This checklist will help guide your travel preparations, and covers all three phases of your travel: before you go, while you’re away and coming home. The better prepared you are, the more enjoyable your travel will be.
Before you go
Register
Register your travel plans at the local embassy, high commission or consulate once you arrive so we can contact you in case of an emergency.
Subscribe
Check the latest travel advice for your destination, subscribe to tourism boards
Insure
Take out comprehensive travel insurance and ensure it covers you for the places you plan to visit and the things you plan to do.
Passport
Check that your passport has at least six months’ validity from your planned date of return.
Dual nationality
Are you considered a national of any the countries you intend to visit?Dual Nationality may have implications for your travel. Find out from the embassy.
Visas
Find out early what the visa requirements are for your destinations by contacting the nearest embassy.
Personal and travel documents
Leave a copy of your passport, itinerary and tickets, visas and insurance policy with your family or a friend and take a copy with you.
Travel health
See a doctor at least 6-8 weeks before you leave to discuss travel health issues and to allow time for any recommended vaccinations.
Medication
Check that your medications are legal at your destinations by contacting the nearest embassy, high commission or consulate of the countries you plan to visit. Consider carrying a letter from your doctor detailing what your medicine is, and that it is for personal use.
Money
Organise a variety of ways of accessing money overseas, such as debit and credit cards, travellers’ cheques and cash in easily convertible currencies.
While you’re away
Keep in touch
Arrange options for staying in touch with family and friends while overseas, and give them an indication of how often they will hear from you.
The law
Always obey the laws of the country or countries you are visiting!
Drugs
Don’t use, carry or get involved with drugs overseas. Consular assistance cannot override local law, and in some countries the death penalty or life imprisonment is imposed for drug offences.
Local customs
Respect local cultures and customs, dress appropriately and always ask permission before taking photos of people.
