Be prepared, FCO urges Rio-bound Brits

OLYMPIC champion Dr Tim Brabants has called on British fans travelling to #Brazil to stay safe and follow the Foreign and Commonwealth Office’s (FCO) advice. 

The three-time kayaking medallist, who won gold in Beijing 2008, has joined other #Olympic and #Paralympic stars to feature in an FCO video with advice on how to ‘Stay Ahead of the Games’ this summer.

The FCO has urged travelling fans to plan ahead and use its tips to make sure they have a stress free trip to Brazil.

Dr Brabants says: ‘Throughout my career, I thrived off the support of the fans and that’s why I was so keen to be involved in this campaign – to help them get the best possible experience from the Olympic and Paralympic Games. Today, as a practicing medical doctor, I would recommend all supporters to check which vaccinations and medications they need before travel, especially if they’re planning on visiting some of Brazil’s more remote regions.’

The video also features five-time Paralympic gold medal winning equestrian Sophie Christiansen and one of British shooting’s top prospects, Amber Hill.

FCO minister James Duddridge MP said: ‘We are expecting thousands of Britons to make the journey to Rio for the Olympic and Paralympic Games, and we want all of them to have a great time. There are careful preparations being made by our staff in Brazil to make sure our athletes and visitors are well supported, and all of those travelling should make sure they also prepare properly.’

A preparation checklist is available from www.gov.uk/rio2016, including these tips:

1. Ensure that you obtain comprehensive travel insurance, and that it covers you for all activities that you want to carry out while in Brazil. 
2. Book your Games tickets and accommodation as far in advance as possible and from authorized sellers. Demand for hotel rooms in Rio is likely to outstrip supply during the Games period. Event tickets will also sell out. Avoid buying or selling tickets on the secondary market. Ticket ‘touting’ is a criminal offence in Brazil. 
3. Your passport must be valid for a minimum period of six months from the date of entry into Brazil. 
4. Brazil is the world’s fifth largest country. If you plan to travel outside of Rio, make sure you plan your journey carefully and book flights well in advance 
5. Check which vaccinations and medication you need before you travel, especially if you plan to travel to more remote parts of the country. For advice see: www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk. 
6. Learn a bit of Portuguese, as English isn’t as widely spoken as you might expect. 

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Risks in Rio

AS #BRAZIL prepares for the Rio de Janeiro Olympic Games (August 5-21) and Paralympic Games (September 7-18), there are growing concerns about multiple security challenges facing the country. 

A developing political crisis, economic downturn, and popular anger over corruption have fuelled rising civil unrest. Criminal activity is a major concern in many parts of #RiodeJaneiro, while Brazil’s status as a global hub for cyber-crime represents a further threat for corporate sponsors and companies represented at the Games. The recent outbreak of the Zika virus has also alarmed some travellers and pregnant visitors have been advised against non-essential travel to areas where the disease is prevalent.

With an effective understanding of the threat environment, areas to avoid, and proper planning, these risks can be mitigated. PGI Intelligence’s latest Risk Assessment for the #2016Olympics provides in-depth analysis of these issues, offering security and travel managers a comprehensive assessment of the risks associated with travel to Rio. Included in the report are:

• Detailed analysis and mapping of hotspots for crime and civil unrest risks and threats to movement during the Games 
• Analysis of cyber-crime threats 
• Information on medical risks and healthcare providers, as well as standards of infrastructure and transport options in the city 
• A one-page pre-deployment travel briefing, highlighting key travel considerations and ‘keep safe’ advice that can be handed to travellers prior to departing for Brazil. 

For a look inside the report, go to: https://riskportal.pgitl.com/sites/default/files/PGI_Olympics_Risk_Assessment_SHORT_April_2016.pdf

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