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Planning a trip can sometimes seem overwhelming. Often times important tasks are forgotten in the excitement of preparation, and frequently travelers are unprepared when they arrive at their destinations. Before you start focusing on the tourist attractions, the beautiful beaches, or the amazing culture you will be experiencing, take some time to plan the most important aspects of your trip…the safety precautions.
The following tips for traveling abroad are suggested by the U.S. Department of State. By following these simple guidelines, you will be much more prepared for your trip and able to handle any unforeseen complications that may arise during your travels.
- Register so the State Department can better assist you in an emergency: Register your travel plans with the State Department through a free online service at https://travelregistration.state.gov. This will help them contact you if there is a family emergency in the U.S., or if there is a crisis where you are traveling. In accordance with the Privacy Act, information on your welfare and whereabouts will not be released to others without your express authorization. [More info]
- Sign passport, and fill in the emergency information: Make sure you have a signed, valid passport, and a visa, if required, and fill in the emergency information page of your passport.
- Leave copies of itinerary and passport data page: Leave copies of your itinerary, passport data page
and visas with family or friends, so you can be contacted in case of an emergency. - Check your overseas medical insurance coverage: Ask your medical insurance company if your policy applies overseas, and if it covers emergency expenses such as medical evacuation. If it does not, consider supplemental insurance.
- Familiarize yourself with local conditions and laws: While in a foreign country, you are subject to its laws. The State Department web site at http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1765.html has useful safety and other information about the countries you will visit.
- Take precautions to avoid being a target of crime: To avoid being a target of crime, do not wear conspicuous clothing or jewelry and do not carry excessive amounts of money. Also, do not leave unattended luggage in public areas and do not accept packages from strangers.
- Contact a US Embassy in case of emergency: Consular personnel at U.S. Embassies and Consulates abroad and in the U.S. are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to provide emergency assistance to U.S. citizens. Contact information for U.S. Embassies and Consulates appears on the Bureau of Consular Affairs website at http://travel.state.gov. Also note that the Office of Overseas Citizen Services in the State Department’s Bureau of Consular Affairs may be reached for assistance with emergencies at 1-888-407-4747, if calling from the U.S. or Canada, or 202-501-4444, if calling from overseas.
The U.S. Department of State also recommends familiarizing yourself on the following travel information:
Planning Your Trip - Know Before You Go!
- Information Resources
- The Consular Information Program
- How to Obtain Country Specific Information, Travel Warnings and Travel Alerts
- Background Notes (Publications that contain information on countries with which the United States has diplomatic relations.)
- Other Resources: http://www.travel.state.gov/travel/resources/resources_1244.html, and http://www.travel.state.gov/travel/tips/plan/plan_1169.html.
- Customs and Import Restrictions
- Customs Restrictions of Foreign Destinations – What You Cannot Take to Other Countries
- U.S. Customs Restrictions – What You Cannot Bring Back With You
- Taking a Pet Overseas
- Places to Receive Mail
- Health: What You Need to Know in Advance of Travel
- Vaccination, Infectious Diseases, Pandemic Influenza, Foot & Mouth Disease, Chemical/Biological/Nuclear Incidents
- Insurance, Medicare & Medicaid, Medical Evacuation
- Bringing Medications or Filling Prescriptions Abroad
- Doctors and Hospitals
- Special Planning Considerations
- Student Travelers
- Senior Travelers
- Traveling with Disabilities
Required Travel Documents and Other Important Documentation
- Passport Documents and How to Apply for a Passport
- How to Apply for a U.S. Passport
- If You Need to Obtain a New U.S. Passport Abroad
- Adoption Abroad
- Entry Requirements of Foreign Countries
- Work Authorization and Residence Permits
- Additional Fees
What to Take With You on a Trip and What to Leave Behind
- Valuables
- Leave Copies of Documents and Itineraries with Relatives in the U.S.
- Plan for the Unexpected
Emergencies: Consular Assistance and Crises Abroad
- Assistance from American Consuls
- How to Contact the Embassy or the State Department in an Emergency
- What You Should Know If You Are a Victim of Crime
- Passport Fraud
- Scams
- International Child Custody Disputes
- Arrests Abroad
- Special Warning About Drug Offenses Abroad
- Death of a U.S. Citizen Abroad
- Terrorism
- Hijacking/Hostage Situations
- How to Access Funds in the U.S.
- How to Get Your Passport Replaced
What You Should Know If You Are Residing Abroad or Are Planning to Reside Abroad
- Marriage, Birth, Divorce and Death Abroad
- Marriage Abroad
- Birth Abroad of a U.S. Citizen
- Divorce Abroad
- Death Abroad
- Federal Benefits Services Abroad
- Driver’s License
- Absentee Voting in U.S. Elections
- Selective Service Registration
- Be Prepared for Emergencies
Now that you’re familiar with some crucial safety and legal information, you can feel confident that your trip will run more smoothly, and any hiccups in your travels can be dealt with quickly so you can get back to having fun on your adventures.
For additional information from the U.S. State Department on traveling you can check out their website at http://travel.state.gov/.
To continue planning your trip, proceed to one of these helpful pages:
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