Travellers

News

28 July 2010

British Behaviour Abroad, 2009-2010

Key messages:

  • Get comprehensive travel insurance; ensure the policy covers the type of travel you are undertaking and that any pre-existing health problems are declared.
  • In Europe, carry a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) in addition to travel insurance.
  • Take an adequate supply of any prescribed medication with you and continue taking it as prescribed while you are away.
  • Carry copies of important documents, e.g. passport.
  • Ensure you have access to adequate emergency funds if needed.
  • Be aware of and respect the local laws and customs at your destination, including those dealing with illegal drug use.
  • Familiarise yourself with the rules of the road and local driving style.
  • Be safe – protect against the risk of accidents, injuries, theft, and sexual assault.

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has published their 2009-2010 annual report: British Behaviour Abroad highlighting problems affecting British nationals during their travels or residency overseas.

Between 1 April 2009 and 31 March 2010 there were nearly 20,000 episodes where British travellers required Consular assistance, and about 27,000 instances where passports were lost or stolen.

The FCO Consular staff offered support to British travellers and families who faced unexpected death, sexual assault, hospital admission and arrest. There were 5,930 reported British deaths abroad, mostly from natural causes, accidents, suicide and murder. While the most deaths occurred in Spain, Thailand was the country where the death rates were highest (number of deaths per number of visitors).

There were 3,689 British nationals hospitalised abroad. Spain had the highest number of hospitalisations, followed by Greece and Egypt, where many admissions were made as a precautionary measure in response to the swine flu pandemic. Road traffic accidents and balcony falls accounted for many hospital admissions.

Hospitalisation, treatment and repatriation to the United Kingdom for continuing care is costly. The report underlines the importance of obtaining comprehensive medical insurance, and having access to emergency funds when planning a trip overseas.

There were 994 arrests for drug offences; drug arrests accounted for a seventh of all arrests of British citizens globally. British nationals were most likely to be arrested for drug offences in Thailand, Cyprus and the United Arab Emirates.

The full report is available on the FCO website.

The FCO offers practical advice and assistance to British nationals who travel or who are resident abroad.  Further information on the services offered by the FCO can be found on the FCO website .

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