Travel Aware

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 Facebook.com/ForeignCommonwealthAndDevelopmentOffice 

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

The advice can change so check regularly for updates. 

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.