Travellers

A big rise in infections has been detected in a report published today

Health officials have issued an alert of a ‘high risk’ of being infected with a potentially lethal virus at one of the world’s most beautiful holiday destinations. In an alert issued today (Friday March 13) the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control said gthere has been a huge surge in cases in people returning from this hotspot.

It said that since November 2025, more than 110 travel-related cases of chikungunya virus disease have been reported by 13 EU/EEA countries among travellers returning from Seychelles. In a report today it said: “This represents a marked increase compared with

the earlier months of 2025, and no cases have been reported in preceding years. The emergence of chikungunya virus disease in the Seychelles aligns with a broader regional spread throughout the Indian Ocean. Notably, Réunion (France) experienced a major outbreak in 2025.

“According to local health authorities, chikungunya virus has become more prevalent in the Seychelles compared with other circulating arboviruses.”

Approximately 20,000 to 30,000 people from the UK travel to the Seychelles annually, with 19,870 visitors recorded in 2023. The beaches of the Seychelles have been described as being the most beautiful in the world.

The Republic of Seychelles, to give the official name, is an archipelago consisting of 115 separate islands most of which are uninhabited. The islands are set in the western part of the Indian Ocean at a distance of between 480 and 1600 km from the east coast of Africa and to the north of Madagascar. At a latitude of 4 to 10 degrees south of the equator, they form what has been described as a tropical island paradise.

The ECDC report said: “The current likelihood of chikungunya virus infection for travellers to the Seychelles is high. Given that the peak travel period to the Seychelles occurs between February and April, it is important to strengthen communication to travellers and travel medicine clinics regarding the ongoing outbreak and the need for reinforced preventive measures.

“Vaccination of travellers may be considered, based on national recommendations. The likelihood of onward transmission of chikungunya virus in mainland Europe following introduction by a viraemic traveller is currently considered low, as environmental conditions are not favourable for Aedes mosquito activity at this time of year.”

The UK Health Security Agency said: ”In 2024, there were 112 confirmed and probable cases of chikungunya reported among travellers returning to England, Wales and Northern Ireland – nearly one and a half times the number reported in 2023. Travel to India accounted for the majority of these cases, followed by travel to Pakistan and Brazil – all popular destinations for people travelling from the UK.”

It explained Chikungunya spreads through the bite of infected Aedes mosquitoes, particularly Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus species. Mosquitoes breed in natural and human-made sources of standing and stagnant water such blocked gutters and drains, litter, tarpaulins, open buckets, bins, plant pots and discarded items like tyres, and these are a risk factor for transmission if left around human habitation. Unlike malaria-carrying mosquitoes that are active at night, these insects are most active during the day, and particularly at dusk and dawn. This timing makes them troublesome for travellers engaged in daytime activities.

The UKHSA said: “The first symptoms of the disease are usually a high fever and severe joint pain, often more severe in the small joints or where there have been previous injuries. Many patients also experience muscle pain, headaches, sensitivity to light, and distinctive skin rashes. While most people recover fully within 1 to 2 weeks, the joint pain can persist for months or even years in some cases, with up to 12% of patients still experiencing discomfort 3 years after infection.

Serious complications are rare, occurring in approximately one in every 1,000 cases. However, certain groups face higher risks, including young babies, elderly people, and adults with underlying health conditions. Occasional complications affecting the eyes, nervous system, heart, and digestive system have been reported.”

For more information from the UKHSA click here.

Currently anyone found with five types of food – even bought in duty free – will have the seized, destroys and face £5,000 fines

A government minister has given an update on a ban on anyone bringing food into the UK on aircraft. Since last April passengers face being stopped at the UK border and having items confiscated and could face fines of £5,000.

The ban is in place because of a food and mouth outbreak in Europe. The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) banned items like sandwiches, cheese, cured meats, raw meats or milk into Great Britain.

Travellers are not allowed to bring cattle, sheep, goat, and pig meat, as well as dairy products, from EU countries into Great Britain for personal use, to protect the health of British livestock, the security of farmers, and the UK’s food security.

And yesterday the government issued an alert about a new outbreak in UK holiday hotspot Cyprus, meaning more restrictions have been brought in on commercial imports.

UK Chief Veterinary Officer Dr Christine Middlemiss said: “Foot and Mouth disease has now been confirmed in Cyprus, we remain in contact with our European counterparts to understand the latest situation.

“Robust plans are already in place to minimise the risk of disease incursion to support Britain’s farming community and food security.”

Those found with these items will need to either surrender them at the border or will have them seized and destroyed. In serious cases, those found with these items run the risk of incurring fines of up to £5,000 in England.

In a new parliamentary written question Labour MP Ben Goldsborough asked if enough was being done to inform the public and asked the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Emma Reynolds “If she will make an assessment of the potential merits of funding public awareness campaigns, including advertisements at airports and ports, on (a) foot and mouth disease and (b) African swine fever.”

DEFRA minister Dame Angela Eagle said extensive efforts have been made recently to highlight the ban: “ Biosecurity is a priority for this Government. To protect UK farmers and animals from serious diseases like Foot and Mouth Disease and African Swine Fever, we used the Christmas period as an opportunity to remind the public about the personal imports ban on travellers from the EU and EEA countries bringing dairy and meat products to GB, that came into force last year.

“This included promoting awareness of the rules to the travelling public and extending our reach through partnership channels across Government and with industry. Our insights survey results indicate that over 90% of respondents are aware that they should not bring back meat and dairy products from these countries.

“Any decisions on funding paid campaigns will be made based on the current threat level, evidence of effectiveness and available resources, ensuring maximum impact in protecting UK biosecurity.”

Restrictions on meat, dairy and animal products for human consumption

You cannot bring in any of the following:

• cheese, milk and dairy products like butter and yoghurt
• pork
• beef
• lamb
• mutton
• goat
• venison
• other products made from these meats, for example sausages

You can bring the following into Great Britain from any country without any restrictions:

• bread, but not sandwiches filled with meat or dairy products
• cakes without fresh cream
• biscuits
• chocolate and confectionery, but not those made with a lot of unprocessed dairy ingredients
• pasta and noodles, but not if mixed or filled with meat or meat products
• packaged soup, stocks and flavourings
• processed and packaged plant products, such as packaged salads and frozen plant material
• food supplements containing small amounts of an animal product, such as fish oil capsules

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When it comes to travelling on a long-haul flight, many people turn to comfort items such as neck pillows, blankets and eye masks, but one frequent flyer says most are making a major mistake

Before setting off on a long-haul flights, most travellers know to wear comfortable clothes to make their journey more easy and relaxing. Beyond this, many passengers also bring along comfort items like neck pillows, blankets and eye masks.

Yet, according to traveller @epthelatino, countless people are making a same mistake with their neck pillows when it comes to flights – and it’s costing them precious sleep. In his clip, he suggests that most long haul flight passengers position their neck pillows with the opening at the front, which fails to adequately support the neck when the head drops forward.

Instead, he says they should rotate it so the gap sits at the back, which he says enables you to rest your head in various positions whilst maintaining proper support.

Reacting to his clip, one viewer said: “I think the inventor should make a doughnut pillow instead.” Another viewer added: “You are doing it all wrong – try sideways.”

A third commented: “I wear my neck pillow sideways. It’s more comfortable… thank me later.” One more person said: “Ooooh! Okay. That’s why it’s called a neck pillow.”

Whilst another added: “I’ve used it this way – it’s way better than how it was meant to be used.”

Offering their perspective, the experts at Travel Sentry stated: “Once you have chosen the right pillow, it’s crucial to place it correctly for maximum comfort.

“Many people make the mistake of placing the pillow behind their head, which can cause their head to fall forward, leading to neck pain.

“Instead, place the pillow on your shoulder and lean your head towards it. This position will support your neck and keep your head from falling forward.”

They suggest that getting to grips with a neck pillow properly “takes practice”, noting: “Like any skill, mastering the art of travel pillow comfort takes practice.

“Don’t get discouraged if you don’t get it right on your first try. Keep experimenting with different positions and adjustments until you find what works best for you.

“With time, you will become a pro at using a travel pillow and enjoy a comfortable journey every time.”

However, if you’re still finding it difficult to settle in, travellers are advised to explore additional comfort aids.

They continued: “If you have trouble finding a comfortable position with just a travel pillow, you can use additional support.

“For example, use a blanket or scarf to support your lower back. Alternatively, place a small pillow or a rolled-up jacket under your knees to relieve pressure on your lower back.”

A travel expert who has visited over 60 countries has shared that an everyday item most people pack for their holidays is weighing them down

February is a dreary month, with never-ending grey skies, and many of us begin browsing holiday offers to find somewhere more appealing to visit in the summer. However, people often overlook how stressful packing can be, and there is nothing worse than lugging a heavy suitcase whilst rushing around to catch a flight or train.

Amanda Williams, a travel expert and founder of Dangerous Business, has visited over 60 countries, and the biggest mistake to make whilst travelling is packing too many pairs of jeans. She said: “You may have learned this the hard way already, but actual denim is HEAVY, bulky, and slow to dry if you have to wash it on the road. If you’re going to pack jeans on a trip, I recommend only taking one or two pairs max, along with some non-denim pants or bottoms.”

Jeans are a dependable everyday staple at home, which often makes them seem like a sensible choice for a holiday.

However, denim is a thick fabric that does not fold easily, so even a few pairs of jeans can take up a lot of space and add considerable weight to a suitcase.

They are also uncomfortable in warm weather or when sitting for extended periods, making them unsuitable for most summer destinations, reports the Express.

Most people only wear jeans once or twice whilst on holiday, and it will be more practical in the long run to pack just one pair if you are going somewhere warm. Instead, consider packing lightweight trousers that dry swiftly, such as chinos, shorts, dresses, skirts or even jeggings, as it will make lugging a suitcase considerably easier.

It’s also preferable to avoid packing a different outfit for every day, and instead select pieces that can be combined and coordinated to conserve space.

Amanda said: “My rule is usually four bottoms, five to seven tops, two layering pieces (like cardigans), and two to three dresses. Add in accessories like jewellery or maybe a scarf, and you can get a lot of outfits out of that amount of clothing!”

Only pack items you’re sure you’ll use, as travellers often squander space bringing things like hiking boots when they’ve made no firm plans to go mountain climbing.

Similarly, avoid packing gym clothes unless you regularly exercise at home, as you’re unlikely to feel inspired to work out whilst unwinding on holiday.

It may seem straightforward, but investing time to evaluate how practical each garment will be whilst travelling can save suitcase space and prevent exceeding luggage weight restrictions.

Visitors can either pay a single fee or pre-pay for multiple online or over the phone

London Heathrow has reminded travellers of a fee that must be paid when using a certain part of the airport. Failure to pay this could result in an £80 fine, reduced to £40 if paid within a fortnight.

On X, formerly Twitter, the London airport explained: “Terminal Drop-Off Charge applies to vehicles dropping off passengers on the terminal forecourts. Use short-stay parking for pick-up; free pick-up/drop-off remains available in Park & Ride car parks. No waiting/picking up is allowed in the drop-off area, and any unattended vehicles may be towed. Blue badge holders are eligible for a 100% discount.”

Drop-off zones are situated immediately outside each terminal, providing the most convenient and fastest option for dropping off passengers. Visitors can either pay for a single drop-off or pre-pay for multiple drop-offs online or over the phone.

Nonetheless, anyone who uses a drop-off zone must pay by midnight the next day. Further online guidance from Heathrow adds: “When you pay in advance, your prepayments last for 12 months. Any prepaid funds that remain unused 12 months from the date of purchase will expire.

“You cannot pay for drop-offs at an airport ticket machine or in the terminal drop-off zones. There are no barriers; you incur a charge when you enter the drop-off zone.”

Anyone with questions about the fee or who requires a refund should contact refunds.heathrowdropoff@apcoa.com, chat to an agent via webchat, or call customer services on 0333 200 7459.

London Heathrow’s two-bag policy

You might not realise that the capital’s airport also implements a ‘two-bag policy’ at security to prevent hold-ups. This rule means travellers are permitted to take just two items of hand baggage through the screening zone.

London Heathrow explains: “To avoid delays, Heathrow operates a two-bag policy at airport security. Only two items of hand baggage may be taken through security control, and they must be no larger than 56cm x 45cm x 25cm (22in x 18in x 10in).

“Items larger than this must be checked in as hold luggage – you can check your bag size using the gauges at check-in. Handbags and laptop bags count as a piece of hand baggage.”

Beyond this, it’s important to understand what items are suitable for your hand luggage. For instance, only specific electronic equipment is permitted on flights leaving from the UK.

While individual airlines may have varying requirements, the UK Government outlines nine essential items you’re able to include in both your hand luggage and hold luggage:

• Hairdryers
• Straighteners
• Travel iron
• Electric shaver
• Most cameras
• Mobile phones
• Laptops
• Tablet devices
• MP3 players

Those travelling with e-cigarettes are required to store them in hand luggage rather than checked bags. When going through security checks, electronic items should be positioned in a separate tray, allowing security staff to examine them and ensure no prohibited items are hidden.

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