1 August 2005

Safety and Security

In recent years there has been an increase in the areas of the world where violence is a real risk for the traveller. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) Travel Advice Service provides up to date country specific information on the potential threats to personal safety that may arise from terrorist activities, political unrest, lawlessness, violence, natural disasters, epidemics, and anti-British demonstrations; it also provides information on aircraft and shipping security [1]. This advice is routinely reviewed monthly or more regularly following receipt of any significant information and following an incident.

In 2004 the format of travel advice given by the FCO was revised [2]. Advisories against either “all travel” or against “all but essential travel” are now only made when the threat to British nationals is thought to be extreme, imminent and/or of large scale and the risk to them, therefore, is unacceptably high. The advice otherwise describes what is believed to be the nature and level of the threat. It is designed to allow the traveller themselves to make an informed decision about whether to travel or not and how to avoid trouble if they do.

It is important to remember that the overall risk for a traveller of being involved in a terrorist attack remains low. Injury, illness or death whilst overseas is more likely to occur through road accidents, swimming, alcohol-related incidents, exacerbation of pre-existing health problems, or natural disasters.

It is strongly recommended that all travellers obtain FCO travel advice via the Internet [1] or by telephoning the Travel Advice Call Centre (0870 606 0290) before travelling. Advice on the safety of travel should always be complemented by specific advice on travel health such as that provided by NaTHNaC.

All travellers should obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling.

References

Foreign and Commonwealth Office, Services, Travel Advice: http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/travelling-and-living-overseas/

Review of Foreign and Commonwealth Travel Health Advice April 2004 http://www.fco.gov.uk/Files/kfile/CM6158.pdf