Quick Tips for Traveling Abroad

Here are some quick tips to make your travel easierWhile 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 assistother information about the countries you will visit.
you in an emergency: Register your travel plans withTake 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 familyconspicuous clothing or jewelry and do not carry
emergency in the U.S., or if there is a crisis where youexcessive 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 notpackages from strangers.
be released to others without your expressContact your embassy in the event of an emergency:
authorization.Consular personnel at U.S. Embassies and Consulates
Sign your passport, and fill in the emergencyabroad and in the U.S. are available 24 hours a day, 7
information: Make sure you have a signed, validdays a week, to provide emergency assistance to U.S.
passport, and a visa, if required, and fill in thecitizens. 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 pageServices in the State Department's Bureau of
and visas with family or friends, so you can beConsular 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 policyMake a few minor preparations before you travel
applies overseas, and if it covers emergencyoverseas 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.