Stay safe and healthy abroad

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and National Travel Health Network and Centre have up-to-date advice on staying safe and healthy abroad.

For the latest travel advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office including security and local laws, plus passport and visa information check www.gov.uk/travelaware and follow @FCDOGovUK and their Facebook page 

Keep informed of current travel health news by visiting www.travelhealthpro.org.uk 

The advice can change so check regularly for updates.

Group of snowboarders sitting on the snow

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office also provides the following advice

Before you depart

  • Take out appropriate travel insurance before travelling and make sure it covers you for all the activities you want to do.
  • If you are travelling within Europe, ensure you have a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) that hasn’t expired and understand what it covers -you still need full travel insurance though! For your free EHIC card visit www.nhs.uk/ehic
  • Learn about the laws, customs and entry requirements of the country you’re visiting and understand how they differ from home, check www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice
  • Check your passport is valid, fill out the emergency details, look after it while travelling and keep it in a safe place. Make sure you have all the necessary visas.
  • Make copies of important travel documents, take a picture or make copies and store them securely using a secure data storage site.
  • Research vaccinations or any other medical requirements for your destination, and if necessary visit a travel health clinic before you travel. For medical advice visit travelhealthpro.org.uk.
  • Tell your friends or family about your travel plans and where you’re going and leave emergency contact details.
  • Take enough money with you and have access to emergency funds.
  • Ensure you take the contact details of the local British Consulate in case of emergencies – www.gov.uk/government/world/embassies
  • Understand what consular staff can and can’t do to help British nationals travelling overseas, check www.gov.uk/government/publications/support-for-british-nationals-abroad-a-guide
  • Act responsibly, and be responsible for yourself when abroad.

EU Entry/Exit System (EES)

From 12 October 2025, the European Union’s new Entry/Exit System (EES) will begin. This is a new digital border system that will change requirements for British citizens travelling to the Schengen area.

If you are travelling to a country in the Schengen area for a short stay using a UK passport, you will be required to register your biometric details, such as fingerprints and a photo, when you arrive. You do not need to take any action before you arrive at the border, and there is no cost for EES registration.

After it is fully implemented, EES registration will replace the current system of manually stamping passports when visitors arrive in the EU.  ​

EES may take each passenger a few extra minutes to complete, so be prepared to wait longer than usual at the border once the system starts.You can find out more about the EU Entry/Exit System on the UK Government’s website.