‘Know Before You Go’ Campaign

In association with the ‘Know Before You Go’ Campaign, we are working with the Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) to do all that we can to help British travellers stay safe overseas. Before you go overseas, check out the FCO website at www.fco.gov.uk/travel. It is packed with essential travel advice and tips, and up-to-date country information.

It’s well worth taking a look around the FCO site, to ensure you’re fully prepared for any kind of travel and they have also drawn up a checklist of things to ensure you do, before you go away.

1. Get travel insurance
Make sure you take out travel insurance. Check that it covers everything you need it to, for example lost or stolen luggage, medical costs etc.
Check out the WEXAS travel insurance policy, which proves very competitive.

2. Visit you GP or Health centre
Make an appointment with a health professional or your GP to find out which vaccinations or medication you might need. Even if you’ve previously lived abroad, you may no longer be immune to the diseases common in that region (e.g. malaria). Visit www.fitfortravel.scot.nhs.uk.
You can check required vaccinations on our Country info pages under Destinations.
Members also qualify for a 10% discount with Number One Health, see the benefits page for more details.

3. Find out about your destination
Although you may be familiar with your destination, the situation in a country can change very quickly. Find out the latest travel advice by checking www.fco.gov.uk/travel or calling 0845 850 2829.
You can also log in to the WEXAS site and check the latest information from red24, on our Country info pages under Destinations.

4. Get your documents in order
Check with the relevant embassies what visas are required and ensure that your passport is valid for at least 6 months after you return back to the UK. Make photocopies of your passport, tickets and insurance documents, or store online copies on a secure data storage site.
You can check required visas on our Country info pages under Destinations.

5. Don’t bring back certain foods
Did you know it’s illegal to bring meat and dairy products into the UK from outside the European Union? There are also strict rules on food products such as fish, shellfish, honey, fruits and vegetables. To check what you can bring back go to www.direct.gov.uk/foodimports.

6. Tell others where you are going
Use the FCO’s LOCATE service to tell them where you’re going so they can provide help in an emergency such as a tsunami or terrorist attack. Register with LOCATE at www.fco.gov.uk/locate.