Travel health by country
Is the tap water safe, what is the emergency number, and how do pharmacies work? A quick health orientation for 15 countries.
General orientation for a healthy traveller, not medical or official travel advice. Emergency numbers and water status can change — confirm with an official source before you rely on them.
The three things to check first
Before any trip, three basics cover most of what a healthy traveller needs. First, the emergency number: across the European Union you can always dial 112, and it is worth saving the local one too. Second, the tap water: safe almost everywhere in Europe, but worth checking on islands and outside the EU, where sealed bottled water is the safer choice for drinking, ice and even brushing teeth. Third, how pharmacies work — the local word, the opening hours, and which medicines sit behind the counter.
Add a plan for jet lag on longer east–west trips, pack your own regular medicines, and you have the essentials. Pick a country below for the specifics.
At a glance
| Country | Emergency | Tap water |
|---|---|---|
| Estonia | 112 | Safe to drink |
| Finland | 112 | Safe to drink |
| Latvia | 112 | Safe to drink |
| Lithuania | 112 | Safe to drink |
| Sweden | 112 | Safe to drink |
| Norway | 112 | Safe to drink |
| Germany | 112 | Safe to drink |
| France | 112 | Safe to drink |
| Spain | 112 | Safe to drink |
| Italy | 112 | Safe to drink |
| United Kingdom | 999 | Safe to drink |
| Greece | 112 | Drink with caution |
| Turkey | 112 | Drink with caution |
| Thailand | 191 | Do not drink |
| Egypt | 123 | Do not drink |
Countries
Estonia
From spring to autumn use tick protection in forests and long grass — tick-borne encephalitis and Lyme are present in the Baltics.
Finland
Ticks are common in summer in the south and on the Åland islands. In winter, dress in layers against genuine cold.
Latvia
As across the Baltics, use tick protection in forests and meadows from spring to autumn.
Lithuania
Tick-borne encephalitis is present; a vaccine exists if you plan a lot of time outdoors.
Sweden
Summer sun in the far north lasts almost all night — bring an eye mask for sleep. Ticks are present in the south.
Norway
Weather in the mountains and fjords turns fast even in summer — carry a windproof layer for any hike.
Germany
Pharmacies are the gatekeeper for many medicines — even some painkillers are behind the counter.
France
In summer heatwaves, drink more than you think you need and keep out of the midday sun.
Spain
Meals run late and the midday sun is fierce in summer — pace yourself and reapply sunscreen.
Italy
Southern summers are very hot — carry water and use the shaded side of the street.
United Kingdom
For non-emergency health questions, call NHS 111 — it will point you to the right service.
Greece
On the islands, check locally before drinking tap water, and mind the strong midday summer sun.
Turkey
Stick to bottled or filtered water for drinking and brushing teeth if your stomach is sensitive.
Thailand
Eat freshly cooked, busy street food; be cautious with tap water, ice and unpeeled raw produce.
Egypt
Travellers' tummy is common — favour hot, freshly cooked food, bottled water and peel-it-yourself fruit.
Source: Emergency numbers and tap-water status from widely published travel-health guidance; confirm officially before travel. · checked 2026-09-04
Frequently asked questions
What is the emergency number in Europe?
112 works across the whole European Union and reaches police, fire and ambulance. In the United Kingdom 999 also works; many countries keep their old numbers alongside 112.
Can I drink the tap water abroad?
In most of Europe, yes — tap water is tested and safe. In parts of southern Europe and on some islands it is safe but tastes salty, and in many countries outside the EU it is safer to drink sealed bottled water. Each country page says which applies.
How do I beat jet lag?
Shift your body clock a little each day toward the new time, get daylight in the morning at your destination, avoid a big alcohol or caffeine hit on the plane, and try to sleep on the local night. As a rough guide the body adjusts about an hour a day.
Should I pack my own medicines?
Yes. Bring enough of any regular medicine in its original packaging, plus a small kit for headaches, upset stomach and blisters. Some everyday medicines are prescription-only or behind the pharmacy counter abroad.
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