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Keep safe abroad

When planning a trip or a longer stay in a foreign country, it's important to think about what to do in an emergency. Here are some basic safety tips to help you relax and enjoy your time abroad.

Safety tips:

  • check the Foreign and Commonwealth Office website or telephone 0870 606 0290 for information about the country to which you are going  
  • if you are travelling with an Irish passport you can find useful information on the Department of Foreign Affairs website
  • buy travel insurance and check that the cover is appropriate  
  • get a good guidebook and get to know your destination  
  • find out about local laws and customs  
  • ensure that you have a valid passport and necessary visas
  • check what vaccinations you need at least six weeks before you go  
  • check to see if you need to take extra health precautions  
  • make sure your travel agent is a member of the Association of the British Travel Agents (ABTA), the Association of Independent Tour Operators (AITO), or the Irish Travel Agents Association (ITAA)
  • if you're flying, make sure your holiday package is financially protected by Air Travel Organisers' Licensing (ATOL)  
  • make copies of important documents such as your passport, insurance policy (including your insurer's and card protection's 24-hour emergency number) and ticket details - leave copies with family and friends  
  • take enough money for your trip and some back-up funds, eg travellers cheques, sterling or US dollars  
  • leave a copy of your itinerary and a way of contacting you - such as an email  address - with family and friends

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