There are so many things to organise when you go on an overseas holiday, but nothing’s more important than ensuring your passport, visa and health requirements are all sorted out.

Start planning early so you’ve got plenty of time to organise the following:

Passports
All Australian citizens booking a holiday with Encompass Africa require a passport. It will need to be valid for at least six months from the date you return home. You’ll also need two blank pages for each of the countries you’ll be visiting.

If you’re not an Australian citizen, other regulations may apply – we encourage you to check with the nearest embassy of the country or countries you intend to visit. Please note that for certain trips, Encompass Africa will need your passport details before we can accept your booking. And if you have to renew your passport after you’ve booked with us, it’s important that you provide us with the new details as soon as you have them.

Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary from country to country and also depend on which passport you hold – you are responsible for securing any visas for your travels with Encompass Africa. We’ve listed information about visa requirements here, but please note this could change without notice so it’s vital you check with the nearest embassy of the country or countries you intend to visit. We’re always here to help if you have any questions while completing visa forms.

Vaccinations and other prescriptions
We recommend you visit your GP or a specialist travel doctor at least two months prior to departure. This will allow time for any necessary vaccinations and medication. Please be aware, if you’re visiting Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda or Ethiopia a yellow fever vaccination is compulsory.

Your doctor may also recommend other vaccinations, depending on where you’re travelling (please remember to take your itinerary with you), but these will be at your discretion. Keep in mind that some vaccinations and tablets take time to become effective, so it’s vital that you follow instructions. Yellow fever injections, for example, need to be administered a minimum of 10 days prior to entering any country that requires this vaccination.

Please note, you are responsible for obtaining appropriate vaccinations and taking all precautions appropriate for the countries to which you’ll travelling. If you fail to do so, Encompass Africa cannot be liable in the event of any illness or injury or if your travel or entry is refused. Be sure to also carry a supply of any regular medication, along with a copy of the script from your doctor for any prescription medicine. And keep all medication in your carry-on baggage, just in case!

Other health considerations
Your health and safety are paramount to Encompass Africa and we’ll ask questions to ensure we understand your abilities and any medical conditions that might affect your itinerary. In an ideal world you’ll be in reasonably good health and in a position to participate in activities without assistance.

Should you need assistance with activities, it’s important you let us know well in advance so we can make necessary arrangements. If you have any existing medical conditions or any food allergies, you’ll need to advise us no later than 60 days prior to departure from Australia. It’s a great idea to carry a basic medical kit on any overseas trip – you can pick up most items from your local chemist, but just be sure to check that they’re all okay to take onboard and into the countries you’ll be visiting.