Preparing to Travel

Your Medication Checklist:

• Check expiry dates on your or your child’s adrenaline auto-injectors and any other medication before you travel. Give yourself plenty of time to get a new prescription if your medication is due to become out of date whilst you are away.
• If you have been prescribed an adrenaline auto-injector, practice regularly with a trainer device so you are confident in how to use it. Train family and friends how to use it as well.
• Register for the Expiry Alert Service for your adrenaline auto-injector devices to receive reminders by text or email when your device is about to expire.
• If a doctor’s letter is required, ensure this letter confirms your food allergy and indicating your need to carry your medication (adrenaline auto-injector) and food/drinks with you.
• Carry at least two adrenaline auto-injectors when travelling. Depending on the length of your travels you may require more than two devices.

The Country Checklist:

• Check the food labelling laws in the country you are visiting. Labelling laws will vary around the world. Labelling laws across the EU are consistent. Australia, New Zealand and the USA have their own food labelling regulations. You can find out more information on International food allergen labelling regulations here.
• Find out where the nearest hospital is and how to contact the emergency services in the country you are visiting.
• Contact the Embassy and/or Tourist Office of the country you’re visiting to see if they can offer any information or advice.
• Fill in your medical ID on your mobile phone which can usually be found on the lock screen on the emergency call screen. You can tap in a contact number and the details of your allergies, reactions and medication. If you are travelling abroad, you could write this information in the local language (as well as in English).

Miscellaneous Checklist:

• Organise travel insurance. Click here for travel insurance options for those travelling with allergies.
• Organise translation cards in the language/s for the country/countries you are visiting. Write down a list of translations of what you are allergic to and how to ask anyone about it.
• Make sure you wear a MedicAlert at all times. Their 24/7 emergency helpline is available worldwide, in over 100 languages and dialects. Save £10 with code ANA10.
• Be aware that some sun-creams contain peanut oil, also known as arachis oil.
• And don’t forget your passport!

 

Click here to download a printable copy of this information.

For more information or support please contact our helpline by calling 01252 542029 or emailing info@anaphylaxis.org.uk

Please find more information on travelling on the Food Allergy Research and Education website by clicking here.

Some of the countries represented by the International Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Alliance (IFAAA) have provided helpful travel tip sheets here.