Protect Yourself Away From Home

Protect yourself when you are travelling, working or at events

Last Updated 15 April 2024

As a high-risk individual, it is important to consider the risks associated with being out and about, particularly when you are away from your home and workplace. This can apply when you are travelling in the UK or overseas, or simply out in your local neighbourhood.

When away from home examples such as working away, travelling in the UK, booking travel, travelling abroad and travel to work

Travel planning principles

It is important to understand the risks that you face when travelling, and plan ahead to travel safely and securely. The following principles will help you to plan for being out and about in your daily life, and for travelling in the UK and abroad.

Wherever you are going, research your journey and develop a travel plan. Consider the risks and the mode of transport.

At least one other person should know where you are when you are away from home. Share your itinerary. Stay in touch.

Only take the devices you need. Avoid public Wi-Fi. Turn off Bluetooth. Don’t leave your items unattended.

Keep items secure and travel light. Don’t trust local security arrangements. Use secure payment methods.

Understand your journey. Limit waiting time. Use reputable carriers. Vary your route and departure/arrival time.

 Avoid foreign travel if you are subjected to sanctions or under a direct threat. If the risk is too high, change your plans.

Don’t be complacent. Remain aware and vigilant. Avoid waiting in isolated areas. Watch out for unusual behaviour.

Monitor the news, travel reports and the weather. Consider alternative routes. Be ready for a transport failure.

Foreign travel

If you have been subjected to sanctions or similar controls from another country, careful consideration should be given to foreign travel for both you and your family. If you are subject to a credible physical threat, the ability of you and your family to travel freely may be impacted and additional guidance should be sought.

Further guidance

Detailed guidance is available from each of the following websites in relation to a range of travel safety and security issues:

ProtectUK logo
The Blue Book

Guidance for implementing a personal security plan

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) website contains foreign travel advice  and a foreign travel checklist as well as their Travel Aware campaign.

NPSA's Smart Traveller advice is available on request from NPSA.

The Suzy Lamplugh Trust have also published transport safety advice. 

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