The Foreign and Commonwealth Office in London provides excellent advice for travellers and you are strongly advised to log on to their web site at www.fco.gov.uk/travel before you go. They can also be contacted by telephone on 0207 008 0232/0233. Similar levels of advice to non-UK nationals can be obtained from their respective Consulates, Embassies and High Commissions though the FCO website is also a source of good general travel advice to anyone travelling abroad.
1. Take out comprehensive travel insurance including medical and repatriation cover. If you extend your stay, extend your policy. Declare any pre-existing medical conditions (including those of anyone you are travelling with) to your insurer
2. Familiarise yourself with your destination and local laws and customs. Check out the FCO travel advice available online at www.fco.gov.uk/knowbeforeyougo or by calling 0207 008 0232/0233. The situation may have changed since your last visit. The FCO travel advice is regularly updated.
3. Ensure that your passport is valid for a minimum of six months at the date of your return and that it contains full up-to-date details of your next of kin.
4. Ensure that you have the correct visas. Remember to extend your visa if you decide to stay longer than you had originally planned for.
5. Check with your GP about any extra health care precautions and vaccinations you may need at least six weeks prior to travel.
6. Ensure that your travel agent is an ABTA member and flight arrangements are ATOL protected.
7. Make copies of your tickets, passport, insurance policy (plus 24-hour emergency number), itinerary and contact details. Take a copy with you and leave a copy with family and friends at home.
8. Take enough money and back-up funds for your trip. Check the validity, expiry date and cash available on your credit or debit card(s) and whether they can be used in the country you are visiting. Ensure you have a return ticket, or enough money to buy one,
9. Avoid any involvement with drugs. The penalties are severe and could you include the death sentence. Don’t carry parcels or luggage through customs for anyone else and don’t cross land-borders with people you don’t know. Carry a doctor’s prescription for any drugs you may need.
10. Take the contact details of the nearest British consulate with you. If you get into difficulties, seek the advice of the local authorities or the nearest British consulate.
