Foreign travel checklist

Top 3 things you should do before travelling:

1. Research your destination: check FCDO travel advice for the country you are visiting
2. Sign up for email alerts on gov.uk to get the latest travel updates
3. Get appropriate travel insurance and check it covers all your activities and places you intend to visit

Other things to consider when you are planning a trip overseas

• check the country-specific healthcare advice
• check that your UK driving licence is current and valid. Make sure that your licence allows you to drive in the country you are visiting. You may need a permit
• stay up to date by following us on Facebook and Twitter
• make a note of how to contact the nearest British embassy or consulate
• tell family and friends where you are going. Give them your contact details, passport details, insurance policy details, and your itinerary and/or store online using a secure data storage site
• keep a record of the Support for British nationals abroad guidance

Passports and visas

• make sure you have got all the necessary visas
• check when your passport expires. For most countries, your passport must be valid for a set period of time in addition to your travel. In most European countries it must be valid for 3 months after you leave that country
• take another means of identification (preferably with a photograph)
• keep your passport secure at all times. Unless you are required to carry the original document, keep your passport in a safe location
• if your passport is lost, stolen or damaged while you are on a trip overseas, you will need to apply for an emergency travel document so you can get back home
• see Travel and the law for more information on travelling abroad with children

Your health

• check what vaccinations and health precautions you need at least 8 weeks before you travel
• check if your medication is legal in the country you are visiting. Read Can I take my medicine abroad NHS
• 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 are travelling within the EU, your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is valid until its date of expiry. After which, you can apply for healthcare cover abroad including a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC)
• a GHIC will provide you with the same level of medically necessary treatment across the EU. You will still need travel insurance

Money

• make sure you have access to enough funds to cover emergencies
• check expiry dates on your credit or debit card(s). Inform your bank of your travel plans
• use a money belt or secure inside pocket. Do not openly display your cash
• do not 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 get 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

Drugs

• do not get involved with illegal drugs – the penalties are severe and could include the death sentence
• do not carry parcels or luggage through customs for other people

Personal 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

Getting help

• we expect British people to take responsibility for themselves and their safety while overseas. But we can help if you get into difficulties
• for more detail on what support you can receive, read Support for British nationals abroad guidance