Travel: Red channel

One of the venues for England's cricket Tests against the West Indies has just been added to the Foreign Office danger list

"We advise against all but essential travel to Guyana. The situation is tense and volatile following the General Elections on 15 December. Some protest demonstrations have led to violence. Visitors who must travel should avoid meetings and demonstrations and should keep off the streets of Georgetown [where the Test will take place].

"Violent crime remains a problem, particularly in Georgetown. Do not walk alone at night, especially in the area of Stabroek Market and downtown Georgetown. Take additional precautions during daylight hours; exercise constant vigilance, do not dress ostentatiously, do not carry valuable, large quantities of money, video cameras, etc. House burglary (which is often accompanied by violence), and theft from cars are also major problems.

"Drug trafficking in Guyana is becoming a major problem. Visitors caught trafficking drugs face long prison sentences and very heavy fines. Pack all your luggage yourself and do not carry any items that do not belong to you.

"Typhoid is still present in Guyana. Malaria is prevalent in all areas outside Georgetown."

Foreign Office Travel Advice is displayed in BBC2 (Ceefax) p470 or call 0171-238 4503