- Foreign Office issues travel safety advice -

An estimated 20,000 British nationals are expected to travel to the Caribbean this March to attend the 2007 ICC World Cup, in addition to the eight million Britons who visit the region each year.  The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) is today launching the ‘Don’t Get Caught Out’ campaign to ensure that British nationals – whether they are following England, Scotland, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Bermuda or the West Indies - receive the travel safety advice ahead of the tournament that will help them remain safe on their trip.

England cricketer, Monty Panesar, is supporting the ‘Don’t Get Caught Out’ campaign, he says: “There has been plenty said about the England squad preparing for the World Cup - but we want to make sure that the cricket supporters are preparing too, to ensure that the cricketing adventure of a lifetime is one that they remember for all the right reasons.”

The FCO is launching a raft of initiatives to advise fans on safety measures and help them prepare for their journey. Dedicated web pages and credit card-sized, fold-out information cards have been created to provide invaluable information about the host nations; provide documentation advice on the different islands, plus essential do’s and don’ts for travelling in the region (did you know it is illegal to wear camouflage clothing in Jamaica and Barbados?) The FCO worked closely with Caribbean authorities who have decreed that British passport holders will not require a visa to enter any of the nine host nations during the period of 1 February to 15 May 2007*.

Foreign and Commonwealth Office Minister, Lord Triesman, commented: “The FCO wants British nationals to have a trouble free-time abroad whilst supporting their cricket heroes.  We have done all we can to help them do so with our ‘Don’t Get Caught Out’ campaign, from allocating additional staff and running crisis simulation training, to stocking-up on passports and producing a dedicated website.  However, it is imperative that British citizens take responsibility to prepare sufficiently before they travel.  Most importantly they should take out comprehensive travel insurance, research the destination, find out about local laws and customs, and visit their GP before they travel to avoid common holiday pitfalls.”

The dedicated web pages (and information card) are available at www.fco.gov.uk/travel, where supporters will also find available an exclusive reduced-cost Cricket World Cup SIM card enabling mobile users to receive free calls and make outgoing calls at local rates throughout the region.  The website also hosts a competition to win one of 800 ZapTag USB memory sticks – a great way for the traveller to make a secure record of all their important information like passport details or insurance contacts. 

The FCO is advising that all Cricket World Cup travellers:
• Pad up with adequate travel insurance - check that your policy covers everything, including evacuation to the UK or US in an emergency.  Ensure that you are covered for all activities you plan to undertake
• Polish up your passports & visas - passports should be in good condition, hold necessary visas, contain next-of-kin info and be valid for at least six months
• Research your destination - read up on local rules and customs in a good guidebook or at www.fco.gov.uk/travel
• Stay up-to-date - for up-to-date travel advice on the Caribbean islands, call 0845 850 28 29 or visit www.fco.gov.uk/travel
• Vaccinations - check what vaccinations you need with your GP at least six weeks before you go.  For more information visit www.dh.gov.uk/travellers  
• Record important information - make copies of key information including insurance details, 24 hours emergency numbers and passport details.  Keep a copy with you and leave a copy with a reliable person back at home
• Avoid illicit drugs and excess alcohol - there are severe penalties, including custodial sentences for all drug offences in the Caribbean
• Watch your money - crowded events always involve a risk of pick-pocketing. And never trade currency with strangers
• Payment options - the national currency is the preferred currency, but US Dollars are acceptable everywhere and credit/debit/ATM cards and Travelers Cheques will make good alternatives
• When possible use public transport - or park & ride to get to games.  Heavy traffic, limited parking and security checks could slow entry to venues
• Keep off the playing area - follow any instructions given by police or stadium officials