Visiting friends and relations

There is a high incidence of malaria in people who travel home to Visit their Friends and Relatives in their country of origin. This particular group of travellers is known as VFRs.

VFRs are individuals whose families come from countries other than the UK, but live in the UK themselves. These individuals may return to their country of origin when working or visiting family.

There is a popular misconception that travellers visiting friends and relatives are immune to malaria and do not need to protect themselves when they return to their previous homeland.¹³

Exposure to malaria builds a limited degree of immunity, however, this begins to fade six months after leaving the affected country.⁸

If you fall into this category of traveller you must ensure you seek pre-travel health advice before EVERY trip and follow the advice given to you by your healthcare professional – see the sections before during and after your travels for some top tips.

Remember, even though you used to live in a malarious country it does NOT mean that you are immune to the disease. Malaria is a potentially fatal disease that can affect anyone and anytime.

Click here to see real life case studies of VFR travellers who have been affected by malaria – Been There, Been Bitten

Of course, malaria is just one of many diseases that you need to avoid when you're travelling – download Jane Chiodini's travel tips to find out how can stay fit and healthy while you're away. When you speak to your healthcare professional about malaria check that any other travel vaccinations you need for your trip are up to date.

Like malaria, many of the most serious travel health risks are also preventable. So, plan wisely and prepare for happy and healthy travels!

• VFRs are more likely to contract malaria than any other group of travelers¹⁴
• VFR travel is more likely to be last minute to attend family events, like marriages, funerals or visiting ill relatives – this may not leave enough time to seek pre-travel health advice and take essential precautions¹⁵
• VFRs are more likely to travel to malarious destinations with small children or while pregnant¹⁰
• VFRs are more likely to visit rural locations where malaria is readily transmitted
• A quarter of those travelling to developing countries are those visiting friends and relations
• UK children born to immigrant parents have no immunity to malaria¹⁶
• VFRs tend to stay in malarious destinations for longer than people going on holiday