Staying Safe and Healthy Abroad
The Foreign & Commonwealth Office and National Travel Health Network and Centre have comprehensive up-to-date advice on how to stay safe and healthy whilst you’re on holiday.
For the latest travel advice from the Foreign & Commonwealth Office including security and local laws, plus passport and visa information check www.gov.uk/travelaware and follow @FCOtravel and Facebook.com/FCOtravel
Keep informed of current travel health news by visiting www.travelhealthpro.org.uk
Travel advice can change quickly and without much notice so check regularly for updates.
Before you jet off
We know going on holiday is really exciting but the idea of sun and sand can get in the way of the really important things so before you set off for the airport here are a few things to remember;
- Insurance- Take out appropriate travel insurance before travelling and make sure it covers you for all the activities you want to do- you don’t want to arrive at your destination and find out you cant Jet Ski
- If you are holidaying within Europe, ensure you have a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) that hasn’t expired and you fully understand what it covers. Remember an EHIC card isn’t a replacement for your travel insurance. For your free EHIC card visit www.nhs.uk/ehic
- Take a quick look at the 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
- Is your passport passport valid? Check those back pages to make sure the emergency details are completed! When you arrive make sure you look after your travel documents and keep them in a safe place- remember some insurance companies require you to lock your travel documents in a safe
- Do you need a visa, and if so do you need a copy? Check www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice
- Make copies of important travel documents, take a picture or make copies and store them securely using a secure data storage site
- Do you need any 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, leave emergency contact details
- Take enough money with you and make sure you 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.
Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Some countries have introduced additional entry requirements such as a negative PCR test on arrival or a period of self quarantine. It is also really important to check if you need to self isolate when you land back into the UK.
The vast majority of countries have introduced health declaration forms that need to be completed before you set off- check www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice for full details.
During these times, we recommend packing a few extra things;
- Face coverings/masks- pack enough for your entire holiday
- Hand sanitizer
To help keep you safe in the skies, it is now mandatory to wear a face covering in the airport and onboard the aircraft. For up to date advice check your airline’s website.
If you or any of your party are experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19 them you should not travel to the airport. It’s really important to stay at home and follow NHS guidelines to help keep you, your family and other safe.
Remember, travel advice can change quickly and without much notice so check regularly for updates.