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Undertake the Travel E-Learning module at which confirms via email when you have completed the module.

If travelling to higher-risk areas or conducting a higher risk activity, always check for specialist training requirements. Arrange, as necessary.

Emergencies:

Be prepared for the 'what if' scenario and make sure you have all relevant contact numbers and travel cover/insurance details in case of an emergency.

As part of this consider difficulties with regards to how you will raise help.  For example, your mobile phone may not work in some countries, or you may need to purchase a specific SIM card.

A useful App is the  which will help you and others locate your exact position anywhere in the world.

Emergency Support:

Â鶹AV 24/7/365: +44 (0) 1248 38 2795

EMERGENCY & MEDICAL SUPPORT Global Response +44 (0) 203 859 1492

email: UMAL@global-response.co.uk (Ref: UMAL 026)

Documents:

Passport: Check the validity and take a photo of your passport details page. Email this to yourself on an easily accessed email address (such as gmail.com, yahoo.mail) and share with your emergency contact.  Check for countries that do not like stamps of specific countries on your passport.

Visa: Check you have required Visas for the destination and transit country, and these are suitable for the activity to be undertaken and trip duration.

Hotel and Flight Information: Hold this information in multiple locations, including with family, friends, or colleagues as appropriate.

Culture:

Pre-trip, research local and religious customs. These can even vary from region to region. For example, dress code, displays of affection, how you identify, and consumption of alcohol. Please respect them.

Be mindful of restrictions, e.g., some countries limit Internet access and ban filming/photography at some sites. Be conscious of sensitive topics, e.g., politics, heightened emotions during religious festivals.

Be prepared, animals and even people may be treated differently to the UK.

Accommodation:

Preferably, book a place known to you or ask colleagues, friends or family who have travelled to the area before or speak to your overseas contact for advice or use a reputable booking Agent/Site. It should be noted that the use of private accommodation providers such as Airbnb is discouraged.

On arrival, familiarise yourself with fire exits etc., and secure your room, even if just briefly popping in.

In case you get lost, carry accommodation details: name, address, phone.

Transport:  

Book with reputable organisations, e.g., ATOL-protected.

Vehicle condition and the way people drive (not just what side of the road) differ around the world, making driving and even walking difficult. Possibly avoid the more unusual local modes of transport.

Ask overseas contacts or your hotel for advice on ‘safe’ transport, e.g., public transport, taxi firms, hire vehicle plus driver.

General Welfare:

Remember, water straight from the tap may not be safe to drink or may have a different mineral content that could cause an upset stomach. The types of food on offer and general hygiene standards, including the style of toilets, may also differ around the world. Plan for specific dietary requirements if not easy to accommodate overseas.

When travelling, carry spare tissues (in case of no loo roll) and antibacterial hand gel. See Travel Health Essentials for more advice on general health.

Please access the Student Support and Staff Support webpages and information if you require mental health support whilst overseas.

General Safety: 

• Electrical: Standards can vary. Before leaving the UK, purchase any adaptors for the electrical appliances you plan to take

• Glazing: Some countries do not have safety glass, so be mindful when pushing on glass doors/windows to open them

• Fire Safety: Familiarise yourself with building/accommodation escape routes. Theft can often override fire safety, resulting in fire exit routes being blocked or even locked. Be mindful of this

• Personal Safety: Be vigilant, taking into account advice offered by websites, colleagues and overseas contacts regarding where it is safe to visit, places and times to avoid and general precautions. For example, only carry essential valuables (which are hidden)

• Driving: Standards vary greatly. Always check for specific restrictions, e.g., foreign nationals not allowed to drive in China, and check with the University Insurance Officer that you are insured to drive overseas

Theft:

Only carry valuables, passports, credit cards, etc., if needed. Keep currency in a few places. If not needed, store in a secure place, such as a hotel safe.

Take copies of essential documents, e.g., Insurance, Passports, Visas, or store electronic copies in an accessible place such as your email account.

Make a note of key provider emergency contacts, e.g., Bank, Mobile.

Encrypt laptops and take a USB stick to store/download work as you go.

Public Wi-Fi networks (e.g. in airports, hotels, cafés) are often unsecured and may expose devices to interception, malware, or unauthorised access.

Always report theft to the Police, airline or hotel with a written report of the incident obtained. Insurance companies will need evidence of loss.

Secure your checked luggage by placing your details (name, phone number, email address and University address) and itinerary on a piece of paper inside, in case external tags are lost in transit.

Take a picture of your luggage and its contents for insurance purposes. Consider using Air Tags or similar in your luggage to track if required.

Discuss needs prior to departure so reasonable adjustments, where possible, are in place. As with any trip overseas, and in order to be prepared, it is advisable to research the general provision of facilities in an area pre-trip.

Review country-specific guidance on local laws, social attitudes and potential discrimination risks (including LGBTQ+ safety, gender, religion and dress codes) via the .