FCDO Travel Aware Campaign

What is Travel Aware?

Travel Aware is an FCDO campaign that helps British travellers prepare for trips abroad by checking official travel advice before they go.

ActivitySure supports the Travel Aware campaign because understanding local risks, entry rules, health guidance, and safety advice can help travellers avoid preventable problems overseas.

For official government travel advice, visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice. You should check the advice for every country you plan to visit before you travel, and again before you leave in case anything has changed.

What should I check before travelling?

Before you travel, check the FCDO advice for every destination on your itinerary. This can include:

• Entry requirements
• Safety updates
• Health guidance
• Local laws
• Passport rules
• Visa information
• Advice on what to do if something goes wrong.

You should also make sure everyone in your travel party has suitable travel insurance for the full length of the trip. If your plans include sports, activities, excursions, or anything more active than standard sightseeing, check that those activities are included on your policy before you go.

Do I need travel insurance before I travel?

Yes. Travel insurance should be arranged before you travel, and it should match the trip you are actually taking.

With ActivitySure, you can choose cover for a wide range of sports and activities, from skiing and golf to ziplining, water sports, hiking, motorcycling, and more specialist experiences. 

If an activity is on your itinerary, it needs to be on your cover too. Always read your Policy Wording and check your Policy Schedule so you know what is covered, what is excluded, and whether any activity limits apply.

When should I check my passport?

You should check your passport well before you travel, not the night before you fly.

Some countries require your passport to be valid for a set period beyond your return date, often at least six months. Everyone in your travel party should have a valid passport, and it is sensible to keep copies of important travel documents in a safe place.

A digital copy on your phone and a printed copy in your bag can save a lot of stress if something goes missing.

Do I need to check visa and entry requirements?

Yes. You should check visa and entry requirements for every country you plan to visit before you travel.

Some countries require a visa, electronic travel authorisation, proof of funds, onward travel details, vaccination evidence, or other documents before you can enter. Check the latest entry requirements on the FCDO foreign travel advice pages and give yourself enough time to apply for anything you need.

What should I check if I am driving abroad?

If you plan to drive abroad, check whether your UK driving licence is valid for your destination and whether you need an International Driving Permit.

If you are hiring a car, make sure your payment card is valid for the full trip and accepted by the hire company. It is also worth having a backup way to access money in case plans change, cards fail, or unexpected costs crop up.

What should I do when I arrive on holiday?

When you arrive, take time to understand the local laws, customs, road rules, and safety expectations for your destination.

Rules can be very different from the UK, and breaking them accidentally can still lead to serious consequences. Respect local guidance, avoid unnecessary risks, and trust your instincts if something does not feel right.

You should also save the contact details for the nearest British Embassy, High Commission, or Consulate. Keep the details somewhere easy to access, both digitally and on paper, in case you need help while abroad.

Where can I find official travel advice?

You can find the latest official advice on the FCDO foreign travel advice pages at www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice.

The Travel Aware campaign also provides practical guidance on preparing for your trip, staying safe overseas, understanding local risks, and knowing where to get help if something goes wrong.

Before you go, check the destination advice, check your documents, and check that your travel insurance matches the trip you have planned.