General and useful information before you travel

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 A. Before departure:

1. Check if you have valid documents in the destination country such as passport, insurance, health and bank cards.

2. Purchase the ticket in time and ensure the necessary conditions and means for the trip. Make sure you have sufficient financial means to stay in the destination country and to return to yours.

3. Check 

 A. Before departure:

1. Check if you have valid documents in the destination country such as passport, insurance, health and bank cards.

2. Purchase the ticket in time and ensure the necessary conditions and means for the trip. Make sure you have sufficient financial means to stay in the destination country and to return to yours.

3. Check with your travel agent or at the Embassies and Consulates if you need a visa to enter the destination country. If so, do not leave without obtaining a visa.

4. A trip is always made at the traveller’s own risk, and the responsibility for all expenses derived from an unexpected hospitalization, transfer of injured, or the repatriation of corpses are borne by the user.

5. If you are a citizen of a European Union country, it is suggested that you travel with your European Health Insurance Card.

6. Inquire in advance of the need for special health care (e.g. vaccinations or special precautions).

7. Take out travel insurance that includes, preferably, medical assistance, theft, theft and repatriation expenses. Confirm and verify contractual conditions and the most important data such as age, territorial limits, notification of complaints and expiration dates.

8. Whenever possible, inform a family member or friend of the date of departure and the expected time of arrival, which country or countries of destination, addresses, telephone numbers and contacts.

9. If you are going to travel to countries with precarious security conditions, obtain as much information as possible before departure and inform the Embassy(s) and/or Consulate(s) of your country, the countries you intend to visit, the start date of the trip, the places where you will stay and the respective telephone contacts.

Extracted from the website (https://portaldascomunidades.mne.gov.pt/pt/vai-viajar/conselhos-aos-viajantes) with the necessary adaptations

B. On arrival at the destination:

1. To avoid possible loss of your documentation, it is advisable to place the originals and the travel tickets in the hotel safes. In most countries, it is sufficient to show a photocopy of the documents, authenticated with the hotel's oil stamp.

2. Regardless of the destination country, you should avoid di

B. On arrival at the destination:

1. To avoid possible loss of your documentation, it is advisable to place the originals and the travel tickets in the hotel safes. In most countries, it is sufficient to show a photocopy of the documents, authenticated with the hotel's oil stamp.

2. Regardless of the destination country, you should avoid displaying jewellery and valuables. Petty theft is a constant and all precaution is recommended.

3. Avoid frequenting poorly lit streets at night and do not resist if you are the target of a violent robbery attempt.

4. Do not carry suitcases, packages or any objects that do not belong to you and keep your luggage under surveillance.

5. Do not drive other people's vehicles across borders.

6. Refuse and avoid any type of contact, manipulation or consumption of drugs. Depending on the law of each country, you may face heavy fines, long prison sentences in difficult conditions, or even the death penalty.

7. In Muslim and Eastern countries, the travellers will encounter cultures very different from the Western one and must observe local regulations regarding dress and forms of behaviour. The use of drugs and alcohol is generally punishable by heavy prison sentences.

8. Always keep in mind that your attitudes may benefit or harm your image and that of your country.

Extracted from the website (https://portaldascomunidades.mne.gov.pt/pt/vai-viajar/conselhos-aos-viajantes) with the necessary adaptations

) with the necessary adaptations