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Travel health

Travel health medicine is a rapidly growing area of nursing practice in the UK. Find out more about the skills and competencies nurses need to provide the best travel advice.

UK travellers may experience illnesses or have pre-existing medical conditions. Some will need specialised advice and support.  

Travel and tourism statistics are usually based on the results of the International Passenger Survey (IPS). Due to COVID-19, the IPS survey was briefly suspended in March 2020. As a result, data from 2021-2022 should be treated with caution as figures were based on administrative sources and modelling.  

Read the latest published figures for 2022 (released 2023). Statistics are published quarterly and subject to change. International travel is recovering slowly following COVID-19, but some countries continue to be affected by natural disasters and conflict.

International travel is recovering slowly following COVID-19, but some countries continue to be affected by natural disasters and conflict.

Travel health FCDO advice

The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) provides advice for travellers, including safety and security issues in individual countries. Visit the Government’s Travel Aware website for more information. 

The FCDO has an active Facebook Page and useful information on YouTube. Nurses should advise travellers to be aware of this advice and to consult the FCDO for the latest information before departure. 

Page last updated - 03/04/2024