What is FCDO travel advice?

Key takeaways

• The FCDO shares travel safety messages and supports British nationals abroad

• If you travel to a country against FCDO advice it usually invalidates your travel insurance

• If you are abroad and in trouble you can call the FCDO 24/7 on 44 (0)20 7008 5000

What is the FCDO?  

The FCDO, or Foreign Commonwealth & Development Office, is the UK government department responsible for the UK’s diplomatic, development and consular work around the world. The FCDO provides support for British nationals abroad and shares travel safety messages before departure.  

As a FCDO Travel Aware partner, MoneySuperMarket works with the FCDO.

What travel advice does the FCDO give?  

FCDO Travel Advice provides impartial and up-to-date information and warnings about travel abroad, including:

• entry requirements

• safety and security

• health risks

• legal differences

There is currently advice for more than 200 countries or territories.   

What should I do if the FCDO issues a travel warning before my trip? 

If FCDO Travel Advice changes after you’ve booked your trip, it may now be unsafe to travel and you should consider cancelling your trip. If you go, your travel insurance is unlikely to cover your journey.

As a first step, contact your tour operator or airline. They may offer you a refund or the option to switch dates or location. You may also be able to claim cancellation costs from your travel insurance.

It is important to stay up to date on the latest travel advice for your destination. One way you can do this is to sign up for FCDO email alerts.  

Will my travel insurance cover me if the FCDO changes their advice before my trip? 

It depends on your policy, but travel insurance often covers some of the cost of cancelling your trip if the FCDO changes their travel advice for your destination after you've booked. Insurers will generally expect you to try and claim a refund from your airline, tour operator and other service providers first.

You must already have insurance in place to be covered, which is why it is always recommended to take out a policy as soon as you've booked rather than waiting until you're about to travel.

If you travel to a destination after the FCDO advises against it, your standard insurance policy probably won’t cover any claims — even if you booked before the warning was issued.

What should I do if I’m abroad and the FCDO issues a travel warning? 

If FCDO Travel Advice changes whilst you are away, it is important to thoroughly read the updated advice for your location, and to contact your tour operator or airline to discuss next steps.

Alongside this, you should notify your insurer as they can advise you on what your policy covers.

If you find yourself in a crisis situation (e.g., natural disaster, civil unrest, terrorism, major transport accident), you can contact the FCDO consular assistance team 24 hours a day on 020 7008 5000. 

It is important to stay up to date on the latest travel advice for your destination. One way you can do this is to sign up for FCDO email alerts.  

Will my travel insurance cover me if the FCDO changes their advice while I’m already abroad? 

Some insurance policies will continue to provide cover if FCDO Travel Advice changes whilst you are away. Some will not or will put limitations in place.

If FCDO Travel Advice changes whilst you’re abroad it is important to contact your travel insurance provider to check what your policy covers. FCDO also recommends that you carry a printed version of your travel insurance policy so that you’re able to check this whenever you need to.

More information on what to check for when purchasing a travel insurance policy can be found on the FCDO Travel Aware campaign page.  

Can I get help from the FCDO if something goes wrong while I’m abroad?   

Yes, the FCDO provides a range of support for British nationals whilst they’re abroad. Consular assistance is available to British nationals in a range of circumstances including but not limited to supporting those who have:

• lost their passport

• been a victim of crime

• been hospitalised

• been arrested

 In any given year, FCDO support around 20,000 to 25,000 British nationals and their families. A comprehensive overview of consular assistance can be found on gov.uk.  

A full range of guidance is available on the support for British nationals abroad page. The Consular team is available via the Consular Contact Centre 24/7 on 44 (0)20 7008 5000 and enquiries can also be sent online.  

What is the Travel Aware campaign?  

The Travel Aware campaign aims to ensure British nationals have the best possible travel abroad and helps ensure they stay safe and understand risks in different countries.  

 The Travel Aware campaign page is a hub for useful travel safety information and resources including FCDO Travel Advice, the upcoming Entry/Exit system (EES), travel insurance and the FCDO’s youth safety campaign, Stick With Your Mates.