International travel poses various risks to health and safety, depending on the traveller’s experience, the health of the traveller and the location of travel. STFC staff may encounter sudden and significant changes in altitude, humidity, temperature and exposure to a variety of infectious diseases, which may result in ill health and sickness.

This document aims to give those STFC staff travelling overseas guidance in areas that need to be considered if they need to complete an Overseas Travel Risk Assessment. Not all the hazards identified is this document will be applicable to all countries so careful consideration of the ‘reasonable and foreseeable risks’ should be made when completing the risk assessment. This document makes no assumptions of the travel experience of those undertaking trips.

Driving on Council business, and driving overseas, is one of the most significant hazards faced by STFC staff. Consider whether you need to drive or can use public transport or employ taxis if at all possible.

There are a number of topics that should be considered:

1. Flig​hts
   
2. Driving and travel in a foreign country
   
3. Environmental: Climate and Geology​
   
4. Security​
   
5. Food and​ Drink​
   
6. Healt​h
   
7. Animals, Insects and Parasites​
   

All individuals planning travel should seek competent advice on the potential hazards for their chosen destination(s) and understand how best to protect their health and safety. The most helpful and practical source of such advice is most likely to be your host(s) in the places being visited. General travel advice can also be gained, by country, from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) website, International SOS websites and International SOS Risk M​aps.

Insurance and Medical Arrangements.​

Employees planning overseas travel should consult the harmonised RC Travel policy for short visits overseas CEM 16 (Sections 16 to 18) for the current arrangements regarding Insurance and Medical Arrangements.

Each of the sections above ​will give a guide to possible hazards and actions to be taken to prevent or minimise the realisation of the risks involved. This is by no means an exhaustive list but should help those undertaking overseas travel to consider a number of potential hazards.