8 August 2007

British Behaviour Abroad

On 2 August 2007 the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) published “British Behaviour Abroad” a report highlighting the key problems affecting British nationals during their overseas travels. The period covered was from April 2005 to March 2006.

As examples of events affecting British nationals, 6,078 Britons lost their passport in Spain, 1,368 were arrested in the USA, 955 were admitted to hospital in Greece and 376 died in France. Germany, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, India, Thailand and Australia were destinations that also featured highly for incidents affecting British travellers for which consular assistance was sought.

Many of these incidents should be prevented if travellers were better prepared for their trips and more aware of their environment whilst abroad. The FCO advises travellers that the following measures will reduce the likelihood of requiring consular assistance and help to make their journey safer:

• Two photocopies of the passport should be made; one left at home with family or friends and the other carried separately from the original.
• Passports should be kept in a secure place. Use the photocopy for ID purposes. Any loss should be reported immediately to the local police, a report obtained and the Embassy contacted.
• Find out what is legally and culturally acceptable in the destination country prior to travel in order to avoid breaking the law or upsetting local customs.
• Avoid excessive use of alcohol, and make sure that you watch your drink to prevent someone adding drugs to it.
• Avoid areas where you might be unwittingly caught up in trouble, e.g. marches or protests.
• Seek travel health advice well in advance of the trip and follow the recommendations for vaccinations, malaria tablets, and other measures to remain well during your trip.
• Obtain adequate travel health insurance. Ensure that high risk activities are covered, e.g. scuba diving. Declare any pre-existing medical conditions or the policy may be invalid in case of a claim.
• If a death occurs during your trip, it must be registered in the country in which it occurs and the local authorities contacted immediately.

The full report is available at:

http://www.fco.gov.uk/servlet/Front?pagename=OpenMarket/Xcel

erate/ShowPage&c=Page&cid=1007029391629&a=KArticle&aid

=1184757793657

Links

NaTHNaC Health Information Sheet Personal Safety During Travel http://www.nathnac.org/pro/factsheets/personal.htm

FCO Know Before You Go

http://www.fco.gov.uk/servlet/Front?pagename=OpenMarket/Xcel

erate/ShowPage&c=Page&cid=1007029391116

European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)

http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/Policyandguidance/Healthadvicefortrave

llers/index.htm