Checklist for travelers

Before you go

* For up-to-date travel advice, check the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) website at www.gov.u/foreign-travel-advice.

* Get a guidebook and find out about your destination. Make sure you know about local laws and customs.

* Tell family and friends where you are going and leave them your contact details, insurance policy details, and your itinerary and / or store online using a secure data storage site.

* Whether you are travelling or living overseas, note the details of the nearest British Embassy or Consulate.

* In the event of any major crisis, we provide advice and travel updates for the country or countries concerned. Sign up to our travel advice alerts to get email updates.

(www.facebook.com/fcotravel) and Twitter (twitter.com/fcotravel) sites.

Insurance

Get appropriate travel insurance and check that it covers all the activities you plan to undertake. Be sure your policy provides for:

• All medical bills
• An air ambulance, in case you need to be flown home
• Any pre-existing medical conditions
• Bringing the body home, in the event of a death
• Replacing and/or bringing your car home

Plan to stay healthy

• Check what vaccinations and health precautions you need with your GP 6-8 weeks before you travel. Visit travelhealthpro.org.uk
• Check if our medication is legal in the country you are visiting. Pack it in your hand luggage.
• If you are taking prescribed medication, take a copy of the prescription with you, and find out if you will need to take a doctor’s letter with you.
• If you’re travelling with the European Economic Area (EEA), get an EHIC from nhs.uk/ehic or call 0300 3301350. But remember you will still need travel insurance.

Passports and visas

• Check that your passport is valid. Some airlines and cruise operators require you have a minimum of six month’s validity in your passport at your return date. Make a note of the passport number and consider taking a photocopy with you and/or store using a secure data storage site.
• Write the full details of your next of kin in your passport in the space provided.
• Check whether you will need a visa- visit gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice
• Take another means of identification (preferably with a photograph).
• Travelling with children? See gov.uk/ government/publications/children-travelling-to-the-uk for information you may be asked for when you return to the UK.

When you are there

• Keep your passport secure at all times. Unless you are required to carry the original document, keep your passport in a safe location.

Drugs

• Avoid any involvement with illegal drugs- the penalties are severe and could include the death sentence.
• Don’t carry parcels or luggage through customs for other people.

Money

• Make sure you have enough to cover emergencies.
• Check the expiry dates on your credit or debit card(s). You should also check with your bank whether you need to inform them of your travel plans.
• Do inform your mobile/ Cell phone supplier of your travel plan and ask if they have a bundle plan for that country you are travelling to.
• When you are there: Use a money belt or secure inside pocket. Do not openly display your cash.
• Don’t carry all your cards with you-leave one in a secure location.
• If your passport or valuables are stolen abroad, report it at once to the local police and obtain a statement as you will need one to claim against your insurance. You will need to cancel any bank cards, so take relevant phone numbers.

Consular assistance

• British Consular Officers are ready to help you help yourself. Make a note of the telephone number of the nearest British Embassy, High Commission or consulate. You can reach us on that number 24/7. You can also call the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) in London on +44(0)20 7008 1500. For more detail on what support you can receive, consult gov.uk/fco.

Safety

• As you would be in the UK, be alert and observant, and report any unattended items or suspicious activity by individuals to the local police or appropriate authorities. You can call 112 to contact the emergency services in any EU country.
• Take all your medications supply from your GP for the duration of your stay.