Alert level guide
A guide to our traffic-light alert system, which highlights current health issues that UK travellers should be aware of
NaTHNaC's alert feature is designed to highlight any current health issues United Kingdom (UK) residents travelling abroad need to be aware of and is linked to outbreaks or news items on our website. They do not replace Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) travel advice. Travellers should still check the FCDO travel advisories for any country-specific security or safety alerts.
Key to NaTHNaC alert level feature
LEVEL 1: GREEN |
Take usual precautions
|
Follow standard protective measures, as recommended for this destination, disease or situation. Be aware that advice may change and check for updates. |
|
LEVEL 2: AMBER |
Take extra precautions
|
Follow any additional precautions recommended. Be alert and check regularly for changes in advice about this ongoing situation. Advice may be relevant for all travellers or apply to a specific group of travellers. |
|
LEVEL 3: RED |
FCDO advise against travel
|
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) advise against travel on health grounds. This may mean avoiding non-essential travel, or all travel, follow the FCDO advice for details. Please note we do not report on FCDO safety and security alerts. Travellers should check the FCDO travel advisories for their destination for this information. |
|
This feature categorises risk levels for disease outbreaks, special events, mass gatherings and natural disasters worldwide. This will help travellers make informed decisions about any planned travel, and enables health professionals to appropriately advise travellers and recommend realistic risk reduction strategies.
Alert categories are based on the situation at the time of publication. They will not be routinely updated unless outbreak information or a news item is updated.
Destination-specific health advice is available from our Country Information pages.
Resources
Explore more
'Getting to Grips...' online events and video guides
Online guides and webinar sessions for health professionals interested in travel health
Updated: 16 September 2026The green book travel chapters
UK Health Security Agency Immunisation against infectious disease, the 'green book' travel chapter updates
Updated: 11 September 2026Vaccines and medicines: availability, supply, shortages and use of unlicensed medicines
Information for health professionals on availability of vaccines and use of unlicensed products
Updated: 14 September 2026Infectious diseases
Dengue
Dengue is an infection caused by the dengue virus of which there are four different subtypes. The disease is transmitted by mosquitoes
Updated: 16 September 2026Viral haemorrhagic fever
Viral haemorrhagic fevers (VHFs), with the exception of dengue, are very rare in UK travellers. They can cause a range of symptoms from a relatively mild illness to severe, life-threatening disease
Updated: 24 August 2026Chikungunya
This viral infection occurs in some tropical and subtropical regions of the world, predominantly transmitted through the bite of an infected Aedes mosquito
Updated: 12 May 2026Preparing for healthy travel
Sun protection
Enjoy the sun safely - limit your sun exposure, protect your skin and eyes to avoid damage from the sun's ultra violet rays
Updated: 18 August 2026Medicines and travel
Carrying medication abroad and advice regarding falsified medication
Updated: 24 October 2025Special risk travel/traveller
Travelling with additional needs and/or disability
This factsheet provides an overview and advice on the points to consider when travelling with additional needs and/or disability
Updated: 12 September 2025Areas of humanitarian crisis
For humanitarian aid workers and those advising those travelling to areas of conflict or disaster
Updated: 07 April 2025Clinic resources
'Getting to Grips...' online events and video guides
Online guides and webinar sessions for health professionals interested in travel health
Updated: 16 September 2026Vaccines and medicines: availability, supply, shortages and use of unlicensed medicines
Information for health professionals on availability of vaccines and use of unlicensed products
Updated: 14 September 2026The green book travel chapters
UK Health Security Agency Immunisation against infectious disease, the 'green book' travel chapter updates
Updated: 11 September 2026
