Precautions

When you travel abroad, the odds are in your favor that you will have a safe and incident-free trip. However, crime and violence, as well as unexpected difficulties, do happen to U.S. citizens in all parts of the world.

In order to ensure that you have a safe and incident-free trip while traveling abroad you might want to follow a few general suggestions of the U.S. Department of State:

• Know the addresses and phone numbers of the U.S. consulate or embassy in your host country or countries.
• Before you leave home, leave a copy of your itinerary with family or friends.
• Update your will, insurance documents and arrange for a power of attorney with your family or a friend.
• If you have minor children, consider making guardianship arrangements for them. 
• Discuss with your family what they should do in the event of an emergency.
• Handle your money safely – keep close watch of your cash, credit and ATM cards and travelers’ checks.
• Do not change money on the black market.
• If your possessions are lost or stolen, report the loss immediately to the local police, and keep a copy of the police report for insurance claims and as an explanation of your plight.
• Remember: when you are in a foreign country, you are subject to its laws and are under its jurisdiction and not the protection of the U.S. Constitution. You can be arrested overseas for actions that may be either legal or considered minor infractions in the United States.
• Avoid illicit drugs while traveling abroad. Many countries have very strict laws and one-third of U.S. Citizens incarcerated abroad are held on drug charges, which may include mandatory jail time. Some powerful U.S. prescription drugs may be illegal in other countries so be sure to do your research if you have concerns about any of your medicines.
• Do not carry firearms while traveling abroad.
• Purchase antiques or souvenirs only from licensed dealers. In countries where antiques are important, document your purchases as reproductions if that is the case, or if they are authentic, secure the necessary export permit (usually from the national museum.)
• It is always a good idea to ask permission before taking someone’s photograph – and it’s a wonderful opportunity to speak to a local in their own language.
• Avoid travel to unsafe areas where there has been a persistent record of terrorist attacks or kidnapping. US Government Consular Information Sheets can guide you on areas to avoid.
• Carry the minimum amount of valuables necessary for your trip and plan a place or places to conceal them.
• Dress conservatively.
• Don't wear expensive looking jewelry.

(Adapted from the Department of State Publication 10942 Bureau of Consular Affairs March 2002.)