Here’s a list of the things you’ll need to organise before your trip to the UK.
Passport - Make sure your current passport has plenty of time left. Some countries will not admit you if your passport is within six months of expiring. If you are eligible for a British or European Union passport, then apply for it. Getting to the UK and staying here will be a lot easier. Don't wait until you're near your leaving date to organise this. It may take months.
Visa - the earlier you apply the better.
Travel Health – If you’re planning to travel a bit on the way over or you thinking of going off to exotic places once you are in the UK talk to a travel health specialist who can arrange the right vaccinations, medications, advise you on first-aid kits and offer advice on any particular special needs you may have.
Airline tickets - unless you like boats you'll be flying to the UK. Advice about whether to get a round the world, return or one way ticket is all valuable, but it boils down to what you want to do and how flexible you can afford to be. It's your decision, but remember, having an onward ticket can make immigration a little easier to deal with.
Travel insurance - This is an interesting one. Luggage insurance is important, If you are planning on going straight to the UK, then look into only insuring yourself for the flight over, because you'll be covered on the National Health Service when you get here. In the UK, travel insurance is very accessible and pretty cheap. Once you’ve arrived in the UK it may be an idea to have your luggage and possessions insured until you’ve found your feet.
Access to your finances – Get yourself a UK bank account as soon as you can. If you’d like to know how to do this while you’re still in Australia or New Zealand, just ask and we’ll tell you! In the meantime, the easiest way to access money from home, providing you have some in your account that is, is to use your bankcard in one of the many ATMs you’ll find in the UK and just about every other country too.
E-mail address that you can access from anywhere - Much cheaper then using the telephone to keep in touch with people back home and very handy for keeping contact with people you meet on the way. Sign up with Yahoo, Hotmail etc because once you leave your job, you won’t be able to access your work e-mail any more.
Document Copies – before you leave home scan your passport, tickets, travel insurance details, travellers cheque numbers, drivers licence and any other important documents on to our computer and email to yourself and you will be able to get copies of them at any time.
Organise Optical/ Medication prescriptions – when you go to a pharmacist in the UK you pay a set price per item on prescriptions (£6.50) whatever the cost of the medication. If you require regular medication, talk to your GP about getting long-term prescriptions. If you wear glasses or contacts make sure you know your prescription so any necessary replacements can be made easily and quickly.
Dental and Health check - Make sure you are in generally good health. GP’s are free, however there is a charge to see a dentist.
Power of Attorney - Not a bad idea to arrange this for someone back home so that all your affairs can be dealt with in your absence. A lawyer, a small fee and a few hours are all it takes.
UK contacts - Obtain the contact details for long-lost relatives, always handy in case of a real emergency.