The amount of foreign travel undertaken by UK residents is increasing, and with it comes the risk of imported infections, some of which can be life-threatening. Fever is a common presenting complaint in the returned traveller; it may be an indication of a serious illness, however, more benign illnesses that are unrelated to travel often present with similar symptoms. Therefore, it is important to take a systematic approach to a fever occurring after international travel, in order to identify patients with potentially serious infections, whether imported or endemic, and to recognise those who may have an infection with ramifications for public health.