Travelling with Crohn’s or colitis: a practical planning checklist

Travelling with Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis can take a little more preparation. It should not mean giving up the trip. This checklist is for organising the practical pieces; your IBD team should advise on your own medicines, vaccinations, insurance, and flare-up plan.

Speak to your IBD team early

Before booking, or as soon as you can, discuss the destination and length of the trip with your IBD team. This is particularly important if you may need blood tests, an infusion, medication changes, or help accessing care while you are away.

Ask for a written flare-up plan if you do not already have one. A plan made with the clinician who knows your history is more useful than improvising with general internet advice abroad.

Carry the documents that make a difficult day easier

Keep essential documents with you rather than in checked luggage. Crohn’s & Colitis UK recommends carrying a copy of prescriptions or a letter from the professional who prescribes your medicines, plus a letter confirming your diagnosis and current treatment.

Depending on your trip, it may also be sensible to carry your insurance details, vaccination record, emergency contacts, and a summary of your usual care. Check the rules for carrying medicines into each country well before departure.

Pack for delays, not just the itinerary

Bring enough regular medicine and stoma supplies for the trip, with extra in case of delay or loss. Keep the essentials in your hand luggage where you can reach them. A compact kit might also include a change of underwear, wipes, disposal bags, an access card, and the contact details for your care team.

The exact contents depend on you. Do not add or change medicine because a checklist says to; ask your clinician or pharmacist what is safe with your treatment.

Make transport choices that reduce pressure

When booking, choose an aisle seat or a place near a toilet if that would help. Give yourself extra time at stations and airports, and check the toilet situation before you need it. On arrival, learn how toilets are signed locally and save a few nearby options.

Phoo’s phrasebook and urgent access card are made for this part of a trip: communicating a need quickly, without explaining more than you want to.

Know when general advice stops being enough

Bloody diarrhoea, a persistently high temperature, severe abdominal pain, dehydration, or symptoms that do not improve need medical advice. If you think you are having a flare-up, follow the plan agreed with your IBD team and seek local care when needed.

This page is not medical advice and does not replace your clinician’s guidance. The official sources listed alongside it are reviewed regularly; use them alongside your own care plan.