Crisis-Ready Society Emergency
Scenarios / Evacuation, conflict & unrest

Travelling during a crisis

Conflict, unrest or a natural disaster can hit while you are abroad, and your own government may not be able to get you out. This page helps you prepare before you travel, stay safe and in touch during a crisis, and find support once you are home.

Depends on regional security

Each step names the official source it comes from. Tap the name to see the source.

In the UAEUAE nationals can register free with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Twajudi service before or while travelling, so the ministry can reach them in an emergency. Register with UAE Pass on the MOFA website or app, and find MOFA's current contact numbers there.UAE Ministry of Foreig

Before

  • Read official travel advice for every country on your trip and sign up for its email alerts.GOV.UK
  • US citizens: enrol in STEP so the embassy can send alerts and reach you in an emergency.US Department of State
  • Canadians: register with the free ROCA service and add your co-travellers.Canada
  • Buy travel insurance as soon as you book, and tell the insurer about any medical conditions.GOV.UK
  • Copy your travel documents. Give one set to someone you trust and keep one apart from the originals.US Department of State
  • Give family or friends your detailed itinerary and contact details.Global Affairs Canada
  • Save the contact details of your nearest embassy, high commission or consulate.GOV.UK
  • Note the emergency service numbers for each destination.GOV.UK

During

  • Tell family and friends whether you are safe or need help.GOV.UK
  • Follow the advice of local authorities.GOV.UK
  • Contact your airline or tour operator, and your insurer, about what help is available.GOV.UK
  • Avoid crowds, demonstrations and large gatherings.GOV.UK
  • Keep a grab bag ready, plus medicines, food and water for several days.GOV.UK
  • If told to shelter, stay indoors, away from windows, in a room with few outside walls.GOV.UK
  • Call your government's 24/7 consular line. Canadians can call +1 613 996 8885.Canada
  • Do not expect your government to evacuate you. Have your own plan to leave.GOV.UK

After

  • If you feel unwell or are struggling to cope, see a doctor and mention the crisis abroad.GOV.UK
  • Look for emotional support, for example from the Red Cross.GOV.UK
  • Use bereavement helplines if you have lost someone.GOV.UK
  • UK nationals: check if you qualify for help if injured or bereaved by terrorism abroad.GOV.UK

Watch: 60-second guides

Travelling during a crisis

Videos need an internet connection. Some videos mention numbers for other countries: in the UAE call 999 police, 998 ambulance, 997 fire. More on our YouTube channel.

Frequently asked questions

How do I prepare for travelling during a crisis?
  • Read official travel advice for every country on your trip and sign up for its email alerts.GOV.UK
  • US citizens: enrol in STEP so the embassy can send alerts and reach you in an emergency.US Department of State
  • Canadians: register with the free ROCA service and add your co-travellers.Canada
  • Buy travel insurance as soon as you book, and tell the insurer about any medical conditions.GOV.UK
What should I do during travelling during a crisis?
  • Tell family and friends whether you are safe or need help.GOV.UK
  • Follow the advice of local authorities.GOV.UK
  • Contact your airline or tour operator, and your insurer, about what help is available.GOV.UK
  • Avoid crowds, demonstrations and large gatherings.GOV.UK
What should I do after travelling during a crisis?
  • If you feel unwell or are struggling to cope, see a doctor and mention the crisis abroad.GOV.UK
  • Look for emotional support, for example from the Red Cross.GOV.UK
  • Use bereavement helplines if you have lost someone.GOV.UK
What should I have ready for travelling during a crisis?
  • Passport that meets your destination's entry rulesGOV.UK
  • Extra photo ID besides your passportGOV.UK
  • Copies of documents, also saved as photos on your phoneUS Department of State
  • Printed health insurance documentsGOV.UK
  • Embassy contact details and your government's 24/7 consular numberGOV.UK
  • Prescription medicines in labelled bottles, with copies of prescriptionsUS Department of State
  • Several days of food and waterGOV.UK
  • First aid kitGOV.UK
Is there anything specific to know in the UAE?

UAE nationals can register free with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Twajudi service before or while travelling, so the ministry can reach them in an emergency. Register with UAE Pass on the MOFA website or app, and find MOFA's current contact numbers there.UAE Ministry of Foreig

Answers are based only on the sourced steps on this page and their official sources.

Official sources

  1. GOV.UK (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office): If you're affected by a crisis abroad
  2. GOV.UK (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office): Foreign travel checklist
  3. US Department of State: International traveler's checklist
  4. Government of Canada (travel.gc.ca): Registration of Canadians Abroad
  5. Global Affairs Canada (canada.ca): Advice for Canadians: Register when travelling abroad
  6. Government of Canada (travel.gc.ca): Request emergency assistance outside Canada
  7. UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs: Twajudi service

Steps are written in our own words from these pages. If advice from your local authority differs, follow your local authority.

Last reviewed against these sources: 27 October 2026.

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