Luxembourg

It is easy to overlook the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, a tiny little country dwarfed between its neighbours France, Germany and Belgium, when planning a tour of Europe. If it is thought of at all, it is probably as a rather unexciting place full of important banking institutions and European Union bureaucrats. This little country is, however, located at the crossroads of several major highways, and if you are going to travel through it, don't hesitate to stop awhile and probe behind the glass office blocks and official buildings to find a land of fascinating medieval fortresses, rolling woodlands, sun-drenched castles, and quaint villages.

The entire country is only 51 miles (85km) long and 32 miles (52km) wide, but there is a lot in this small package. The Ardennes region is hilly, densely forested and dotted with medieval castles, best known for being the site of the World War II Battle of the Bulge. The Mullerthal area is great for hiking with its curious sandstone rock formations among waterfalls and forest, the Moselle wine-growing region is picturesque and famed for its white wines, and Luxembourg City has grown up around an ancient fortified citadel in a setting that is unique and strangely beautiful. As if that were not enough to attract attention, bear in mind that the Grand Duchy also has more Michelin-starred restaurants per capita than any other country in the world.

Luxembourg's long history is concerned mainly with warding off and withstanding invasion, occupation and siege, which is perhaps why its people seem a little more conservative than their neighbours, with a national motto that reads: 'We want to remain what we are'. However Luxembourgers do enjoy their traditional parades and processions, and there are some jolly bars and cafes in the city where beer flows with good cheer.

Climate

Luxembourg's weather is generally temperate, with the warmest months from May to September. Snow is possible in winter, and the northern area is wetter and colder than the south.

Money

The currency in Luxembourg is the Euro (EUR), which is divided into 100 cents. Foreign currency and travellers cheques can be exchanged at all Luxembourg banks and bureaux de change, as well as the airport and post office Major hotels will also exchange cheques and currency, though rates are high. Major credit cards are widely accepted.

Passport Visa

The borderless region known as the Schengen Area includes the following countries: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland. All these countries issue a standard Schengen visa that has a multiple entry option, and which allows the holder to travel freely within the borders of all the aforementioned countries. Additionally, passengers not having visible means of support, and those who are suspected of being a danger to public security, tranquillity or order may be refused entry to Luxembourg. Moreover, it is advised that non-EEA passengers hold return or onward tickets, and the necessary travel documentation for their next destination, as refusal of entry upon arrival can lead to serious difficulties and costs for passengers and transporting airlines. NOTE: It is highly recommended that your passport has at least six months validity remaining after your intended date of departure from your travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.

Entry Requirements

• US citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least three months beyond the period of intended stay in Luxembourg. No visa is required, for stays of up to three months.
• British citizens must have a passport that is valid upon their arrival in Luxembourg. Passport exemptions apply to holders of identity cards issued by Gibraltar authories, and endorsed 'Validated for EU travel purposes under the authority of the United Kingdom'. A visa is not required for British passport holders endorsed British Citizen; nor for holders of identity cards issued by Gibraltar authories, and endorsed 'Validated for EU travel purposes under the authority of the United Kingdom'. No visa is required for stays of up to three months, for holders of passports endorsed British National (overseas), British Overseas Territories Citizen (containing a Certificate of Entitlement to the Right of Abode issued by the United Kingdom), and British Subject (containing a Certificate of Entitlement to the Right of Abode issued by the United Kingdom).
• Canadian citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least three months beyond the period of intended stay in Luxembourg. No visa is required, for stays of up to three months.
• Australian citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least three months beyond the period of intended stay in Luxembourg. No visa is required, for stays of up to three months.
• South African citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least three months beyond the period of intended stay in Luxembourg. A visa is required. Note that entry will be refused to holders of Temporary South African passports.
• Irish citizens must have a passport that is valid upon their arrival in Luxembourg. No visa is required.
• New Zealand citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least three months beyond the period of intended stay in Luxembourg. No visa is required, for stays of up to three months.

Health

No vaccination certificates are required for entry to Luxembourg, and there are no health risks associated with travel to the country. British citizens should carry a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), in order to qualify for free emergency medical treatment. Medical insurance is recommended.

Embassy Consulates

• Luxembourg Embassy, Washington DC, United States (also responsible for Canada): +1 202 265 4171.
• Luxembourg Embassy, London, United Kingdom (also responsible for Ireland): +44 (0)20 7235 6961.
• Luxembourg Honourary Consulate, Toronto: +1 (416) 955 7767.
• Netherlands Embassy (responsible for representing Luxembourg), Canberra, Australia: +61 (0)2 6220 9400.
• Honorary Consulate of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, Johannesburg, South Africa: +27 (0)11 463 1744.
• Honourary Consulate of Luxembourg, Dublin, Ireland: +353 (0)1 286 7285.

Foreign Embassies

• United States Embassy, Luxembourg: +352 460 123.
• British Embassy, Luxembourg: +352 229 864.
• Canadian Embassy, Brussels (also responsible for Luxembourg): +32 (0)2 741 0611.
• Australian Embassy, Brussels (also responsible for Luxembourg): +32 (0)2 286 0500.
• South African Embassy, Brussels (also responsible for Luxembourg): +32 (0)2 285 4400.
• Irish Embassy, Luxembourg: +352 450 6101.
• New Zealand Embassy, Brussels, Belgium (also responsible for Luxembourg): +32 (0)2 512 1040.