At Travelling Time the safety of our customers is always our first priority. This means that if we’re advised of an issue affecting one of our destinations, we will react immediately.  We rely on the information we receive from the FCO as being the most up to date and well informed. If any FCO advice changes have a potential impact on one of our destinations, we will inform our clients immediately.

The FCO offers advice about travelling abroad.  For each country listed, its website gives useful information on subjects including safety and security, local laws and customs, entry requirements, natural disasters, the political situation, health alerts, and crime information. It also tells you what to do if something goes wrong.

If, at any point, the FCO changes its advice to warn against all but essential travel to a country or area within a  country where we operate, we will immediately stop all travel to the affected area or country.

We will update this page on a regular basis and always advise all customers to read the latest information on their chosen destination before they travel.

Foreign Office Advice and Useful Links

Before you go

  • Check our travel advice for the country you are visiting. Sign up for email alerts to get the latest updates
  • Find out where your nearest British embassy or consulate will be, in case you need to contact them in an emergency
  • Tell family and friends where you’re going and leave them your contact details, insurance policy details and itinerary. Store them securely online
  • Ensure you have access to funds to cover emergencies and unexpected delays. Take more than one means of payment with you (cash, debit card, credit card)
  • Find out if travellers cheques are appropriate for your destination and keep a separate record of their numbers
  • 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 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 locate the phone if there’s a problem
  • If you’re going to be driving abroad, make sure your licence is current and valid and be aware of the driving laws in the country you are visiting
  • If you’re travelling with children who are unaccompanied by one or both parents, check our guidance on permissions that you might need to get and check the policy of your airline or transport provider

Entry requirements, visas and passports

  • Check the entry requirements of the country you’re travelling to
  • Make sure you’ve got correct visas for the country you’re visiting and that your passport is valid
  • For some countries your passport must be valid for 6 months after the date you travel. Check the requirements for passport validity in our travel advice
  • If you’re applying for a passport for the first time, you need to attend an interview at HM Passport Office to verify your identity. It takes up to six weeks to get a first passport. More information
  • Make a note of your passport number and take a photocopy with you, or store it securely online
  • Fill in the emergency contact details in your passport. This will help government officials to contact next of kin if you have an accident

Insurance

  • Get travel insurance and make sure it covers you for any activities you are likely to do, including extreme or water sports
  • If you’re travelling within the European Economic Area and Switzerland you can get a free European Health Insurance Card for free or reduced emergency care. You still need travel insurance to cover loss or damage to personal items
  • Phone 112 to contact the emergency services in any EU country or Canada and 911 in the USA

Health

  • At least 8 weeks before your trip, check the latest country-specific health advice from the Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC)
  • General information on travel vaccinations and a travel health checklist is available on the NHS website
  • If required, contact your health adviser or pharmacy for advice on other preventive measures and managing any pre-existing medical conditions while you’re abroad
  • Take enough medical supplies for the duration of your visit and any unexpected delays
  • The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or purchased in the UK can be different in other countries. For further information, you’ll need to contact the embassy, high commission or consulate of the country or territory you’re travelling to
  • Further guidance can be found in best practice when travelling with medicines

When you’re abroad

  • Think about what you are doing at all times and trust your instincts. Don’t take risks that you wouldn’t in the UK
  • Don’t openly display valuables such as mobile phones or digital cameras and consider using a padlock on suitcases or backpacks
  • 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 accordingly and obey local laws. There may be serious penalties for breaking a law that might seem trivial at home
  • Be careful when taking photographs, videos or using binoculars. These activities may be misunderstood by local authorities, especially near military installations.
  • Store useful numbers on your phone such as the local police and the nearest British embassy or consulate
  • Whether you’re living abroad or visiting, be aware of the risks of carbon monoxide poisoning, just as you would in the UK; the ‘Be Alarmed’ campaign gives practical advice on how to stay safe and lists the symptoms to look out for
  • If you intend to take 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
  • Check import regulations for food and plants before you attempt to bring them back to the UK