The UK welcomes millions of international visitors each year, including tourists, business travellers, students and short-term residents. Where organisations provide services, accommodation or activities to overseas visitors, first aid responsibilities are often unclear.
This guide explains how first aid provision applies when international visitors or tourists are involved, what organisations should consider, and how first aid fits within wider UK health and safety duties.
The guidance is written as a reference for businesses, event organisers, landlords, accommodation providers, attractions and organisations that regularly interact with non-UK visitors.
No. UK first aid duties do not change based on a person’s nationality or residency.
Health and safety responsibilities are based on who may be affected by an organisation’s activities, not where those people are from. This includes:
The legal framework for these duties is explained in UK First Aid Law Explained.
While legal duties are the same, practical considerations may differ.
International visitors may:
These factors can affect how first aid arrangements are communicated and accessed.
Organisations that regularly host international visitors often operate in public-facing settings.
Examples include:
In these environments, first aid planning should consider visibility, accessibility and clarity for all visitors.
Clear communication is particularly important where language barriers may exist.
Good practice may include:
Guidance on signage expectations is explained in First Aid Signage Requirements (UK).
Staff working with international visitors should understand:
They are not expected to provide medical treatment beyond their role, but they should know how to respond appropriately.
Accommodation providers often host guests from overseas.
Responsibilities vary depending on the type of accommodation, but considerations may include:
Related guidance is covered in UK First Aid Kit Checklist for Airbnb Hosts and First Aid Responsibilities for Landlords & Property Managers (UK).
| Setting | Typical visitors | First aid considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Tourist attraction | International public | Visible signage, trained staff awareness |
| Hotel or serviced accommodation | Overseas guests | Clear emergency guidance, staff provision |
| Event or festival | Mixed nationalities | Dedicated first aid points, clear access |
| Business premises | International visitors | Visitor inclusion in safety planning |
International visitors may not be familiar with the UK emergency number (999 or 112).
Organisations should ensure that:
Clear procedures reduce confusion during time-critical situations.
Where first aid is provided to international visitors, incidents should be recorded in the same way as for UK visitors.
Records help organisations:
Guidance on record keeping is explained in Accident Reporting & First Aid Records (UK).
In practice, first aid duties are based on risk and access, not nationality.
Effective first aid provision supports both safety and public confidence.
For organisations serving international visitors, clear and accessible first aid arrangements help demonstrate professionalism, care and responsible management.
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