What to do in the event of a travel emergency
Travel emergencies can happen unexpectedly while or even before you travel and while we can’t do anything to stop these situations, it’s important to take steps to ensure that you are well prepared.
We’ve included a list of things you can do before, during and after your trip to help cope with stressful incidents that may occur.
Before you go
1. eRegister with The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA)
Many of us often forget to eRegister with the MFA before we head off on a trip. E-registrants will not only receive information on how to contract the nearest overseas mission, it also allows the MFA to easily contact Singaporean travellers during a travel emergency, especially when urgent assistance is required.
To e-register, simply follow these steps:
- Download the MFA@SG app or head to the MFA website
- Prepare your personal particulars (and those travelling with you), travel itinerary including accommodation plans, contact information, duration of stay in the cities you are visiting and your emergency contact in Singapore
2. Download essential travel apps
Some travel apps that can be useful to have while on the trip include:
- Google Translate – Intimes of an emergency, you may face local language barriers and it would be best to have a translation app handy.
- Channel News Asia – Staying tuned to the local news can help you stay updated about what is happening around the world and for you to better prepare yourself. You can also check out the MFA’s travel advisories before you head on your trips.
- Weather – Do your research on the best times to visit the city, avoiding months that are typhoon season etc.
3. Purchase sufficient travel insurance
- Be sure to pre-book your travel insurance before heading off for a trip.
In unforeseen circumstances like a delayed or cancelled flight, and lost or damaged items, it is best to call your insurance provider to check if you can make a claim.
- When choosing an insurance plan, price should not be the sole determining factor.
Medical coverage, trip/flight cancellations and lost property are just some basic areas of coverage that can incur hefty costs on your end otherwise.
- If you plan to rent a car for your road trips abroad, it is also best to get all bases covered.
Buy your insurance directly from the car rental company and ensure that it includes collision-damage waiver or better yet, pay a nominal daily fee to reduce your excess to $0. Take plenty of photographs of the vehicle damage and any injuries sustained and save all receipts and police reports that you might need. Be sure to also take note of all emergency hotline numbers.
During your trip
4. Take note of the nearest consulates
Before you head on your trip, check out the MFA website and find out where the nearest Embassy, High Commission, Permanent Mission or Consulates are.
Here are the instances where you might need consulate help:
- Loss of passport
- Arrest or detention
- Legalization of documents
- General consular assistance
- Death
- Victim of crime
- Major crisis e.g. Natural disasters
- Missing person
There is also a 24-hour helpline should there not be any consulate offices near you.
5. Changes to your itineraries
In the event that an emergency has caused a change of plans and itinerary, please send an email to support@klook.com immediately. You may also call the following hotlines for any booking requests and inquiries:
(+852) 3018-3975 (Hong Kong)
(+886) 2-55933778 (Taiwan)
(+65) 3158-3270 (Singapore)
(+81) 50-3205-1066 (Japan)
400-194-9240 (Mainland China)
(+63) 2626-3888 (Philippines)
(+60) 3-92128-188 (Malaysia)
001800-852-4043 (Thailand)
1855-254-4363 (USA)
1800-16-2535 (Australia)
0800-42-7313 (New Zealand)
1203-2611 (Vietnam)
