Foreign Office Advice

Launched in 2001, ‘Know Before You Go’ is an ongoing consular awareness campaign run by the Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO). It encourages British nationals to be better prepared for their overseas trips with a view to avoiding common travelling traumas, risks and dangers.

The key campaign message is simple and applies to everyone - Know Before You Go – get travel insurance, research your destination including local laws and customs, visit your GP at least six weeks before travelling overseas and make copies of important travel documents. Through a series of mini-drives (link to Campaign History) we bring these, and other key messages, to specific categories of travellers which complements the FCO’s Travel Advice service.

Top Tips

• Check the Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) Travel Advice or call 0845 850 2829.
• Get travel insurance and check that the cover is appropriate. Click here for travel insurance providers.
• Check what vaccinations you need at least 6 weeks before you go and consider whether you need to take extra health precautions - Department of Health
• Get a good guidebook and get to know your destination. Find out about local laws and customs.
• Ensure you have a valid passport that is in good condition and the necessary visas
• Make copies of your passport, insurance policy plus 24-hour emergency number, and ticket details. Leave these copies, your itinerary and contact details with family and friends.
• Take enough money for your trip and some back-up funds eg travellers cheques, sterling or US dollars.
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