Wars, natural disasters, terrorist attacks, high crime areas, and disease outbreaks require that today’s travelers do their homework to stay safe. Besides increasing your security, such preparation will enhance enjoyment of your trip by providing peace of mind.
Good Sources of Information
US Department of State
The US Department of State's Travel website (travel.state.gov) is a good first source of information about regions considered dangerous to Americans. Here you will find the latest travel warnings and alerts. In addition, there are Consular Information Sheets for every country. These sheets include information on the location of the US embassy or consulate, health conditions, areas of instability, political disturbances, as well as crime and security information.
The Department of State also offers a free service called Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). After signing up and logging your travel information, you will receive updates about the country that you are planning to visit. Registering for STEP can also make it easier for you to get assistance in case of an emergency.
Traveler's Health
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides travel health information for countries around the world, including information on health travel notices, immunizations, ways to prepare for your trip, items you should bring, and strategies to stay healthy while traveling.
For additional health information, the World Health Organization (WHO) provides information on disease outbreaks and offers recommendations for being a healthy traveler. On the WHO website, you will also find links to articles on food safety, infectious diseases, and other travel-related topics.
Other Useful Sites
At the website US government pages (USA.gov), there are a collection of articles and links on international travel.
Another site that you may want to visit is the Nations Online Project. This site provides a wealth of advice for the world traveler, including information on each country's government, culture, business, and tourism.
And as your trip fast approaches, remember to check out the latest updates at the US Transportation Security Administration's website (TSA.gov). Here, you can learn how to move smoothly through the security checkpoints. This is definitely worth looking into if you plan on bringing medications, have a medical condition, or have a medical device. If you fly frequently, consider enrolling in the TSA Pre program. You can start the process online and complete it at an enrollment center. TSA Pre gives you perks that will speed you through the security line.
International Travel Tips
In addition to your research, here are tips you can follow to have a safe journey:
- Register with the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program.
- Make sure you have a signed, valid passport with emergency information included. Research to see if you need a visa.
- In cases of an emergency, leave your itinerary with family or friends.
- Have two extra passport copies in case your passport is stolen. Leave one copy with a family member or a friend and carry the other with you in a separate place.
- Since you are subject to a foreign country’s laws, familiarize yourself with local laws and customs.
- Take steps to avoid being mugged. For example, do not wear expensive jewelry and avoid carrying a lot of money with you.
- Do not leave your luggage unattended in public areas.
- Learn more about your health insurance. For example, does your policy include international travel? If you have to be evacuated due to a medical emergency, is that service covered? Should you get a supplemental health insurance plan?
- If there is an emergency, call the US Embassy office in the country that you are visiting. An Embassy officer will be able to help you.
- Contact your doctor or health department for information on getting immunizations before you travel.
RESOURCES
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention https://www.cdc.gov
US Department of State https://travel.state.gov
References
Smart traveler enrollment program. Bureau of Consular Affairs website. Available at: https://step.state.gov. Accessed August 18, 2017.
Travel and health. World Health Organization website. Available at: http://www.who.int/topics/travel/en. Accessed August 18, 2017.
Travel and immigration. US Government Information and Services website. Available at: https://www.usa.gov/travel-and-immigration. Accessed August 18, 2017.
Travelers' Health. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Available at: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel. Accessed August 18, 2017.
TSA Pre. US Transportation Security Administration website. Available at: https://www.tsa.gov/precheck. Accessed August 18, 2017.
Revision Information
- Reviewer: EBSCO Medical Review Board Michael Woods, MD, FAAP
- Review Date: 08/2017
- Update Date: 08/18/2017