You or your employees may need to travel on business to many different countries, each with its own customs, culture and hazards. Depending on the circumstances of the trip or the political climate of the country, there could be added risks. You can stay safe and healthy abroad by taking a few simple precautions.
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) recommends several practises before and during trips abroad that will help you and your employees mitigate the risks associated with travelling to potentially unstable countries. Before you leave, the FCO recommends that you research your destination, create a travel checklist, ensure you have the required documentation and purchase comprehensive business travel insurance.
Research is essential to ensuring a successful business trip and maintaining your safety and that of your employees. The political climate of a country can shift rapidly, necessitating up-to-the-minute research to properly gauge your safety abroad.
Create a Travel Checklist
Travel checklists are effective tools to guarantee that you have taken all the necessary precautions to ensure safety before and during international travel.
You and your employees can use this checklist to plan ahead and mitigate any common risks associated with travelling to unsafe countries.
Before You Go
- Check www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice.
- Find the location of the nearest British embassy.
- Purchase travel insurance.
- Get your free European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).
- Plan ahead for pre-existing medical conditions.
- Ensure your passport and visa are valid.
- Verify your destination’s entry requirements.
- Photocopy your passport or securely store it online.
- Note your emergency contact in your passport.
- Provide family and friends with your contact details.
- Make sure you have enough emergency money.
- Invest in a good travel guide.
Whilst You Are Away
- Be vigilant.
- Don’t take risks you wouldn’t take at home.
- Don’t openly display valuables.
- Research local customs and dress.
- Obey local laws.
- Exercise caution when taking photos or video.
- Confirm that your mobile phone works abroad.
- Bring it with you if it does, or purchase a SIM card for your destination if it doesn’t.
- Save important local numbers.
- Check UK import regulations before you attempt to bring back food or plants.
Contact ProAktive today to learn more about business travel insurance and what to do if you are travelling to an unsafe country.