Turkey travel advice

Travel Summary

• There are confirmed cases of Swine Flu in Turkey. You can check for updates on the number of cases at the World Health Organisation. As a precaution, all passengers arriving in Turkey are required to complete a health declaration landing card, including contact details. Turkish authorities are also using thermal sensors to monitor the temperature of all passengers arriving in Turkey. Those with temperatures may be tested at the airport or transferred to a hospital for testing. Results could take several days to become available and passengers may be asked to remain in hospital or at their hotel during this time. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has raised its Pandemic Threat Alert Phase to Level 6. The WHO website at: www.who.int has further details. You should monitor local media reports for any developments and advice. There is a dedicated Swine Flu page on the FCO website. Guidance on Pandemic Flu can be obtained on the UK Department of Health website.
  
  
• There is a high threat from terrorism in Turkey and a number of terrorist groups remain active in the country. Terrorist attacks are regularly carried out against the security forces in the south east of the country by the separatist Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK). We advise against all but essential travel in the provinces of Hakkari, Sirnak, Siirt and Tunceli and visitors should remain vigilant when travelling in other provinces in south eastern Turkey. Terrorist attacks have also taken place against both government and civilian targets in major cities such as Istanbul, Izmir and Ankara, and tourist resorts on the Mediterranean and Aegean coasts. Improvised explosive devices (IED's) have been placed in crowded areas, restaurants, refuge bins, outside banks and hotels and on dolmus mini-buses and trains.
  
  
• Al Qaida and other networks inspired by religious extremism have specifically targeted western interests in Turkey and there remains a global risk of attack from such groups.
  
  
• Outbreaks of Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) in Turkey have led to a small number of human fatalities. The last fatality was in 2006. See the Health (Avian Influenza) section of this advice and Avian and Pandemic Flu for more details.
  
  
• The Turkish Ministry of Health have confirmed the presence of Crimean Congo Haemorrhagic Fever (CCHF) in several provinces (Samsun, Kastamonu, Corum and Sivas). CCHF is transmitted by a virus found in ticks. Symptoms are sudden high fever, vomiting and bleeding. There is no vaccine or specific treatment for CCHF. See the Health (Crimean Congo Haemorrhagic Fever (CCHF) section of this advice for more details.
  
  
• Around 2,170,000 British tourists visited Turkey in 2008 (Source: Ministry of Tourism). Most visits are trouble-free. 347 British nationals required consular assistance in Turkey in period 01 April 2008 – 31 March -2009 for the following types of incident; deaths (102 cases); hospitalisations (112 cases); and arrests, for a variety of offences (47 cases). During this period assistance was also requested with regard to lost or stolen passports (157 cases).
  
  
• We recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling to Turkey. 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 high threat from terrorism in Turkey and a number of terrorist groups remain active in the country.

Terrorist attacks are regularly carried out against the security forces in the south east of the country by the separatist Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK). Attacks consist of IED's and armed assaults and are carried out in both urban and rural areas. There are also occasional occurrences of violent public disorder in the region. The main provinces affected by PKK attacks are Hakkari, Sirnak, Siirt and Tunceli. There is a high level of security activity in these provinces and you risk arrest if you fail to comply with restrictions. We advise against all but essential travel to these areas. There is also a significant level of PKK activity elsewhere in the south east of the country (Van, Bitlis, Bingol, Elazig, Mus, Batman, Erzincan, Diyarbakir, Mardin and Agri). Vigilance is advised when travelling in these areas.

PKK bomb attacks have also been carried out on government and civilian targets in major cities such as Istanbul, Ankara and Adana, Izmir, Mersin and tourist resorts on the Mediterranean and Aegean coasts (these have included Kusadasi, Cesme, Marmaris and Antalya, Manavgat). Devices have been placed in crowded areas, restaurants, refuge bins, outside banks and hotels and on dolmus mini-buses and trains. See attached map (below).

Map showing areas with a history of terrorist insurgency and attacks [PDF, 1MB].

(This map is presented for information only. The Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) accepts no responsibility for errors or omission of any geographical features. Please read the FCO travel advice text for more detailed information).

International terrorist groups, including Al Qaida, and indigenous networks inspired by religious extremism have also specifically targeted western interests in Turkey. Extremists have also on occasion attacked Christian targets.

You should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks. We advise you to remain vigilant in all public areas across the country and report anything suspicious to the authorities.

Significant Terrorist Incidents

• 27 July 2008 - 18 Turkish civilians were killed in a double IED attack in the Gungoren district of Istanbul.
  
• 9 July 2008 - 3 police officers and 3 terrorists were killed in an armed attack on the US Consulate in Istanbul.
  
• 8 July 2008 - 3 German nationals were kidnapped by the PKK on Mount Ararat. They were later released unharmed.
  
• 22 May 2007 - 11 civilians were killed by a PKK suicide bomber in the Ulus district of Ankara.
  
• 18 April 2007 - 3 Christian missionaries were murdered in the city of Malatya.
  
• 29 August 2006 - 10 UK nationals were injured by a PKK device placed on a dolmus mini-bus in the resort of Marmaris.
  
• 16 July 2005 - 5 persons, including 2 western nationals, were killed by a PKK device placed on a dolmus mini-bus in the resort of Kusadasi.
• 20 November 2003 - Al Qaida carried out vehicle-borne IED attacks on the British Consulate and the headquarters of HSBC in Istanbul, killing 33 people. This followed similar attacks on two synagogues in the city on 15 November, which killed 23 people.
  

For more general information see Terrorism Abroad.

Crime

Generally crime is low, but street robbery and pickpocketing are common in the major tourist areas of Istanbul. You should be wary of approaches from strangers offering to change money or offering food and drink, which may be drugged.

In 2007 a high number sexual assaults, including rape, were reported to our Consular staff in Turkey. The majority of these cases occurred in coastal tourist areas visited by British nationals in South Western Turkey. For more general information see Rape and Sexual Assault Abroad.

You are therefore advised to maintain at least the same level of personal security awareness as in the UK. Be aware that alcohol and drugs can lead to you being less alert, less in control and less aware of your environment. If you are going to drink, know your limit. Remember that drinks served in bars overseas are often stronger than those in the UK. We advise lone visitors, in particular, never to accept lifts from strangers or passing acquaintances at any time.

For more general information see Victims of Crime Abroad.

Political Situation

Turkey Country Profile

Turkey is a stable democracy. Demonstrations occur regularly in major cities. You are advised to avoid any areas where demonstrations are taking place.

Local Travel

Security Forces continue to enforce restrictions upon movement in areas bordering Iraq. You risk arrest if you fail to comply with these restrictions.

Road Travel

You should take particular care when travelling by road throughout Turkey, as road conditions can be poor. Road traffic accidents are common and are mainly due to either poor or reckless driving, particularly at night. According to the Turkish General Directorate of Security there were over 585,000 road traffic accidents in 2006 which resulted in 3,365 deaths at the scene and over 135,000 injuries.

If you wish to drive in Turkey, you are required to carry either an International Driving License issued in the UK or a notarised copy, in Turkish, of your Driving License. Please note provisional driving licences are not recognised. An 'A' category standard motorcycle licence is required to hire motorcycles over 50cc in Turkey. An 'A1' category 'light motorcycle' driving licence is only suitable for motorcycles below 50cc. It is against the law not to wear a helmet.

Contravention of the above could result in a heavy fine.

Do not drink and drive. The Police will breathalyse drunk drivers, fine them on the spot (currently 448 YTL) and immediately confiscate their licence for six months.

For more general information see Driving Abroad.

Rail Travel

The vast majority of train journeys in Turkey are trouble free. However, there have been accidents. On 22 July 2004, 38 people were killed and over 80 were injured when a high-speed train derailed on the line between Istanbul and Ankara. On 27 January 2007 nine people were killed and over 50 injured when a train derailed on the Istanbul to Denizli line near Kutahya.

Local laws and customs

There is now a smoking ban on all forms of public transport (trains, ferries and taxis) and in outdoor venues (including stadiums and playgrounds). Transitional arrangements are in place for cafes, bars and restaurants; they too will come under the smoking ban in July 2009. You risk being fined 62 YLT if you are caught smoking in a designated smoke-free area.

Turkey has strict laws against the use, possession or trafficking of illegal drugs. If you are convicted of any of these offences, you can expect to receive a heavy fine or a prison sentence of four to 24 years.

The export of antiquities is prohibited and carries a prison sentence from five to ten years.

The use of metal detectors is against the law.

Dress modestly if visiting a mosque or a religious shrine.

It is illegal not to carry some form of photographic ID in Turkey. It is therefore advisable to carry a photocopy of your passport with you at all times.

Do not take photographs near military or official installations. You should seek permission before photographing individuals.

Homosexuality is not illegal but is not widely tolerated: public displays of affection could result in prosecution for public order offences.

It is an offence to insult the Turkish nation or the national flag, or to deface or tear up currency.

For more general information for different types of travellers see Travel Advice Relevant to You.

Entry requirements

Visas

A visa is required for British nationals to enter Turkey unless they are cruise ship passengers who enter the country for a day trip and return to the ship the same day. British citizens may obtain a multiple entry visitor's visa valid for 90 days at the port of entry on payment of ten pounds sterling in cash (Scottish currency is not accepted). If you are a BN(O) passport holder and you arrive at Istanbul airport without a visa obtained from a Turkish mission abroad, you may be refused entry to Turkey.

If you take employment without the appropriate permission, you may be escorted from the country by the police authorities or, in some cases, deported.

If you stay in Turkey longer than your visa allows, you will be liable to pay a substantial fine upon departure. This varies according to how long you have overstayed. From the moment you have overstayed your visa the minimum fine is 98.40 YLT, rising incrementally each day to 193.20 YTL for an overstay of one month. If you stay longer than one month the fine increases substantially.

Passport validity

Your passport should be valid for at least six months on entry into Turkey and have at least three months' validity on the date you are exiting Turkey. If you hold a Travel Document it must be valid for at least one year on entry into Turkey.

Travelling with children

If a parent travels on his/her own with a dual national Turkish child, written permission from the Turkish parent, certified by a notary, must be shown to the immigration authorities if requested upon departure, otherwise the child will not be permitted to leave Turkey.

Health

Please refer to the British Embassy, Turkey website for details of English speaking hospitals and doctors.

The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), which concerns free medical treatment in EU countries, is not valid in Turkey.

Turkey can be very hot, especially in summer when temperatures can reach 30-40C. To avoid heat-related illness drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration, use a high-factor sunscreen and avoid direct sunshine. Older, very young and some other travellers may be particularly vulnerable to heat-related illnesses and should take extra care.

Outbreaks of diarrhoeal illness occur in Turkey. Travellers to Turkey should practice strict food and water hygiene precautions.

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 Turkey 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.

There are reports that illegal alcohol is circulating in Turkey and that this was responsible for the death of 2 German tourists. If you have any concerns, please discuss them with your tour operator or with the Turkish local authorities.

For more general health information see Travel Health.

Swine Flu

There are confirmed cases of Swine Flu in Turkey. You can check for updates on the number of cases at the World Health Organisation.

As a precaution, all passengers arriving in Turkey are required to complete a health declaration landing card, including contact details. Turkish authorities are also using thermal sensors to monitor the temperature of all passengers arriving in Turkey. Those with temperatures may be tested at the airport or transferred to a hospital for testing. Results could take several days to become available and passengers may be asked to remain at the hospital or at their hotel during this time.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has raised its Pandemic Threat Alert Phase to Level 6. The WHO website at www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/en/index.html has further details. You should monitor local media reports for any developments and advice. There is a dedicated Swine Flu page on the FCO website. Guidance on Pandemic Flu can be obtained on the UK Department of Health website.

Avian Influenza (Bird Flu)

In January and February 2008, Turkish Authorities have confirmed a number of outbreaks of Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) in the Zonguldak, Samsum and Sakarya provinces in Northern Turkey. In February 2007, Turkish Authorities confirmed a number of outbreaks of Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) in the Batman and Diyarbakir provinces, South East Turkey. In January 2006 outbreaks of Avian Influenza in Turkey resulted in four deaths in eastern Turkey, believed to have arisen through close contact with infected poultry. Since the end of 2003, a number of human deaths have also occurred in Azerbaijan, Cambodia, China, Egypt, Indonesia, Iraq, Laos, Nigeria, Pakistan, Thailand and Vietnam.

The risk to humans from Avian Influenza is believed to be low. However, as a precaution you should avoid visiting live animal markets, poultry farms and other places where you may come into close contact with domestic, caged or wild birds; and ensure poultry and egg dishes are thoroughly cooked.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has warned of the possibility that the Avian Influenza outbreaks could lead at some point to a human flu pandemic, if the virus mutates to a form, which is easily transmittable between people.

British nationals living longer term in Turkey should take personal responsibility for their own safety in the event of a future pandemic, including considering their access to adequate healthcare and ensuring travel documents are up to date.

You should read this advice in conjunction with Avian and Pandemic Influenza, which gives more detailed advice and information.

Crimean Congo Haemorrhagic Fever (CCHF)

The Turkish Ministry of Health have confirmed the presence of Crimean Congo Haemorrhagic Fever (CCHF) in several provinces (Samsun, Kastamonu, Corum and Sivas). CCHF is transmitted by a virus found in ticks. Symptoms are sudden high fever, vomiting and bleeding. There is no vaccine or specific treatment for CCHF.

Most of the victims have been farmers who were bitten by ticks while working on their fields. Visitors to these provinces are advised to take precautions such as wearing long-sleeved shirts, and tucking trouser legs into socks while walking through fields in the countryside. If you believe you may have been affected you should consult the appropriate medical authorities without delay.

Natural disasters

Many parts of Turkey lie on a major seismic fault line and are subject to earthquakes and tremors. In August 1999 an earthquake measuring 7.0 on the Richter scale resulted in over 17,000 deaths when it struck Izmit, a town 55 miles south of Istanbul.

General

Insurance

Do not travel without comprehensive medical insurance (including cover for medical repatriation), as private medical treatment is very expensive. You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for the activities you want to undertake. The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), which concerns free medical treatment in EU countries, is not valid in Turkey. 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.

British diplomatic missions in Turkey

In addition to the Embassy in Ankara there are; the Consulate-General in Istanbul, a Consulate in Izmir a Vice Consulate in Antalya and Honorary Consulates in Adana, Bodrum, Fethiye, and Marmaris. Full contact details are on the Embassy website.

Passports

The British Embassy in Ankara, the Consulates in Istanbul, Izmir and Antalya and Honorary Consulates in Bodrum, Marmaris and Fethiye can provide Emergency Passport services. Full passport services are available at the British Consulate in Istanbul. Applications may be lodged, however, at the British Embassy in Ankara, the Consulates in Izmir, and Antalya, or the Honorary Consulates in Bodrum, Marmaris and Fethiye.

Money

ATMs are widely available in major cities and tourist areas. Local currency can also be obtained from banks and exchange bureaux, known as DOVIZ in Turkish.

Switzerland travel advice

Travel Summary

• There are reports of confirmed human cases of Swine Flu in Switzerland. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has raised its Pandemic Threat Alert Phase to Level 6. The WHO website at: www.who.int has further details. You should monitor local media reports for any developments and advice. Check Swine Flu for further information. Guidance on Pandemic Flu can be obtained on the UK Department of Health website at www.dh.gov.uk.
  
  
• There is an underlying threat from terrorism in Switzerland and Liechtenstein. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.
  
  
• There is a moderate danger of avalanches throughout the year in Switzerland's Alpine regions. Please exercise due care and attention and observe ALL written notices and warning instructions. See the General (Sports Activities and Winter Sports) section of this travel advice for more details.
  
  
• Around 826,000 British nationals visit Switzerland / Liechtenstein every year (Source: Swiss Federal Statistical Office, 2008). Most visits are trouble-free. 109 British nationals required consular assistance in Switzerland in the period 01 April 2008 – 31 March 2009 for the following types of incident; deaths (63 cases); hospitalisations (6 cases); and arrests, for a variety of offences (24 cases). During this period assistance was also requested with regard to lost or stolen passports (401 cases).
  
  
• We recommend that comprehensive travel and medical insurance is obtained before travelling. Alpine conditions can be hazardous and you should ensure that your insurance covers winter/mountain activities. 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 Travel Insurance for more details.

Safety and security

Terrorism

There is an underlying threat from terrorism in Switzerland and Liechtenstein. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers. For more general information see Terrorism Abroad.

Crime

Most visits to Switzerland and Liechtenstein are trouble-free. There is a generally low rate of serious crime in Switzerland compared with other European countries. However, crime does occur and you should be aware that petty theft is on the increase. Be particularly alert to pickpockets, confidence tricksters and thieves in city centres, airports, railway stations and other public places. If travelling overnight by train, you should take precautions against being burgled while you sleep by opportunist thieves. You should not become involved with drugs of any kind.

Scams

Foreign visitors and residents can be targeted by scam artists. These scams can pose great financial loss to victims. If you receive an e-mail purporting to be from HMRC (Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs) offering a tax refund on provision of your bank details you should make absolutely sure that it is not part of a scam.

For more general information see Victims of Crime Abroad.

Political Situation

Switzerland Country Profile

Local Travel

Road Travel

All road users should follow instructions given by local police and officials on the main alpine transit routes, at bottlenecks and areas of heavy traffic congestion. A warning triangle is compulsory and must be kept within easy reach (not in the boot). Radar detectors are prohibited in Switzerland whether in use or not. The limit for alcohol in the bloodstream is 0.05% and police may request any driver to undergo a breath test or drugs test. Swiss traffic regulations are strenuously enforced. Any serious breach of the regulations can result in heavy fines and/or imprisonment.

To travel on Swiss motorways, road users must purchase and display a vignette or face large on the spot fines. Vignettes can be purchased at most border crossings, petrol stations, Swiss post offices, by phone (on 00800 10020030) and online (at http://swisstravelsystem.com). The price of a vignette is currently CHF 40.

Alpine winters often make driving more difficult. You should equip your car with winter tyres and snow-chains, and check road conditions prior to departure. The Swiss motoring organisation, TCS, has up-to-date information on its website: http://www.tcs.ch (GER/FR/IT only).

A full (i.e. not provisional) valid UK, or other EU/EEA, driving licence is sufficient for driving in Switzerland and Liechtenstein. There is no need for an International Driving Permit. Drivers can find up-to-date information about road closures at: http://www.tcs.ch. Information about rails services is available at: http://mct.sbb.ch/.

In 2007, there were 384 road deaths in Switzerland (Source: DfT). This equates to 5.1 road deaths per 100,000 of population, and compares to the UK average of 5.0 road deaths per 100,000 of population in 2007.

Further advice on driving outside the UK can be obtained from motoring organisations such as the AA and RAC and for more general information see Driving Abroad.

Air Travel

The revised EU-wide security measures that came into effect for all passengers departing from UK airports in November 2006 are also being implemented in Switzerland. For more details about this see Airline Security.

Local laws and customs

You should respect the local laws and customs of Switzerland and Liechtenstein at all times.

Smoking ban in Canton Berne

Smoking in all public places (except in designated areas) is prohibited in the Canton of Berne. This applies to areas such as hotels, restaurants and public places.

For more general information for different types of travellers see Travel Advice Relevant to You.

Entry requirements

Visas

If you are a British Citizen or British Subject with Right of Abode in the United Kingdom, you will not need a visa to enter Switzerland and Liechtenstein. Other British passport holders should confirm the current entry requirements with the nearest Swiss Diplomatic mission.

Passport Validity

Your passport should be valid for the duration of your stay.

Health

There are reports of confirmed human cases of Swine Flu in Switzerland. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has raised its Pandemic Threat Alert Phase to Level 6. The WHO website at: www.who.int/ has further details. You should monitor local media reports for any developments and advice. Check Swine Flu for further information. Guidance on Pandemic Flu can be obtained on the UK Department of Health website at www.dh.gov.uk.

The Form E111 is no longer valid. You should obtain a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) before leaving the UK. The EHIC is not a substitute for medical and travel insurance, but entitles you to emergency medical treatment on the same terms as Swiss nationals. It also does not cover you for medical repatriation, on-going medical treatment or treatment of a non-urgent nature. For more information see EHIC.

An agreement between the EU and Switzerland came into force on 1 June 2002. If you are a national of the UK or any other EU country, a Swiss national, a stateless person or refugee and you live in the UK, you can use the EHIC to get reduced cost immediately necessary healthcare when visiting Switzerland. Your dependent family members and survivors are also covered, regardless of their nationality. If you claim treatment under the EHIC scheme, you will still have to pay the full costs of medical treatment first and claim a refund from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) upon return to the UK. You will have to pay 50% of the costs of any "medically required" ambulance transport within Switzerland, including air ambulance. Similar arrangements apply to Liechtenstein. Detailed information about the EHIC scheme, the treatment available under the EU/Switzerland healthcare agreement can be obtained from the Department of Health's website.

Tick-borne encephalitis is common to Switzerland, especially in the summer months in forested areas.

The Swiss Federal Office of Public Health has recommended that anyone born after 1963 who has not already been vaccinated against measles should be. This recommendation also applies to those who have not already had medically-confirmed measles.

In the 2008 Report on the Global AIDS Epidemic the UNAIDS/WHO Working Group estimated that around 25,000 adults aged 15 or over in Switzerland were living with HIV; the prevalence rate was estimated at around 0.6% 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 see HIV and AIDS.

You should seek medical advice before travelling to Switzerland 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.

Avian Influenza (Bird Flu)

In February 2006, the Swiss authorities confirmed outbreaks of Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) in the Lake Geneva and Lake Constance areas. A further case was confirmed in March 2008. There have been no reported cases in Liechtenstein. No human infections or deaths have been reported in either country.

The risk to humans from Avian Influenza is believed to be very low. As a precaution, you should avoid visiting live animal markets, poultry farms and other places where you may come into close contact with domestic, caged or wild birds; and ensure poultry and egg dishes are thoroughly cooked.

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. You should ensure that this includes cover for mountain sports and air ambulance costs. For more general information see Travel Insurance.

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

Sports activities and Winter Sports

Alpine travellers should take out complementary insurance to cover extra medical costs such as repatriation. Ensure you are covered for sports activities such as skiing, potholing and mountaineering. Travel insurance must also include mountain rescue services and helicopter costs.

You should be aware of the risks involved in the more hazardous sports activities. You should also take note of weather forecasts and conditions, which can change by the minute in the mountains. You should be well equipped, not undertake the activity alone, study the itinerary and inform someone of your plans. Off-piste skiers should follow the advice given by local authorities and guides; to ignore such advice could put yourselves and other mountain users in danger.

National avalanche bulletin.

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.

Liechtenstein

Conditions in Liechtenstein are similar to those in Switzerland and this advice is equally applicable there. However, the crime rate is generally lower than in Switzerland.

Contact Details

British Embassy, Thunstrasse 50, 3005, Berne

Tel: +41 31 359 7700

Fax: +41 31 359 7765

Website: www.britishembassy.gov.uk/switzerland

Email: info@britishembassy.ch

Office Hours:

General:

GMT: 0730-1130 and 1230-1600

Local Time: 0830-1230 and 1330-1700

Consular Section:

GMT: 0800-1100 and 1300-1500

Local Time: 0900-1200 and 1400-1600

British Consulate-General Geneva

Avenue Louis Casai 58, Case Postale 6, 1216 Cointrin, Geneva

Tel: +41 22 918 2400

Fax: +41 22 918 2322

Office Hours:

GMT: Mon-Fri: 0730-1030 and 1300-1500

Local Time: Mon-Fri: 0830-1130 and 1400-1600

Sweden travel advice

Travel Summary

• There are confirmed human cases of Swine Flu in Sweden. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has raised its Pandemic Threat Alert Phase to Level 6. The WHO website at: www.who.int has further details. Check Swine Flu for further information. Guidance on Pandemic Flu can be obtained on the UK Department of Health website at www.dh.gov.uk. See the Health section of this advice for more details.
  
  
• There is an underlying threat from terrorism. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.
  
  
• Sweden can be affected by severe cold in the winter months, particularly in the North. You should be prepared for harsh conditions and if driving in the winter months cars should be winterised.
  
  
• Over half a million British nationals visit Sweden each year (Source: Swedish Central Office for Statistics). Most visits to Sweden are trouble-free. 105 British nationals required consular assistance in Sweden in the period 01 April 2008 – 31 March 2009 for the following types of incident; deaths (9 cases); hospitalisations (2 cases); and arrests, for a variety of offences (83 cases). During this period assistance was also requested with regard to lost or stolen passports (121 cases). If you need to contact the emergency services in Sweden call 112.
  
  
• You should check carefully the bona fides of anyone offering employment opportunities involving asphalting or seasonal work, and should contact the British Embassy in Stockholm for further advice.
  
  
• 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 Travel Insurance for more details.

Safety and security

Terrorism

There is an underlying threat from terrorism. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.

For more general information see Terrorism Abroad.

Crime

Sweden is generally a low crime country to visit. Petty crime occurs, but at much lower levels than in most European countries. Pickpocketing can be a problem in the summer months in the major cities when tourists are targeted for their passports and cash.

For more general information see Victims of Crime Abroad.

Political Situation

Sweden Country Profile.

Local Travel

Travelling within Sweden is easy. Although you may need to cover large distances (especially in Northern Sweden), the country's road and rail networks are efficient and extensive. Sweden's comfortable, modern trains are designed to deal with all kinds of weather.

Road Travel

If you are travelling by car you should note that driving conditions during the winter months of November to March can be extremely treacherous due to snow and ice.

From 1 December - 31 March (irrespective of weather conditions) Swedish registered cars are required by law to have either studded tyres or unstudded friction tyres bearing the following mark, M+S, M-s, M.S, M&S, MS or Mud and Snow.

Although foreign registered cars are exempt from this requirement, it would still be advisable to have winter tyres fitted.

In 2007 there were 471 road deaths in Sweden (source: DfT). This equates to 5.2 road deaths per 100,000 of population and compares to the UK average of 5.0 road deaths per 100,000 of population in 2007.

For more general information see Driving Abroad.

Rail Travel

For rail travel see www.sj.se/sj/jsp/polopoly.

Air Travel

The revised EU-wide security measures that came into effect for all passengers departing from UK airports in November 2006 are also being implemented in Sweden. For more details about this see Airline Security

Local laws and customs

Importation of illegal drugs, including khat, is heavily punished.

For more general information for different types of travellers see Travel Advice Relevant to You.

Entry requirements

Visas

Visas are not required to enter Sweden. As a British passport holder you can stay as a visitor for up to three months. If you intend to stay for a longer period you should contact a Migration Board office.

Passport validity

You should be in possession of a valid passport. There is no minimum validity required but you should ensure that your passport is valid for your return journey.

Travelling with children

If you are travelling with children other than your own you should be in possession of a letter of consent from the child’s parent/guardian.

Health

Health care facilities in Sweden are generally very good. Almost all medical staff will speak English. Pharmacies are not generally open outside normal working hours, which means they are closed on Sundays and observe limited hours on Saturdays. Emergency prescriptions can be obtained at hospitals. If you are visiting remote areas you should consider the relative inaccessibility of the emergency services. The telephone number for emergencies in Sweden is 112.

The Form E111 is no longer valid. You should obtain a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) before leaving the UK. The EHIC is not a substitute for medical and travel insurance, but entitles you to emergency medical treatment on the same terms as Swedish nationals. It also does not cover you for medical repatriation, on-going medical treatment or treatment of a non-urgent nature. For more general information see EHIC.

Tick-borne encephalitis is common to Sweden, especially in the summer months around coastal areas, especially the Stockholm Archipelago.

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 Sweden 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 Sweden 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.

Avian Influenza (Bird Flu)

The Swedish authorities have confirmed that there have been outbreaks of Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) in ducks and wild birds at various locations in Sweden. No domestic birds have been identified as having the virus. No human infections or deaths have been reported.

The risk to humans from Avian Influenza is believed to be very low. As a precaution, you should avoid visiting live animal markets, poultry farms and other places where you may come into close contact with domestic, caged or wild birds; and ensure poulty and egg dishes are thoroughly cooked.

You should read this advice in conjunction with Avian and Pandemic Influenza, which gives more detailed advice and information.

Swine Flu

There are confirmed human cases of Swine Flu in Sweden. You can check for updates on the number of cases and their location through the Swedish Institute for Infectious Disease Control website: http://www.smittskyddsinstitutet.se (in Swedish). The World Health Organisation (WHO) Pandemic Threat Alert Phase remains at Level 6. The WHO website at: http://www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/en/index.html has further details. You should also monitor local media reports for any developments and advice. There is a dedicated Swine Flu page on the FCO website at: http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/travelling-and-living-overseas/swine-flu. Guidance on Pandemic Flu can be obtained on the UK Department of Health website at: http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/index.htm.

General

Insurance

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 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.

Extreme weather conditions

Sweden, and in particular the north of the country, does get affected by severe cold weather during the winter months. Temperatures can be extremely low, and if you visit in winter you should be prepared for these harsh conditions.

Replacing your passport

If you lose your passport in Sweden, you should contact the British Embassy in Stockholm . The British Embassy in Stockholm has a full passport issuing service, which operates on a 10-day service.

Money

Remember the currency for Sweden is Swedish Krona and not the Euro.

Since 15 June 2007 new legislation on the controls of cash entering or leaving the EU applies in all Member States. Any person entering or leaving the EU will have to declare the cash that they are carrying if this amounts to 10,000 euros or more; this includes cheques, travellers' cheques, money orders, etc. This will not apply to anyone travelling viathe EU to a non-EU country, as long as the original journey started outside of the EU nor to those travelling within the EU.

Spain travel advice

Travel Summary

• There is a high threat from terrorism in Spain. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers. Recent attacks have taken place on the island of Mallorca (Majorca), in Burgos and in Bilbao in the North of Spain. See the Terrorism section of this advice for more details.
  
  
• There are confirmed human cases of the H1N1 virus (Swine flu) in Spain. If you are concerned about the outbreak of the H1N1 virus, there is a dedicated freephone number for British nationals overseas: (+44) 207 928 1010. You can check for updates through the Spanish Ministry of Health website: http://www.msc.es/en/home.htm (in Spanish). Tel: 901 400 100. You should also monitor local media reports for any developments and advice. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has raised its pandemic threat alert Phase to Level 6. The WHO website at: www.who.int/ has further details. Check Swine Flu for further information. Guidance on Pandemic Flu can be obtained on the UK Department of Health website at www.dh.gov.uk. There are currently no quarantine measures in place for Spain.
  
  
• Since mid-July, forest fires have spread across many of Spain's regions. Aragon, the Canary Islands, Catalonia and Murcia have been particularly badly affected. The fires have claimed a number of lives, mainly of firefighters. Visitors throughout Spain should be alert to the risk in rural areas and should take care to avoid any actions that could cause fires. Significant punishments exist for such actions, which include carelessness when disposing of cigarette ends.
  
  
• In March 2004, 192 people died and over 1400 were injured following bomb attacks on three trains in Madrid. A group purporting to represent Al Qa’ida claimed responsibility.
  
  
• Around 17 million visits to Spain each year are made by British nationals (Source: Instituto de Estudios Turisticos - IET). 5,430 British nationals required consular assistance in Spain in the period 01 April 2008 – 31 March 2009 for the following types of incident; deaths (1,825 cases); hospitalisations (741 cases) and arrests, for a variety of reasons (2,290 cases). During this period assistance was also requested with regard to lost or stolen passports (7,548 cases). You should also be alert to the existence of street crime. See the Crime section of this advice for more details. If you need to contact the emergency services in Spain call 112.
  
  
• On 1 January 2006 legislation came into effect across Spain which brought in controls covering smoking in bars, restaurants and other workplaces. Additional legislation has since come into effect bringing in more stringent controls on drinking & sexual activity in public places. This includes Spanish beaches, where regulations have increased significantly. Fines imposed for breach of regulations range from €30 to a maximum of €1500 .
  
  
• Since 19 June 2007, passengers flying to Spain have needed to supply to their airline details of their date of birth, nationality, and passport number before flying. This is part of EU-wide measures to improve security. Further information can be found at: Direct gov - Air Travel .
  
  
• We recommend that comprehensive travel and medical insurance is obtained before travelling. You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake. See General (Insurance) section of this advice and Travel Insurance for more details.

Safety and security

Terrorism

There is a high threat from terrorism in Spain. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers. The Spanish authorities are fully aware of the impact of terrorism and take measures to protect visitors, but you should be vigilant. Disruptions from real or hoax terror attempts can be expected and a high level of alert is being maintained. You should follow the instructions of the local police and other authorities.

The Basque terrorist organisation ETA announced a 'ceasefire' in March 2006, and declared an end to this ceasefire on 5 June 2007. Their last major attack was on 30 December 2006, when a large car bomb exploded in the multi-storey car park at Terminal 4 of Barajas International Airport in Madrid, killing two people. ETA remains active. British nationals are not a target for ETA but there is a risk they may be caught up in an attack. Ten bombs exploded on trains in Madrid on 11 March 2004. 192 people died. A group purporting to represent Al Qa'ida claimed responsibility.

Recent terrorist activities :

• 09 August 2009 - following warnings given, there were four small controlled explosions in and around Palma de Mallorca (Majorca). No casualties were reported.
• 30 July 2009 - a bomb exploded in Palma Nova on the island of Mallorca (Majorca) killing two Civil Guard Officers. Although the Civil Guard barracks appears to have been the target, it was close to a tourist area. ETA subsequently claimed responsibility.
• 29 July 2009 - a van bomb exploded outside Civil Guard Barracks in Burgos causing minor injuries to 66 people.
• 19 June 2009 – a car bomb exploded in Bilbao killing one police officer. No other casualties were reported.
• 09 February 2009 - a car bomb exploded in the Campo de las Naciones area of Madrid (on the eastern outskirts, towards the airport). The Red Cross received a warning phone call in the name of ETA at 0730. No casualties are reported.
  

For more general information see Terrorism Abroad.

Crime

The great majority of the 17 million visits made to Spain by British nationals are trouble-free. But street crime does exist in the main tourist areas.

Personal attacks, including sexual assaults and rape are infrequent. Nevertheless attacks occur and are often carried out by other British nationals. You should also be alert to the availability and possible use of "date rape" and other drugs, including "GHB" and liquid ecstasy. You should purchase your own drinks and keep sight of them at all times to make sure they cannot be spiked. Female travellers in particular should maintain a high state of personal awareness during their time in Spain. Be aware that alcohol and drugs can lead you to being less alert, less in control and less aware of your environment. If you are going to drink, know your limit, and remember that drinks served in bars are often stronger than those in the UK. Avoid splitting up from your friends, and don't go off with people you don't know. For more general information see Rape and Sexual Assault Abroad.

Street crime is occasionally accompanied by violence. Remain alert and guard valuable personal items at all times. The majority of reported thefts are a result of items being left unattended or thieves using distraction techniques.

If you are a victim of crime, you should call 902 102 112 to make a denuncia (police report). Alternatively you can visit the Spanish Police's website: http://www.policia.es/denuncia/index.htm.

Drivers should be wary of approaches by bogus police officers, in plain clothes and travelling in unmarked cars. In all traffic-related matters police officers will be in uniform. Unmarked vehicles will have a flashing electronic sign on the rear window which reads "Policia" or "Guardia Civil", and normally have blue flashing lights incorporated into the headlights, which are activated by the Police when they stop you. In non-related traffic matters police officers may be in plain clothes but in any case members of the public have the right to ask police officers to identify themselves. The Guardia Civil or Police will ask you to show them your documents only and do not request that you hand over your bag or wallet. If in any doubt, drivers should converse through the car window and contact the Guardia Civil on 062 or the Spanish National Police on 112 and ask them to confirm that the registration number of the vehicle corresponds to an official police vehicle.

Thieves posing as Police Officers may ask to see wallets for identification purposes. Holders should proceed with precaution, first establishing that the officers are genuine. Should the police request ID, they should be shown your passport, driver's licence or other photographic identification. Genuine Police Officers would not request to see wallets or purses.

Motorists should be on the look out for "highway pirates" who target foreign registered and hire cars, especially those towing caravans. If you decide to stop to check the condition of your vehicle, you should be extremely wary of anyone offering help.

Lottery Scams

There have been complaints about lottery scams, in which a person receives what appears to be official notification from the Spanish Inland Revenue office (Hacienda) that they have won the Spanish lottery and are required to deposit an amount of money in a bank account to secure their substantial winnings. It is likely to be a scam if you have not entered a lottery, are asked to pay anything up-front or if the contact telephone number is for a mobile phone.

For more general information see Victims of Crime Abroad.

Political Situation

Spain Country Profile

Local Travel

In addition to this general travel advice for Spain, please also see the local travel advice for the region you are visiting, which can be found on the website of the British Embassy in Madrid at http://ukinspain.fco.gov.uk:

• Alicante (including the autonomous regions of Valencia, Murcia and Albacete)
• Barcelona (including the regions of Catalonia, Aragon, and the Principality of Andorra)
• Bilbao (including the regions of Leon, Palencia and Burgos in Castilla Leon)
• Ibiza (including Ibiza and Formentera)
• Las Palmas (including Gran Canaria, Lanzarote and Fuerteventura)
• Malaga (including Andalucia and the Spanish Autonomous cities of Ceuta and Melilla, in the North of Africa)
• Palma de Mallorca (including Mallorca and Menorca)
• Tenerife (including Tenerife, La Palma, El Hierro and La Gomera)

Gibraltar

Spanish border checks can cause delays to travellers crossing between Spain and Gibraltar.

Andorra

If you are travelling to Andorra, you should see Travel Advice for Andorra.

Road Travel

You should take particular care when driving in Spain as regulations and customs are different from those in the UK and the accident rate is higher. In 2008 there were 2,821 road deaths in Spain (source: El Pais). This is approximately 20% less than the number of road deaths reported in 2007.

It is a legal requirement for motorists travelling to or transiting Spain to carry two red warning triangles to be placed, in the event of an accident or breakdown, in front of and behind the vehicle. In addition, drivers must have a spare pair of spectacles (if needed for driving), a spare wheel, and a full set of spare bulbs plus the tools to change them. If at any time you have to descend from your vehicle due to accident or breakdown, or whilst awaiting the arrival of the emergency services, it is obligatory to wear a reflective jacket. Failure to do so could result in a heavy fine.

Also, carry a certificate of insurance in case you are stopped. If you have a car hire and have purchased the insurance, you should be given documentation. If you are using your home insurance, carry your certificate with you at all times. Keep in mind that this is generally only good for a stay of shorter than three months. If you are staying longer, contact your broker.

Spain has stricter drink driving laws than may other countries. The legal limit is 0.05%, and 0.01% for new drivers. They are serious about drink driving and have strict penalties such as heavy fines, loss of license and imprisonment.

Seat belts are required for all passengers, whether in the front or back seat of the vehicle. No children under the age of twelve should be in the front seat. Spain also has laws requiring small children to be in an approved child safety seat in the back seat. Your car hire agency can provide a seat for you, just let them know at the time your reserve the car.

Talking on mobile phones when driving is forbidden by Spanish law. This includes talking in your car when pulled over to the side of the road. You must be completely away from the road. You can talk with a completely hands-free unit. Using an ear piece is also prohibited.

For more general information see Driving Abroad.

Rail Travel

On 3 July 2006, there was a serious accident on the metro in the city of Valencia, causing 42 fatalities, and injuring 39.

Air Travel

The revised EU-wide security measures that came into effect for all passengers departing from UK airports in November 2006 are also being implemented in Spain. For more general information see Airline Security.

Local laws and customs

Respect Spanish laws and customs. Parents should be aware that Spanish law defines anyone under the age of 18 to be a minor, subject to parental control or adult supervision. Any unaccompanied minors that come to the attention of the Spanish local authorities (for whatever reason but particularly in connection with criminal incidents or when in hospital) are deemed to be vulnerable under the law and face being taken into a Minors’ centre for their protection until their situation is resolved and a parent or suitable guardian can be found.

There is a requirement to provide proof of your identify if requested by a Police Officer. The only legally acceptable documents by Spanish Police are a passport or a national identification card. The Spanish Police have the right to hold you at a police station until your identity is confirmed.

On 1 January 2006 restrictive legislation against smoking in public places came into effect. Fines imposed for breaches of the regulation could range from €30 to a maximum of €600.

In Spain, possession of even a small quantity of drugs can cause significant problems, such as arrest and detention. Being found in possession of large quantities will probably result in prosecution and a custodial sentence upon conviction.

Some regional Governments in Spain have banned the consumption of alcohol in the street. Failure to respect this law may result in the imposition of fines. Please check the local travel advice for the region you are visiting.

Hotels have a legal obligation to register the passport details of tourists on check-in. You are advised to wait until the Hotel staff have registered your passport details or taken a photocopy of your passport, rather than leaving the passport in reception and collecting it later. It may help to take your own photocopy.

For more general information for different types of travellers see Travel Advice Relevant to You.

Entry requirements

Visa Requirements

If you are a British Citizen or British Subject with Right of Abode in the United Kingdom, you do not require a visa to enter Spain. Other British Nationals should confirm the current entry requirements with their nearest Spanish Diplomatic Mission.

Passport validity

A valid British passport must be held for entry to and exit from Spain. There is no minimum passport validity requirement but you should ensure that your passport is valid for the proposed period of your stay.

Staying for longer than three months

Since 28 March 2007 all EU citizens planning to reside in Spain for more than three months are required to register in person at the Foreigner's Office (Oficina de Extranjeros) in their province of residence or at designated Police stations. However, you will no longer be issued with a residence card and, instead, you will be issued a certificate stating your name, address, nationality, identity number and date of registration. The certificate serves as confirmation that the registration obligation has been fulfilled, but it is not recognised by the local authorities as a valid form of identification and you are not obliged to keep the certificate with you. See the Local Laws and Customs section of this advice for acceptable forms of ID.

Unaccompanied minors

You should be aware that each airline has its own policy regarding unaccompanied minors, and may require prior notification before arranging for them to travel. It is therefore essential to consult your airline before travelling.

Health

The Form E111 is no longer valid. You should obtain a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) before leaving the UK. The EHIC is not a substitute for medical and travel insurance, but entitles you to necessary medical treatment on the same terms as Spanish nationals. You will not be covered for medical repatriation, on-going medical treatment or treatment of a non-urgent nature. For more general information see EHIC and NHS - About the EHIC.

In the 2008 Report on the Global AIDS Epidemic the UNAIDS/WHO Working Group estimated that around 140,000 adults aged 15 or over in Spain were living with HIV; the prevalence rate was estimated at around 0.5% 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.

H1 N1 - Swine Flu

There are confirmed human cases of the H1N1 virus (Swine Flu) in Spain. You can check for updates on the number of cases and their location through the Spanish Ministry of Health website: http://www.msc.es/en/home.htm (in Spanish). You should also monitor local media reports for any developments and advice. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has raised its pandemic threat alert Phase to Level 6. The WHO website at: www.who.int/ has further details. Check the Swine Flu for further information. Guidance on Pandemic Flu can be obtained on the UK Department of Health website at www.dh.gov.uk.

Tel: 0800 1 513 513 (from UK only). If you think you have caught the H1N1 virus, you should stay indoors and contact your local authority/helpline:

Alicante - 900 100 355 (Spanish - translation service available)
Andorra - 180 211 22 (English)
Barcelona (Catalunya) - 902 111 444 (English)
Barcelona (Aragon) - 902 555 321 (Spanish)
Ibiza - 112 (English)
Las Palmas - 112 (English)
Madrid - 901 400 100 (Spanish)
Malaga - 902 505 060 (Spanish - translation service available)
Palma - 112 (English)
Tenerife - 112 (English)

Avian Influenza (Bird Flu)

There has been one reported case of Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) in Spain, discovered in Álava in July 2006. No human infections have been reported.

The risk to humans from Avian Influenza is believed to be very low. No human infections or deaths have been reported. But as a precaution you should avoid places where you may come into close contact with domestic, caged or wild birds; and ensure poultry and egg dishes are thoroughly cooked.

You should read this advice in conjunction with Avian and Pandemic Influenza, which gives more detailed advice and information.

General

Insurance

We recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling especially full “dangerous sports” insurance cover. 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 overseas 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.

Money

Since 15 June 2007 new legislation on the controls of cash entering or leaving the EU apply in all Member States. Any person entering or leaving the EU will have to declare the cash that they are carrying if this amounts to €10,000 or more; this includes cheques, travellers' cheques, money orders, etc. This will not apply to anyone travelling via the EU to a non-EU country, as long as the original journey started outside of the EU nor to those travelling within the EU.

Contacting a British Consulate office in Spain

For telephone numbers and the location of British Consulates in Spain see: http://ukinspain.fco.gov.uk/en.

Opening hours, telephone numbers and addresses of all British consular posts in Spain can be found by clicking on “consular offices”. For urgent consular assistance outside office hours (e.g. arrest, death, rape, hospitalisation). see 'Contact Details' below.

Purchase of Property, Time-share Ownership and Holiday Clubs

If you intend to purchase a property in Spain you are advised to engage an independent local lawyer. A full list of English speaking lawyers can be found on the British Embassy's website - http://ukinspain.fco.gov.uk/en. British nationals purchasing property in Spain are recommended to deal only with established and reputable estate agents or with other contacts whom they know to be reliable and genuine, and to make all payments within bank premises and/or through banking channels. Make sure that the full purchase price of the property is reflected on the escritura (deeds) and do not pay 'black money' in cash to the seller, even if persuasive arguments about taxes are advanced: you could end up having to pay the capital gains tax that should have been paid by the person from whom you bought your new home.

In the Valencia Autonomous Community (the Provinces of Castellon, Valencia and Alicante) and, increasingly, in other parts of Spain your land tenure rights can be severely curtailed by local legislation. Should your ownership of property in these Provinces be threatened by local legislation you should engage the services of a lawyer immediately. Also, you should contact the NGO, Abusos Urbanisticos No for more information and details on how they may be able to help. Please note that the British Consular Services cannot help specific property cases.

Time-share ownership is well established in Spain with many known and respected companies, agents and resorts operating legally, fairly and successfully. However, there are equally many unscrupulous companies in operation, some of which claim to provide various incentives (including stock market investments and discounts on airfares and accommodation) when exchanging existing time-share ownership or taking out membership of holiday clubs. More often than not, such inducements do not materialise once a deal has been signed and sealed. If you are approached by agents operating such schemes, you should treat the approaches with the utmost caution.

Further information and advice is available from:
The Organisation for Time-share in Europe (OTE)
Time-share Consumers Association (TCA) and
European Consumer Centre (ECC)

Purchases of Tobacco products for export

Regulations on import of tobacco products into the UK vary from the amount allowed to be exported from Spain, particularly for cigarettes. You should check this carefully before you leave Spain. If you do not have the right documentation to export more than the normal limit, you may be fined and your consignment seized.

Outdoor Sports

If an accident occurs whilst mountaineering, canyoning, potholing or climbing, or if you become lost in the mountains or other areas requiring mountain rescue, call the Emergency Services on 112, or dial 062 for the Civil Guard.

For advice on safety and weather conditions contact:

Tel. 0207 486 8077
Fax. 0207 486 8034

Further information can be found on:

http://www.goski.com/weather/
http://www.avalanches.org

Slovenia travel advice

Travel Summary

• There have been cases of Swine Flu reported in Slovenia, but all are reported as being contracted outside of the country. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has raised its Pandemic Threat Alert Phase to Level 6. The WHO website at www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/en/index.html has further details. You should monitor local media reports for any developments and advice. There is a dedicated Swine Flu page on the FCO website. Guidance on Pandemic Flu is available on the UK Department of Health website at: www.dh.gov.uk.

  
  
• 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.
  
  
• All foreign Nationals visiting Slovenia must register with the Police within three days of arrival. See the Local Laws section of this advice for more details.
  
  
• Around 91,000 British tourists visit Slovenia every year (Source: Slovene Nationality and Population Database). 8 British nationals required consular assistance in Slovenia in the period 01 April 2008 – 31 March 2009 for the following types of incident; deaths (1 case); hospitalisations (2 cases); and arrests, for a variety of offences (2 cases). During this period assistance was also requested with regard to lost or stolen passports (18 cases). If you need to contact the emergency services in Slovenia 112.
  
  
• From 1 July 2008, Slovenia introduce a "Vignette" system for motorway travel, which is compulsory if you wish to use the motorways in Slovenia. See the Road Travel section of this advice for more details.
  
  
• 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 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

Sensible precautions should be taken when carrying money in busy tourist areas.

Scams

Foreign visitors and residents can be targeted by scam artists. These scams can pose great financial loss to victims. If you receive an e-mail purporting to be from HMRC (Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs) offering a tax refund on provision of your bank details you should make absolutely sure that it is not part of a scam.

For more general information see Victims of Crime Abroad.

Political Situation

Slovenia Country Profile

Local Travel

Road Travel

Slovenia has a ‘Vignette’ system for motorway travel. Vignettes are available for weekly, monthly or yearly periods, and can be purchased at petrol stations and DARS (the Slovenian Motorway Company) offices in Slovenia as well as outlets in neighbouring countries near the Slovene border. The Vignette is compulsory for vehicles under 3.5 tonnes in weight. The police and DARS officials are monitoring motorway use, and are stopping motorists who do not have a Vignette. Failure to have or display a Vignette will lead to an on-the-spot fine of up to €800. For more information on the Vignette system and where to buy one, please visit http://www.cestnina.si/Dokumenti/Vignette_308.aspx.

If you are driving to Slovenia during the winter period, you should be aware that winter equipment is mandatory from 15 November until 15 March. This means that your car must be equipped with either winter tyres, or have snow chains and radial tyres with at least 4mm tread depth. You can be fined 125 Euros for not having this equipment, or 417 Euros if you cause a delay on the road for the same reason.

By law, you must have your headlights on at all times, while driving in Slovenia. You are also required to carry a reflective jacket, a warning triangle and a first aid kit in the vehicle.

If you intend to hire a car and drive it into Slovenia you must declare this to the car hire company first, as you must have adequate car insurance cover.

Heavy on-the-spot fines are in place for traffic offences and jaywalking. The police are empowered to impose on-the-spot fines for offences including speeding, driving under the influence of alcohol and for using mobile phones without properly installed wireless headsets (Bluetooth).

In 2007 there were 293 road deaths in Slovenia (source: DfT). This equates to 14.6 road deaths per 100,000 of population and compares to the UK average of 5.0 road deaths per 100,000 of population in 2007.

For more general information see Driving Abroad.

Air Travel

The revised EU-wide security measures that came into effect for all passengers departing from UK airports in November 2006 are also being implemented in Slovenia. For more details about this see Airline Security

Remember to reconfirm your return flight if your airline advises it.

Local laws and customs

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

All foreign nationals visiting Slovenia must register with the Police within three days of arrival or risk paying a fine. If you are staying at a registered hotel or guest house, they will register you when processing your arrival. If you are staying in self-catering accommodation, you should check with your booking agent as to whether they will register your visit. If not, you will have to do so on arrival by registering your visit at the nearest police station. If you are staying with friends or family, you or your host will need to visit the nearest police station to register your presence in Slovenia.

For more general information for different types of travellers see Travel Advice Relevant to You.

Entry requirements

Visas

UK Nationals do not require a visa to travel to Slovenia.

Passport validity

You must hold a valid British passport to enter Slovenia. The Slovene authorities do not insist on a period of validity in a UK passport. As long as the passport is within the expiry date, you may enter the country.

Travelling with children

Single parents or other adults travelling alone with children should be aware that some countries require 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 Slovenian Embassy in London.

Health

You can gain access to medical treatment in Slovenia. You should obtain a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) before leaving the UK. The EHIC is not a substitute for medical and travel insurance, but entitles you to emergency medical treatment on the same terms as Slovenian nationals. It also does not cover you for medical repatriation, on-going medical treatment or treatment of a non-urgent nature. For more general information see EHIC.

Tick-borne encephalitis is common to Slovenia, especially if you intend to visit forested areas during the summer months.

In the 2008 Report on the Global AIDS Epidemic the UNAIDS/WHO Working Group estimated that around less than 1,000 adults aged 15 or over in Slovenia were living with HIV; the prevalence rate was estimated at less than 0.1% of the adult population. This compares to the prevalence rate in adults in the UK of around 0.2%. For more general information on how to do this see HIV and AIDS.

You should seek medical advice before travelling to Slovenia 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.

A (H1N1) – Swine Flu

There have been cases of Swine Flu reported in Slovenia, but all are reported as being contracted outside of the country. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has raised its Pandemic Threat Alert Phase to Level 6. The WHO website at www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/en/index.html has further details. You should monitor local media reports for any developments and advice. There is a dedicated Swine Flu page on the FCO website. Guidance on Pandemic Flu is available on the UK Department of Health website at: www.dh.gov.uk.

Avian Influenza (Bird Flu)

The Slovene Government confirmed on 12 February 2006, that the H5N1 form of Avian Influenza had been found in a swan in north east Slovenia. Tests are being done on eight other wild birds found dead in the same region. On 6 June 2006, the Slovene authorities announced that these tests were negative.

The risk to humans from Avian Influenza is believed to be very low. As a precaution you should avoid visiting live animal markets, poultry farms and other places where you may come into close contact with domestic, caged or wild birds; and ensure that poultry and egg dishes are thoroughly cooked.

You should read this advice in conjunction with Avian and Pandemic Influenza, which gives more detailed advice and information.

Natural disasters

Western Slovenia is on an earthquake fault line and is subject to occasional tremors.

General

Insurance

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. 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.

Accommodation

Ljubljana is a small capital city and an increasingly popular destination as its air services grow. We strongly advise that you arrange accommodation before travelling.

Skiing/Mountaineering Holidays

If you are planning a skiing or mountaineering holiday, we advise you to contact the Slovenian Tourist Board in the UK (Tel: 0870 225 5305) for advice on weather and safety conditions before travelling. You should be aware that off-piste skiing is highly dangerous. You should follow all safety instructions meticulously, given the danger of avalanches in some areas.

Passports

The British Embassy in Ljubljana does not issue passports and so, before setting off, you should ensure that your passport has sufficient validity and a plentiful supply of unused pages. From 31 March, the British Embassy will no longer process passport applications. Passport applications will need to be sent direct to the British Consulate-General in Dusseldorf. Please visit www.ukingermany.fco.gov.uk/en/passports/welcome for more information.

Money

ATMs are easily accessible and major credit cards/travellers' cheques are widely accepted. Banks and bureaux de change will change travellers' cheques, sterling and other main currencies. The Euro is the legal currency in Slovenia.