Travel Aware

At Edwin Doran, we make our groups’ health and safety our number one priority and fully support the Travel Aware campaign, which provides Group Leaders and their students with information and additional guidance while abroad.

Before you travel

Our school, university, club and military groups’ health and safety are our number one priority. As such, we support the Travel Aware campaign, which provides Group Leaders and their students with information and additional guidance while abroad.

Follow this guidance from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) to ensure your trip runs smoothly.

Guidance from the Foreign Office

Essentials

Travel insurance: Take out travel insurance and arrange comprehensive cover for all planned activities.
GHIC card (for EU travel): Apply for a free UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) and understand what it covers (this does not replace travel insurance).
Passport and visas: Check passport validity, complete emergency contact details, and ensure any required visas are in place.
Money: Take sufficient funds and have access to emergency money.

Important documents

Make copies of passports, insurance and key documents; store them securely (digital and/or physical).
Keep documents safe while travelling.

Health and safety

Vaccinations: Check medical requirements and visit a travel clinic if needed – see TravelHealthPro.
Local guidance: Review laws, customs and entry requirements for your destination via FCDO foreign travel advice.
Emergency contacts: Share your itinerary with colleagues or family and leave emergency details.
Consular support: Keep details of the nearest British embassy or consulate – find them on UK embassies worldwide.
Know support limits: Understand what help is available from consular staff via support for British nationals abroad.

Travel with peace of mind

EU Entry/Exit System (EES)

On 12th October 2025, the European Union introduced a new digital border system that changed requirements for British citizens travelling to the Schengen area.

If you are travelling to a country in the Schengen area for a short stay using a UK passport, you will be required to register your biometric details, such as fingerprints and a photo, when you arrive. You do not need to take any action before you arrive at the border, and there is no cost for EES registration.
After it is fully implemented, EES registration will replace the current system of manually stamping passports when visitors arrive in the EU. 
EES may take each passenger a few extra minutes to complete, so be prepared to wait longer than usual at the border once the system starts.

You can find out more about the EU Entry/Exit System on the Government’s website.

Wooden blocks spelling ESTA placed over passport and laptop

Applying for an ESTA

For information about applying for an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorisation) for travel to and via the United States, please check the following: