Many Brits jetting off this summer have been issued an alert to stay prepared – or risk their trip turning into a nightmare.
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has urged travellers heading to festivals to take simple precautions as it flagged a range of risks, from lost documents to serious crime. In a social media alert, the department told festival-goers: “Keep your valuables including your passport safe,” and advised using lockers or zipped inside pockets, while keeping spare cash separate.
The warning comes as thousands of UK tourists prepare to descend on popular events across Europe and the rest of the world, where most visits are trouble-free – but incidents do occur.
Official guidance from the FCDO-backed Travel Aware campaign makes clear the potential dangers can be severe, ranging from theft and assault to more serious matters, including rape, sexual assault or death.
Plan before you go
Holidaymakers are being told to do their homework before travelling, including checking entry requirements, safety advice and local laws for their destination.
They are also advised to sign up for travel alerts, take out comprehensive insurance and carry details of their policy in case of emergency.
For those heading to EU countries or Switzerland, securing a UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) is strongly recommended to access essential medical treatment if needed.
The guidance also stresses the importance of sharing travel plans with friends or family and keeping secure backups of key documents such as passports, accommodation details and flight information.
Stay alert on site
Once at a festival, vigilance is key. Travellers should keep valuables locked away where possible and never leave bags unattended. If anything suspicious is spotted, it should be reported immediately to security staff.
Festival-goers are also urged to stick with friends and avoid walking back to accommodation alone.
And there is a clear warning on drugs: penalties across Europe can be “severe”, including heavy fines or even prison sentences.
What to do if things go wrong
If problems arise, most festivals have information points offering help, advice and lost property services. In an emergency, Brits should dial 112 – the standard emergency number across Europe.
Anyone who loses their passport will need to apply for an emergency travel document to return to the UK. The FCDO says preparation is the best defence, urging travellers to take basic steps to ensure their summer getaway is memorable for the right reasons – not a costly or dangerous mishap.
You can contact the nearest British embassy, high commission or consulate, or the FCDO in London (24 hours a day) on 020 7008 5000 for advice.
