What do I need to know before I travel?
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Information on how to stay safe and healthy abroad. About us.

Change to accessing travel health services in Scotland

01 Apr 2022

From 01 April 2022, the process to access free travel advice and vaccines in Scotland is changing:

  • fitfortravel will become the national entry point for accessing all NHS Scotland travel health services

What do I need to do if I’m travelling abroad from 01 April?

If you’re planning to travel abroad, first review the country page for your planned destination(s) to find information on:

  • advisable vaccines and malaria risks for that country
  • other measures you need to take to avoid health risks in that country

If you think you need vaccines, malaria advice and/or tablets, you should have a travel health risk assessment, ideally 6-8 weeks before you plan to travel.

  • if your trip is sooner, remember it is never too late to seek advice

A travel health risk assessment is advisable for some people, even when vaccines or malaria tablets are not required. This includes:

  • older people
  • those with a weakened immune system
  • those with long-term conditions that require medications
  • pregnant women
  • children

How do I make an appointment with a travel health professional?

You can make an appointment with a travel health professional, via your local health board.

Not sure which is your health board?

When you get in touch with your health board let them know your postcode. This can save you time by making sure you are contacting the right health board.

You can find more information in the before you travel page.