Before you travel 

• take out travel insurance and make sure your policy covers all of the activities you plan to take part in - including any extreme sports

• check that your passport is valid and fill in the emergency contact details and

• read up on the visa requirements for the countries you plan to visit as the Australian Government cannot intervene in border control issues. 

• if travelling in Europe make sure you are familiar with Schengen Convention entry requirements  

• check with your doctor as soon as possible to find out if you need any vaccinations before you travel

• check our travel advice pages for information on the country you are visiting and register for regular e-mail updates

• consider taking a mobile phone with you while you are away as a way of staying in touch

• find out where the nearest Australian High Commission or embassy is. Save the phone number for it and the 24 hour Consular Emergency Centre to your mobile phone +61 2 62613305 (freecall from the UK 0808 5890 165)

• make a photocopy of your passport, insurance policy details and take a note of your passport number

• organise a variety of ways of accessing your money overseas, such as credit cards, travellers’ cheques and cash

• check with your bank whether your ATM card will work overseas

• tell family and friends where you are going and leave them your contact details, insurance policy details and your itinerary

• make sure you have enough money to cover emergencies

• invest in a good travel guide to help you plan your trip and familiarise yourself with local customs and laws