Precautions for International Travel
Here are some things to watch out for when traveling abroad to protect your health:
- Vaccination: Check in advance what vaccinations are required for the country you are visiting, and complete them at least 2 months in advance.
- Prepare medicine: Prepare enough medicines that you personally need, and bring prescriptions with you.
- Food and water: Avoid street food, and cook food as much as possible. Buy bottled water or boil it.
- Wash your hands and wear a mask: Wash your hands frequently and wear a mask in indoor spaces where there are many people.
- Travel insurance: It is recommended to sign up for travel insurance before departure1.
- Adjust for time difference: Adjust your sleep and meal schedule to the local time, and avoid caffeine and alcohol.
Diseases and prevention methods to watch out for by major country
- Southeast Asia
Diseases: Dengue fever, malaria, hepatitis A
Prevention methods: Use mosquito repellent, use mosquito nets, vaccination, consume clean water and food - Africa
Diseases: Yellow fever, malaria, cholera
Prevention methods: Vaccination, use mosquito repellent, consume clean water and food, avoid contact with animals - South America
Diseases: Yellow fever, Zika virus, dengue fever
Prevention methods: Vaccination, use mosquito repellent, use mosquito nets, consume clean water and food - Middle East
Diseases: MERS, hepatitis A, typhoid fever
Prevention methods: Vaccination, wash your hands, consume clean water and food, avoid contact with animals - Europe
Diseases: Measles, mumps, influenza
Prevention methods: Vaccination, wash your hands, avoid crowded places - North America
Diseases: Influenza, Lyme disease, measles
Prevention methods: Vaccination, use mosquito and tick repellent, wash your hands Washing - Oceania
Diseases: Dengue fever, measles, flu
Prevention: Vaccination, use of mosquito repellent, hand washing
For more information, visit the Disease Control and Prevention Agency or Overseas Infectious Disease NOW. We hope you have a safe and healthy trip.
Are there any foods to watch out for while traveling?
The foods to watch out for while traveling may vary depending on the country and region you are visiting. Here are some general precautions:
- Street food: Street food is a great way to experience local culture, but hygiene can be uncertain. Choose food prepared in a clean environment.
- Bottled water: Always drink bottled water, and make sure the bottle is sealed. It is also a good idea to check if the ice is made from bottled water.
- Raw food: Avoid raw fish, meat, and seafood. In particular, foods such as sashimi and sushi are important for freshness, so eat them only from trusted sources.
- Dairy products: Dairy products are perishable, so be careful, especially in hot regions. Check the expiration date and storage conditions.
- Fruits and vegetables: Fruits and vegetables that have not been peeled may not have been washed properly, so it is safe to eat them after peeling them.
Are there any other safety tips besides food to be careful of while traveling?
Passport and important documents: Make copies of important documents such as passports, visas, and airline tickets and keep them separately. Keep the originals in the hotel safe and carry copies with you.
- Travel insurance: Get travel insurance to prepare for illness, accidents, and loss. When purchasing insurance, carefully check the coverage and conditions.
- Get local information: Get to know the security, medical system, culture, and customs of your destination in advance. Also get to know the contact information of the local embassy in advance.
- Manage valuables: Keep valuables scattered and use a safety wallet that fits snugly on your body.
- Traffic safety: Obey traffic signals and wear your seat belt. Be especially careful when driving on busy roads or at night.
- Prepare for emergencies: Get information such as the contact information of the local embassy in advance in case of an emergency.
- Communicate with locals: Enjoy communicating with locals and get useful information.
Friendly locals can provide useful information about your trip. Have a safe and enjoyable trip!
FAQ
What vaccinations are required for overseas travel?
It depends on the country you are visiting, but generally, vaccinations for yellow fever, hepatitis A, and malaria may be required. Complete your vaccinations at least 2 months before departure.
What medicines should I prepare for overseas travel?
Prepare enough of your own necessary medicines and bring your prescriptions with you. It is also recommended to prepare a basic first aid kit.
How do I choose safe food when traveling overseas?
Avoid street food, and eat food cooked as much as possible. Drink bottled water, and avoid raw food.
What diseases should I be careful of when traveling overseas?
It depends on the country you are visiting, but there is dengue fever in Southeast Asia, yellow fever in Africa, and Zika virus in South America.
Why do I need travel insurance?
It is recommended that you sign up for travel insurance to prepare for diseases, accidents, and loss that may occur during your trip. Check the coverage and conditions carefully.
How should I store my passport and important documents?
Make copies of important documents such as passports, visas, and airline tickets and keep the originals in the hotel safe.
How do I safely use local transportation?
Obey traffic signals and wear your seat belt. Be especially careful when driving on busy roads or at night.
How do I keep my valuables safe while traveling?
Keep your valuables scattered and use a safety wallet that fits snugly on your body.
How do I prepare for emergencies while traveling?
Know information such as the contact information of the local embassy in advance in case of an emergency.
How do I communicate with local people while traveling?
Enjoy communicating with local people and get useful information. Friendly locals can provide useful information about your trip.
