Travel advice introduction

Planning ahead is important to avoid many of the potential hazards of travelling to foreign countries, especially less developed areas.

Blood types

It is useful to know what blood group you are as this will enable prompt treatment in an emergency. It is recommended that travellers have access to a service which will supply screened blood if necessary. Such a service is supplied by The Blood Care Foundation, and their products are available in the eShop

British embassy

Before you go, find out the address and telephone number of the Embassy, High Commission or Consulate in the country or countries that you are visiting. In the event of problems this is a useful place to start looking for advice.A full list is available at Foreign & Commenwealth Office

Medication

If you are taking regular medication you should make sure that you take an adequate supply for your trip and carry them in your hand luggage. Make a note of any pills or medicines you are taking (with both generic and trade names), the dose that you take and the time of day you take the medicines. You should also keep a list of any allergies. When abroad your medication should be stored in a cool dry place.

Medical history

If you have had any serious medical problems it may be useful to carry a doctors letter detailing the problems.

Travel immunisations

In general, immunisations are available for many of the more severe infections, for example yellow fever and polio.

You should ensure that you are up to date with the immunisations recommended for your journey and, ideally, allow up to 3 months to undergo a full course of immunisation. To find out which immunisations are recommended for your journey you should contact your doctor or attend a travel clinic. You should also be up-to-date with tetanus and polio.

Yellow fever immunisation is mandatory for entering some countries. You will not be allowed entry without a certificate.

If you are travelling to an area where malaria is a risk you should take appropriate action to counter the threat. It is important to realise that the tablets you should take may vary according to the country in which you are travelling. You should be aware that antimalarial tablets do not provide 100% protection and you should try to avoid mosquito bites. You should start taking your tablets one week (2 to 3 weeks if taking Mefloquine) before you enter a malaria area and you should continue taking them for one month after you leave the last malarial area of your journey.

Travel insurance

All travellers should ensure that they have adequate travel insurance. Should you require emergency medical attention while abroad the costs may run to many thousands of pounds.Travellers should ensure that their insurance covers the cost of repatriation if necessary.

Travellers who are resident in the EU are entitled to emergency medical care when travelling in other countries in the EU. Travellers from the UK need to obtain form E111 from the Post Office to show that they have this right. Travellers from other countries should seek local advice. Even if you are covered by this reciprocal arrangement you should still ensure that you have suitable insurance.