Ready, set, Rio! The race is on!

Today we mark 100 days to the start of the 2016 Olympics games in Rio. It’s also the first of a series of blogs which I and colleagues will write as we prepare for the Games.

To celebrate the milestone, we have created a video with some Olympic and Paralympic stars, providing British nationals travelling to Brazil with some handy tips and guidance, and help them #GetReadyForRio.

With a cast including Olympic gold medallist Tim Brabants, five-time Paralympic gold medallist Sophie Christiansen and Olympic hopeful Amber Hill, it’s intended  to help travellers make the most of their trip.

Brazil is an extraordinary country, with vibrant  culture, music and sport, and Rio is sure to provide an exciting backdrop for the Games. You may have seen that the country is going through a bumpy time, political and economically. But the Games should be a special moment for athletes and fans alike. It is important for those coming to plan and prepare well before they arrive, to ensure they have a safe and stress-free time.

Please book your accommodation in plenty of time, as the demand for beds will be really high. Check if your passport is up-to-date, as it needs to be valid for at least 6 months after entry to Brazil. And look after your passport – it’s a valuable document, and the only route home!

Finally, as Dr Tim, one of our ‘Stay Ahead of the Games’ ambassadors says, if you intend to travel beyond Rio, particularly to remote areas of Brazil, people should get all the required vaccinations before leaving the UK, and ensure they have sufficient quantities of any medication. You can get more health information at fitfortravel.nhs.uk.

We’ll be providing you with more tips and advice for your trip over the coming weeks, but you can also visit the Stay Ahead Of The games website at gov.uk/rio2016. You can also stay up to date with the latest travel advice and information on Twitter @FCOtravel, and sign up to our travel advice alerts.

I hope you will come to Rio 2016. The games should be great, and following these few tips should mean you can concentrate on enjoying the sport, and the country.