Guide for Travelling Fencers

Preparation for Travel

Checklist

1.

PASSPORT : Check your passport is up to date. Some countries require your passport to be valid for six months AFTER the date you travel. Applying for a new passport can take several weeks so leave plenty of time. For more details visit the UK Passport Agency website http://www.ukpa.gov.uk/.
2. VISA : you will need a visa to travel to certain countries. This can change year on year so make sure you double-check with your travel agent when you book your ticket. Alternatively contact the Consulate or Embassy of the country you are planning to visit. These telephone numbers are available through Directory Enquiries.
3. IMMUNISATIONS : check with your doctor if you need any immunisations at least 6 weeks before you travel. Some immunisations require a course of injections over a period of weeks before you are fully covered so the earlier you check the better. Frequent travellers should consider having Hepatitis A immunisation and meningitis, if not already given. For more information on immunisations visit the Department of Health website http://www.doh.gov.uk/traveladvice/index.htm . If you have left this late and are having problems getting hold of vaccinations British Airways Travel Clinics stock many vaccinations and are registered Yellow Fever immunisation centres. http://www.british-airways.com/travelqa/fyi/health/health.shtml However check the costs first as they are a private service.
4. INSURANCE : make sure you are insured for luggage and medical cover. If you are travelling frequently it may be cheaper to get a yearly policy. Be very careful as many policies exclude injuries sustained whilst doing competitive sport and loss or damage to sporting equipment. For more advice on health insurance http://www.doh.gov.uk/traveladvice/plan2.htm#emergency
5. E111 : Form E111 entitles you to free or reduced cost emergency medical treatment in many EC countries. This is found in the Department of Health booklet Health Advice for Travellers which is available over the counter at main post offices or by phoning the Health Literature Line (free of charge) on 0800 555 777.
6. MONEY : organise travellers cheques and some local currency. International debit cards can be used to withdraw cash from international cash pont machines in most countries - ask your bank for details.
7. DENTAL CHECK-UP : make sure you have had a recent check-up
8. EMERGENCY DETAILS : make a separate note of the numbers of your passport number, travellers cheques, credit/debit cards and the telephone numbers of those organisations you need to contact in case of emergencies. Leave a copy with somebody at home that you can contact when you are away.
9. DIETARY REQUIREMENTS : tell the airline in advance if you have any special dietary needs - telling them at the check-in desk is too late!!
10. KNOW BEFORE YOU GO : The Foreign Office is running a campaign called Know Before You Go - the message is 'Get travel insurance and read the FCO travel advice before you go.' This website contains information about the preparations that you should take before travelling: http://www.fco.gov.uk/travel/