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Take out appropriate travel insurance to cover hospital treatment, medical evacuation and any activities, including adventure sports, in which you plan to participate.
Register your travel and contact details at the local embassy, high commission or consulate once you arrive, so that you are contactable in an emergency.
Obey the law. Consular assistance cannot override local laws, even where local laws appear harsh or unjust by your country's standards.
Check to see if you require visas for the country or countries you are visiting or transiting. Be aware that a visa does not guarantee entry.
Make copies of your passport details, insurance policy, travellers cheques, visas and credit card numbers. Carry one copy in a separate place to the originals and leave a copy with someone at home.
Check with health professionals for information on recommended vaccinations or other precautions and find out about overseas laws on travelling with medicines.
Make sure your passport has at least six months validity and carry additional copies of your passport photo with you in case you need a replacement passport while overseas.
Leave a copy of your travel itinerary with someone at home and keep in regular contact with friends and relatives while overseas.
Before departing, check whether you are regarded as a national of the country you intend to visit. Research whether holding dual nationality has any implications for your travel.
