The Best Travel Health & Safety Sites
Government travel advice covers safety, local laws and entry rules for every country, and is the first place to check before booking somewhere unfamiliar. Health sites list recommended vaccines and malaria risk by destination. See a travel clinic six to eight weeks before departure if you need vaccinations.
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Where can I find official travel advice?
Government travel advice is the most reliable source on safety, local laws, entry rules and health risks for every country. The US State Department publishes travel advisories with a four-level scale, the UK Foreign Office (FCDO) offers detailed country pages, and Australia's Smartraveller and Canada's travel.gc.ca are equally thorough. Read your own government's advice, as it also affects your travel insurance cover.
What vaccinations do I need for travel?
The CDC Travelers' Health pages, the NHS Fit for Travel site and TravelHealthPro list recommended vaccinations and malaria risk by country. Routine vaccines should be up to date, and destinations may call for hepatitis A, typhoid, rabies, yellow fever or Japanese encephalitis. Visit a travel clinic, such as Passport Health in the US, six to eight weeks before departure, since some vaccines need several doses.
How can I find a doctor abroad?
IAMAT keeps a network of English-speaking doctors and clinics worldwide and publishes health information for travellers. Your travel insurance's emergency assistance line can also direct you to approved hospitals and arrange payment. Embassies keep lists of local doctors too.
Should I register my trip with my embassy?
Programs like the US Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) let your embassy contact you in an emergency, such as a natural disaster or civil unrest. It takes minutes and is worth doing for longer trips and less stable destinations.
Travel health checklist
- Check vaccination and malaria advice for every country on your route.
- Pack prescription medicines in original packaging with a copy of the prescription.
- Check whether your medicines are legal at your destination.
- Carry insurance details and emergency numbers.
- Drink bottled or purified water where tap water isn't safe.