FCDO Travel Advice

1. Check Travel Advice for Your Destination

Travel conditions differ between countries and can change without notice. Before departure, check the official FCDO information for every destination on your itinerary.

Country-specific advice includes:

• Current travel warnings and security risks.
• Political developments and civil unrest.
• Local laws, customs and regulations.
• Passport validity and entry requirements.
• Health risks and medical facilities.
• Natural disasters and extreme weather.
• Emergency assistance and local contacts.

Search Travel Advice by Country → 

2. Understanding FCDO Travel Warnings

The FCDO may advise against all travel or all but essential travel to certain countries or regions because of safety or security risks.

Warnings can apply to an entire country or only specific areas within it.

• Against all travel: The FCDO advises people not to travel to the specified destination or area.
• Against all but essential travel: The FCDO recommends avoiding non-essential journeys.
• Other country advice: Travellers should assess the risks and follow local recommendations even where no formal warning is in place.

Travelling against FCDO advice may affect the validity of your travel insurance. Always consult your insurer before travelling.

Understand FCDO Travel Advice → 

3. Passports and Visa Requirements

Before travelling abroad, confirm that your passport and travel documents meet the entry requirements of your destination.

• Check passport expiry and validity rules.
• Apply for any required visa or entry authorisation.
• Verify transit requirements for connecting flights.
• Check documentation required for children travelling abroad.
• Keep secure copies of travel documents.
• Check requirements relevant to your nationality and passport.

Renew a British Passport → 

Check the Official Travel Checklist → 

4. Health and Medical Requirements

Travellers should research the health risks associated with their destination and obtain appropriate medical advice before departure.

• Review recommended and required vaccinations.
• Check the availability of medical facilities.
• Confirm restrictions on travelling with medicines.
• Arrange appropriate travel health insurance.
• Check food, water and environmental health risks.
• Seek advice about existing health conditions before travelling.

Ideally, check vaccination requirements at least eight weeks before departure.

Visit TravelHealthPro → 

5. Travel Insurance and Financial Protection

The FCDO recommends arranging suitable travel insurance as soon as you book your trip.

Your policy should provide appropriate protection for your circumstances, destination and planned activities.

• Emergency medical treatment.
• Medical repatriation where covered.
• Travel cancellation and interruption where covered.
• Lost or stolen baggage where covered.
• Existing medical conditions.
• Activities and excursions.

Always check your policy's terms, conditions and exclusions.

Read FCDO Travel Insurance Guidance → 

6. Local Laws, Customs and Cultural Awareness

Laws and customs can differ significantly from those in the United Kingdom.

Before travelling, familiarise yourself with local restrictions, acceptable behaviour and cultural practices.

• Respect local traditions and religious customs.
• Check laws relating to alcohol, medicines and prohibited substances.
• Follow local driving and road safety regulations.
• Understand restrictions on photography and public behaviour.
• Follow instructions issued by local authorities.

Breaking local laws can lead to serious penalties, even where the same behaviour is permitted in the UK.

7. Travelling to Europe

Travellers visiting European countries should check the latest passport, border control and entry requirements.

European Entry/Exit System (EES)

The European Entry/Exit System affects certain non-EU travellers entering participating European countries. Requirements may include digital registration and biometric checks.

Learn About the EES → 

UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC)

Eligible UK residents can apply for a free GHIC. The card may provide access to medically necessary state healthcare in participating countries.

A GHIC does not replace comprehensive travel insurance.

Apply for a Free UK GHIC → 

8. Emergency Assistance Abroad

If you experience an emergency abroad, contact local emergency services immediately.

British nationals may also be able to obtain consular assistance through a British embassy, high commission or consulate.

FCDO Emergency Contact

Telephone: +44 (0)20 7008 5000

The FCDO provides 24-hour consular contact services for British nationals requiring assistance.

Find Your Nearest British Embassy → 

Support for British Nationals Abroad → 

9. Sign Up for Travel Advice Updates

FCDO travel advice is regularly reviewed and may change at short notice.

We recommend registering for official government travel alerts so you can receive important updates about your chosen destination.

• Security warnings and travel restrictions.
• Changes to entry requirements.
• Major incidents and emergencies.
• Health and safety developments.
• Important updates affecting travel plans.

Select Your Country and Register for Email Alerts → 

10. Before You Travel – Essential Checklist

I Love Voyage recommends completing the following checks before every international journey:

• Read the latest FCDO advice for your destination.
• Check passport validity and visa requirements.
• Arrange appropriate travel insurance.
• Review vaccinations and health recommendations.
• Confirm your flight and accommodation arrangements.
• Save emergency telephone numbers.
• Keep copies of important documents.
• Share your travel itinerary with someone you trust.
• Ensure you have access to emergency funds.
• Review destination advice shortly before departure.

View the Official UK Foreign Travel Checklist →