Travellers Checklist

You have so many things to remember before you travel, so Insurancewith have created a travel checklist to give you a helping hand:

• Before you travel, check the FCDO (Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office) travel advice for the country you plan to visit. Visit the FCDO website or follow @FCDOtravelGovUK on X for the latest travel updates and guidance.
• Find out where the nearest British embassy will be in relation to your holiday destination.
• Sort out travel insurance – Insurancewith provide cover for customers with pre-existing medical conditions, allowing you to go on holiday without paying excessive premiums.
• As of 2025, UK residents travelling to Europe must apply for an ETIAS travel authorisation (€7, valid for 3 years). Travel remains limited to 90 days in any 180-day period. From October 2025, the Entry/Exit System (EES) will require a photo and fingerprints on first entry to the Schengen zone. Make sure your passport is valid for at least 3 months after travel. Check the GOV.UK website for the latest updates.
• Check with your doctor whether you need any vaccinations before you travel.
• Make sure you have got the correct visas for the country you intend to visit.
• Make sure your passport is valid for the dates you plan to travel. Some countries require your passport to be valid for 3 to 6 months after you arrive. Be aware, it can take up to 6 weeks to apply for or renew a passport, so check early to avoid any last-minute stress.
• Tell friends and family where you are travelling to and leave them your contact details, travel insurance policy details and your itinerary – this will help in case of an emergency.
• Make sure you have enough money to cover emergencies.
• If you intend to drive abroad, make sure your licence is current and valid. Make sure you are aware of the driving laws in the country you are visiting.
• Sort out your hand luggage – make sure you are packing essentials and complying with airline rules.
• Check with your airline for flight delays.
• Keep all tickets, visas, foreign currency and passports safe – store them in a secure travel belt or bag, and keep them with you at all times.
• Check your house is safe before you leave – make sure all switches are turned off, in the winter, also make sure the water is off to prevent pipes from freezing, and all windows and doors are securely locked.

View all posts by Takara Moore