Heathrow Airport has shared important advice for all passengers.
Heathrow Airport has issued a warning to all passengers, urging them to “make sure to check” travel guidance before their planned journey. While holidays are often seen as a chance to relax and escape the daily grind, they can quickly become stressful when things don’t go as planned.
Therefore, it’s vital to stay informed about any travel alerts and guidance for your chosen destination. In a post shared on social media platform X, the official Heathrow Airport account advised: “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) provides a comprehensive travel guide for each country on its website here. This can be used to get the most recent information about your destination.
As part of a wider travel checklist, the FCDO recommends that before your journey you should:
- Research your destination
- Get insured
- Check your documents
- Consider your health
Research your destination
Before setting off, you should ensure you are up-to-date with all the latest 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 advised to obtain a new Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) if your current GHIC (or EHIC) has run out. 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 plan to drink alcohol whilst on holiday, you should also “be alert” to the risk of spiked and contaminated drinks, including methanol poisoning. Further information can be found on the Travel Aware website.
Keeping updated with the FCDO
You can stay informed before and during your travels by following FCDO Travel Advice on Facebook and X. Email alerts can be registered for on GOV.UK.
For guidance, you can contact the nearest British embassy, high commission or consulate, or the FCDO in London 24 hours a day on 020 7008 5000.
