Travel tips for UK travellers: what to check before you go

Before any trip abroad, UK travellers should check three things: that their passport and visa meet the destination's rules, that the FCDO travel advice for the country carries no new warning, and that vaccines are planned early. GOV.UK's foreign travel checklist covers all three.

This page is the starting point of our practical guides. It sums up what GOV.UK says, then sends you to the guide that goes deeper: FCDO travel advice explained, travel vaccinations, pet travel and more. It is a guide, not a booking service.

Rules change, so every table below carries its sources and the date we checked them. For a given destination, the country's own page on GOV.UK foreign travel advice is the one to trust.

GOV.UK's foreign travel checklist groups its advice into documents, health and preparing for the unexpected. The table keeps the steps that matter most before a holiday and shows which of our guides goes further.

Open the country's page on GOV.UK, read its entry requirements, safety and health sections, and sign up for email updates for that country. GOV.UK also offers email alerts for all countries.

Our guide to FCDO travel advice and what the warnings mean explains how the advice levels work, so a warning does not catch you out at the last minute. If you need help once you are away, the checklist gives the FCDO in London on 020 7008 5000, 24 hours a day.

At least 8 weeks before you travel, according to GOV.UK's foreign travel checklist. The check belongs near the start of your planning, not the week of departure.

TravelHealthPro describes itself as "Expert travel health guidance for travellers and health professionals" and offers destination advice and outbreak alerts. What suits you depends on the destination and on you, so we do not give medical advice. Our guides on travel vaccinations and malaria tablets go through the official sources step by step.

At most airports you cannot take liquids in containers larger than 100ml through security, and some airports allow up to 2 litres, so check the rule for your own airport. The table follows GOV.UK's page on liquids in hand luggage.

For bag dimensions, see our guide to cabin bag sizes by airline. For a specific terminal, start from UK airports or airlines.

Each guide below stands on its own. The list grows as new guides are checked and published.

Planning the destination itself? Start with holiday ideas from the UK and entry requirements for British passport holders. Sorting documents: passports. Getting there: airports, airlines, ferries and trains. By car: driving abroad.

• What should I check first before travelling abroad from the UK?

  Check the foreign travel advice for your destination, which covers entry rules, safety and health risks, then make sure your passport and any visa meet the country’s requirements. Both steps come from GOV.UK’s foreign travel checklist.

• How early should I check vaccinations?

  GOV.UK’s foreign travel checklist says to check vaccinations and health precautions at least 8 weeks before you travel.

• Do I need a second form of photo ID?

  GOV.UK’s checklist says to take an extra form of photo ID with you, other than your passport.

• Who can I call if something goes wrong abroad?

  Note the contact details of the nearest British embassy, high commission or consulate before you leave. The checklist also gives the FCDO in London on 020 7008 5000, 24 hours a day, for advice.

• How do I get an alert when the FCDO changes its advice?

  Sign up for email updates on the country’s page on GOV.UK, or use the email alerts for all countries.

• Can I take a 500ml bottle through airport security?

  At most airports, no: GOV.UK says you cannot take liquids in containers larger than 100ml through security. Some airports may allow containers of up to 2 litres, so check the rules for your airport.

• Do I need an International Driving Permit?

  GOV.UK tells travellers to check whether they need one. It depends on the country you drive in: see our guide to driving abroad from the UK.

• Do I need a visa for my destination?

  It depends on the country and on your passport. GOV.UK’s checklist says to get the correct visa for your destination: see our entry requirements for British passport holders.

• Is the GOV.UK checklist enough on its own?

  No. GOV.UK says the checklist is not exhaustive and that you are responsible for your own travel safety. Read the country’s page too: "No foreign travel can be guaranteed as safe".