Cases of a drug-resistant sexually transmitted infection (STI) are on the rise in UK travellers, official data shows.
According to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), there has been a "concerning" uptick of antibiotic-resistant gonorrhoea infections in popular tourist destinations among UK travellers.
Countries where these 'super-gonorrhoea’ infections are more common include Thailand, China, Cambodia and Vietnam. These are tourism hotspots for travellers from the UK, particularly for young backpackers.
Drug resistant gonorrhoea infections have also been reported in UK residents who have travelled to mainland Europe, according to the Travel Health Pro website, which is supported by UKHSA.
Gonorrhoea is an infection passed on through unprotected sex and is the second most common bacterial STI in the UK. It often doesn't cause symptoms but can cause "serious problems", such as infertility, if not treated.
While most infections can be treated successfully, increased resistance to antibiotics means gonorrhoea could become an "untreatable" infection.
The UKHSA warned in March that official figures show there were 17 cases of gonorrhoea cases resistant to antibiotics between January 2024 to March 2025, with four cases reported in 2025 so far. Across 2022 and 2023, this figure was 16.
It said there have been nine cases of "extensively drug resistant" gonorrhoea across 2024 and 2025 that do not respond to either the first-line antibiotic, called ceftriaxone, or the second line of treatment.
Neisseria gonorrhoeae, the bacteria that causes gonorrhoea, was listed on the UKHSA’s "priority pathogen" watch list that identified the most dangerous pathogens that pose the biggest threat to public health.
Travel Health Pro has urged Brits heading abroad to make sure you are up to date for all UK recommended vaccines before you travel, including hepatitis B and human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines, if appropriate. It also says to check travel health advice, including mpox guidance, for the country you are travelling to.
Travellers are also encouraged to pack a supply of European CE mark or UKCA mark BSI condoms, to carry condoms and use them consistently with all or new casual partners.
While travelling, it advises the following:
If you had condomless sex abroad or think you might have an STI, even if you don't have any symptoms, Travel Health Pro advises to get tested as soon as you return to the UK.
According to the NHS, symptoms of gonorrhoea include green or yellow discharge from the vagina or penis, pain when urinating, pain and discomfort in the rectum.
For women, symptoms can include lower abdominal pain or bleeding between periods. For men, the infection can cause burning when you pee and sore testicles.
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