreement

El Salvador is party to the Central America Border Control Agreement (CA-4). Under the terms of this agreement, British tourists may travel within any of the CA-4 countries (Honduras, Nicaragua, El Salvador and Guatemala) for a period of up to 90 day, without completing entry and exit formalities at border Immigration checkpoints. This period begins at the first point of entry of any of the CA-4 countries. Fines are applied for travellers who exceed this 90-day limit, although a request for an extension can be made for up to 30 days by paying a fee before the 90 days limit expires. If you are expelled from any of the four countries you are also excluded from the entire CA-4 region.

Travelling with children

Single parents or other adults travelling alone with children should be aware that some countries required documentary evidence of parental responsibility before allowing lone parents to enter the country or, in some cases, before permitting the children to leave the country. For further information on exactly what will be required at immigration please contact the Embassy of El Salvador.

Health

There is no in-country Swine Flu quarantine policy but screening equipment has been installed at airports to check incoming passengers.

Medical facilities outside the capital, San Salvador, are generally basic. State-run hospitals are on the whole under-staffed, under-funded and ill-equipped. You should use private clinics whenever possible. You should be aware that some hospitals in El Salvador may be reluctant to provide treatment until they are satisfied that you have medical insurance. You should therefore carry a copy of your insurance cover at all times.

Water is not generally safe to drink outside the better hotels in the main towns but bottled water is widely and cheaply available.

Dengue Fever is endemic to Latin America and the Caribbean and can occur throughout the year. There have been confirmed cases of Dengue Fever this year throughout El Salvador. There is no vaccine to prevent Dengue Fever. You are advised to take additional precautions against mosquitoes.

In the 2008 Report on the Global AIDS Epidemic the UNAIDS/WHO Working Group estimated that around 34,000 adults aged 15 or over in El Salvador were living with HIV; the prevalence rate was estimated at around 0.8% of the adult population. This compares to the prevalence rate in adults in the UK of around 0.2%. You should exercise precautions to avoid exposure to HIV/AIDS. For more general information on how to do this see our HIV and AIDS page.

You should seek medical advice before travelling to El Salvador and ensure that all appropriate vaccinations are up-to-date. For further information on vaccination requirements, health outbreaks and general disease protection and prevention you should visit the websites of the NaTHNaC and NHS Scotland's Fit For Travel or call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47.

For more general health information see our Travel Health page

Natural disasters

Volcanoes

El Salvador has a number of active volcanoes. The last notable eruption was the Santa Ana (Ilamatepec) volcano, which erupted on 2 October 2005, prompting a government alert, which lasted for several months before the activity died down and local residents returned to the area.

You should seek local advice before climbing any volcanoes in El Salvador and monitor local media for any updates on increased volcanic activity.

For further information on volcano warnings please check with the Humanitarian Early Warning System.

Rainy Season

Heavy rain over the weekend of 7 and 8 November has caused heavy flooding in the San Salvador and San Vicente regions of the country. The President has declared a State of Emergency whilst cleanup and ongoing operations continue to assist thousands of displaced people. The international airport is open, but local travel by road may be interrupted by landslides and flooding. Please contact our Honorary Consul for more localised travel information.

The rainy season in El Salvador normally runs from June to November, coinciding with the hurricane season in the Caribbean. Mountain areas are particularly vulnerable to landslides in the rainy season. You should monitor local and international weather updates from the World Meteorological Organisation and the US National Hurricane Centre. Please also see our Tropical Cyclones page for more detailed information about what to do if you are caught up in a hurricane.

Earthquakes

El Salvador is subject to frequent minor earth tremors and occasional earthquakes.

You should ensure that you know what action to take should an earthquake occur. If staying in a hotel read their earthquake instructions. During an earthquake, you should drop to the ground and take cover under sturdy furniture, in a doorway or next to an inside wall, away from windows or objects which may fall. Cover your head with a pillow or your arms and wait for the earthquake to stop, before moving to a safe area outside.

Further advice may be found on the Red Cross website.

General

Insurance

We recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for the activities you want to undertake. For more general information see our Travel Insurance page

If things go wrong when overseas, please see our When Things Go Wrong page.

Registration

Register with our LOCATE service to tell us when and where you are travelling abroad or where you live abroad so our consular and crisis staff can provide better assistance to you in an emergency.

Alternatively, you can register with the British Embassy in Guatemala on arrival in El Salvador. You can do this in person, via e mail: consular.guatemala@fco.gov.uk or through the Embassy website at www.ukinguatemala.gov.uk.

Consular Representation

There is no British Embassy in El Salvador. The British Embassy in Guatemala City has overall responsibility for El Salvador. In the event of an Emergency you can contact the British Honorary Consul:

Mr George Chippendale, San Salvador, PO Box 424; Tel: +503 2281 5555 extension 104 or 2271 1050; Fax: +503 2271 1026; e-mail: claims@gibson.com.sv

Honorary Consul Office Hours: Local Time: Mon-Fri: 08:00 to 12:00 and 13:00 to 17:00; GMT: Mon-Fri: 14:00 to 18:00 and 19:00 to 23:00.

Passports should be left in a hotel safe/deposit box. You should carry a photocopy of your personal details page for identification purposes. You should ensure that your passport has sufficient validity and a plentiful supply of unused pages before you travel.

The British Honorary Consul in San Salvador and the British Embassy in Guatemala City do not issue standard passports. Applications for new passports should be sent to the UK Passport service for the Americas and Caribbean in Washington. Details of the process can be found at their website www.ukinusa.fco.gov.uk/en/passports. The process may take up to 10 working days. If a courier is used, the cost will be borne by the applicant.

However, in emergencies and some circumstances, we are able to process emergency passports in El Salvador and Guatemala, but it is dependant on your situation. This document is only available if you have held a full passport previously. Please note that this passports is restrictive and only allows for one nominated journey and is not valid via the United States.

Money

The American Dollar is the official currency in El Salvador. Although some prices are still quoted in the Salvadoran Colon, payment is expected in Dollars. The exchange rate is fixed at US$1.00 = 8.75 Salvadoran Colón.

Pounds sterling cannot be exchanged anywhere in El Salvador, so you should bring a mixture of cash and travellers’ cheques in US dollars. You are advised to bring some low denomination US dollar notes as US$50 and US$100 notes may not be accepted in many smaller restaurants and shops, in bars and by taxi drivers.

ATMs allowing withdrawals using debit and credit cards are widely available in El Salvador. For advice on using ATMs, please refer to the Crime section above.

Dominican Republic travel advice

This advice has been reviewed and reissued with an amendment to the Health section (removal of swine flu) and an addition to the Entry Requirements section (passport validity). The overall level of the advice has not changed.

Travel Summary

• The hurricane season in the Dominican Republic normally runs from June to November. See the Natural Disasters (Hurricanes) section of this advice and Tropical Cyclones for more details .
  

• 216,150 British nationals visited the Dominican Republic in 2008 (source the Dominican Central Bank). 77 British nationals required consular assistance in the Dominican Republic in the period 01 April 2008 – 31 March 2009 for the following types of incident; deaths (18 cases); hospitalisations (29 cases); and arrests, for a variety of offences (18 cases). During this period assistance was also requested with regard to lost or stolen passports (34 cases). Most visits to the Dominican Republic are trouble-free, but there are incidents of crime and violence. See the Crime section of this advice for more details.

• There have been a number of demonstrations across the country particularly in Santiago, Salcedo, Bonao and Santo Domingo. Visitors to these areas should be aware of the potential for disruption to their travel plans and should ensure they follow the advice of local authorities.

• Arrests of British nationals for attempting to traffic drugs have increased markedly. Penalties for possession, distribution or manufacture of drugs are severe and can lead to imprisonment. See the Local Laws and Customs section of this advice for more details.
  
  

• There is a low threat from terrorism in Dominican Republic. 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.
  
  
• We recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake. See the General (Insurance) section of this advice and Travel Insurance for more details.

Safety and security

Terrorism

There is a low threat from terrorism in Dominican Republic. 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.

For more general information see Terrorism Abroad.

Crime

Around 220,000 British tourists visit the Dominican Republic each year and the vast majority of visits are trouble-free. The Dominican Republic is friendly and welcoming, however, there are frequent incidents of violent crime, including murder. These tend to occur within the local community but can sometimes affect tourists and residents. There have been occasional incidents of serious attacks on foreign visitors, as well as more opportunist crime including burglaries, breaking into cars and pick pocketing. By remaining alert to the threat you can reduce the risk of becoming a victim.

You should take particular care if you are passing through isolated tourist areas on foot or on tourist scooters, especially at night. If attacked, you are advised not to resist. You should take precautions to reduce the risk of being targeted. If you leave your hotel complex, do not wear expensive jewellery or carry large amounts of cash or expensive items such as cameras. Keep your valuables, including your passport in hotel safety deposit boxes. Be particularly careful after dark and avoid quiet, poorly lit areas.

Take a copy of the photo-page of your passport and relevant visa stamp in case your documents are stolen. You should always carry proof of your identity.

If you lose your passport or it is stolen, you should get a police report before contacting the British Embassy.

You should exercise caution in hotel casinos where games of progressive keno are offered, especially when requested to provide credit card information. Large amounts of money can be lost rapidly and we are aware of a number of cases where British nationals have lost large sums of money playing these games.

The Tourist Police (POLITUR) can provide assistance to tourists. They can be contacted on the free telephone number 1-809-200-3500.

For more general information see Victims of Crime.

Water safety

Hotels and resorts may not have lifeguards present at swimming pools and on beaches and appropriate safety and rescue equipment may not be available. Unpredictable sea conditions could exist especially during the tropical storm season (see the Natural Disasters section of this advice for more details). Swimmers should keep informed of local water conditions and warning systems and follow instructions accordingly. Avoid participating in any water activities under the influence of alcohol or other substances.

Political Situation

Political demonstrations can occur across the country sometimes leading to violence.. Demonstrations do not usually occur near tourist areas and foreigners are not normally targeted. You should avoid all demonstrations or large gatherings of people and monitor local news reports.

Dominican Republic Country Profile

Local Travel

Taxis are cheap and reasonably reliable. But there have been reported cases of theft in taxis, so keep valuables and cash well hidden. Tourist taxis are safer and more reliable, but also more expensive. Public transport is not recommended, but private companies operate good bus services between cities.

Road Travel

It is easy to hire a car in the Dominican Republic, with many international franchises available. UK driving licences are accepted for visits not exceeding three months.

Although roads are reasonably good, the standard of driving is erratic. Drivers weave from lane to lane and seldom signal. Many vehicles are in a very poor state, often as a result of numerous collisions. Motorcyclists are numerous and a real danger. Road accidents are common. If you are involved in any accident you are liable to be detained by police until the circumstances of the accident have been investigated. It is worth bearing in mind that police tend to favour the motorcyclist in the event of an accident between a motorcycle and another vehicle. If you are detained as a result of a road accident, you are advised to contact the British Embassy in Santo Domingo or Honorary Consulate in Puerto Plata.

For more general information see Driving Abroad.

Local laws and customs

You should never become involved with drugs of any kind in the Dominican Republic. There are severe penalties for all drug offences. If you are found guilty of being in possession of drugs you are likely to receive a long prison sentence plus a hefty fine. Arrests of British Nationals for being in possession of drugs when leaving the Dominican Republic have sharply increased since 2006. Possession of even small quantities of illegal drugs can lead to imprisonment. All sentences are served in the Dominican Republic where prison conditions are harsh. You should pack all your own luggage yourself and do not carry anything through customs for anyone else.

The DNCD (Dominican Drug Enforcement Agency) has stepped up their efforts to clamp down on drugs with several recent examples of successful operations. Seizures at ports and airports around the Dominican Republic have increased and included a high number of foreigners, including British nationals, detected by sniffer dog units.

Homosexuality is widely accepted in the Dominican Republic.

For more general information for different types of travellers see Your trip.

Entry requirements

Visas

All visitors require a tourist card, which can be obtained before travel from the Embassy of the Dominican Republic , or on arrival at the airport at a cost of US$10 or equivalent. The Embassy website provides more information.

Passport validity

Visitors should ensure they have a valid passport for the duration of their stay.

Departure tax

If you intend to stay for up to two weeks departure tax is US$20. Scheduled airlines sometimes include this charge in the price of the ticket so you should check with your tour operator or travel provider about this. If you intend to stay for more than two weeks, departure tax varies depending on length of stay and on nationality.

Travelling with children

Following further clarification from the Dominican Republic authorities, we understand that visitors under 18 travelling to the Dominican Republic do not require written authorisation from their parents as long as they enter and leave with the same person/people. If visitors between the ages of 13 and 18 are travelling alone, or with a group with no one over 18, then similarly parental authorisation is not required as long as the composition of the party is the same on entry and exit. If visitors under 18 do not intend to leave the Dominican Republic with the same person/people that they entered with, then they are required to carry a sworn affidavit drawn up by a solicitor and signed by their parents/legal guardian authorising that. This affidavit needs to be legalised by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) and the Dominican Republic Embassy. You should contact the Dominican Republic Embassy if you have any queries about these requirements.

Imports

Meat and dairy products from EU countries are currently banned from personal import. Such items are liable to be removed from luggage and destroyed by airport officials.

Health

Private medical facilities in Dominican Republic offer reasonable to very good standards of services. However, other than primary care in public hospitals the public health service is not deemed to be adequate so you need fully comprehensive travel insurance in case you need to be medically evacuated in an emergency. Dentistry is adequate. A good range of across the counter medicines is available, including some normally only available on prescription in the UK (usually generic brands).

Malaria is present within the Dominican Republic and there have been occasional outbreaks, mainly in the border regions with Haiti. Rabies is also present, with 39 cases of the disease being reported in animals in 2007, and 95 cases in 2008.

Dengue Fever is common to Latin America and the Caribbean and can occur throughout the year. There has been a marked increase in the number of reported cases of dengue in the Dominican Republic, including a number of deaths. The highest number of cases in the Dominican Republic usually occurs in the hot season from May to November. Dengue Fever is a viral disease spread to humans by mosquitoes. Protective measures against mosquito bites are recommended. There is no vaccine to prevent Dengue Fever, which has severe flu-like symptoms and can sometimes be fatal (Dengue Haemorrhagic Fever). If you do fall ill you should seek immediate medical advice.

In the 2008 Report on the Global AIDS Epidemic the UNAIDS/WHO Working Group estimated that around 59,000 adults aged 15 or over in Dominican Republic were living with HIV; the prevalence rate was estimated at around 1.1% of the adult population. This compares to the prevalence rate in adults in the UK of around 0.2%. You should exercise normal precautions to avoid exposure to HIV/AIDS. For more general information on how to do this see HIV and AIDS.

You should seek medical advice before travelling to Dominican Republic and ensure that all appropriate vaccinations are up-to-date. For further information on vaccination requirements, health outbreaks and general disease protection and prevention you should visit the websites of the NaTHNaC and NHS Scotland's Fit For Travel or call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47.

For more general health information see Travel Health, Swine Flu and the UK Department of Health website.

Natural disasters

Hurricanes

The hurricane season in the Dominican Republic normally runs from June to November. You should monitor local and international weather updates from the World Meteorological Organisation. You can also access the National Hurricane Centre for updates. You should also see Tropical Cyclones for more detailed information about what to do if you are caught up in a hurricane.

The hurricane season in the Caribbean frequently coincides with heavy rains, which may cause flash floods and landslides. You should monitor local and international weather updates from World Meteorological Organisation contact local authorities or your tour representative to check onward travel plans.

Earthquakes

Earthquakes are a potential threat and tremors are felt occasionally. On 18 December 2008, an earthquake measuring 5.2 on the Richter scale was recorded 62km from Santo Domingo, though no damage or injuries were reported. Previously, on 22 September 2003, a strong tremor occurred close to the major tourist areas of Puerto Plata, Sosua and Cabarete on the North coast. Again, no injuries to tourists were reported but some hotels suffered structural damage.

General

Insurance

We recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake. For more general information see Travel Insurance.

Here's how we can help if things go wrong.

Purchasing Property

You should consult Dominican lawyers with relevant experience before purchasing any property.

Money

The currency is the Dominican peso. American dollar and Travellers’ cheques are easily exchanged. Currency should be exchanged only at banks or official exchange offices (casas de cambio). UK debit and credit cards are widely accepted. Exercise caution when using debit/credit cards. There have been reports of fraudulent charges appearing after card usage in the Dominican Republic. Exercise caution and be aware of your surroundings when using an ATM card.

Registration

Register with our LOCATE service to tell us when and where you are travelling abroad or where you live abroad so our consular and crisis staff can provide better assistance to you in an emergency.

Local tour companies

It is important to be aware that most local tour companies offering excursions, water sports, jeep and quad bike rental, horse riding etc do not provide insurance cover, so you must check the terms and conditions of your travel insurance policy before undertaking any such activities.

Safety precautions

You should also make sure that adequate safety precautions have been taken by the organisers, for example whether crash helmets and or life jackets are supplied. If in doubt you should seek the advice of your tour operator.

Honorary Consulate

In addition to the British Embassy in Santo Domingo, the UK has an Honorary Consulate in Puerto Plata.

Dominica, Commonwealth of travel advice

This advice has been reviewed and reissued with an amendment to the Health and Natural Disasters section. The overall level of the advice has not changed.

Travel Summary

• The hurricane season in Dominica normally runs from June to November. You should monitor local and international weather updates. See the Natural Disasters (Hurricanes) section of this advice and Tropical Cyclones for more details.
  
  
• There is no British High Commission in Dominica. For emergency consular assistance you should contact the British High Commission in Bridgetown, Barbados.
  
  
• Around 5,000 British nationals visited Dominica in 2006 (Source: Dominican Immigration). Most visits to Dominica are trouble free. However, you should be aware that cases of robbery and other crimes do occur. See the Crime section of this advice for more details.
  
  
• 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.
  
  
• We strongly recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake. See the General (Insurance) section of this advice and Travel Insurance for more details.

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.

For more general information see Terrorism Abroad.

Crime

Around 5,000 British tourists visit Dominica each year (Source: Dominica Immigration) and the vast majority of visits are trouble free. Dominica is a friendly and welcoming country and overall crime rates are relatively low. Despite the relaxed and friendly atmosphere, however, there have been incidents of violent crime including murder. These tend to occur within the local community but can sometimes affect tourists. A British couple were attacked and robbed on their yacht in May 2009.

You should therefore maintain at least the same level of security awareness as you would in the UK and ensure that your living accommodation is secure. Apply the same measures if you are staying on a yacht. Avoid walking alone in isolated areas, including beaches after dark. Do not carry large amounts of cash or jewellery. Valuables and travel documents should be left, where possible, in safety deposit boxes and hotel safes.

For more general information see Victims of crime.

Political Situation

Dominica Country Profile

Local Travel

Road Travel

Motorists drive on the left in Dominica. Most roads are paved but driving can be difficult due to blind corners, and poor road surfaces lacking grip. Speed limits are posted in kilometres per hour and although there is no enforced limit in rural areas, you should take extra care. Outside of the capital and larger towns roads are unlit, so driving at night can be extremely hazardous.. Caution should be exercised when driving on the main road from Melville Hall airport which is prone to landslides following bad weather and has a number of sheer drops where the road has fallen away. d Driving on this road at night is not recommended as road signs warning of landslides are not visible. Road signs are poor and a map is essential. Pedestrians walk on the roads because of a lack of pavements. In the event of an accident, stop your vehicle and call the police.

For more general information see Driving Abroad.

Air Travel

You will have to pay a departure tax when leaving Dominica of 54 East Caribbean Dollars (for each traveller aged 12 years or older). The equivalent in US dollars (US$21) is accepted.

Local laws and customs

There are severe penalties for all drug offences. Pack all luggage yourself and do not carry anything through Customs for anyone else.

You should be aware that it is an offence for anyone, including children, to dress in camouflage clothing.

For more general information for different types of travellers see Your trip.

Entry requirements

Visas

British Passport holders do not require visas to visit Dominica and can stay in the country for up to six months.

Entry requirements may change from time to time and should be checked with the Office of the High Commissioner for the Commonwealth of Dominica.

Passport Validity

Your passport should be valid for at least six months.

Return Air Ticket

You must hold a return air ticket. If you fail to do so, you may be refused entry to Dominica.

Foot and mouth disease

You are banned from bringing meat products into Dominica from the United Kingdom in your personal luggage.

Health

You should also monitor local media reports for any developments and advice. There is a dedicated Swine flu page on the FCO website. Guidance for Pandemic Flu can be found on the UK Department of Health website.

Dengue Fever occurs in Latin America and the Caribbean throughout the year.

You should exercise normal precautions to avoid exposure to HIV/AIDS. For more general information on how to do this see HIV and AIDS.

You should seek medical advice before travelling to Dominica and ensure that all appropriate vaccinations are up-to-date. For further information on vaccination requirements, health outbreaks and general disease protection and prevention you should visit the websites of the NaTHNaC or NHS Scotland's Fit For Travel or call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47.

For more general health information see Travel Health. page on the FCO website. Guidance on Pandemic Flu can be obtained on the UK

Natural disasters

Hurricanes

The hurricane season in the Caribbean normally runs from June to November. You should monitor local and international weather updates from the World Meteorological Organisation and the US National Hurricane Centre. For more general information see Tropical Cyclones.

Earthquakes

Dominica is susceptible to periodic earth tremors.

General

Insurance

We strongly recommend you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance, which includes medical evacuation by air ambulance, before travelling. You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake. For more general information see Travel Insurance.

Here's how we can help when things go wrong.

Registration

Register with our LOCATE service to tell us when and where you are travelling abroad or where you live abroad so our consular and crisis staff can provide better assistance to you in an emergency.

Passports

Keep a copy of the photopage of your passport and relevant entry stamp in case your documents are stolen.

In the event of loss of your passport, you will need to apply to the Passport Office at the British High Commission, Barbados for a replacement. Urgent applications can be speeded up if you pay courier costs, but even so, the issue of a replacement passport could still take several days.

Cuba travel advice

This advice has been reviewed and reissued with amendments to the Summary (consular assistance figures). The overall level of the advice has not changed.

Travel Summary

• Human cases of Swine Flu have been reported in Cuba. The Cuban authorities have introduced medical screening for the Swine Flu virus (H1N1) at some airports for passengers arriving in Cuba on international flights. A period of hospitalisation while blood tests for the H1N1 virus are undertaken may be required for people exhibiting flu-like symptoms either on arrival or at any point during their time in Cuba. You can check for updates on the number of cases and their location through the World Health Organisation (WHO) website . The WHO has raised its Pandemic threat alert phase to Level 6. You should monitor local media reports for any developments and contact your tour operator and/or airline to find out the latest information. There is a dedicated Swine Flu page. Guidance on Pandemic Flu can also be obtained on the UK Department of Health website. We encourage you to register with our LOCATE service so that we can keep in touch and provide appropriate level of consular assistance in the event of an emergency.
  
  

• Most visits to Cuba are trouble free. 45 British nationals required consular assistance in Cuba in the period 01 April 2008 – 31 March 2009 for the following types of incident; deaths (11 cases); hospitalisations (24 cases); and arrests, for a variety of offences (4 cases). During this period assistance was also requested with regard to lost or stolen passports (47 cases). See the General (Money) section of this advice for more details.
  

• In view of serious accidents that have involved tourists, you should not use mopeds or three-wheel Coco-Taxis when travelling around Cuba. Also, crime is on the increase, most commonly in the form of opportunist theft (loss of travel bags, handbags, etc containing passports and funds).

• You must pay an airport departure tax of 25 Convertible Pesos (CUCs) per person when leaving Cuba. This must be paid in local currency.

• Dengue Fever is endemic to Latin America and the Caribbean and can occur throughout the year. See the Health section of this advice for more details.

• 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.

• We strongly recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake. See the General (Insurance) section of this advice and Travel Insurance for more details.

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.

For more general information see Terrorism Abroad

Crime

Crime is on the increase. Theft from luggage during baggage handling, both on arrival and departure, is common. You should remove all valuables, lock suitcases and consider having them shrink-wrapped before check-in.

You should take all necessary precautions if you are in Centro Havana at night. You should take a taxi to your accommodation rather than walk, even if your accommodation is only a few blocks away.

There are a small number of bogus tour agents/taxis operating at the airports and around old Havana. You should not travel with anyone other than your recognised tour operator. If you need to take a taxi, ensure it is a registered one and not a private vehicle.

Car-related crime and mugging incidents are increasing, not only in Havana but Santiago and other areas less frequented by tourists. There have been attacks on foreigners using hire cars after staged punctures and by bogus hitch-hikers. Do not pick people up; if you get a puncture in a lonely spot, drive on several kilometres preferably to a town, before stopping.

Beware of pickpockets and bag-snatchers, especially in the area of Old Havana, on buses/trains, at major tourist sites and in nightclubs. Don’t carry large amounts of cash when away from your hotel; avoid wearing ostentatious/expensive jewellery; leave travellers' cheques, credit cards, passports and other important documents in a safe deposit or similar at your hotel. If you pick up hitch-hikers, ensure you have no valuables or important documentation temptingly within reach. You should carry a copy of your passport and not the original, which should be locked away with other valuables.

Beware of thefts from rooms, particularly in private guest houses (‘casas particulares’).

For more general information see Victims of Crime Abroad.

Political Situation

Cuba Country Profile

On 19 February 2008 Fidel Castro announced his retirement and his brother Raúl Castro was elected to the Presidency by the Cuban National Assembly on 24 February 2008. The political situation remains calm at present.

Cuba is a one-party state. There is a high level of social control and a strong police presence. There are widespread restrictions on freedom of speech, association and assembly for Cuban nationals. Political demonstrations or gatherings not sanctioned by the government may be broken up and should be avoided.

Local Travel

Road Travel

A valid UK driving licence is required to drive and/or rent a car in Cuba. If you decide to rent a car in Cuba, you should ensure that the insurance which is provided with the car, includes local third party insurance cover. All drivers and passengers of motorcycles and scooters are required by law to wear a crash helmet.

In view of serious accidents that have involved tourists, you should not use mopeds or three wheel Coco-Taxis for travel around Cuba.

Driving standards are variable. Many vehicles, including public transport, suffer from lack of maintenance and roads are poorly lit and sign-posted. Beware of cyclists, potholes and cars that stop without warning to pick up hitch-hikers.

You should avoid driving by night; animals, unlit vehicles and other hazards are a real danger.

The Cuban police are cracking down on drink driving.

If you have a traffic accident where someone is killed or injured, the police investigation may take several months during which time the driver will normally not be allowed to leave Cuba. There is no guarantee that criminal compensation payments will be made. If convicted of killing someone in a road traffic accident, the standard punishment is at least two years in jail. If the worst happens and you do have a serious accident, you should contact the British Embassy as soon as possible.

For more general information see Driving Abroad.

Air Travel

You must pay an airport departure tax of 25 Convertible Pesos (CUCs) per person when leaving Cuba. This must be paid in local currency.

You should consider using baggage plastic-wrapping facilities when travelling to and from Cuba as there have been instances of pilfering from luggage, even if locked, at Cuban airports on arrival and departure.

In 2007 the Cuban authorities averted attempts by Cuban asylum seekers to leave the country by hijacking an internal passenger aircraft. The Cuban Authorities are known to restrict the amount of fuel on aircraft on internal flights to prevent hijacks.

There are concerns about standards of maintenance of public transport and we recommend against internal air travel unless on flights recommended by or operated on behalf of recognised international tour operators.

For more general information see Airline Security.

Local laws and customs

Cuba is increasingly being used as a transit country for drugs destined for Europe. Cuban courts are handing out very severe penalties (in excess of twenty years) for drugs related offences. Pack all luggage yourself and don’t carry any items that do not belong to you.

Cuba prohibits the import of all meat products. The import of fruit is normally banned too. If you arrive in Cuba with any of the above you will have your goods confiscated and destroyed on arrival.

Avoid military zones and other restricted areas that are not always well sign-posted. Be particularly careful when taking photographs or video film.

The Cuban Authorities take a serious view of any breach of their immigration rules, in some cases those who overstay are detained by Immigration on departure and held in custody until reports are received on their activities whilst in the country.

Acceptance of gay relationships is more widespread than in the past. However, there are few places where gays can socialise openly and same-sex couples - particularly if one partner is Cuban - should be careful about public displays of affection, which can lead to unwelcome attention from the police and local authorities.

For more general information for different types of travellers see our Your trip page.

Entry requirements

Visas

All British nationals require a visa to enter Cuba. You need a visa before you travel and you should contact the Cuban Embassy in London for further information on entry requirements in good time.

You should get the correct visa for the purpose of your visit. As well as tourist visas, there are other visa categories for different types of visitors.

Dual nationals must contact the Cuban Embassy in London for for advice on entry requirements before travelling.

Passport validity

Your passport must be valid for six months after departure from Cuba.

Customs Regulations

Electrical items with heavy power consumption such as travel irons and kettles may be confiscated upon entry to Cuba. Global Positioning Systems (GPSs) are also subject to import requirements and may be confiscated. Such confiscated items are normally returned upon departure. For more information on Cuban Customs regulations currently in force, including lists of prohibited and regulated items, please visit the Cuban Customs Administration website.

Health

There have been reports of outbreaks of dengue fever and hemorrhagic conjunctivitis in cuba. The Cuban authorities are taking steps to control the mosquito that transmits dengue fever to humans and are advising people to wash their hands frequently to prevent the spread of conjunctivitis.

Human cases of Swine Flu have been reported in Cuba. The Cuban authorities have introduced medical screening for the Swine Flu virus (H1N1) at some airports for passengers arriving in Cuba on international flights. A period of hospitalisation while blood tests for the H1N1 virus are undertaken may be required for people exhibiting flu-like symptoms either on arrival or at any point during their time in Cuba. The World Health Organisation has raised its Pandemic threat alert phase to Level 6. You can check for updates on the number of cases and their location through the World Health Organisation website. You should monitor local media reports for any developments and advice. You should contact your tour operator and/or airline to find out the latest information. There is a dedicated Swine Flu page. Guidance on Pandemic Flu can also be obtained on the UK Department of Health website.

The medical facilities in Havana are better than those available elsewhere in the country, but it is sometimes necessary to medically evacuate those who require urgent specialist care. This can be very expensive so you should ensure that your medical insurance covers you for this. If you require medical treatment you will be expected to pay in hard currency; a basic hospital stay can cost as much as £200 per day plus medical expenses.

Many medicines are unavailable in Cuba so you should bring any prescription drugs you take regularly. A copy of the prescription and a letter from your doctor explaining your condition can be helpful at customs.

Hepatitis A is common to Cuba, particularly in the summer. You should be aware that treatment is not readily available. Viral meningitis occasionally breaks out both in Havana and in other provinces of Cuba.

Dengue Fever is common to Latin America and the Caribbean and can occur throughout the year. The Cuban authorities are taking measures to eradicate the mosquito which transmits the disease to humans.

In the 2008 Report on the Global AIDS Epidemic the UNAIDS/WHO Working Group estimated that around 6,200 adults aged 15 or over in Cuba were living with HIV; the prevalence rate was estimated at around 0.1% of the adult population. This compares to the prevalence rate in adults in the UK of around 0.2%. You should exercise normal precautions to avoid exposure to HIV/AIDS. For more general information on how to do this see HIV and AIDS.

You should seek medical advice before travelling to Cuba and ensure that all appropriate vaccinations are up-to-date. For further information on vaccination requirements, health outbreaks and general disease protection and prevention you should visit the websites of the NaTHNaC and NHS Scotland's Fit For Travel or call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47.

For more general health information see Travel Health.

Natural disasters

The hurricane season in Cuba normally runs from June to November. See Tropical Cyclones for more details.

Hurricane Gustav passed over the western Provinces of Cuba and Isla de Juventud during the afternoon and evening on Saturday 30 August 2008 causing extensive damage. Hurricane Ike struck Cuba a week later on 7 and 8 September 2008 and caused considerable damage in many parts of the country but particularly in the Provinces of Holguin (including the resort of Guardalavaca) and Pinar del Rio (including the town of Vinales).

Hurricane Paloma hit the southern coast of Cuba in the early morning of 9 November as a Category 3 hurricane and weakened rapidly to a tropical storm. We no longer advise against all but essential travel to the southern part of the Camaguey region.

You should monitor local and international weather updates from the World Meteorological Organisation and the National Hurricane Centre. Please also see Tropical Cyclones for more detailed information about what to do if you are caught up in a hurricane.

Good warning is given and due precautions must be taken but in the aftermath power, communications and water supplies can be disrupted for a week or more. Even in holiday resorts, utility services cannot be constantly guaranteed. Damage to infrastructure in affected areas can take some time to be repaired. In the event of extreme weather conditions flights to and from Cuba could be delayed or cancelled.

General

Insurance

We strongly recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. This should cover medical evacuation by air ambulance. You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake. For more general information see Travel Insurance.

If things do go wrong when you are oversees then this is How We Can Help.

Registration

Register with our LOCATE service to tell us when and where you are travelling abroad or where you live abroad so our consular and crisis staff can provide better assistance to you in an emergency. More information about registering with LOCATE can be found here.

You should keep a copy of the photo page of your passport in case your documents are stolen.

Travelling with babies

Baby food, disposable nappies etc. are patchily available in Havana and normally unavailable in the rest of Cuba; if you are bringing a baby it is best to come self-sufficient.

Money

You should check with your bank before you leave the UK to confirm that your debit/credit/cashpoint cards will work and will be accepted in Cuba. If your bank cannot confirm this then you should bring suitable Sterling or Euro alternatives, preferably in the form of travellers’ cheques. You should also be aware that there are virtually no cash-points available for drawing cash against Cirrus or Switch cards in Cuba. You should also be aware that Scottish and Northern Irish bank notes/coins cannot be exchanged in Cuba.

US Dollars are no longer accepted in Cuba, and you will be charged 10% commission to exchange them. Following the revaluation of the Cuban Convertible Peso (CUC) in March 2005, credit card transactions, including cash withdrawals from ATM machines, are subject to local commission charges of between 11%-13%.

American Express travellers' cheques are no longer accepted in Cuba. Travellers' cheques and/or credit cards drawn on all other American banks are also not accepted in Cuba.

The use of the CUCs to include the tourist industry has inevitably meant an increase in the number of forged CUC banknotes of all denominations but in particular $100.00. You are strongly advised not to change money anywhere other than at the airport Cadecas, hotel exchange bureaux or banks. Individuals offering exchange facilities to avoid queues should be avoided, and where possible small denomination bills should be requested.

Costa Rica travel advice

This advice has been reviewed and reissued with amendments to the Health section (removal of swine flu). The overall level of the advice has not changed.

Travel Summary

• Around 47,000 British nationals visit Costa Rica every year (Source: Institute of Tourism Costa Rica). Most visits are trouble-free. 23 British nationals required consular assistance in Costa Rica in the period 01 April 2008 – 31 March 2009 for the following types of incident; deaths (2 cases); hospitalisations (4 cases); and arrests, for a variety of offences (7 cases). During this period assistance was also requested with regard to lost or stolen passports (81 cases)..
  
  
• Incidents of violent crime against tourists are increasing.
  
  
• 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.
  
  
• The rainy season in Costa Rica normally runs from May to November, coinciding with the hurricane season in the Caribbean. Earthquakes are also common in Costa Rica. See the Natural Disasters (Hurricanes/Floodings and Earthquakes and Volcanic Eruptions) section and Tropical Cyclones of this advice for more details.
  
  
• We strongly recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. You should check for any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake. See the General (Insurance) section of this advice and Travel Insurance for more details.

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.

For more general information see Terrorism Abroad.

Crime

There has been a continuing increase in crime against tourists over the past few years in Costa Rica. Opportunistic theft of personal belongings, passports and travel documents is the main problem. However, there has also been an increase in incidents of violent crime against tourists. Gang muggings and armed robberies can occur even in daylight on busy streets.

You can reduce the risk of becoming a victim:

• Do not wear jewellery or carry large amounts of cash. Avoid street money-changers. And avoid stopping in poorly lit or low-populated areas to make telephone calls or seek directions.
• Watch your belongings carefully at all times and in all places.
• Be particularly careful of your belongings when staying in hostels and hotels. It is important that you lock valuable belongings, passports and travel documents in hotel safes where possible. You should only leave your belongings in a safe for which you retain control of the key. Keep the key on your person.
• You should be vigilant when using buses. Theft of bags from overhead compartments inside buses is a common problem and efficiently carried out. Thieves have simple but effective ways of distracting a target.
• Be particularly watchful of your valuables at the beach and in popular tourist destinations.
• Avoid leaving unattended drinks in bars and places of entertainment. There have been reports of "spiked" drinks resulting in assault and theft.
• Only take official taxis. Avoid using unofficial taxis – ‘taxi piratas’ - as several violent incidents involving tourists have been reported. Official taxis are red with a triangular sticker and plastic box on the roof with the name and number of the taxi company. Where possible use radio-dispatched taxis. When getting into a taxi, ensure that the driver's identification number, name and photograph are clearly visible on the dashboard, and ensure that the driver indicates the meter.

Personal attacks, including rape and other sexual offences, are still infrequent in Costa Rica, but there has been increasing occurrences in the last couple of years. You are advised to maintain at least the same level of personal security awareness as in the UK We strongly advise lone visitors, in particular, never to accept lifts from strangers or passing acquaintances at any time. For more general information see Rape and Sexual Assault Abroad.

Theft of, and from, cars is common. Be particularly careful about leaving your valuables in hire cars and avoid leaving your belongings visible from outside the car. It is a good idea to park in paid car parks, which have an attendant watching your vehicle. Otherwise, park in well-lit or busy areas. Use the car alarm, if fitted. There have been incidents where slashed tyres have given thieves the opportunity to "assist" in changing tyres, while an accomplice steals from the car. There has also been an increase in armed attacks on tourists leaving the airport in hire cars.

There has also been an increase in the number of short-term and opportunistic kidnapping, called "express kidnapping", occurring in Costa Rica. Victims are normally selected at random and are forced at gunpoint to withdraw money from ATMs. Once the ransom is paid the victim is usually quickly released.

For more general information see Victims of Crime Abroad.

Political Situation

Costa Rica Country Profile

Local Travel

If you are visiting jungle areas you should be accompanied by experienced local guides.

If visiting volcanoes please pay strict attention to notices prohibiting entry to dangerous areas. When there is the danger of eruptions the national park is closed to visitors until the danger has passed.

Emergency Contact Numbers:

Police Emergency - 911

Ambulance – 911 or 128
Fire Service – 911 or 118

Police Investigative Service – 911 or 2221-5337

Road Travel

You can drive in Costa Rica on an UK Driving Licence or an International Driving Licence.

Road conditions are generally good on main routes, although potholes caused by heavy rains in the wet season are common. Landslides in the wet season, which block the road between San José and Guapiles on the way to Limón are frequent and can cause delays. However, they are cleared away quickly and there are longer alternative routes. Drivers should be cautious when approaching bridges as these are often only one-way, even if the road is two-way.

The standard of driving is lower than in the UK. Accidents in Costa Rica are often caused by speeding or overtaking irresponsibly. You should resist the temptation to overtake without clear visibility and adhere to speed limits, as traffic police are strict. If you have a collision when driving a car you must not move the vehicle, not even to the side of the road, until the traffic police have come to inspect it. The Traffic Police (Transito) and the Insurance Investigator (INS) must come to the scene of the accident to complete accident reports.

Traffic Police (Transito) – 222-9330 or 222-9245

Insurance Investigator (INS) – 800-800-8000

However, you should be aware that there have been instances of deliberate traffic accidents as a means of stopping vehicles in Costa Rica, with the intention of committing robberies or other crimes against the victims. If you have reason to suspect that the collision was a deliberate act by another driver to make you stop, consider driving on until you reach a place eg a police station or a garage where it would be safer to stop. In such circumstances it is essential that you are ready to explain your actions to the traffic authorities mentioned above.

For more general information see Driving Abroad.

Swimming

You should take special care when swimming from all beaches in Costa Rica. Rip tides are very common. There are normally no lifeguards. You should seek reliable local advice. You should also be aware that there has been a considerable increase in the numbers of crocodiles seen along the Pacific Coast near the beaches popular with surfers (from Playa Azul down to Playa Esterillos) and there were two reported attacks in September 2008.

Sea and River Travel

Safety features on small boats are not always of a good standard. If you plan white water rafting, you should arrange this with an established company.

For more general information see River and Sea Safety.

Local laws and customs

You should not get involved with drugs of any kind in any way as drug trafficking is dealt with severely. Despite what people may say, the authorities are well trained and perceptive. The minimum sentence is eight years imprisonment.

For more general information for different types of travellers see our You trip page.

Entry requirements

Visas

British nationals do not require a visa to enter Costa Rica and can stay as visitors for up to three months. Passports should have a validity of more than six months from the date of entry. If a longer stay is required or for employment, the Costa Rican Embassy should be contacted for advice. The immigration authorities are strict about detaining foreigners who are undocumented or tourists who have overstayed.

Costa Rican Immigration authorities now require all foreign nationals applying for residency to register with their respective Embassy. See Registration section below for further details on how to register through Locate. Printed confirmation of this registration will be accepted by the Costa Rican authorities.

Passport validity

Passports should have a validity of more than six months from the date of entry.

Yellow Fever requirements

All visitors to Costa Rica arriving from any of the following countries (Colombia, Brazil, Venezuela, Peru, Ecuador, Bolivia, French Guyana, Angola, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Gabon, Cameroon, Nigeria, Benin, Ghana, Burkina Faso, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Guinea, Gambia and Sudan) are now required to produce an International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis documenting yellow fever vaccination before entry to Costa Rica will be granted. Certificates are valid 10 days after the date of vaccination.

Travelling with children

Under Costa Rican law, children under the age of 18 born in Costa Rica are automatically considered to be Costa Rican citizens, even if travelling on a British passport. Notarised written consent from both parents, or a Costa Rican passport, is required in order to leave Costa Rica. The nearest Costa Rican Embassy or Consulate should be contacted for further information on laws regarding the international travel of Costa Rican children.

Health

There is a dedicated Swine Flu page on the FCO website. Guidance about pandemic flu is available through the UK Department of Health.

Medical care in Costa Rica is of a high standard. Only emergency medical treatment is available without charge for visitors.

Malaria is endemic close to banana growing areas. Dengue Fever is endemic to Latin America and the Caribbean and can occur throughout the year. San Jose and the Central Valley can be particularly affected. There is no vaccine or immunisation to prevent dengue fever and you should take usual precautions to avoid mosquito bites.

Malaria is also common in Costa Rica, especially in areas close to banana growing areas. In October and November 2006, there was a significant increase in the number of cases reported in Limon Province. There have been more cases, reported in June 2008, in areas around Laurel close to the border with Panama.

In the 2008 Report on the Global AIDS Epidemic the UNAIDS/WHO Working Group estimated that around 9,600 adults aged 15 or over in Costa Rica were living with HIV; the prevalence rate was estimated at around 0.4% of the adult population. This compares to the prevalence rate in adults in the UK of around 0.2%. You should exercise normal precautions to avoid exposure to HIV/AIDS. For more general information on how to do this see HIV and AIDS.

You should seek medical advice before travelling to Costa Rica and ensure that all appropriate vaccinations are up-to-date. For further information on vaccination requirements, health outbreaks and general disease protection and prevention you should visit the websites of the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) and NHS Scotland’s Fit for Travel or call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47.

For more general health information see Travel Health.

Natural disasters

Hurricanes/Floodings

The rainy season in Costa Rica normally runs from May to November, coinciding with the hurricane season in the Caribbean. Flooding can occur and heavy rains or hurricanes can cause landslides (though roads are normally cleared quickly). In December 2008 there was severe flooding in the southern Caribbean coast (provinces of Limon and Talamanca), particularly in the areas alongside the border with Panama. Heavy rainfall and strong winds were experienced over parts of the country following Tropical Storm Alma in May 2008, resulting in four fatalities and damage to many homes and roads.

You should monitor local and international weather updates from the World Meteorological Organisation and the National Hurricane Centre. For more general information see Tropical Cyclones.

Earthquakes and volcanic eruptions

There is the possibility in Costa Rica of earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. An earthquake of magnitude 6.1 struck central Costa Rica, on 8 January 2009. The epicentre was in Alajuela Province, 37km north of the city of San Jose. On 11 March 2009 there were 3 earthquakes measuring between 5.2 and 6.0 just off the Pacific coast near Golfito.

Costa Rica has 16 volcanoes, four of which are considered active (Arenal, Poás, Irazú and Rincón de la Vieja). Although there has not been serious or widespread damage caused by any of these for many years the possibility of eruptions always exists. You should follow instructions in the national parks. Do not go into the prohibited areas, which are clearly signposted. Any warnings should be heeded seriously.

General

Insurance

We strongly recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. You should check for any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for the activities you want to undertake. For more general information see Travel Insurance.

If things do go wrong when you are oversees then this is When Things Go Wrong.

Registration

Register with our LOCATE service to tell us when and where you are travelling abroad or where you live abroad so our consular and crisis staff can provide better assistance to you in an emergency. More information about registering with LOCATE can be found here.

Passports

From 9 November 2009 applications for British passports should be sent to the UK Passport Service for the Americas & Caribbean in the British Embassy in Washington. The British Embassy in San José will continue to issue Emergency Passports for people who need to travel urgently.

Travelling to, or via, the USA

Since many trips to Costa Rica are made via the United States, it is important to note that with effect from 26 October 2004, all passport holders who wish to enter the US under the Visa Waiver Programme (See Entry Requirements in the Travel Advice for the USA) must present an individual machine-readable passport. Travellers without a machine-readable passport must obtain a non-immigrant visa from the nearest US Embassy prior to travel. Should you need to replace your passport in Costa Rica, you should apply to the British Embassy. For further details, in particular concerning children travelling on a parent's passport, please contact the US Embassy.