Staying safe when abroad- FCO report highlights problems Brits can encounter abroad

As a travel health nurse advisor, I tend to focus on health issues such as malaria and vaccine preventable diseases during my consultations with travellers. However, it is not just health risks that can ruin a trip abroad. Last year the Foreign Office (FCO) assisted 5700 cases of arrest abroad, a 10% drop on the year before, but despite the positive trend the report highlights that many travellers are not aware of the risks and troubles they can encounter.

Key Findings 2010/11

• 25,969 Britain’s needed assistance for lost or stolen passports
• Though down by 20%, a total of 799 drug arrests were reported
• Countries with the majority of drug arrests include: Jamaica, Argentina, Brazil, Serbia and Peru
• The highest number of arrests took place in Spain
• 347 deaths were reported in Thailand- 60% died of natural causes
• The highest number of rapes occurred in Egypt, followed by Turkey.Cases of reported rapes has almost halved in Greece since 2009/10

How the FCO can help you abroad

If you do find yourself in trouble abroad the FCO can help you with the following:

• Issue emergency travel documents, such as a lost passport
• Give you details of local lawyers, funeral directors, doctors and interpreters
• Contact your friends and family back home
• Visit you in hospital if you have been arrested
• Provide you with information about transferring money

They cannot help with the following:

• Give legal advice
• Help with entry to a country without a passport or necessary visa's
• Financial help- paying bills or giving you money
• Making travel arrangements for you
• Get you better medical help in hospital than is given to local people

Tips for staying safe abroad

• Ensure you have adequate travel insurance, declare pre-existing medical conditions to your insurer and read the small print
• Study the local laws and customs of the country you are visiting
• Make sure you have enough cash to cover any emergency situations
• Check your passport is in date and you have any required visa's
• Make copies of any documents and store securely online.
• Tell someone where you are going and leave emergency contact details with them
• If you are sexually assaulted abroad, inform the local police and contact the Foreign Office who can offer you support
• Get the necessary travel vaccinations and malaria tablets before you travel
• Understand the risks you are taking if you get involved with illegal drugs. Many countries carry harsh sentences, including the death penalty in some countries.
• If you are visiting countries in the European Economic area, apply for a EHIC card online or by phone 0845 605 0707

Watch a FCO You Tube update which focuses on drug smuggling.

References


http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/travel-and-living-abroad/about-kbyg-campaign/