Information on Safe Migration
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assisting in the realization of civil and social rights
Travel tips: how to prepare for a trip to an unfamiliar country
20.12.2024
To ensure that your trip to a new country is not only enjoyable and full of new impressions but also safe, it's worth preparing well for your stay in the new country. We have prepared several recommendations to help you avoid difficulties when traveling abroad.
Study information about the country
1) Familiarize yourself with local laws, traditions, and rules of conduct.
For example, people traveling to Belarus for tourism or transit often do not realize how strict the legislation is in the RB regarding narcotic substances. Therefore, there have been cases where people were detained at the border due to tea containing marijuana. Even if it was legally purchased in another country, the importation of drugs is prohibited in Belarus. Similarly, what seems familiar to us may be illegal in other countries. For example, poppy seeds and any food products containing poppy seeds are prohibited in Singapore, so even if you are carrying an ordinary poppy seed bun, you risk getting into a very unpleasant situation. That's why it's important to find out as much as possible about the country before you go.
2) Make sure you know the political and epidemiological situation in the country. Visit the Foreign Ministry website, where current warnings and recommendations for tourists are usually published.
3) Check the crime rate and common fraudulent schemes in this country. Even in European countries, there are cities with high crime rates, so when going to such places, make sure you don't keep all your money in one place. It's better to put your documents and phone in a waist bag and wear it in front.
Find out about the level of medicine in the country and the availability of medications you are used to
There are countries that require having health insurance upon entry, and there are those that do not impose such a requirement. Often, medical care for tourists is provided on a paid basis, so even if it is not mandatory, it is better to have health insurance valid in the country you are going to. It is better to find out in advance how basic things work in the country: whether you can call an ambulance for free, buy fever reducers without a prescription, and what the emergency services numbers are in the country.
For example, in China, it is not the person in need of help who pays for the ambulance, but the person who called for it. Therefore, do not expect that if you suddenly feel very ill on the street, an ambulance will be called for you right away as a foreigner. Carry essential medications with you, especially if you have chronic conditions.
Make copies of documents
1) Prepare copies of your passport, insurance, tickets, and bookings. Keep them separate from the originals.
2) Make electronic copies of documents (on email or cloud storage) so that you have access to them in case of loss.
3) Never give original documents to strangers, except for official persons (police, customs).
Inform your family about your plans
1) Inform your loved ones about your travel itinerary, hotel addresses, and contact information.
2) Agree on regular communication (for example, once a day or several times a week).
3) Write down or remember our hotline number: +375(162)218888, for calls from abroad — payment according to international rates. We will help you if you have questions about entering and staying abroad, working abroad. Our hotline also helps people affected by human trafficking.
Transportation and movement
1) Use official taxis or ride-hailing apps (Uber, Bolt, etc.). Avoid illegal taxi drivers.
2) Do not accept rides from strangers offering free transportation.
3) Be careful when asking for help. Avoid overly "friendly" locals who want to take you somewhere or offer you work. Such schemes are used by people involved in recruitment for labor or sexual slavery.
What to do in case of an emergency?
1. Contact the embassy or consulate of your country. For example, they can help you contact your family in your home country if you are in a foreign country and find yourself in an emergency situation (natural disaster, terrorist attack).
2. Report the incident to the local police.
3. If you lose your passport, go to the police. There you can get a report of the lost passport. With this report, you will need to go to the consulate or embassy of your country. There they will issue you a re-entry permit, which will allow you to return home.
If you or someone you know has become a victim of human trafficking, call the hotline:
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