uk travel abroad advice

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Travel Aware

Staying safe and healthy abroad

Advice for going abroad

Stick with your mates.

Going abroad with your mates is all about having fun. Lounging by the pool, catching the rays and partying into the early hours.   

It should be a trip you want to remember for the right reasons.

Sadly, for a small number of Brits, their holiday ends in a hospital ward or a police station.  

But we are here to share with you a few simple tips that can help you have a holiday to remember, not one to forget.  

Here are five things that can help prevent things going wrong on the strip:

Friends don’t leave friends behind.

Serious incidents often happen after drinking alcohol when you are alone and isolated.

◊ TIP: Stick with your mates throughout the night. Stay in contact and if you’re staying at the same accommodation, go home together.

Drinking abroad can be different than back in the UK. The quality and measurements of alcohol can be larger, cheaper and deals can result in you being drunk quicker than intended.

Drinks spiking can also take place on holiday. Spiking is adding alcohol or drugs to someone’s drink without them knowing.

S piking is commonly used to distract you from theft or impair you before an assault .

◊TIP: Do not leave your drink unattended and do not accept drinks from complete strangers. This is the best strategy to prevent the possibility of your drink being spiked.

◊TIP: Consume water in-between alcoholic drinks. This will help pace you throughout the night and help keep you hydrated.

◊ TIP: Drink at your own pace. Everyone’s tolerance to alcohol is different. Consider avoiding rounds or having a break from drinking alcohol if you are feeling uneasy.

Remembering where to go at the end of the night can be tougher than you think. It’s a new environment, a different climate, and drinking alcohol could make this harder.

TIP: Keep details of your accommodation on you. Consider taking a screenshot of the hotel’s address before going out. Or ask reception if they have an address card you can take and store in your wallet.

◊ TIP: Use messaging apps to set up a group chat. This way you can send your location to your friends if you get lost or check they are safe if you lose them.

It is easy to get lost in a foreign country. Add alcohol and sun and it’s now even easier to get lost.

◊ TIP: If you are on the strip, before your first big night, familiarise yourself with the area. Exploring your surroundings will help you remember where you are later.

◊ TIP: Agree a meeting place in case you lose your friends and cannot get in contact (e.g. phone out of battery or lost etc.)

Travel insurance

Travel insurance is important. It provides protection and coverage for unexpected events that can happen on holiday. Travel insurance can cover a range of scenarios, such as:

• medical emergencies and repatriation
• lost or stolen baggage
• trip cancellations or interruptions
• natural disasters

You must purchase insurance cover that is appropriate for your travel plans. Travelling without the right cover can be very expensive if things do go wrong while you are abroad.

There are many reasons why travel insurance may be invalidated.

If you buy a basic policy that does not provide enough medical coverage, you may get a big bill if you have an unexpected health issue on holiday.

You may buy a policy that does not cover your planned holiday activities such as water sports or quad biking; or does not cover cancellations or delays. If you’re injured doing activities, or your trip is disrupted, you may have a big bill to pay.

So, before you go on holiday, you can do some small things in only a few minutes which could save you a lot of money.

You must declare all pre-existing medical conditions when buying travel insurance. If you already have cover, you should check that your list of medical conditions is up to date before each trip abroad.

Failure to do this could mean your claim is rejected if you have a medical emergency while travelling.

Therefore you must be honest about any medical conditions you have, to avoid risking a big bill.

Check your policy to see what you need to declare. Medical conditions can include, but are not limited to:

• heart conditions
• high blood pressure
• respiratory conditions (such as asthma)
• mental health conditions
• any form of cancer

When buying travel insurance, consider the type of coverage you need. If you intend to engage in adventure activities, like quad-biking or water sports, you may need specific insurance cover. Check your policy before you travel to make sure all your activities are covered.

Make sure you buy travel insurance that covers the entire duration of your holiday. Some insurance policies have a limit on the amount of time you can be abroad; if you exceed it, your policy may be invalidated.

You may assume you will not need to be brought home for medical reasons whilst on holiday. But, if you become ill or injured while travelling, you may need to be transported to hospital, or back to the UK, for treatment. Medical evacuations can cost thousands of pounds.

Check your policy covers medical evacuation before travelling. This is especially important if your trip includes adventure activities like climbing, quad-biking or water sports.

Before you go on holiday, share your insurance policy details with travel companions, and friends or family at home. This can be helpful in case they need to contact your insurance company on your behalf, if you get into trouble abroad.

When you travel, take a paper copy of your insurance policy with you. If you lose your phone abroad, this paper copy will provide the information you need, including your policy number and insurer’s emergency 24 hour telephone number.

More information

Travel advice

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While Abroad

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United Kingdom

Travel Advisory July 26, 2023

United kingdom - level 2: exercise increased caution.

Reissued with obsolete COVID-19 page links removed.

Exercise increased caution in the United Kingdom due to terrorism.

Country Summary:  Terrorist groups continue plotting possible attacks in the United Kingdom. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, local government facilities, hotels, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, parks, major sporting and cultural events, educational institutions, airports, and other public areas.

There is also a risk of isolated violence by dissident groups in Northern Ireland, focused primarily on police and military targets.

Read the  country information page  for additional information on travel to the United Kingdom.

If you decide to travel to the United Kingdom:

• Be aware of your surroundings when traveling to tourist locations and crowded public venues.
• Follow the instructions of local authorities.
• Monitor local media for breaking events and adjust your plans based on new information.
• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program  ( STEP ) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on  Facebook  and Twitter.com/Travelgov
• Review the  Country Security Report  for the United Kingdom.
• Visit the CDC page for the latest  Travel Health Information  related to your travel and return to the United States.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the  Traveler’s Checklist .

Embassy Messages

View Alerts and Messages Archive

Quick Facts

Must be valid for the duration of your stay in the United Kingdom   (If you have onward travel to countries outside the United Kingdom, you should check the passport validity requirements for each additional country on their respective information pages.)

Must have at least one page

Not required for stays less than six months.

Embassies and Consulates

U.s. embassy london.

33 Nine Elms Lane London, SW11 7US United Kingdom Telephone: +(44)(20) 7499-9000 Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(44)(20) 7499-9000 Fax: +(44) (20) 7891-3845 Email:   [email protected]

U.S. Consulate General Edinburgh, Scotland 3 Regent Terrace, Edinburgh EH7 5BW Scotland Telephone: 013-1556-8315 / from the United States: 011 (44)(13) 1556-8315 Emergency After-Hours Telephone:  020-7499-9000 / from the United States: 011 (44)(20) 7499-9000 Fax: 0131-557-6023 /from the United States: 011 (44) 131-557-6023 Email:   [email protected]

U.S. Consulate General Belfast, Northern Ireland Danesfort House, 223 Stranmillis Road, Belfast BT9 5GR Northern Ireland, United Kingdom Telephone: 028-9038-6100 / from the United States: 011 (44)(28) 9038-6100 Emergency After-Hours Telephone: 01253-501106 / from the United States: 011 (44) 1253-501106 Fax: 028-9068-1301 / from the United States: 011 (44)(28) 9068-1301 Email: [email protected]

Destination Description

Learn about the U.S. relationship to countries around the world.

Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements

• To enter the United Kingdom, your passport must be valid for the entire duration of your planned stay.
• Starting June 2019, U.S. passport holders will be able to use the ePassport Gates upon arrival in the United Kingdom. U.S. citizens who had previously registered for the UK’s Registered Traveller Service (RTS) should now also use the ePassport Gates on arrival in the UK.
• If you are planning onward travel after departing the UK, note that many other countries require at least six months’ remaining validity on your passport to enter. If you are bound for Continental Europe, please see our  U.S. travelers in Europe page for additional details.
• Visas for specific categories of visitors must be obtained prior to travel. Visit the  UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) website to determine if you need a visa to enter the United Kingdom. We cannot intervene on your behalf when you apply for a UK visa, nor can we advocate for your admission into the UK if you are denied entry.
• Students and prospective students should visit the  UKVI website  to determine if they need a visa.
• For some U.S. travelers, especially students, an entry stamp is required.  Please consult this website  for more information.
• Unpaid and paid workers, interns, volunteers, charity workers, and temporary workers can find information about obtaining a visa on the  UKVI website .
• Visitors traveling to the United Kingdom to get married, even if they do not plan to reside there, must obtain a visa in advance. See the  UKVI website  for visa information.
• Surcharges apply to certain categories of visas, generally those involving work, study, or residency for more than six months. More information is available on the  UKVI website  and in our Health section below.

The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to or foreign residents of the United Kingdom.

Find information on  dual nationality ,  prevention of international child abduction  and  customs regulations  on our websites.

Safety and Security

Terrorist groups continue plotting possible near-term attacks in Europe. The UK Security Service publishes specific reasons for any changes in the threat level and recommended actions for the public via its  UK threat levels website .

There is the potential for  isolated violence  related to the political situation in Northern Ireland. The Police Service of Northern Ireland assesses there is a continued threat of violence from dissident groups in Northern Ireland, focused primarily on police and military targets, and may involve the use of  firearms  and  explosives . Tensions may be heightened during the summer marching season (April to August), particularly on and around the July 12 public holiday.

Avoid areas of demonstrations  if possible, and be careful within the vicinity of demonstrations. Demonstrations occur frequently in and around city centers and areas where tourists frequent. Even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly escalate to violence.

The phone number for  police/fire/ambulance emergency services  is  999  in the United Kingdom and  112  in Gibraltar. You should also use these numbers to report security threats or suspicious packages. Also see information for  contacting police from abroad .

• Be cautious and aware of your surroundings.
• Be vigilant, as  pickpocketing ,  mugging,  and “snatch and grab” theft of mobile phones, watches and jewelry can occur.
• Do not leave bags unattended in restaurants, pubs, hotel lobbies, and parked cars.
• Be alert to other criminal schemes, such as  impostors  posing as undercover police officers and “fining” tourists for bogus minor offenses. A legitimate Metropolitan Police Services officer will never demand an immediate cash payment.
• Use only licensed Black Cabs or pre-ordered car services (minicabs) . Unlicensed taxis or private cars posing as taxis may offer low fares, but in some instances, travelers have been  robbed  or  sexually assaulted  while using these cars. See Transport for London for additional information on cabs and car services .
• Avoid using ATMs that look temporary in structure or location  or are located in isolated areas – they may not be legitimate. Use ATMs located inside a bank branch.

Scams : Before sending any money to individuals you have never met in person, visit the  Embassy London website  for more information about  internet financial scams  and how to protect yourself.

See the  Department of State  and the  FBI  pages for information on scams.

Victims of Crime : Report crimes to the local police at 999 (United Kingdom) or 112 (Gibraltar) and contact the U.S. Embassy at +(44) (20) 7499-9000.

• Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes.

See our webpage on  help for U.S. victims of crime overseas .

• help you find appropriate medical care
• assist you in reporting a crime to the police
• contact relatives or friends with your written consent
• explain the local criminal justice process in general terms
• provide a list of local attorneys
• provide our information on  victim compensation programs in the United States
• The Victim Support website  is maintained by an independent UK charity to help people cope with the effects of crime
• A Northern Ireland-based independent charity maintains a similar  victim support website
• In Scotland, victims of crime should contact  Victim Support Scotland
• provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support if you are destitute
• help you find accommodation and arrange flights home
• replace a stolen or lost passport

Domestic Violence:  U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence may contact the Embassy for assistance.

Tourism:  The tourism industry is generally regulated and rules are regularly enforced. Hazardous areas/activities are identified with appropriate signage and professional staff is typically on hand in support of organized activities. In the event of an injury, appropriate medical treatment is widely available throughout the country. Outside of a major metropolitan center, it may take more time for first responders and medical professionals to stabilize a patient and provide life-saving assistance. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance . 

Local Laws & Special Circumstances

Criminal Penalties:  You are subject to local laws. If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. 

Furthermore, some laws are also prosecutable in the United States, regardless of local law. For examples, see our website on  crimes against minors abroad  and the  Department of Justice  website.

• You will be arrested if you bring pocket knives, blades, mace or pepper spray canisters, or any part of a gun into the United Kingdom . Please refer to the UK government publication  Travelling to the UK , which details the items visitors are prohibited from bringing into the United Kingdom.
• Penalties against  alcohol-related  and other  in-flight  crimes committed aboard aircraft to and from the United Kingdom are stiff and are enforced with  prison sentences . Please also see  our information on U.S. customs regulations  covering your return to the United States.
• Controlled Substances: UK law prohibits possession and trafficking of controlled substances and narcotics, including some substances that may be legal to possess under the law of certain U.S. states. More information on controlled substances is available here . Individuals who violate UK drug laws may face penalties including fines or prison sentences.

Arrest Notification:  If you are arrested or detained in the United Kingdom, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy immediately. See our  webpage  for further information.

Special Circumstances:

• The legal drinking age in the United Kingdom is 18. Parents and organizers of school trips should read our  Students Abroad website  to help plan a safe and enjoyable experience.
• Scotland’s “drink drive limit” law was amended to a lower level (roughly .05 BAC) and is stricter than the rest of the United Kingdom (roughly .08 BAC). This means that  driving after even one drink  can result in a charge of driving under the influence.
• The United Kingdom has very strict gun control laws, and importing firearms is extremely complicated.  Information on applying for a firearm and/or shotgun certificate can be found on the  London Metropolitan Police Firearms licensing webpage .  Licenses from England or Wales may not be valid in Scotland; please check with the appropriate authorities.  For firearms certificates for Scotland, please check with  Police Scotland .

Faith-Based Travelers:  See our following webpages for details:

• International Religious Freedom Report  – see country reports
• Human Rights Report  – see country reports
• Hajj Fact Sheet for Travelers
• Best Practices for Volunteering Abroad

LGBTI Travelers:  There are no legal restrictions on same-sex sexual relations or the organization of LGBTI events in the United Kingdom.

See our  LGBTI Travel Information  page and section 6 of our  Human Rights report  for further details.

Travelers Who Require Accessibility Assistance:

• UK law requires that all public service providers (except in the transportation sector) make “reasonable adjustments” to ensure their services are available to persons with disabilities.  Nevertheless, code exemptions permit many older buildings to have steps up from the street.
• Getting around in cities may be difficult at times because sidewalks can be narrow and uneven.
• Most London Underground and UK National Rail System stations are not readily accessible for people with disabilities.  Many stations do not have elevators, and have stairways and long corridors for changing trains or exiting to the street. Many UK buses are equipped with lowering platforms for limited-mobility or sight- or hearing-disabled travelers.
• Many taxis have swivel-entry seats or retractable ramps to ease entry.
• Disabled parking permits (known as “blue badges”) are issued by local government councils throughout the country. Visit the  UK government website  for contact information. Some councils may not offer permits to temporary visitors.

The  Transport for London  and  National Rail  websites provide information for passengers with disabilities.

Students:  See our  Students Abroad  page and  FBI travel tips .

Women Travelers:  See our travel tips for  women travelers .

While medical services are widely available,  free medical care  under the National Health System (NHS) is allowed only for UK residents, certain EU nationals, and some visa holders.

An NHS surcharge is assessed on certain visa applicants at the time of application.  Tourists and short-term visitors will not be assessed the surcharge, but will be charged 150 percent of the cost of any medical treatment they receive from the NHS. Unpaid balances of £1,000 or more can result in being barred from return to the United Kingdom.

• The U.S. government does not pay medical bills, and U.S. Medicare is not valid overseas.

Medical Insurance:  Make sure your health insurance plan provides  coverage overseas . Most care providers overseas only accept  cash payments . See our webpage for more information on insurance coverage overseas.

• We strongly recommend  supplemental insurance  to cover medical evacuation.

Carry  prescription medication  in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription. Traveling with sufficient supplies to last the duration of your trip is recommended. Mailing prescriptions is prohibitive and may be delayed or rejected by British customs.

Certain prescriptions available in the United States are classified as a "controlled drug"  in the United Kingdom and cannot be brought into the country without applying for and obtaining a prior license. This includes prescriptions for medical marijuana or products containing CBD and THC.  Please visit the https://www.gov.uk/travelling-controlled-drugs for additional information. 

Vaccinations:  Be up-to-date on all  vaccinations  recommended for international travel by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Further health information:

• World Health Organization
• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  (CDC)

Travel and Transportation

Road Conditions and Safety:  Road conditions in the United Kingdom can differ significantly from those in the United States.

• In contrast to the United States, UK traffic drives on the left.  Read the  Highway Code  before driving.
• Emergency call boxes  (orange telephone booths with “SOS” printed on them) are found at half-mile intervals along motorways. White and blue poles point in the direction of the nearest call box. Call boxes dial directly to a motorway center. Use these phones rather than a personal cell phone, because motorway center personnel will immediately know your exact location.
• Generally,  pedestrians do not have the right of way  and should not expect vehicles to stop for them.

Many U.S. citizen pedestrians are injured, some fatally, every year in the United Kingdom, because they forget that oncoming  traffic approaches from the opposite direction  than in the United States.  Exercise extra care when crossing streets; remain alert and look both ways before stepping into the street.

Traffic Laws: 

• UK penalties for driving under the influence of  alcohol  or  drugs  are strict and often  result in prison sentences .
• Using a  hand-held cell phone  or similar device while driving is  illegal  in the United Kingdom. Only hands-free phones may be used. You will be  fined , or in the case of an accident,  arrested  and serve time in  prison .
• The speed limit on highways/motorways in the United Kingdom is 70 mph, or lower when posted.
• You will be  detained  and  arrested  if you cannot provide a UK address to receive a subpoena or are about to depart the United Kingdom and have to be brought to court quickly for a motoring offense.
• In Central London, a congestion charge is levied on all drivers who pass through the congestion zone. You will be  fined  or  arrested  if you do not pay the charge. See  Transport for London  for more information about driving in London.

Public Transportation:  Public transport in the United Kingdom is extensive.

• Information on disruptions to London transportation services can be found on the  Transport for London  website.
• Information about the status of National Rail Services can be found on the  National Rail Enquiries  website.
• Bus and train service information in Northern Ireland can be found on the  Translink  website.
• Bus and train service information in Scotland can be found on the  Traveline Scotland  website.

See our  Road Safety page  for more information. For specific information concerning UK driving permits, vehicle inspection, road tax, and mandatory insurance, refer to the  UK Department for Transport  website or the  Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency  website.

Aviation Safety Oversight:  The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the government of the United Kingdom’s Civil Aviation Authority as being in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of United Kingdom’s air carrier operations. Further information may be found on the  FAA’s safety assessment page .

Maritime Travel: Mariners planning travel to the United Kingdom should also check for U.S. maritime advisories and alerts at  www.marad.dot.gov/msci . Information may also be posted to the U.S. Coast Guard homeport website and the NGA broadcast warnings website (select “broadcast warnings”).

For additional travel information

• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Call us in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
• See the  State Department’s travel website  for the  Worldwide Caution  and  Travel Advisories .
• Follow us on  Twitter  and  Facebook .
• See  traveling safely abroad  for useful travel tips.

Review information about International Parental Child Abduction in the United Kingdom . For additional IPCA-related information, please see the International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act ( ICAPRA ) report.

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Going on holiday is an exciting time full of new experiences, a change of pace and beautiful scenery. While relaxing is all part of the enjoyment, it's important not to let your guard down completely to ensure safe travels.

Travel Aware

We recommend that you check the  Travel Aware  advice for up-to-date information from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office. You'll find useful tips on how to stay safe so you can make informed decisions when you're travelling abroad. You can register for email alerts specific to the destination you’re travelling to.

Health advice

You should only travel if you are fit to travel and able to participate in all part of the services that you have booked to undertake. You will need to comply with the health requirements of your destination, as well as prove that you have any necessary vaccinations for your travel arrangements. Consult your doctor about any health requirements for your destination beforehand and visit IATA Travel Centre to find out what vaccinations you'll need.

Should you need to take any medication with you, check before travel that you are allowed to take it into the country you are visiting. Some countries do not permit certain medicines even though they may be widely accepted in your own country. Take any paperwork or authorisation from your doctor that may be required.

Our insurance partner, Europ Assistance, offers travel insurance covering medical emergencies and travel disruptions.  Find out more

Take care abroad

Millions of people travel the world each year and enjoy trouble-free trips, but crimes against people and property are a fact of life. Take the same responsibility for your own safety abroad as you would do at home.  Here are some useful tips:

• Use credit cards where possible to avoid carrying excessive amounts of cash or travellers cheques.
• Use the hotel’s safety deposit box if there is one.
• Lock your door even when you’re inside your room, and when you leave make sure you close and lock your windows, doors and balconies.
• Don’t walk around poorly lit areas and beaches after dark, and don’t feel embarrassed about crossing the road if you feel uneasy about someone in the street.
• Try to use only registered or official taxis, so ask the hotel for guidance.
• Drink responsibly.

Helping you make the most of your holiday

• If you take part in adventure sports during your holiday, check that your instructor is qualified, insured and properly trained. 
• Check that any watersports representatives who may approach you from outside the hotel or on the beach are officially appointed or associated with the hotel. If in doubt, check with the hotel staff. 
• Make sure you research any local vendors, their safety policies and insurance before agreeing to take part.
• Remember to check your insurance policy, because not all policies include cover for certain types of sports.
• If you will be using equipment other than your own, don't use anything that looks or feels unsafe.
• For safety reasons, you should not do any scuba diving within 24 hours of arriving on your holiday, or within 24 hours of your flight home.
• Children should never be left unsupervised on balconies.
• Do not climb or stand on balcony furniture and keep all furniture away from the balcony walls and railings.
• Do not lean over, sit or climb on the balcony wall or railings. The height and design will vary from place to place and few areas are legally obliged to install either toughened or safety glass in windows or doors.
• In bright sunlight or at night, it can be more difficult to tell if a glass balcony door is closed so please take care not to walk into them.

Few hotels provide non-slip mats in the bathrooms, however in some hotels they are available on request. Tiled bathroom floor surfaces can be slippery when wet so take extra care on wet surfaces.

Before you swim, always make sure that the beach is recommended for bathing and that there are no tides, currents or hazards that could make it unsafe. Although many beaches will have lifeguard supervision, you should still familiarise yourself with the flag warning system as well as any rescue service procedures. Some areas are zoned off for watersports activities so be aware if they are present and avoid using any zoned areas.

• Please supervise your children at all times, especially around playgrounds, lifts, balconies and open water, and especially if the evening entertainment on your holiday takes place around a swimming pool.
• Before you use a cot, make sure that vertical bars are not more than 10cm apart and that the mattress fits snuggly into the base. If the side bar is adjustable, make sure that it is high enough to prevent your child from climbing out. Cots and high chairs should be sturdy and free from sharp edges.
• Never leave children unattended in a bath, and make sure you check the water temperatures yourself first before allowing your children to use the bath.

When you arrive at a destination, ask what you need to do if you need to contact the emergency services. We suggest you inform your party members and keep all useful telephone numbers in a safe, accessible place, and add the numbers to your mobile phone. If you have any concerns, check that your tour operator has a duty office or helpline telephone number. These numbers should have been given to you with your booking details.

Take great care and closely supervise any children when they are close to any plug sockets. Bring suitable adaptors for the local voltage with you.

Fire regulations and procedures can differ from country to country and some local regulations may prevent a hotel from providing the level of fire safety that you may be used to, either for historic or aesthetic reasons.

When you first arrive at your hotel, make sure you and your travelling party familiarise yourself with the fire procedures and emergency exits for your accommodation. If there is anything that you don’t understand, always ask.

The following checklist may help:

• Read the emergency plan, which is usually on the back of your room door.
• Find out where the nearest fire exit is located and walk from your room to at least one escape route, counting the room doors between your own and the fire exit.
• Find out how to raise the alarm.
• Keep your room key in the same place by your bed at night.
• If a fire occurs: • Raise the alarm and tell reception. • Leave immediately if possible, keeping low to avoid smoke. • Keep your group together. • Use the stairs, never use the lift. •  Close all windows and turn off air conditioning. •  Fill the bath with water and put wet towels and sheets around the door cracks. •  Keep calm and listen for any instructions.
• If there’s a fire elsewhere in the hotel, take your key and place the back of your hand by the doorknob to check its temperature. If it’s too hot to open or if the corridor is full of smoke, call the reception and tell them that you are unable to leave your room.

A change in climate, different food, very cold drinks and sometimes combined with alcohol may result in an upset stomach, which is not necessarily the result of poor local hygiene or food preparation. Take sensible precautions, especially with raw foods, drinking water and any ice that is in your drinks. We recommend that you drink bottled, purified or boiled water when travelling. Alcohol can dehydrate you so avoid it when sunbathing and do not drink alcohol when you go swimming.

Gas Appliances

If you have a gas cooker in your accommodation, always check that it has been turned off when you've finished using it. If the gas is supplied direct from a bottle, turn off the supply at the bottle neck when not in use.

Recognise the signs of faulty gas appliances. Black marks or stains around the appliance, lazy orange flames instead of crisp blue flames and too much condensation are all signs that gas appliances aren't working properly.

If you’re in any doubt about a gas appliance in your accommodation do not use it and speak to the hotel reception, Villa Company or your Tour Operator.

Carbon Monoxide

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a poisonous gas sometimes produced when fuel-burning appliances malfunction. You can't see or smell CO, but it can be fatal.

Don't mistake carbon monoxide poisoning with other holiday sicknesses, such as food poisoning, dehydration or a hangover. The six main symptoms include headache, dizziness, nausea, breathlessness, collapse and loss of consciousness.

British Airways Holidays operate a policy to not provide accommodation with internal gas water heaters. If you have booked your hotel or villa with us, and have concerns that there may be a gas water heater within your sleeping accommodation, please contact us immediately. The British Airways Holidays 24 hour helpline number is detailed in your travel documentation.

In some countries, the lift will only have three sides with a slight gap between the door opening and the lift shaft wall. Always keep children to the rear of the lift.

Various insects and even small lizards should be expected in all tropical destinations, national parks and game reserves. They are a way of life and not a reflection on the standards of hygiene and cleanliness. You can reduce the risk of insect bites by using repellents and covering up, especially during the evening and at night.

Many restaurants are open sided, which means local birds or small animals can visit and may want to share your food, but please don't encourage the birds and animals by feeding them.

Where possible avoid the sun when it is at its strongest and wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from the sun’s damaging rays. Hats will help protect your head and face and sunscreen with a suitable sun protection factor is essential from day one of your holiday.

If you are travelling with children, enjoy the swimming pool at your hotel safely by following these steps to help you relax:

• Recce the pool environment when you first arrive at your accommodation. Identify safety features, barriers, slides and chutes, deep and shallow end, whether there is a lifeguard if it's a shared pool and when they’re on duty. 
• Take a moment to enter the local emergency numbers into your phone when you arrive.  
• Make sure you or someone you are with knows lifesaving techniques. There may not be a lifeguard where you are going, so learn some basic CPR, and even if there is a lifeguard, it's always good to be prepared.
• Always keep your eyes on the children, whether it’s you or someone you trust.
• Take time to explain   to children how to use the pool safely, and provide armbands if required. 
• Check depth markings around the pool.
• Remember that a lifeguard may not be a local requirement.
• Advise the hotel management immediately if water clarity means you cannot see the bottom of the pool.
• Do not dive if there are ‘No diving’ signs posted around the pool, or where water depth is less than 1.5 metres.
• Do not drink alcohol and swim, or swim immediately after eating.
• Do not swim outside of the pool opening hours, or at night.

Vehicle hire

Hiring a car is a great way to explore and car hire can be organised with us before you go.

If however you decide upon a company of your own choice, please ensure that it is a well-known reputable company. Before taking charge of any vehicle we suggest you follow these guidelines:

• If you are not familiar with automatic drive, ask for a run-through from the hire depot agent.
• Check the bodywork and windscreen.
• Check that the tyres are in good condition.
• Check lights, seatbelts, screen wash and wipers.
• Ensure you read your rental agreement and are happy with the details and any applicable charges before signing. If you are not happy with any aspect of the car or its condition, do not leave the depot and ask for the car to be changed.
• Familiarise yourself with local regulations.
• Never drive while under the influence of alcohol.
• When leaving your car, keep maps, travel information and so on out of sight to reduce being identified as a tourist.
• Most insurance companies do not cover you for accidents whilst hiring mopeds or scooters due to the potential risks and it is for this reason that we do not recommend the hiring of mopeds or scooters.

Child seats

Laws regarding child-passenger safety vary from country to country. In general, we recommend travelling with your own child seat and where possible ensuring a private transfer is booked as due to their design minibuses are usually unable to be fitted with child seats. When booking car rental or transfers with British Airways, we'll tell you in our booking information if it's possible to request a child seat to be provided locally and any restrictions that may apply in your destination.

Road safety

In some countries, drivers drive on the other side of the road so take care and look the other way first before you cross a road. Not all drivers will stop at a pedestrian crossing either.

• Don't draw attention to yourself by wearing valuable accessories or carrying expensive electronic equipment.
• Keep valuables locked away in your room, but don't leave them in your suitcase.
• If there is no safety deposit box in your room, ask the reception if there is a hotel safe you can use.
• Make a photocopy of your passport and carry it separately from your passport, in case the original is lost or stolen.
• If any of your property is lost or stolen from the premises, you should report it, along with any relevant receipts, serial or identification numbers, to the management and also to the local police within 24 hours. Keep a note of the time and date you reported the incident along with names of persons you reported the incident to. Ask for a copy of any written reports.

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Health advice for travel abroad

Peer reviewed by Dr Colin Tidy, MRCGP Last updated by Dr Toni Hazell Last updated 10 Feb 2023

Meets Patient’s editorial guidelines

In this series: Travelling to remote locations Ears and flying Jet lag Motion sickness Altitude sickness

Travelling abroad means encountering unfamiliar places and situations which may carry unexpected risks. Good planning and risk assessment allow us to anticipate and avoid many possible difficulties. This leaflet considers preparation for travel, aspects of personal safety, and health when travelling. It points to sources of information and advice to help in planning.

In this article :

Research and planning, personal safety when travelling abroad, special groups of travellers, and finally.

Continue reading below

Country information

In these days of adventure travel, when it can seem as though travelling to somewhere unusual, remote or simply very different is a commonplace event, it is easy to forget the dangers and importance of being informed and prepared.

Read more about travelling to remote locations .

It is always advisable to know about the places you are travelling to, particularly if they are unfamiliar and even more so if you have never travelled there before. There are many sources of specific advice on the countries you are visiting.

Consider checking the UK government's Foreign Travel Advice by Country, which will update you if there are specific issues which might affect your safety in the countries you are visiting. Watch the news, pay attention and give yourself the opportunity to be aware of the things which might affect your decision to travel. Remember that if the UK government issues a travel warning regarding a particular country or area of the world, this may invalidate your travel insurance. Check, additionally, the CIA's World Factbook, which offers a slightly different view with information on history, people, government and transportation.

Travel insurance is an important part of your trip. Insurance protects your possessions and travel arrangements, but also your health. Accidents and illnesses happen everywhere, including overseas. The cost of medical treatment can be very high. An uninsured patient may struggle to find treatment without paying upfront. The cost of medical repatriation, if needed, can be extremely high.

Adventure tourism and sports

Make sure that your insurance covers the type of holiday you are taking. Make sure that you understand the limitations of your policy.

Some insurers will not cover high-altitude trekking holidays, for example. These travellers are strongly advised to obtain specialist insurance which includes helicopter evacuation.

Most insurers charge an extra premium for dangerous activities, including winter sports.

Many insurers will not cover travellers to any area if the Foreign Office has advised against travel there.

Your insurer may also decline to cover you if you deliberately put yourself in harm's way by taking unusual risks without informing them. For example, a policy which covers scuba diving may only cover you to a certain depth and not below.

Medical conditions

Your insurer must be fully informed of any pre-existing medical issues which might invalidate your policy if not notified:

Remember that if your doctor advises you against travelling on medical grounds then it is likely that your insurance, even if already in place, will become invalid.

Global Health Insurance Card (formerly European Health Insurance Card)

If travelling to Europe make sure you have a GHIC card. These may be applied for through the GOV.UK website (see 'Further Reading and References' below), and are free. The GHIC card is the post-Brexit version of the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), which itself replaced the E111 form.

It will not cover any private medical healthcare or costs, such as mountain rescue in ski resorts, repatriation to the UK, or lost property.

It is also not valid on cruises.

It is therefore important to have both a GHIC and a valid travel insurance policy in place before you travel.

Some insurers now insist you hold a GHIC and many will waive the excess if you have one.

If you need urgent health help during a visit to Europe, dial 112. The European emergency number is valid in all EU/EEA member states and is free of charge.

Reciprocal health agreements

Some non-European countries also offer 'reciprocal' health treatment for UK visitors. This means that if you're visiting any of these countries and need urgent or immediate medical treatment, it will be provided at a reduced cost or, in some cases, free. The range of medical services may be more restricted than under the NHS.

A list of reciprocal agreements, by country, is available on the GOV.UK website (see 'Further Reading and References' below).

Personal documents

Obtain passports and visas well in advance. You may be refused permission to travel at the airport if you don't have the right documentation and visas. Keep a copy of the front page of your passport at home in case of loss. Check the requirements of the country that you are visiting - some will not accept a passport which is more than 10 years old, even if it has not yet expired, and some need you to have a passport which is valid for at least six months after you leave the country.

It can be useful to take some passport photographs with you for unexpected visas and other permits. Some national parks, for example, will require a photo permit for entry.

Consider how you will obtain cash at your destination. Advise your bank of your travel plans and keep access to more than one way of accessing money overseas, in case you lose a card or a card fails to work. Keep a record of your credit card numbers, passport number, driving licence number and the 'stop' numbers for lost credit cards and phones.

Patient picks for Travel advice

Travelling to remote locations

Accidental injury.

The greatest risk to travellers is not of tropical diseases, dangerous animals or high-risk sport, but of death on the road. Worldwide, road accidents are the most frequent cause of death amongst travellers. Less-developed countries typically have much higher rates of road deaths and injuries compared with their richer counterparts. Therefore, the more adventurous your travel plans, the more danger you are likely to face on the roads. This problem is compounded by the fact that poorer countries usually have less quantity and quality in their hospital and ambulance services too. Any badly injured person who cannot be transported rapidly to an adequate hospital is more likely to die. You can minimise the risks of driving abroad in several ways:

Always wear a seatbelt (or a helmet if on a bike).

Never drive under the influence of alcohol. In many countries driving with any blood alcohol present at all is illegal.

Rent cars from reputable car companies which regularly service their vehicles.

Check the tyres, lights and brakes yourself.

Make yourself aware of the rules of the road in the country you are in.

Consider whether there is an alternative to driving yourself, particularly if conditions are very unfamiliar.

Avoid hiring motorbikes and mopeds, which are statistically associated with a higher incidence of personal injury and death.

Lock the doors of your car when driving, particularly after dark.

Alcohol and drugs

Consider your personal safety when using substances that can impair your judgement and common sense.

Use alcohol in moderation only and never use it when driving.

Remember that the effects of alcohol may be more marked if you are lacking in fluid in the body (dehydrated) and you may drink more than you intended to.

Drink water, rather than alcohol, for thirst.

Don't swim if you've been drinking alcohol.

Avoid illicit drugs. Even if you are not breaking the law, you may be stepping outside your comfort zone and ability to take care of yourself. Don't make yourself vulnerable.

Most crime is minor and opportunistic; however, it occurs worldwide. Some destinations have a higher risk of violent crime and sexual assault than others. Be sensible and plan ahead. Be vigilant regarding personal security.

Try not to stand out as a potential target.

Consider whether wearing valuable or visible jewellery may be inappropriate for your destination.

Keep your cash hidden and try to carry some low-denomination notes.

Use only licensed taxis and don't share them with strangers.

Be cautious with alcohol and don't leave drinks where they can be tampered with.

Look as though you know where you're going.

Keep your credit card in sight when using it to pay and ask for the printed receipt.

Stay aware of your surroundings.

Don't commit a crime yourself, either deliberately or through ignorance of the law. Obey the law in countries that you visit; respect dress codes and traditions.

Don't buy or use illegal drugs. Most countries take a very strong view on travellers carrying illegal drugs.

Don't carry packages through customs for other people; pack your own luggage and don't leave it unattended.

Be aware that some countries prohibit the consumption of alcohol.

Be aware that flouting dress codes may break the law in some countries..

Climate and environmental hazards

Understand your destination and what you plan to do there. What risks will you face? There may be several aspects of your destination that are not only unfamiliar to you in everyday life but which also pose a risk. These include:

Remember that the sun can damage your skin at altitude, even in the absence of heat, in the shade and even when wearing sunscreen. See the separate leaflet called Sun and Sunburn for more details .

Observe sensible precautions when swimming:

Pay attention to local signs alerting you to dangerous tides or currents, or to dangerous marine animals, including jellyfish, snails and biting fish.

Watch children carefully: the sea is not like a swimming pool and it can be very easy to lose track of them.

Don't swim beyond your capabilities.

Don't swim when alone - particularly not in the sea.

Take care when diving - consider hidden rocks. Don't dive in harbours and off jetties. Beware of swimming where there are jet skiers or other vessels.

Don't swim immediately after a heavy meal.

Heat and humidity

These can cause a number of adverse effects, including prickly heat, fainting, cramps, swelling of hands and feet and heatstroke.

Risks are greater if undertaking strenuous activity in the heat of the day.

Heat exhaustion and heatstroke cause headache, dizziness, feeling sick (nauseated) and sweating and, as the condition gets worse, dry skin, collapse and confusion. Heatstroke is a life-threatening condition and needs urgent medical help. Patients need to be rested, given sufficient fluids (hydrated) and cooled.

Small children may just become quiet and listless.

Take suitable clothing to stay cool; avoid overexertion in the heat of the day. Remember to stay hydrated. Be aware of the dangers of overheating and don't overdo it. If trekking or backpacking, be particularly aware of the need for water, salt and energy replenishment. Whatever you are doing, stay hydrated and seek attention if you become unwell. See the separate leaflet called Sun and Sunburn for more details.

Sea - boats and boards Make sure that you know the rules of navigation and the waters that you are in. Understand the hazards, including dangers from marine animals and from other boats. If in charge of a motorboat, always wear the kill cord and make sure your crew members have the right flotation aids. Know how to use the radio and your flares.

Lakes and rivers Understand your environment. Some lakes and rivers may not be safe for swimming, due to the presence of freshwater parasites which can cause serious infections in human beings. Parasites are living things (organisms) that live within, or on, another organism.

Snow and ice Insurance is essential when taking part in winter sports, as mountain rescue services and helicopter evacuations in most countries are not free of charge. See the separate leaflet called Dealing with the Effects of Cold and the section providing advice for travelling to remote locations.

Altitude sickness If you are travelling to altitude, see separate sections dealing with altitude sickness and advice for travelling to remote locations for more details. Follow the guidance on how quickly to ascend and when to stop or go back down. In some cases it may be appropriate to consult a private travel clinic (not your GP) for an altitude sickness medication prescription to take with you.

Building standards Building construction in holiday destinations is not always as reliable as we expect it to be at home. Fire regulations may not be adhered to. Recent accidents abroad have highlighted risks of poorly maintained boilers, of dangerous balconies and of cloudy swimming pools:

If you have concerns about where you are staying, move to different accommodation.

Sleep with windows open and don't lean on balcony parapets.

Don't swim in cloudy swimming pools or trust poorly constructed safety barriers.

Check fire escapes and make sure that there is a way out and that you know what it is.

Extreme activities Many holidaymakers now seek the thrill of 'extreme' adventures, such as bungee jumping, swimming with sharks or paragliding. If taking part in these activities make sure that you feel happy with the way the operation is being run - ask yourself:

Do the guides seem sensible and experienced?

Are they paying attention to safety?

Do you feel comfortable that the activity is well organised?

If in doubt, go elsewhere.

Wildlife Make yourself aware of the wildlife hazards in the places you are visiting.

Large predatory animals may need particular precautions. Attacks are uncommon compared to other travel dangers and most are avoidable. In parts of the Northern USA, trekkers and campers should carry bear spray to ward off bear attacks. In parts of Australia, beaches are not safe for swimming, due to the presence of sharks and crocodiles. Large predators on African safari trips are a threat to life and limb if proper precautions are not observed.

Biting animals (including dogs, cats, bats, foxes and monkeys) may carry rabies (see below). If you are bitten, seek help. Consider whether you need rabies vaccination (generally recommended for those more likely to come into contact with local animals, including those travelling 'off the beaten track' for prolonged periods).

Venomous animals such as snakes and scorpions may pose a risk to health. Be aware of what you may encounter and know how to identify it. Never touch insects, caterpillars, spiders, snails or other animals you find on your path. It is best to assume that all snakes are both aggressive and venomous.

Whilst large or venomous animals pose the most dramatic wildlife risk to travellers, mosquitoes are a much greater threat to travellers' health. Take all possible precautions to minimise insect bites, including covering your skin and using insect repellent and mosquito nets. Use prevention (prophylaxis) against malaria and vaccination against yellow fever where appropriate (see under 'Health', below).

Remember also the dangers posed by marine life such as corals, jellyfish and octopuses.

Terrorism and civil unrest

Country-specific travel sites advise of specific dangers. However, in 2017 the range of countries where terrorism could possibly take place includes many places that UK travellers visit regularly (and of course terrorist attacks also occur in the UK). Also, the types of attacks we have seen were often impossible to predict.

Be alert to what is going on around you. Watch the news before you leave. Learn what you can about the country you are visiting.

The NHS Fit for Travel website (see under 'Further Reading and References' below) offers updated information, by country, on specific and general health issues which you might expect there.

Vaccinations

Make sure that you have all the vaccinations you need. Book an appointment with your GP or practice nurse three to six months ahead of your holiday in order to plan a programme of vaccination. Some vaccinations are given as a course of separate jabs and some cannot be given together. See the separate leaflet called Travel Vaccinations for more details . If your GP does not have the resources to offer the appointments that you need then you may need to attend a private travel clinic instead. These costs should be seen as a necessary part of the cost of travel.

Be aware of the risks of deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism associated with air travel. Speak to a private travel doctor if you feel you may be at particular risk. Protective travel socks may be recommended and some patients are advised to take aspirin for travel.

If you have any doubts about whether you are fit to travel by air then speak to a private travel doctor. Your GP is very unlikely to be trained or insured to write a letter to say that you are fit to fly, and consultant assessment for this purpose is generally not available on the NHS. l. Some groups of people should not travel by air. These include:

Women more than 36 weeks pregnant.

Those with active communicable diseases, including tuberculosis, although the risk of transmission is generally low.

Those who have angina or chest pain at rest, or have had a recent heart attack (myocardial infarction) or stroke.

People with ear infections, or infection of the sinuses, nose and Eustachian tubes.

Those who have had recent surgery or injury where trapped air or gas may be present. For example, gastrointestinal surgery, face and eye injuries, brain surgery or eye operations.

People with severe chronic respiratory disease, or breathlessness at rest.

People with air trapped between the chest wall and the lung ( pneumothorax ).

Those who have sickle cell anaemia.

Those who have psychotic illness, except where fully controlled.

Try to minimise jet lag: get maximum sleep on the flight and drink all the water you can. Read more about jet lag .

if you are affected by travel sickness, take the precautions which usually help you. If using medication, make sure that you tolerate your medication well. Remember, however, that medicine that makes you appear sleepy or drunk may result in you not being allowed to travel. See separate section on dealing with motion (travel) sickness for more details.

Malaria prevention

Take all necessary precautions against malaria. It is a serious disease which can, at the very least, spoil your holiday and, at the very worst, be fatal. This includes medication to prevent malaria and protection against biting mosquitoes. It is very important to protect yourself, even if returning to a country where you have family or where you have previously lived. Immunity is not inherited and is only partially acquired by living there for a long time.

Garlic and citronella do not prevent mosquitoes from biting you. Cover your skin to avoid bites, especially after sunset when malarial mosquitoes bite. Use mosquito nets and insect repellent devices such as candles and coil burners.

Consult the NHS Fit for Travel website for up-to-date advice on the malaria regimen recommended for the countries you will be visiting. There is normally a choice of medication. Make sure that you can tolerate the medication you choose before you go. Remember that malaria prophylaxis does not offer absolute protection: minimising exposure to mosquito bites is also important. The risks of mosquito-borne disease are always greater where there is disease in the human population.

See the separate leaflet called Malaria Prevention for more details .

Water, and traveller's diarrhoea

In the UK we are accustomed to trusting the water that comes out of the tap. However, this isn't possible all over the world. Stream water and river water are not usually clean enough to drink, unless you are so high up a hill that it is certain that no people, cattle or other animals have been in the water above you.

Travellers who drink the contaminated water may find themselves exposed to the organisms that cause travellers' diarrhoea.

If you are not sure that you can trust the water in the countries you are visiting, obtain bottled water. Only drink this from a bottle if it was sealed when you purchased it. Alternatively, purify water yourself. Where bottled water is readily available, it may be a good idea to have a back-up system for purification. Purification is also more environmentally friendly than bottled water since the same bottle can be refilled.

If water needs to be purified for drinking then it should also be purified for brushing teeth.

The best ways to purify water are boiling, water purification tablets, ultraviolet devices or filtration using purpose-designed filters:

If boiling, a rolling boil for one minute is sufficient at normal altitudes (three minutes at altitudes above 2000 metres).

Water purification tablets are not palatable to everyone but are fast and effective.

Filtration is very effective, even for brackish or sandy water. Filters for sterilising water are usually sold by travel equipment shops. These filters must not be confused with those designed only to remove smells and chlorine from domestic water.

Battery-operated pen devices are easy to carry and can destroy bacteria, viruses and cryptosporidium parasite in clear water.

Diet and traveller's diarrhoea

It is important to find a middle ground between sampling local cuisine and avoiding 'traveller's tummy'. Be aware of the risks and apply commonsense when eating out. The most common causes of infection from food are salmonella , Escherichia coli ( E. coli ) and norovirus . Others, including campylobacter and giardia are also common, particularly in the developing world.

Whilst these illnesses are acquired from contaminated food, cutlery or plates, they may also be acquired from elsewhere. For example, your fellow travellers, from local people and even from touching contaminated lavatory flushers or taps.

Take precautions around drinking water (see above). Don't have ice or ice cream in places where you wouldn't drink the tap water.

Cook it, wash it, peel it or forget it. Eat freshly cooked food and fruit that you can peel.

Avoid cold cooked meats, salad (which may have been washed in contaminated water), runny eggs and unpasteurised dairy products.

Think about fish. Do you trust the source? Is it really fresh? Shellfish can accumulate contaminants whilst in the sea. Shellfish may be better avoided in many places. Smaller fish tend to be safer than larger fish where there is any doubt.

Make sure hot food is thoroughly cooked and, ideally, not reheated. Be particularly wary of undercooked chicken or pork. In some developing countries food may not have been refrigerated. If you see evidence that food is left lying around uncovered where you are, take care.

Avoid unsealed mayonnaise, although sealed condiments are fine.

If purchasing from street vendors consider how the food has been kept and cooked.

Generally, busier restaurants have a better throughput of food and so it's more likely to be fresh.

it is easier, these days, for vegetarians and vegans to travel. However, the concept of what you are happy - or not happy - to eat may not be familiar wherever you go. This, combined with potential barriers of language, may make it difficult to obtain exactly what you want.

If you have special dietary needs, particularly food allergies, consider in advance whether the countries you are visiting will be able to meet them. If you are uncertain, you may need to take energy bars and other supplements with you, or purchase food at a local store.

It is difficult to avoid all hazards completely, particularly if you are travelling off the beaten track. Therefore, it is best, whilst taking the necessary precautions, to travel prepared. Take treatments for traveller's diarrhoea in your medical kit. See the separate leaflet called Traveller's Diarrhoea .

Infections and diseases

See individual leaflets on this website for specific illnesses and conditions. Some of these may be illnesses to which you are not normally exposed when at home, such as malaria and typhoid . Others are conditions which you can acquire anywhere, such as the common cold.

It is important to remind yourself that most travellers do not acquire serious illnesses abroad and that with sensible precautions you are also unlikely to do so. These include:

Make yourself aware of the risks of disease in the countries you are visiting: read the news, check country advice.

Have the recommended vaccinations.

Take the advised protective measures against malaria.

Protect yourself against insect bites.

Be careful where you swim, take local advice before swimming in fresh water.

Take care with diet and hygiene.

Take care when exposed to those who are infected (this is particularly important for aid workers - see below).

Avoid areas where there are disease outbreaks, civil unrest and natural disaster.

If the worst happens and you develop symptoms, seek medical advice early. Avoid self-medication unless there is really no alternative. Local experts are more likely than you are to know what your symptoms are most likely to represent.

If you develop an unexplained temperature within six months of returning home from a malarial region, tell your doctor or health professional. The risk of this being malaria or another 'tropical' disease declines considerably after the first month. However, it does not drop to almost zero until six months.

Bites and stings

Most bites and stings are a nuisance rather than a serious threat to health. However, there are exceptions to this. See the separate leaflet called Insect Bites and Stings . Protect yourself against insects: take an effective insect repellent (at least 20% DEET) and cover your arms and legs as much as possible to minimise biting.

Venomous bites . Make yourself aware of the biting animals that you could encounter on your travels. Find out what you should do if you are bitten. Don't panic - seek help urgently, as you may need antivenom or other supportive treatment. Remember that most venomous bites and stings are not lethal, as most are designed to disable smaller animals than you.

Infected bites . A bite is a 'dirty' puncture wound and even a tiny insect bite can become infected. If redness around a bite continues to increase on the second and third day then it may be infected. Remember in particular to check boots for insects in the morning.

Diseases acquired from insect bites . In addition to malaria there are many other insect and arthropod-borne diseases. These include yellow fever , dengue, Zika virus, chikungunya fever, West Nile virus and Japanese encephalitis . Be aware of what the risks are where you are travelling and seek advice if you develop symptoms. The best prevention for the avoidance of mosquito-borne diseases against which there is no vaccine is the avoidance of bites.

Rabies is endemic in wild animal populations in many parts of the world. It can be acquired from the bites or scratches of various mammals, including dogs, cats, bats, monkeys and foxes. Rabies can, less commonly, be acquired through inhalation of bat droppings. Don't touch animals and if bitten seek medical advice (and if it is possible to isolate the animal for testing, do so.) If you think you are at increased risk of animal contact, consider rabies vaccination.

The risk of acquiring a sexually transmitted infection (STI) from casual sex when travelling is high. Condoms provide good but not complete protection. STIs like gonorrhoea , chlamydia and syphilis may cause serious long-term disability. Hepatitis B and HIV are also spread sexually.

High proportions of sex workers are infected with STIs. Large numbers of the population in many parts of Africa are infected with HIV, and AIDS is common. Infection is widespread in many countries in Asia and South America.

It is safest to avoid casual sex when travelling. You are taking a risk which, if you were not on holiday, you might find unacceptable. If you do have sex with a stranger, always use a condom.

Needing emergency treatment abroad

In some developing countries medical supplies, including needles and syringes, are cleaned and re-used. Travel packs are available from some chemists and travel clinics. Packs contain sterile equipment for use in an emergency. A needle kit should be supplied with a certificate showing contents and the reason for its purchase - useful for clearance at customs.

In most of Western Europe, North America, Japan and Australasia all donated blood is now screened for HIV antibodies. However, in most developing countries much of the blood donated is unscreened. The risks from blood transfusion may be high. Points to consider are:

Accidents are the most common reason for needing a blood transfusion.

Blood transfusion should only be accepted when essential.

Pregnancy or any medical condition which may lead to heavy blood loss should be taken into account before travelling to destinations where good medical facilities will not be available.

Knowing your blood group in advance may make it easier to find a blood donor in an emergency.

Travelling with children

This presents different challenges, depending on the age of your child or children. Of course travel broadens the mind and can teach children a great deal. It may, however, be easier for adults to tolerate or forget the difficulties of travelling than it is for children. When making any journey with children consider what special risks, if any, your journey and destination may mean for them. Ask yourself, are the benefits of your trip worth this, or should you delay or go elsewhere? Children will need special consideration - in particular, in areas of:

Vaccination.

Malaria prevention.

Motion (travel) sickness.

Managing long journeys.

Air travel, including ear pain.

Diet and hygiene.

Water purification.

Adventure tourism.

Environmental hazards, including sun, sea and altitude.

Understanding risk (clearly this will vary with the age of the child).

Safety in motor vehicles (for example, child seats).

Planning ahead

Allow plenty of time for journeys with young children.

Book ahead to be sure of your accommodation.

Arrange vaccinations well in advance and explain the purpose to children old enough to understand.

Take something to occupy your child on the journey.

Avoid sweets. Use savoury snacks instead.

Consider investing in a child location device for your journey. The child wears a small device fixed to their clothes and you keep the transmitter. When you have a small wandering child in a busy airport consider writing your mobile number on their arm in case they wander off and become lost.

Take the child's usual painkilling medicine (nothing else will taste the same).

Keep them involved in your plans and experiences.

Take appropriate clothing for them.

Children generally find antimalarial medication difficult. Chewable tablets taste bitter, and liquid preparations are often even worse. Make sure your children can cope with the recommended medication before you arrive in the malarial zone. The Further Reading resources section contains information on how to teach children to swallow tablets.

Travelling with medication

Permission to carry drugs Travellers carrying prescribed controlled drugs carry a letter of confirmation from their doctor. This includes personal details, travel dates and the drug/s and amount to be carried.

The Home Office allows you to take up to 90 days of controlled drug medication abroad. However, you must also comply with the entry requirements of the countries you are visiting, which may be different. It is also advisable to contact the embassy/consulate/high commission of the destination country to check regulations. Some countries have specific lists of restricted medicines and may confiscate your supply.

A copy of a recent prescription should be carried for any prescribed psychotropic including antidepressants.

For other prescribed medicines it is unlikely that any restrictions will be imposed although carrying a copy of the prescription is advisable.

For suspected restricted medication check the International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) website (see 'Further Reading and References' below) for the requirements. In many cases the regulations allow you to take up to 30 days' supply as long as you are carrying a prescription or doctor's certificate. Carrying greater than 30 days' supply may require special importation licences.

Travelling with medication Always keep medicines in packaging together with the patient information leaflet. If taking liquid medication through an airport try to take volumes of less than 100 ml, with your name and dose clearly indicated on the bottle.

Crossing time zones Travel may significantly lengthen or shorten your day through the crossing of time zones. If you are taking regular medication then seek advice from your health professional regarding whether you need an extra dose or a reduced dose to address this. For many medications this won't be necessary. However, for some, such as patients with diabetes who are taking insulin, a change of four hours or more to the length of the day is likely to need addressing. Keep sufficient medication in your hand luggage for your journey, allowing for delays.

Relief workers

Relief workers are at greater risk than other travellers. They may face greater hazards and health risks because of flooding, unstable buildings, debris, lack of electricity, water, sanitation, health facilities and law enforcement. They are in close contact with local people and may share their exposure to infectious disease and lack of access to clean water for washing and drinking.

Those undertaking this work should consult with a travel health advisor as soon as practicable for advice on vaccine and malaria recommendations and other advice on protecting their health. Relief workers should ideally be in good physical and mental health, well briefed, and equipped as necessary to deal with the challenges of their environment.

Travelling when pregnant

Travelling when pregnant needs special consideration and planning. You should research your intended destination and consider whether it is right for you. Consider the medical facilities in the country you are visiting and any outbreaks or travel warnings. Advise your doctor or a doctor specialising in pregnancy and childbirth (an obstetrician) of your intention to travel. In particular:

There are restrictions on the vaccinations pregnant women can receive.

Pregnant women and their babies are at increased risk if they contract malaria.

Pregnant women can take some kinds of malaria prophylaxis, although others are not safe in pregnancy.

Pregnancy carries an increased risk of deep vein thrombosis.

Some diseases such as Zika virus are a particular threat to pregnancy.

Most commercial airlines accept a pregnant traveller up to 36 weeks of gestation (up to 32 weeks for multiple pregnancies). Some airlines require documentation from your doctor or midwife to confirm you are in good health, and the due date. Your GP will not be trained or insured to write a letter to say that you are 'fit to fly' - they will only be able to give you a letter stating the facts of your pregnancy. If the letter needs to contain the words 'fit to fly' then you will need to visit a private travel doctor.

Travelling to visit relatives abroad

If you are normally resident in the UK but are travelling to visit relatives abroad, it's easy not to think of this as a 'holiday' and not to think of it as needing the same level of planning.

Remember that if you travel abroad to visit relatives - even if this is to a country in which you yourself were formerly resident - you need to do much of the same planning. In particular:

Insurance: your residence in the UK may mean that you have no more entitlement to healthcare on your trip than any other traveller.

Vaccinations: protect yourself against disease with a normal travel vaccine schedule - you are as vulnerable as the next person. Consider rabies vaccination if you are likely to encounter stray dogs, and educate your children about the risks of petting stray animals.

Malaria: don't be tempted to ignore the recommended precautions because your relatives say they never get malaria. They may be immune or partially immune due to repeated infections. However, you will not be, even if you once were.

Food and water: the food and water in the country you are visiting is now as foreign to your digestive system as it is to anyone else's, so you have the same vulnerability to traveller's diarrhoea as any other traveller. Take the usual precautions.

Cultural and social differences can be a challenge to you and to your children, even if your ethnic origin is in the country you are visiting. You and they will be adjusting to a different climate and possibly to other situations:

Seeing different religious practices.

Separation from family and friends at home.

Changes in living standards.

Different social amenities.

Language differences.

Economic inequalities.

Many problems can be overcome through experience and sympathetic support from family and friends.

The key to a successful holiday is careful, thorough preparation. This is true even if you are off on a carefree, backpacking, 'go where the mood takes me' trip. The NHS Fit for Travel website offers the following 'Ten Tips' to help you remain safe and healthy:

Before your trip

See a health professional specialist several months before travel.

Ask about vaccinations that are recommended for your specific destinations.

Make up a first aid and medical kit containing regular and special medication for the trip - carry it in your hand luggage.

Make sure you have evacuation and travel insurance.

During your trip

Take precautions against malaria when needed. Prevent mosquito bites and take malaria pills as advised.

Road safety is important - wear safety belts in cars, helmets on bikes and avoid night-time driving and driving under the influence of alcohol.

Abstain from casual sex or practise safe sex with condoms to prevent HIV and other STIs.

Verify and consume safe water and food. Have a supply of medicine for self-treatment of diarrhoea.

Use sunscreen. Sun can be more intense over water, over snow and at altitude.

Leave animals alone, as they may transmit rabies. Seek help if bitten.

If fever develops during or after a trip, seek medical help immediately .

Dr Mary Lowth is an author or the original author of this leaflet.

Further reading and references

• Lackner JR ; Motion sickness: more than nausea and vomiting. Exp Brain Res. 2014 Aug;232(8):2493-510. doi: 10.1007/s00221-014-4008-8. Epub 2014 Jun 25.
• Foreign Travel Advice by Country ; GOV.UK
• The World Factbook ; Central Intelligence Agency
• NHS Fit For Travel: Travel health information for people travelling abroad from the UK ; Health Protection Scotland
• Information on carrying medication overseas ; International Narcotics Control Board
• Wright T ; Middle-ear pain and trauma during air travel. BMJ Clin Evid. 2015 Jan 19;2015. pii: 0501.
• Sleep disorders - shift work and jet lag ; NICE CKS, November 2019 (UK access only)
• Apply for a UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) ; GOV.UK
• Helping your child to swallow tablets ; Medicines for children, 2017

Article History

The information on this page is written and peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

Next review due: 9 Feb 2028

10 feb 2023 | latest version.

Last updated by

Peer reviewed by

8 Jul 2016 | Originally published

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Foreign Office updates Turkey travel advice as UK tourists told 'leave the area'

T he UK Foreign Office has updated its advice for holidaymakers travelling to Turkey. The government advises against travel to specific parts of Turkey, while tourists visiting safe-to-travel areas have been warned to be wary of certain crimes and given guidance on how to keep themselves safe.

Turkey is one of the UK's favourite holiday destinations after Spain, attracting nearly four million British tourists in 2023. Many are drawn by its stunning beaches and mountain ranges, delicious cuisine and fascinating cities - but holidaymakers should always follow official travel advice when jetting off abroad.

The British Foreign Office currently advises against all travel to within 10km of the border with Syria due to fighting and a heightened risk of terrorism. It also advises against all but essential travel to Sirnak city and Hikkari Province. People who travel against the government's advice could see their travel insurance invalidated.

Read more: Birmingham Airport urges passengers to follow key rule as 'non-compliant' bags causing delays

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Other areas most popular with holidaymakers including Istanbul, Antalya and Bodrum are generally considered safe for travel, however the Foreign Office has warned travellers about political demonstrations and crimes including pickpocketing and food and drink spiking and staying safe when using transport.

The government updated its travel advice for Turkey on May 1 to include information on health, wildfires, crime, outdoor activities and adventure tourism. See below for a round-up of the government's current travel advice...

Terrorist attacks and protests

Tourists have been told to 'stay aware of their surroundings at all times' due to a high threat of terrorist attacks globally, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets.

Most terrorist attacks have occurred in southeast Turkey, Ankara and Istanbul and anyone visiting these areas has been urged to keep up to date on local news reports and follow the advice of the local authorities. Attacks could happen on places visited by tourists including public buildings, places of worship, airports and large public gatherings.

Conflict in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories has led to heightened tensions and occasional demonstrations can happen in cities and may become violent, the Foreign Office warned. Police have used tear gas and water cannon to disperse protests and tourists have been warned to avoid all demonstrations and 'leave the area' if one develops.

Holidaymakers have also been urged to be wary of recent crime trends in major tourist areas. Street robberies and pickpocketing are common so travellers should keep their personal belongings secure. There have also been cases of drink and food spiking, so tourists are advised to always buy their own drinks and keep sight of them - and be wary of any strangers who approach you asking to change money, try to take you to a restaurant or nightclub or offer you food or drink.

British consular staff in Turkey received 42 reports of sexual assault including rape in 2023 and most cases happened during summer holidays in coastal tourist areas. Crimes were often committed at night by someone the victim met during the day, including hotel workers, so people in these situations have been warned to 'be extra vigilant'.

Accepting lifts from strangers can also be dangerous. The Foreign Office urges holidaymakers to find a registered taxi and to note down the registration number before entering.

Outdoor activities

Brits taking part in outdoor activities should check that adequate safety precautions are in place, particularly when doing extreme sports. The Foreign Office says: "Only use reputable operators. Make sure you are given full instructions and training before your activity. Make sure your travel insurance covers you for all activities you do."

Specific travel insurance is needed to cover quad biking and insurance sold by hire companies usually only provides third party insurance. If the vehicle is damaged, tourists are likely to be charged and may face arrest if they do not pay. Drivers and passengers must wear helmets and failure to do so may invalidate your insurance. If police catch you not wearing a helmet, you can be fined and have your licence taken away.

The government's latest advice also includes warnings about wildfires, which happen frequently in Turkey during the summer. It reads: "You could get a fine or prison sentence for lighting a fire of any kind or discarding cigarettes in risk areas such as woodland. Barbecues are prohibited in these areas. If there is a wildfire in your area, local authorities may tell you to leave your accommodation. Follow the directions of local authorities."

Planning your next trip? Travel Republic is currently offering up to 67% off the cost of package holidays Turkey. Luxury suitcase brand Antler has also reduced the price of its Ryanair , Jet2 and TUI-approved Brixham Cabin Bag from £170 to £102 in the sale.

NEWS... BUT NOT AS YOU KNOW IT

Urgent warning for UK tourists not to travel to holiday hotspot

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The Foreign Office has warned Britons to avoid travelling in parts of Turkey due to a ‘heightened risk of terrorism’.

It already advises against all travel within 6km of Turkey ’s border with Syria .

Now the government has also issued an urgent warning against all but essential travel to Şırnak city or nearby Hakkâri province.

Both are in the southeast of Turkey where, in addition to Ankara and Istanbul, ‘most terrorist attacks have occurred’, the Foreign Office (FCDO) website states.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan pledged to ‘protect our country from the ring of fire through a security corridor across our borders’, during a speech in Şırnak this March, Daily Sabah reported.

Said to be home of Noah’s tomb, Şırnak is packed with archaeological and religious sites, including a castle and a partially ruined red madrasah.

It also has mountains, rivers and canyons that makes it of interest to visiting tourists, Hürriyet Daily News said.

But its proximity to the Syrian border can also make it dangerous.

Historically the threat came from the PKK, a militant group fighting for independence of the Kurdish people.

It has carried out bombings and massacres within Turkey since the 1980s, and has found itself fighting Turkish forces in Syria since Turkey’s invasions of Kurdish-controlled regions there in 2016 and 2019.

The FCDO said: ‘Fighting in Syria continues in areas close to the Turkish border and there remains a heightened risk of terrorism in the region.’

Although PKK terrorism in Şırnak and Hakkâri has largely died down, ISIS and Al-Qaeda -linked groups in Syria continue posing a threat.

ISIS has ‘previously targeted border crossings and nearby locations on the Syrian side of the border’ and has ‘the capacity to carry out attacks in neighbouring countries’, the FCDO website says.

Sites visited by foreigners – including airports, places of worship and large public gatherings like religious events and public holidays – are on the list of potential targets.

The FCDO said: ‘If you’re undertaking essential travel to Şırnak city or Hakkâri Province, take extreme care.’

Elsewhere, visitors face road closures in the southern Hatay Province when travelling routes leading to the Syrian border.

And the biblical resting place of Noah’s Ark, Mount Ararat in the eastern Ağrı Province, is a special military zone that requires a fee and permit to enter.

The FCDO said: ‘If visiting with a travel agent or tour group, confirm with them whether you need an individual permit.’

Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at [email protected] .

For more stories like this, check our news page .

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Weekend Money: 10 biggest mistakes people make in job interviews

From handshakes to how you dress, recruiters and business owners have shared the most common mistakes they see in job interviews. Read this and our other Weekend Money features below, and leave a comment, and we'll be back with live updates on Monday.

Saturday 4 May 2024 08:19, UK

Weekend Money

• 10 biggest mistakes people make in job interviews 
• Cinema first is back - so should movie lovers unsubscribe? 
• Brexit rule changes, disability vouchers and manifestation cynicism: What readers have said this week 
• Interest rates, inflation and fuel prices: What you need to know about economy this week

Best of the week

• It turns out Sainsbury’s boss was right about self-checkouts 
• State pensions 'could be in doubt for future generations'
• New ISA rules were supposed to help savers - they've just made everything more complicated 
• Money Problem: 'A company won't fix dodgy building work - what can I do?' 
• Gameboys, designer shoes, 1950s furniture: Items in your attic that could be worth small fortune 
• Train strikes in May - everything you need to know

Ask a question or make a comment

You filled out the job application, got the call (they're interested, phew!), but now... it's interview day.

If the thought of selling yourself to a stranger brings you out in a cold sweat, you're not alone - but you can help yourself by not making the following common mistakes...

1. Not dressing app ropriately

Paul Webley, managing director of Blaze Media Digital Marketing Agency in Merseyside, says: "If you are coming for an interview in a marketing agency, dress smart. No need to be in a suit. It's cute if you are but just dress how you would expect to dress in the job and, if in doubt, err on the side of being slightly smarter.

"With us, there are loads of photos of the team in the office on the website and socials (which you should have looked at) so there is no excuse."

2. Handshake mishaps

Paul's second interview mistake is: "This one is a real pet hate and probably doesn't matter as much in the current world but... learn how to shake a person's hand. You have to do this within every job from time to time.

"There is nothing more off-putting than a limp shake. Having a firm, polite handshake is a basic human skill in business and beyond."

3. Complaining

This is another one from Paul: "We had someone a few months ago tell us that they didn't think they should have to come into the office for an interview. This was for an office-based role. If they don't think it's worth coming in then the job is not going to be for them."

4. Not checking your tech

Tas Ravenscroft, senior consultant at recruitment firm Cherry Pick People , says: "Overlooking details like the interview location or the platform being used (such as Teams), and not testing your tech beforehand, can disrupt the interview process. This is especially crucial as most first interviews are now conducted via video conferencing."

5/ Bad mouthing previous employers

Tas says: "We see that candidates sometimes feel too comfortable on interview and decide to talk about their past experiences (if aggrieved) negatively, which is a big NO. Instead, my advice is to focus on the lessons learned and how you've grown from challenges in your career."

6. Not asking questions - or asking about benefits or sick pay policy

Tas says: "There are no right or wrong answers to this, but asking questions at the end of the interview is a big YES. It shows you're interested, engaged and would like the opportunity to either progress or land the role.

"I'd say in your first interview, ask about company culture, day to day tasks, expectations of this role, who's the best performer and why? 

"Questions I'd stay away from are benefit-related questions, or I recently had someone ask what the sick pay policy was like in the first interview… Safe to say they didn't get invited back. If you work with a recruiter, you will have salary and benefits info before, so no need to ask on interview."

7. Not showing enthusiasm

For Mike Carlucci, managing director of Reading-based Italian-food importer  Tenuta Marmorelle , this is a big one: "A lot of people at the moment are applying for everything and anything. They apply for hundreds of jobs.

"The result is that you get applicants who are not enthusiastic or passionate about the role or sector as they see it just as a job. There are few people looking for actual careers at the moment. In our industry, the food industry, you need to have passion and enthusiasm."

8. Talking too much

Andrew MacAskill, founder of Executive Career Jump , says: "Sometimes this is down to nerves, other times it is down to overthinking and often it is due to the questions being too broad, which leads to them saying lots and hoping the right answer is in there somewhere."

Ian Nicholas, global managing director at Reed , says a common slip-up people make is to carry on talking after giving their answer.

"Some interviewers may purposely leave a pause just to see how the interviewee will react under the pressure - so be confident in what you've said and know when you've finished."

9. Under-preparation

Habiba Khatoon, director of Robert Walters UK , says: "This means they haven't researched the company, are unaware of the key aspects of the role they are interviewing for and can't make connections between their CV and experience and the role.

"Most interviewers can easily catch on when a candidate has turned up unprepared and when they do, they can lose interest in that candidate quite quickly."

Italian food importer Mike agrees: "It is so important to spend five minutes to go on to the website, see what the company does, how they started and any general information you can get. This really makes someone stand out from the 100s of applicants."

10. Being late - or too early

James Rowe, managing director of the Recruitment Experts , says: "I would suggest arriving 20 minutes early to give you time to prepare, but don't walk through the door too soon! Turning up five to 10 minutes prior to your interview start time shows you're punctual but won't rush the hiring manager… they need breaks too!"

By Brad Young , Money team

Almost half of Britons (45%) subscribe to two or more streaming services, according to comparison website Finder, but box office figures show the theatre-going experience is making a comeback. 

The pendulum is swinging back from streaming-first to theatre-first releases, and streaming platforms like Amazon and Apple are making moves on to the big screen with the likes of Saltburn and American Fiction, or Killers of the Flower Moon and Napoleon. 

That means movie-lovers are facing a conundrum, according to a senior media analyst: should they prioritise spending cash on trips to the cinema or on streaming if they want to see the biggest and best movies? 

"People are making decisions on 'what am I going to allocate to the movie theatre experience, what am I going to allocate to streaming?'" Paul Dergarabedian, of Comscore, told the Money blog.

Cinema's revival is real, according to Philip Clapp, chief executive of the UK Cinema Association. 

"Certainly the major US studios see the theatrical experience, the big screen experience, as where they want their major films to be and then benefitting from the promotional buzz that comes from that," Mr Clapp said. 

Disney chief executive Bob Iger said last year that theatrically released films were "great sub drivers".

"We benefit greatly from the power of our great films, they drive so much engagement and so much interest in our platforms," he said, pointing to Moana, Marvel, Star Wars and Avatar.

Mr Clapp added this year was a "key stepping stone" to an offering similar to before the pandemic, but cinema wouldn't be back to full strength until next year.

In the pandemic, studios experimented with straight-to-streaming releases, which continued even after restrictions fell away.

Mr Dergarabedian said: "When the pandemic hit it was a real stress test on the industry because a lot of people thought theatrical was dying on the vine and that it would be going away at some point in the near future - and then the pandemic accelerated that demise in the minds of some."

But audiences have voted with their feet and instructed studios they want more variety: international films, stadium concert films, videogame adaptations, prestige films and horrors.

Smile, a Paramount horror movie on a $17m budget that could have been straight-to-streaming, had a "great result" at the box office, said Mr Dergarabedian, as did Five Nights at Freddy's. 

Low and mid-budget movies have been the slowest to recover but are returning to the big screen, making the theatre offering more diverse this year, Mr Clapp added.

Mr Dergarabedian said Universal's "diverse portfolio" was the one to beat: it spent the last year putting out everything from action films like Fast X, prestige movies like Oppenheimer, animations like Migration and some spookier offerings too.

Going theatrical still comes with a risk, the analyst said. A flop on the big screen leaves studios with a big hit to their bottom line, having spent large amounts on distribution and marketing. 

But films "tend to have more value" once they arrive on a streaming platform if they were released in cinemas first, including lower budget movies.

Each week, Money blog readers share their thoughts on the subjects we've been covering, and over the past seven days your correspondence has been dominated by these topics...

Brexit rule changes

• Our feature on manifesting
• The prospect of disability payments becoming vouchers

Britons could face higher food prices, and even empty supermarket shelves, as new post-Brexit border fees were introduced this week, industry figures warned.

These comments - while perhaps not representative of the whole country - are definitely reflective of the majority view in our inbox...

It's almost like Brexit was a terrible idea… To think our politicians would do anything but make things worse was beyond naive. People let their prejudice override common sense that most politicians look out for themselves and not the country's best interests… Joe

Others suggested the government should be turning its eyes to the issue rather than elsewhere...

Food prices rise even though they told us they would fall and yet the priority is sending asylum seekers to Rwanda. Isn't it about time the UK started to listen to people's problems rather than a very loud minority? Lee

Several people suggested the solution was growing all our own food - which is often talked about, but producers and importers point out the UK climate makes it less achievable to mass produce certain foods at a low cost than in southern Europe.

Disability vouchers?

Reports this week suggested disabled people could receive vouchers instead of monthly payments under proposed government changes to Personal Independence Payment (PIP).

The story resulted in a backlash among our commenters... 

Absolutely barking mad. Disabilities aren't an option. Can't be fixed with words. And can happen to anyone at anytime. Time to get a grip. Rob

Others suggested it was a symptom of a wider failure within the system...

I don't know how the government can take away vital PIP money and say they can replace it with better mental health support. My daughter is waiting for a PIP assessment and also an assessment for ADHD - the latter's wait time is currently four years. Matmac33

Can you 'manifest' financial success? 

Moving to our manifesting feature, which prompted a lot of cynicism. If you haven't read it yet, you can do so  here ... 

Some of our readers are believers... 

I manifest things in my life. Be it money, people or events I've had dreams about, there's more magic in the universe than most people know of. Steve

I believe in manifestation in terms of positive thinking. You'll never get anywhere if you're always assuming the worst. But you do have to put the leg work in for what you want, it won't fall in to your lap. Jim Carrey didn't get that £10m acting job sitting under a tree! Caroline D

Others, well, not so much...

Why are you giving space to this specious guff manifestation? Does it work for the poverty-stricken, starving millions without basic infrastructure and education, or those suffering in warzones across the world? I wonder what they want "manifesting" in their lives? FM1

"Manifesting", what a load of rubbish! I can't believe this is one of the top stories on Sky News. David

And finally, in our weekly round-up of your comments...

This comment section is a COMPLETE WASTE OF TIME. Sky NEVER publishes its readers' views. John Hammond

The next week in Money is likely to be dominated by interest rates - with the Bank of England's latest base rate decision coming on Thursday .

A cut from the current 16-year high of 5.25% is extremely unlikely, as inflation is yet to reach the Bank's 2% target.

Markets had forecast a first cut in June but are now pricing in August, with only two cuts now expected in 2024 rather than three.

There had been hope the base rate would dip to 3% next year - but again, these forecasts are now on ice.

As we outlined in our new weekly mortgage update yesterday, high street lenders have responded by moving their rates upwards ...

Mortgage approvals rose to 61,300 in March - the highest number since September 2022. But while on the face of it this looks positive for the housing market, industry experts are reporting that uncertainty over the direction of interest rates is prompting renewed caution.

Hina Bhudia, partner at Knight Frank Finance, said: "The sun is out and buyers are returning from their Easter break, so we'd usually expect these to be the busy weeks before the summer; however, the uncertain outlook for mortgage rates will undoubtedly weigh on activity.

"It's not just buyers that are frustrated. The lenders are eager to rebuild their businesses after a subdued 2023; however, they are constrained by stubborn inflation and the resulting impact on their cost of funding."

The influential OECD this week said now was not the time for the UK to be considering cutting rates - which is bad news for mortgage holders, but may be positive for savers.

The organisation anticipates inflation will be "elevated" at 3.3% in 2024 and 2.5% in 2025 - above the Bank's 2% target.

And it claims the UK will grow more slowly next year than any other major advanced economy.

It puts this down to stealth taxes and high interest rates squeezing the economy.

The organisation, which is based in Paris, downgraded its forecasts for GDP to 0.4% this year and 1% in 2025.

In February, the UK had been in the middle of the rankings with forecast growth of 0.7% this year and 1.2% next.

Away from the economy, RAC has put out figures today showing that both petrol and diesel have gone up by 10p per litre so far this year, adding £5.50 to the price of filling up a car.

Oil prices rose during April, sending an average litre of unleaded up 3p to 149.95p, while diesel rose by 2p to 157.76p.

The lowest prices for petrol and diesel so far this year were both recorded on 16 January – 139.7p and 147.6p respectively.

The good news is that, as tensions between Israel and Iran have defused, the oil price has crept back down, meaning some of the recent hikes may soon be reversed.

The Money blog is your place for consumer news, economic analysis and everything you need to know about the cost of living - bookmark news.sky.com/money.

It runs with live updates every weekday - while on Saturdays we scale back and offer you a selection of weekend reads.

Check them out this morning and we'll be back on Monday with rolling news and features.

The Money team is Emily Mee, Bhvishya Patel, Jess Sharp, Katie Williams, Brad Young and Ollie Cooper, with sub-editing by Isobel Souster. The blog is edited by Jimmy Rice.

A cash ISA offering an interest rate of 4.5% has been launched today by Melton Building Society .

The interest is paid annually on 31 March and can be added to the account, transferred to your bank account or transferred to an existing Melton savings account.

Here's what you need to know...

How do you open an account?

• You must be a UK resident and be aged 16; 
• Accounts can be opened with a minimum amount of £25 and the maximum that can be held in this account is £500,000.

Can you withdraw money?

Yes, you can withdraw money as long as you give the bank 180 days' notice in branch, by post or phone

Once you have done this, all or part of the investments in the ISA, including any interest earned, will be transferred to you.

You can also access your money without giving notice, but you will be charged 180 days' interest on the amount you withdraw. 

A lack of demand for new electric cars has led some brands to begin slashing prices. 

Even some of the UK's best-selling electric cars are thousands of pounds cheaper than a year ago, according to Auto Trader figures shared with The Times . 

Among the most heavily discounted vehicles are the Honda E, down 20% versus a year ago at £29,600, and the Peugeot E-2008, which has fallen in price by 15% to £30,000. 

The Vauxhall Corsa-e and Mokka-e are both being advertised at a 20% off sale price, while the MG ZS and MG5 are discounted by 15%. 

Meanwhile, Ford's flagship electric car, the Mustang Mach-E, has fallen in price by 14%. 

Ian Plummer, Auto Trader's commercial director, said lower prices are good news for car buyers and that it was "encouraging" to see more affordable electric cars on the market. 

He said the discounts had been "driven by a softening in consumer demand, coupled with the introduction of the zero-emissions vehicle mandate, which is putting pressure on manufacturers to comply with the new regulations or face heavy fines". 

The government's zero-emission vehicle ( ZEV ) mandate requirers manufacturers to produce a certain percentage of zero-emission cars and vans each year.

It started when comedian Peter Kay, who was supposed to be the first official act for the new Manchester Co-op Live on 23 April, had his performances rescheduled.

Rick Astley's performance on 20 April was a "test event" for the venue but ticket capacity was slashed just hours before his gig was due to begin.

Astley fans who had their tickets cancelled were instead offered seats to see US rock band The Black Keys play - but their show has also been affected.

And to add to the chaos, this week Olivia Rodrigo's concerts, scheduled for 3 and 4 May, were postponed.

Then, Take That announced they were moving their shows from the venue to the AO Arena in Manchester.

A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie concert was also postponed just over an hour before the rapper was set to perform.

Today, Barry Manilow also said he had a "back-up plan" to move his Manchester performance from the beleaguered venue. 

The ongoing mayhem has left disgruntled concert-goers voicing their frustration, with some calling for travel and accommodation to be reimbursed and others calling the situation "embarrassing".

"There will be countless people who would've booked travel and hotels just for you to stitch them up because you couldn't meet assured deadlines," one person wrote on X.

Another person said the music venue should "at the very minimum" be "looking at refunding travel/hotel costs for people that can prove they paid for cancelled dates".

And another person asked: "How do I get a refund for parking? There's no info on your site or app."

Organisers at Co-op Live said the venue would be taking "a short pause to events" before welcoming members of the public to the arena from 14 May.

A Co-op Live statement said: "At this time, we do not expect further impact on our opening season. We are aware our actions have frustrated and angered ticketholders."

Tim Leiweke, chairman and chief executive of Oak View Group, which developed Co-op Live in partnership with the City Football Group, has said they cannot run any event until it is "absolutely safe to do so".

A Co-op Group spokesperson said: "As naming rights sponsor for Co-op Live we are disappointed with these further schedule changes.

"Co-op is a sponsor and does not own or run the venue, and we have made it clear to Oak View Group, who are responsible for the building, that the impact on ticketholders must be addressed as a priority."

An Itsu freezer product is being urgently recalled over fears it could contain plastic. 

Customers are being told not to eat Itsu's sizzling pork gyoza, which is sold at Asda and Sainsbury's.

The 240g packs with a best before date of 8 March 2025 are those affected by the recall.

A 200-year-old Edinburgh attraction is reopening this month after being closed for four years. 

The Nelson Monument is a 150ft tower overlooking the city, and was built to commemorate Admiral Horatio Nelson's victory at the Battle of Trafalgar.

It has been shut for essential works for years, but visitors will soon be able to climb its 143 steps again.

An official opening date has not yet been given.

HMRC's Welsh-language app is only being used by two in every 100 native speakers, according to a new report by The Telegraph .

A freedom of information request by the paper found that 13,831 Welsh speakers have used the app since its launch in June 2022.

That equates to 1.5% of the nearly 900,000 people who say they speak the language.

Jonathan Eida, researcher at the TaxPayers' Alliance pressure group, told the newspaper he thought the move was a "gimmick".

Gig ticket prices may be eye-wateringly high at the moment (just like everything else, let's face it) but a big sale next week will see tens of thousands of tickets at discounted prices. 

LiveNation is holding a sale for 24 hours from noon on Thursday until noon on Friday, with prices starting from £25. 

Artists who you can get discounted tickets to see include Doja Cat, Meghan Thee Stallion, Shania Twain, Becky Hill, Avril Lavigne, Eric Prydz, Giggs, Glass Animals, James Arthur, JLS, Jungle, Kaiser Chiefs, Limp Bizkit, Offset, McFly, Olly Murs, Paloma Faith, Placebo, Tom Jones, Tiesto and The Streets. 

You can find the full line-up of artists and venues with discounted tickets  on the LiveNation website here .

The company will also be holding promotions and competitions throughout next week. 

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• International
• Foreign affairs

Foreign Secretary visits Ukraine after UK's multi-year commitment to deliver £3 billion of military support

The Foreign Secretary visited Ukraine to reiterate the UK's unequivocal support for the Ukrainian people.

The Foreign Secretary meeting President Zelenskyy and Foreign Minister Kuleba in Kyiv. Photo credit: Office of the President of Ukraine.

• Foreign Secretary David Cameron was in Kyiv to reiterate UK support to Ukraine
• the visit follows the Prime Minister’s announcement that the UK will spend 2.5% of GDP on defence, and commit to at least £3 billion a year on military support to Ukraine
• the Foreign Secretary confirmed a £36 million package of energy support, including £20 million in new emergency funding following Russian attacks.

Visiting Kyiv, the Foreign Secretary reiterated the UK’s unequivocal support to Ukraine. Meeting with President Zelenskyy, Prime Minister Shmyhal and Foreign Minister Kuleba, he detailed how the uplift in defence spending announced by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak last week , including £3 billion multi-year funding for Ukraine and the largest ever donation of military equipment, would help ensure Ukraine has what it needs to win.

The Foreign Secretary announced that the UK’s donation of military equipment would include the provision of precision-guided bombs, and air defence missiles and equipment for 100 mobile air defence teams to enable Ukraine to shoot down Russia’s drones and missiles.

The UK also committed to doubling its domestic munitions production, by investing a further £10 billion over the next 10 years. This production will help ensure UK national security, whilst sustaining the UK’s weapons support to Ukraine, keeping Ukraine in the fight for as long as it takes.

Alongside domestic commitments, the Foreign Secretary also revealed that the UK intends to bring international partners together next month to attract additional contributions to the International Fund for Ukraine to meet Ukraine’s urgent capability requirements.

The Foreign Secretary also confirmed a £36 million package for Ukraine’s energy infrastructure and investments in future innovations to support Ukraine’s energy transition and recovery.

This includes £20 million of emergency funding following the recent barrage of attacks on national infrastructure as Russia intensifies its assault on Ukraine’s critical infrastructure, including power plants and gas storage facilities. This takes the UK’s total contribution to the Ukrainian energy sector since 2022 to £170 million.

UK funding will provide equipment to repair damaged energy infrastructure, help physically protect existing infrastructure, and provide back-up support – including generators and distributed renewable generation – for use if Russian attacks destroy more infrastructure.

Speaking from Kyiv, the Foreign Secretary, Lord Cameron, said:

Ukraine is fiercely defending itself against Russia’s illegal invasion, making a war Putin thought would last days, take years. But this war is the challenge of our generation and Ukraine cannot fight it alone. We must all step up to ensure Ukraine has what it needs to win. Through our multi-year military funding, weapons provision and vital support to protect and repair Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, the UK is standing with Ukraine and we will stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes.

A further £16 million was awarded to winners of the UK’s Innovate Ukraine Green Energy Competition, at a reception hosted by the Foreign Secretary and Ukrainian Minister for Energy, Minister Galushchenko. The 13 winning projects, made up of UK and Ukrainian innovators, partners, businesses and NGOs, launched their innovations to help Ukraine rebuild a greener and more resilient energy grid. This funding was previously announced at the Ukraine Recovery Conference in London and has now been awarded to recipients. 

In Kyiv, the Foreign Secretary saw how Ukrainians are continuing to show resilience in the face of Russian attacks, witnessing first-hand how Ukraine is pushing forward with innovative drone development.

The Foreign Secretary also kicked off negotiations with Ukraine on a 100 Year Partnership – a new agreement that will build enduring links between our 2 countries across the spectrum of trade, security and defence cooperation, science and tech, education, culture, and much more. The UK’s commitment to developing this Partnership is a clear signal of its intent to build close and enduring cooperation with Ukraine, and the Ukrainian people, for decades to come.

• further details on Foreign Secretary travel arrangements will be shared in due course
• pool content available through Reuters via normal pool arrangements

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Invasion of Ukraine

• UK visa support for Ukrainian nationals
• Move to the UK if you're coming from Ukraine
• Homes for Ukraine: record your interest
• Find out about the UK’s response

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