Advice for travelling abroad

Passport and visa advice

Make sure that you:

• check the entry requirements before you go - for certain countries your passport must be valid for six months after the date you travel
• have proper visas for the country you are visiting, if needed
• make a note of your passport number and take a photo or photocopy of the information page with you and/ or store it securely  
• sign your passport on the page opposite your information page - an unsigned passport is not valid
• fill in the emergency contact details in your passport - this will make it much easier to contact your next of kin if necessary
• keep your passport secure at all times - unless you are required to carry the original document, keep your passport in a safe location
• get another form of photo ID to take with you

Things to do before you go

Before you leave make sure you:

Travel

• check what you need to do to travel internationally
• check the travel advice pages for the country you are visiting
• find out where the nearest embassy or consulate will be – check their website to find out what services they offer and their opening times
• tell family and friends where you're going and leave them your contact details, insurance policy details, and your itinerary and/ or store them online securely
• invest in a good travel guide to help you plan your trip and consider using online travel forums for more detail about your destination
• check your driving licence is current and valid, whether you will need a permit, and be aware of the driving laws in the country you're visiting 
• check guidance on any permissions that might be required if you’re travelling with children who are unaccompanied by one or both parents
• check with your service provider to make sure your phone works abroad - consider leaving your phone’s IMEI number with a friend or family member, to help block or find the phone if there’s a problem

Health and emergencies

• check what you need to do about health and travel insurance
• don’t travel without insurance – make sure it covers you for any activities you are likely to do, including extreme or water sports
• take note that 112 is the number to contact the emergency services in any EU country
• research the health risk on the travel health information website as soon as possible before travelling
• check at least eight weeks before your trip if you need vaccinations
• if necessary, contact your GP or pharmacy for advice on health precautions and managing any pre-existing medical conditions while you’re abroad
• take a copy of the prescription with you if you're taking prescribed medication, and find out if you will need to take a doctor’s letter with you
• take enough medical supplies for the length of your visit and any unexpected delays if you have a medical condition (medical supplies may be difficult to get in some countries and in remote areas)
• check the legal status of medicines and how medicines are regulated for the destinations(s) you're visiting 

Money and duty free

• check expiry dates on your credit or debit card(s) and tell your bank about your travel plans
• have enough money to cover emergencies and any unexpected delays
• think about taking more than one means of payment with you (cash, pre-paid travel card, debit card, credit card) and check which works out cheapest
• find out if travellers cheques are suitable for your destination and keep a separate record of their numbers
• check the HM Revenue & Customs information on duty-free allowances, banned goods and so on

• Foreign travel advice
• Travel advice
• Protection from the sun

When you are away

While travelling:

• think about what you are doing at all times and trust your instincts - don’t take risks that you wouldn’t at home
• 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
• don’t openly display valuables such as mobile phones or digital cameras, and consider using a padlock on suitcases or backpacks
• 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
• if your passport is lost or stolen while abroad, you will need to apply for an emergency travel document
  • British passport
  • Irish passport
• find out how to minimise your risk from terrorism and what to do if there’s a terrorist attack
• find out about local customs and dress, behave according to these customs and obey local laws - there may be serious penalties for breaking a law that might seem trivial at home
• avoid any involvement with illegal drugs – the penalties are severe and could include the death sentence
• do not carry parcels or luggage through customs for other people
• be careful when taking photographs, videos or using binoculars - such activities may be misunderstood, especially near military installations
• store useful numbers such as the local police and the nearest embassy or consulate
• respect the environment – don’t buy wildlife souvenirs, conserve resources like water and don’t drop litter
• whether you’re living abroad or visiting, be aware of the risks of carbon monoxide poisoning, just as you would at home
• check import regulations for food and plants before you try to bring them back
• if you intend taking part in any adventure sports or water sports during your trip, only use properly-licensed and insured operators - before taking part, make sure you fully understand the operating instructions and satisfy yourself that adequate safety precautions are in place

More useful links

• Air travel
• Visiting the EU, Switzerland,  Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein
• Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA)
• Association of Independent Tour Operators (AITO)
• Irish Travel Agents Association (ITAA)