Travel advice

Even the best laid travel plans can go awry. Whether it's a change in personal circumstances, the collapse of an airline or holiday provider, terrorism or the coronavirus pandemic, we are here to help guide you to relevant travel advice.

Travel advice by country

Please note: although this page is aligned with UK travellers we have included a number of international resources to help give travel advice to travellers worldwide.

UK travel resources

UK FCDO

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) offers up-to-date advice on travelling abroad including information on the coronavirus, entry requirements and safety and security issues. Other information provided includes:

  • country overview
  • health
  • local laws & customs
  • money
  • natural disasters
  • terrorism
  • additional help & support

FCDOFCDO travel advice

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Travel Aware

Travel Aware is an online campaign by the UK government to offer tips and advice for anyone going abroad. You will find information on applying for or renewing your passport, hints for buying the right travel insurance, official advice for countries worldwide and plenty of ideas for staying safe while travelling.

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Post Office

The Post Office has long been a go-to resource for anyone planning a trip. As well as products such as travel money and travel insurance, the Post Office can help with passport applications and issue international driving permits, essential if you're hiring a car on your travels.

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ATOL

Air Travel Organisers' Licensing (ATOL) is a scheme initiated by the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), which offers financial protection to travellers who have purchased flights and package holidays from a member operator. The majority of UK tour operators are required to hold an ATOL licence as they may not legally be allowed to sell air travel without one.

ATOL can help if the airline you have booked to travel with ceases to operate either before your booked flight or while you're away. It can help to organise a refund or a flight home. Find out more about making a claim with ATOL if you have been or are affected by the collapse of an ATOL member airline.

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ABTA

ABTA is the leading association for travel agents and tour operators in the UK, providing travel support, protection and expertise to its members and the public. Founded in 1950, it offers advice and guidance while encouraging those within the travel industry to follow high standards and promoting responsible tourism.

Much like ATOL, ABTA provides its members' clients with financial protection. However, ABTA provides cover for holidays bought in the UK that don't include flights, such as a cruise or travel by rail or coach.

If the travel company you bought your holiday from goes out of business, ABTA will help you get you a refund if you have not yet started your holiday or bring you home if you are already on holiday. ABTA can also help with the following:

  • guidance for dealing with an ABTA member
  • assistance with a booking before or after you travel
  • advice on how to register a complaint with an ABTA member
  • help resolving a dispute with an ABTA member

Find out more about what is covered by ABTA for consumers.

Top tip: search ABTA members and consider seeking advice before registering a complaint.

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Which? Travel

Which?* was established in 1957 to help consumers understand their rights. Today, it has more than 1.3 million members and is the largest independent consumer body in the UK. The Which? Group, owned by Consumers' Association, covers all sectors.

Which? Travel* is dedicated to the travel industry, highlighting the best tried-and-tested products from leading providers. It also offers expert advice on your rights as a consumer with unbiased help and opinions on the latest travel news and events. Among other things, Which? Travel reviews and comments on the following:

  • destinations
  • airlines & airports
  • ocean & river cruises
  • trains & rail travel
  • UK hotels
  • travel agents
  • travel money & charge cards
  • travel health tips
  • travel products including suitcases, cabin bags, outdoor gear & more

Top tip: follow Which? Travel on twitter for the latest travel updates and advice.

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Citizens Advice

Citizens Advice is a network of over 300 independent charities across the UK. Collectively, it offers free, confidential information and advice on a wide range of topics from legal and financial matters to consumer rights. Citizens Advice can help with the following:

  • claiming compensation if your flight's delayed or cancelled
  • cancelling a package holiday
  • claiming compensation on a booked holiday
  • finding out about compensation for lost or delayed luggage
  • finding out how to get a refund for a cancelled or delayed train
  • advising on travel insurance

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MASTA

Medical Advisory Services for Travellers Abroad (MASTA) was established in 1984 and now operates one of the largest networks of private travel clinics in the UK.

It offers travel health consultations, vaccinations, antimalarials and travel-related healthcare products. MASTA is a good option for anyone with a tight timetable in need of a vaccination or advice owing to its variety of locations and time-slot availability.

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Travel advice & resources
Travel advice & resources © NicoElNino - Fotolia.com

International resources

WHO

The World Health Organization (WHO) is an agency within the United Nations that specialises in world public health.

Established in 1948, today, it works with 194 UN member states across more than 150 offices and its headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland. Its main focus is to coordinate international health within the UN.

It's invaluable for travellers seeking information on outbreaks, disease and any number of other public health issues in countries around the globe.

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CDC

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is the American national health protection agency.

It works to protect and educate citizens about healthcare matters at home and abroad and offers advice on destinations and any required vaccinations for travellers as well as the latest news on international health issues such as coronavirus.

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Travel trade associations

IATA

International Air Transport Association (IATA) is a trade association for the world's airlines. It was founded in 1945 with 57 members and, today, represents around 290 airlines across 120 countries.

IATA's main responsibility is to help the aviation industry meet global standards for safety, security, efficiency and sustainability.

For travellers, IATA provides tips and advice on a number of issues including in-flight safety, airport security, baggage and consumer rights, among other topics.

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Travel company updates

You might find that you need to contact your airline, accommodation, holiday provider or similar directly to get the latest updates on any specific travel issues. Use our bespoke finder below to go straight to your travel company of choice.

Travel company updates

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Travel advice - FAQs

For questions about travel insurance, please visit our dedicated FAQs page.

Is the destination I am travelling to safe for tourists?

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) is the place to find all current guidance on safety, security and entry requirements for destinations worldwide. Use our bespoke FCDO tool to go directly to the country in question.

Is my European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) still valid?

Yes - and no. You will be able to use your exisiting EHIC until it expires but you will not be able to get a new card.

Instead, you will need to apply for the new UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC). This free card guarantees free or reduced-rate medical care in all 27 EU member states. Unlike the EHIC card, which it replaces, it is not valid in Iceland, Norway, Leichtenstein or Switzerland.

However, it is not a substitute for travel insurance, what's included varies by country and is not always applicable, such as on a cruise.

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