What to Do If a Travel Warning Is Issued While You're Abroad

Confirm the advisory from an official government source before taking action.

• Check your government's official travel advisory website (US: travel.state.gov, UK: gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice)
• Verify the warning level and what it specifically covers (entire country vs. specific regions)
• Note the date and time the warning was issued — this may affect insurance coverage
• Be cautious of social media rumours — always verify with official sources

Register your presence and get official guidance for your specific situation.

• Register with your country's overseas citizen service (US: STEP, UK: FCDO registration)
• Save the embassy emergency phone number in your phone
• Follow any specific instructions issued for citizens in your location
• Ask about organised evacuations or assisted departures if applicable

Protect originals and create backups of all critical documents.

• Take photos of your passport, visa, insurance policy, and entry stamps
• Email copies to yourself and a trusted contact at home
• Store physical copies separately from originals
• Screenshot the travel advisory showing the date it was issued (useful for insurance claims)

Understand what your travel insurance covers in the current situation.

• Call your insurer's emergency assistance line — don't wait
• Ask specifically whether the new advisory triggers coverage or exclusion
• Confirm whether evacuation coverage applies given your entry date vs. the warning date
• Keep all receipts for expenses incurred due to the disruption

Determine the best way to leave if necessary, or shelter in place safely.

• Check whether commercial flights are still operating from your location
• Contact your airline about rebooking options — many waive change fees during advisories
• Consider alternative airports or overland routes to neighbouring safe countries
• If flights are unavailable, ask your embassy about organised departures

Let people at home know you are safe and share your plans.

• Contact family and emergency contacts with your status and plans
• Share your location and intended route if you are leaving
• Agree on a check-in schedule until you are out of the affected area
• If internet is unreliable, use SMS as a backup communication method

Keep a record of all disruptions, costs, and communications for future claims.

• Save all booking confirmations, cancellation notices, and airline communications
• Keep receipts for emergency accommodation, transport, food, and supplies
• Document any embassy instructions or communications
• Note times and dates of any incidents, closures, or service disruptions you experience

Situations evolve quickly — monitor official channels and adjust your plans.

• Set up alerts from your government's travel advisory service
• Follow your embassy's social media accounts for real-time updates
• Monitor local news sources (in English where available)
• Be prepared to change plans quickly if the situation escalates