A UK airport has issued an alert to all passengers. Heathrow airport urged travellers to “make sure to check” travel guidance before their planned journey.
While many of us venture on holiday as a means to unwind and escape our everyday routines, breaks can become stressful when things don’t run according to plan. Therefore, it remains crucial to keep on top of any travel alerts and guidance for your selected destination.
In a message posted to social media platform X, the official Heathrow Airport account stated: “Looking to book your next trip from Heathrow? Whether you’re relaxing on the beach or engaging in extreme sports, make sure to check the latest FCDO travel advice for your destination and sign up to http://GOV.UK email alerts.”
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) offers a detailed travel guide for each nation on its website here. You can utilise this to obtain the most recent information about your destination.
As part of a broader travel checklist, the FCDO advises before your journey you should:
- Research your destination
- Get insured
- Check your documents
- Consider your health
Research your destination
Prior to departing you should ensure you are current on all the most recent travel guidance for your destination. The FCDO stated: “Get up-to-date advice and warnings about travel abroad, including entry requirements, safety and security, health risks and legal differences by checking foreign travel advice for the country you’re visiting.”
You can do this via the FCDO website here.
Get insured
You should not leave this important step until the last minute. “Get appropriate travel insurance as soon as you book,” the FCDO said.
“Check that it covers the places you will visit, the duration of your visit and any planned activities such as adventure sports. Tell your insurance company about any medical conditions, including undiagnosed conditions which are being investigated, and check that your policy will cover these.”
Check your documents for travel
This includes doing the following:
- Sign your passport and complete the emergency contacts page
- Ensure that your passport meets the entry requirements for the country you are visiting (for example, it may need to be valid for a set period after your trip ends)
- Get the correct visa for your destination
- Take an extra form of photo ID with you, other than your passport
- If you are travelling with children check whether you need extra documentation
- If you plan to drive abroad check whether you need an International Driving Permit (IDP)
Consider your health
As standard, you should check the healthcare advice for all countries you’re visiting. It is also vital to check what vaccinations you need and what health precautions you should take at least eight weeks before you travel.
Information on this is available on the NHS website. You should also check the rules on taking your medicine abroad.
More specifically, if you’re planning a trip to an EU country or Switzerland, it’s recommended to apply for a new Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) if your current GHIC (or EHIC) has expired. The FCDO stated: “An EHIC or GHIC may not cover all health costs and never covers repatriation costs. It is not a substitute for travel insurance.”
If you intend to consume alcohol while on holiday, you should also “be alert” to the risk of spiked and contaminated drinks, including methanol poisoning. More information can be found on the Travel Aware website.
Staying informed with the FCDO
You can keep up-to-date before and during your travels by following FCDO Travel Advice on Facebook and X. Email alerts can be signed up for on GOV.UK.
For advice, you can contact the nearest British embassy, high commission or consulate, or the FCDO in London 24 hours a day on 020 7008 5000.