Before getting on the plane, holidaymakers have been warned to follow a checklist – or risk not going at all.
Depending on where you are travelling to and from, there are rules in place to keep you safe. So in a bid to help people get to their destination in time and enjoy their holiday, gov.uk have issued travellers with a foreign travel checklist.
This guidance comes from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) to help people living in the UK prepare for travelling and staying safe abroad.
In a disclaimer, they write that their checklist aims to help travellers plan for a trouble-free trip but it is not exhaustive. They warn: “No foreign travel can be guaranteed as safe, and you take personal responsibility for your own travel.”
So what is the FCDO guidance and what does the foreign travel checklist say? Here is what you need to know.
Foreign Travel Checklist
Prepare ahead
- You should have a backup plan for accessing important information such as your accommodation, flight and passport details as well as phone numbers and insurance policy. Share it with friends or family or store online using a secure data storage platform.
- Make sure you can access money to pay for unexpected costs or if your main payment method fails.
- Make a note of how to contact the nearest British embassy, high commission, or consulate.
- Read support for British nationals abroad for guidance on staying safe abroad, and the help the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) can provide.
- Read about how the FCDO can help you if you are affected by a crisis abroad such as a large-scale terrorist attack, natural disaster, or political unrest.
Before you book
Before you book plane tickets, a car hire or accommodation, always check the official FCDO travel advice for the country you’re visiting.
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Insurance
Ideally as soon as you’ve booked your holiday – if not included – you should get appropriate travel insurance. The Foreign Office stress that you should ensure it covers the places you will visit, the duration of your visit and any planned activities such as adventure sports.
You should tell your insurance company about any medical conditions, including undiagnosed conditions which are being investigated, and check that your policy will cover these.
Health and medication
You should check the healthcare advice for all destinations you’re visiting as well as any vaccinations you may need and any potential precautions you should take at least eight weeks prior to your departure.
If you require medicine, you should check the rules on taking your medicine abroad. The FCDO add: “If you are travelling to an EU country or Switzerland, apply for a new Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC), if your GHIC (or EHIC) has expired. An EHIC or GHIC may not cover all health costs and never covers repatriation costs. It is not a substitute for travel insurance.”
Triple check your travel documents
The FCDO recommend doing the following:
- Sign your passport and complete the emergency contacts page
- Ensure your passport meets the entry requirements for the destination you are visiting
- Get the correct visa for your destination
- In addition to your passport, bring an extra form of photo ID with you
- Check if you need extra documents if travelling with children
- if you plan to drive abroad check whether you need an International Driving Permit (IDP)
Need advice?
You can contact the nearest British embassy, high commission or consulate, or the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) in London 24 hours a day on 020 7008 5000 for advice.
