Swimming Training Camps - Travel checklist
Before you travel
- Travel insurance – make sure it covers you for any activities you are likely to undertake
- Travelling within the EU? Then get a free European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for free or reduced emergency care – you still need full travel insurance though!
- Check with your doctor as soon as possible to find out if you need any vaccinations or other precautions before you travel
- Make sure you’ve got correct visas (if applicable) for the country you are visiting and that your passport is valid
- All first-time adult passport applicants must now attend an interview to verify their identity. It now takes up to six weeks to get a first passport. For more information please visit www.ips.gov.uk
- For certain countries your passport must be valid for 6 months after the date you travel – check before you go
- Take photocopies of your passport and other important documents and keep these separate from the originals when you travel and/or store them online using a secure data storage site
- Fill in the emergency contact details in your passport. This will make it much easier for the authorities to contact someone in an emergency if necessary
- Find out where the nearest embassy is – check their website to find out what services they offer and their opening times
- Take enough money for your trip and some back-up funds. Consider a pre-paid currency card or travellers cheques – make a note of the cheque numbers before you go. Advise your bank and/or credit card companies if you intend using your cards while abroad
- Consider taking your mobile phone – check with your service provider to make sure your phone works abroad and be aware that the cost of using it abroad can be substantially higher than at home. Consider storing useful numbers such as the police and the local embassy or consulate
- British citizens travelling to the USA will require an ESTA (Electronic System for travel Authorisation). The form needs completing online (web link) at a present cost of $14 per person. All other nationalities must check with the necessary authorities for passport/visa requirements.
When you are away
- Think about what you are doing at all times – don’t take risks that you wouldn’t at home!
- Remain alert and guard valuable personal items at all times. The majority of reported thefts are a result of items being left unattended or thieves using distraction techniques. Don’t openly display valuables such as mobile phones or cameras. If in doubt – leave it at home!
- Find out about local customs and dress and behave accordingly. Obey local laws – there may be serious penalties for breaking a law that might seem trivial at home
- Be careful when taking photographs, videos or using binoculars. Such activities may be misunderstood, especially near military installations or religious buildings
- Drink plenty of water. Check whether it’s safe to drink local tap water – if not, stick to bottled water. At many of our camps package options for bottled water are available – please ask!
FCO TRAVEL ADVICE
HEALTH ADVICE
TRAVEL CHECKLIST
