Updated May 2025
Travelling with allergies involves planning ahead, and it’s important to give yourself plenty of time to do your research and prepare.
Things to consider when deciding where to travel:
- How easy will it be to avoid your allergens?
- What is the health system like in the place you are visiting?
- Some countries have a patient support organisation which can be a useful source of information.
- Contact the National Allergy Helpline if you have questions before you travel.
Plan well. Eat smart. Travel safe.
No matter what stage you are with your travel plans, whether it is deciding if you want to travel for the first time or have already decided on where you are going, Allergy & Anaphylaxis Australia has useful guides and resources to help you on your way.
Travelling by air
Airplanes
Documentation
Prepare key documents
Communication
How will you communicate?
Do you speak the language, or have family or friends with you who speak the language?
Translated resources
Medical identification jewellery
Calling emergency services
Medications
Take enough and extra
Where to keep your adrenaline devices
In some countries you will need pharmacy labelled medicines in original packages:
Cruising and medication
Flying and medication
Travelling with school
Work with the school
Emergencies while travelling
It’s important to be prepared in case of an allergic reaction while you are travelling.
- Carry at least 2 adrenaline devices and ASCIA Action Plan. Let others know where these are kept and how to use them. Carrying more than 2 adrenaline devices means you may not have to buy more if you have to use one. Buying more adrenaline devices while overseas may be difficult in some places.
- Find out emergency phone numbers in countries you’re visiting and medical services available.
- Smart traveller has good information about how to access medical help overseas.
Tips for travel with food allergy
Learn about typical foods in the countries you are travelling to and how allergens might be used or hidden in dishes. Some ingredients might be labelled differently, so it’s important to understand local terminology.
- Are your food allergens in everyday foods that are a staple part of the diet?
- What food options are available?
- Focus on non-food activities: history, scenery, sites, activities, family and friends.
- If travelling as a family, split up on occasion so family without allergies can try local cuisine and the child with allergy can do something else which is special.
Appropriate snacks
- Take snacks that don’t need refrigeration for when you’re uncertain about available food, such as homemade snacks, crackers or crisps.
- If you are taking several bags, spread food across luggage in case a bag gets lost or misplaced.
- Check Customs Information. Some countries do not allow certain foods to enter the country, such as meat or fish.
- Bringing dehydrated food may be an option.
Allergy 250K – Travel for young people
Allergy 250K provides age-appropriate information and resources to assist young people who are living with severe allergies, and have travel information developed specifically for teens and young adults.
Webinar: Travelling with food allergy
Watch our panel discussion about travelling overseas with food allergy.
Personal stories about travelling with allergies
A quote from a QLD member who travelled to Europe with a family of three with different food allergies
“Yes it can be done, we travelled overseas. And yes…what a fabulous time we had! First and foremost…this was not a last minute trip. We had months to prepare, gather translations (we went to non-English speaking countries!), sourced local food items that were ‘safe’, located hospitals and emergency contact numbers in each town, and generally planned this trip down to the last bowl of gluten and nut free cereal! All Action Plans and medications were updated and supporting letters from GP’s were obtained. Would we do it again? Absolutely and without hesitation.”