Get the latest Travel Advice for your destination, including safety and security, entry requirements and travel warnings.
A few simple checks before you travel can help you avoid serious problems and stay safe abroad.
Common problems on holiday include:
- Travelling without valid insurance
- Not meeting passport or visa rules.
- Accidents, for example on roads or balconies.
- Not being aware of risks, like drink spiking or methanol poisoning
You can reduce these risks by taking a few simple steps:
- Check Travel Advice and understand the risks – Understand the risks, entry requirements, and local laws before you go.
- Get the right travel insurance – Make sure you’re covered for medical care, activities and cancellations. Take a copy of your policy with you.
- Stay informed – Sign up for alerts so you know if Travel Advice changes before or during your trip.
Foreign travel checklist
Use this checklist to prepare for your trip and stay safe abroad.
Travel insurance
Get appropriate travel insurance before you go so you’re covered if something goes wrong.
Global Health Insurance Card
Find out how to access state healthcare in the European Economic Area (EEA) and some other countries
Travelling to Europe
Check how the EU Entry/Exit system (EES)affects your travel to the Schengen area.
While you’re away
While you’re away, you should continue to follow the advice of local authorities and stay alert to your surroundings. Keep up to date with local developments so you can understand any risks and make informed decisions about your safety. You can find out more information on risks below.
Stick with Your Mates
Look after each other on nights out and avoid common risks while on holiday with friends.
Drink spiking and methanol poisoning
Learn about the warning signs and practical steps to help reduce the risk.
Overseas festivals
Find out how to stay safe at festivals abroad and get help in an emergency.
Victim of rape and sexual assault abroad
We take any report of rape and sexual assault seriously. Find out what to do and how to get support.
Extreme weather
Learn how to prepare and what to do if you’re affected by extreme weather and natural hazards.
Medical tourism
Understand the risks of travelling for treatment and how to plan safely.
If something goes wrong
- Understand what support is available – know what help the UK government can and cannot provide.
- Find help abroad – use local emergency services and support in your destination.
- Contact the local embassy and/or UK consular specialists – get help from consular staff if you need it.
Emergency passports
Apply for an emergency travel document if you need to travel urgently and cannot use your passport
Support for British nationals abroad
Find out how to get help and how to stay safe while overseas.
Moving, living or retiring abroad
If you’re planning to move or live abroad:
- contact the government in your destination country
- get professional advice – for example from a local lawyer
The UK government, including British embassies and consulates, cannot give personalised guidance on moving to, living or retiring abroad.
You can:
- read living in your destination country for information on working, healthcare, pensions and driving.
- Check the Travel Advice for your destination country to understand the risks you may face as a resident or visitor.
Travel Aware campaign
The UK Government’s Travel Aware campaign helps you have the best possible travel abroad – from staying safe to understanding risks in different countries.
Every year, we support around 25,000 British nationals and their families facing emergencies overseas.
The UK government works with partners from across the travel, transport and insurance industries to promote safe, informed travel.
You may see these brands and organisations promoting UK government messaging or tips. If you’re not sure, they can be identified through their use of the ‘Travel Aware’ logo.
You can also get updates from our FCDO Travel Aware social media channels on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.