| Here are some quick tips to make your travel easier | | | | While in a foreign country, you are subject to its laws. |
| and safer: | | | | The State Department web site has useful safety and |
| Register so the State Department can better assist | | | | other information about the countries you will visit. |
| you in an emergency: Register your travel plans with | | | | Take precautions to avoid being a target of crime: To |
| the State Department through a free online service. | | | | avoid being a target of crime, do not wear |
| This will help them contact you if there is a family | | | | conspicuous clothing or jewelry and do not carry |
| emergency in the U.S., or if there is a crisis where you | | | | excessive amounts of money. Also, do not leave |
| are traveling. In accordance with the Privacy Act, | | | | unattended luggage in public areas and do not accept |
| information on your welfare and whereabouts will not | | | | packages from strangers. |
| be released to others without your express | | | | Contact your embassy in the event of an emergency: |
| authorization. | | | | Consular personnel at U.S. Embassies and Consulates |
| Sign your passport, and fill in the emergency | | | | abroad and in the U.S. are available 24 hours a day, 7 |
| information: Make sure you have a signed, valid | | | | days a week, to provide emergency assistance to U.S. |
| passport, and a visa, if required, and fill in the | | | | citizens. Contact information for U.S. Embassies and |
| emergency information page of your passport. | | | | Consulates appears on the Bureau of Consular |
| Leave copies of itinerary and passport data page: | | | | Affairs. Also note that the Office of Overseas Citizen |
| Leave copies of your itinerary, passport data page | | | | Services in the State Department's Bureau of |
| and visas with family or friends, so you can be | | | | Consular Affairs may be reached for assistance with |
| contacted in case of an emergency. | | | | emergencies at 1-888-407-4747, if calling from the U.S. |
| Check your overseas medical insurance coverage: | | | | or Canada, or 202-501-4444, if calling from overseas. |
| Ask your medical insurance company if your policy | | | | Make a few minor preparations before you travel |
| applies overseas, and if it covers emergency | | | | overseas and it will make your trip a lot smoother and |
| expenses such as medical evacuation. If it does not, | | | | give you peace of mind. Remember, you cannot plan |
| consider supplemental insurance. | | | | once the emergency happens; you need to do your |
| Familiarize yourself with local conditions and laws: | | | | planning ahead of time. |