Foreign & Commonwealth Office

The Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) is a free British Government comprehensive web site providing essential information and advice to both leisure and business travellers wishing to travel abroad. Features include; information on visa requirements, links to trade missions, foreign embassies and detailed information on whether it is safe to visit particular countries and what precautions should be taken.

The site allows you to choose any country from the alphabetical list, which offers advice and travel information on any dangers evident, ideas for travel, entry requirements, and a brief history profile on that country.

Locater Service

The FCO have a new Locater Service, simply register online and let them know where you’re travelling so their embassy and crisis staff can provide better assistance in an emergency, such as a tsunami or terrorist attack.This service is certainly worth doing before you travel - if a major catastrophe occurs they have an instant record of your details so can contact you to make sure you’re OK and provide advice, or if family and friends need to get in touch with you they can help them to find you.

Know Before You Go

‘Know Before You Go’ (KBYG) is an ongoing campaign with around 250 travel industry partners to help Brits to stay safe and healthy abroad.The campaign was launched in 2001 to promote important aspects of travelling safely.To view some leaflets and useful guidelines click here.

Travellers Checklist

The FCO have put together an extensive travel checklist to help you plan for your trip abroad and stay safe whilst you are there. To go to the list click here

Relevant Travel Advice

The FCO realise different types of travellers need different types of advice, so they offer tailor made advice sections including; backpackers, women travellers, winter and extreme sports and overseas weddings.