International
travel can be a rich and rewarding adventure. Whether you have waited
a lifetime to take the perfect trip or are an experienced world
traveler, we would like to offer some advice to help you plan a
safe and healthy trip.
American
consuls at U.S. embassies and consulates abroad are there to help
if you encounter serious difficulties in your travels. They are
happy to meet you if you come in to register your passport at the
Consular Section of the U.S. embassy or consulate. But it is also
their duty to assist American citizens abroad in times of emergency
at hospitals or police stations, for instance. This pamphlet is
written in the hopes that it will help you to prevent such emergencies
from arising.
Preparation
for your Trip
Start Early. Apply for your passport as soon as possible.
Three months before your departure date should give you plenty of
time. See the section, Passports and Visas, for details on how to
apply.
Learn
About the Countries You Plan to Visit.
Before you go, read up on the culture, people, and history for the
places you will travel. Bookstores and libraries are good resources.
Travel magazines and the travel sections of major newspapers tell
about places to visit and also give advice on everything from discount
airfares to international health insurance. Many travel agents and
foreign tourist bureaus provide free information on travel abroad.
For
up-to-date travel information on any country in the world that you
plan to visit, obtain the Department of State's Consular Information
Sheet. They cover such matters as health conditions, unusual currency
and entry regulations, crime and security conditions, drug penalties,
and areas of instability. In addition, the State Department issues
Travel Warnings when it recommends Americans defer travel to a country
because of unsafe conditions. Travel Warnings are under continuous
review by the Department of State and are removed when conditions
warrant. The Department of State also issues Public Announcements
as a means to disseminate information quickly about relatively short-term
and/or trans-national conditions which would pose significant risks
to the security of American travelers.
How
to Access Consular Information Sheets, Travel Warnings and Public
Announcements Consular Information Sheets, Travel Warnings and
Public Announcements may be heard any time by dialing the Office
of Overseas Citizens Services at (202) 647-5225 from a touch-tone
phone. The recording is updated as new information becomes available.
They are also available at any of the 13 regional passport agencies,
field offices of the Department of Commerce, and U.S. embassies
and consulates abroad, or, by sending a self-addressed, stamped
envelope and indicating the desired country to the Office of Overseas
Citizens Services, Bureau of Consular Affairs, Room 4811, U.S. Department
of State, Washington, D.C. 20520-4818.
By
Fax
From your
fax machine, dial (202) 647-3000, using the handset as you would
a regular telephone. The system prompts you on how to proceed.
By
Internet
Information
about travel and consular services is now available on the Internet's
World Wide Web. The address is http://travel.state.gov. Visitors
to the web site will find Travel Warnings, Public Announcements
and Consular Information Sheets, passport and visa information,
travel publications, background on international adoption and international
child abduction services, international legal assistance, and the
Consular Affairs mission statement. There is also a link to the
State Department's main site on the Internet's World Wide Web that
provides users with current foreign affairs information. The address
is http://www.state.gov.
Consular
Affairs Bulletin Board - CABB
If you have
a personal computer, modem and communication software, you can access
the Consular Affairs Bulletin Board (CABB). This service is free
of charge. To view or download the documents from a computer and
modem, dial the CABB on (301) 946-4400. The login is travel; the
password is info.
Passport.
Pack an "emergency kit" to help you get a replacement
passport in case yours is lost or stolen. To make a kit: photocopy
the data page at the front of your passport; write down the addresses
and telephone numbers of the U.S. embassies and consulates in the
countries you plan to visit; and put this information along with
two recent passport-size photographs in a place separate from your
passport.
Leave
a Detailed Itinerary. Give a friend or relative your travel
schedule. Include names, addresses, and telephone numbers of persons
and places to be visited; your passport number and the date and
place it was issued; and credit card, travelers check, and airline
ticket numbers. Keep a copy of this information for yourself in
a separate place from your purse or wallet. If you change your travel
plans, for example, if you miss your return flight to the United
States or extend your trip, be sure to notify relatives or friends
at home.
Don't
Overprogram. Allow time to relax and really enjoy yourself.
Even if this is your once-in-a-lifetime trip, don't feel you have
to fill every available minute.
If
you are visiting a country such as China, where physical activity
can be quite strenuous and sudden changes in diet and climate can
have serious health consequences for the unprepared traveler, consult
your physician before you depart.
What
to Pack. Carefully consider the clothing you take. Don't pack
more than you need and end up lugging around heavy suitcases. Wash-and-wear
clothing and sturdy walking shoes are good ideas. Consider the climate
and season in the countries you will visit and bring an extra outfit
for unexpectedly warm or cool weather. A sweater or shawl is always
useful for cooler evenings and air-conditioned planes and hotels.
Dress conservatively, a wardrobe that is flashy or too causal may
attract the attention of thieves or con artists.
Include
a change of clothing in your carryon luggage. Otherwise, if your
bags are lost, you could be wearing the same clothes you were traveling
in during the entire time it takes to locate your luggage, an average
of 72 hours.
Do
not pack anything that you would hate to lose such as valuable jewelry,
family photographs, or objects of sentimental value.
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Passports
and Visas
Passports. It is a good idea to apply 3 months before you
plan to travel. We can provide you with expedited applications
for U.S. Passports (New/First Time, Renewal, Lost/Stolen,
Name Change, Add Pages) for your destinations.
Visas. Many
countries require a visa--an endorsement or stamp placed in your
passport by a foreign government that permits you to visit that
country for a specified purpose and a limited time. If you need
visas, allow enough time as you must have a valid passport before
applying for a visa. We can also provide you with emergency
& last minute visas for destinations worldwide.
You can also obtain
the Department of State booklet, Foreign Entry Requirements, which
lists visa and other entry requirements and locations of all foreign
embassies and consulates in the U.S.
To
find more information including requirements about U.S. Passport
and Visas for your destination, please call us at 212-889-2550
or email us at info@eldertravelclub.com.
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Health
Health problems sometimes affect visitors abroad. Information on
health precautions can be obtained from local health departments
or private doctors. General guidance can also be found in the Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) book, Health Information
for International Travel, available for $14.00 from the Superintendent
of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C.
20402, or the CDC's international travelers hotline at (404) 332-4559.
Health
Insurance. It is wise to review your health insurance policy
before you travel. In some places, particularly at resorts, medical
costs can be as high or higher than in the United States. If your
insurance policy does not cover you abroad, it is strongly recommended
that you purchase a policy that does. There are short-term health
insurance policies designed specifically to cover travel. If your
travel agent cannot direct you to a medical assistance company,
look for information in travel magazines. The U.S. government cannot
pay to have you medically evacuated to the United States.
The
Social Security Medicare program does not provide for payment of
hospital or medical services obtained outside the United States.
However, some Medicare supplement plans offer foreign medical care
coverage at no extra cost for treatments considered eligible under
Medicare. These are reimbursement plans. You must pay the bills
first and obtain receipts for submission them later for compensation.
Many of these plans have a dollar ceiling per trip.
Review
your health insurance policy. Obtaining medical treatment and
hospital care abroad can be expensive. If your Medicare supplement
or other medical insurance does not provide protection while traveling
outside the United States, we strongly urge you to buy coverage
that does. The names of some of the companies offering short-term
health and emergency assistance policies are listed in the Bureau
of Consular Affairs flyer, Medical Information for Americans Traveling
Abroad. The flyer is available by sending a stamped, self-addressed
envelope to Bureau of Consular Affairs, Room 6831, U.S. Department
of State, Washington, D.C. 20520-4818 (or via the automated systems
mentioned under How to Access Consular Information Sheets).
Trip
Insurance. One sure way to ruin a vacation is to lose money
because an emergency forces you to postpone or cancel your trip.
Except for tickets on regularly scheduled airlines, almost any travel
package you purchase will have a penalty for cancellation and some
companies will give no refund at all. Regularly scheduled airlines
usually give a refund if an illness or death in the family forces
you to cancel. Airlines require a note from the doctor or a death
certificate. Take careful note of the cancellation penalty for any
other large travel purchase you make, such as a tour package, charter
flight, or cruise. Unless you can afford to lose the purchase amount,
protect yourself by buying trip insurance. If you invest in trip
insurance, make sure your policy covers all reasonable possibilities
for having to cancel. For instance, if an emergency with a family
member would force you to cancel, insure against that as well.
Some
trip insurance policies will give a refund if the company goes out
of business or otherwise does not make good on its offering. The
best insurance against company default is to choose a reputable
company that guarantees a refund if they do not provide the services
procured. If, however, you are tempted to purchase a tour at a great
bargain price and you can't find a guarantee of delivery in the
fine print, protect yourself by purchasing trip insurance that covers
company default.
Shop
around for the trip insurance policy that offers the most benefits.
Some credit card and traveler's check companies offer travel protection
packages for an additional fee. Benefits may even include accident
and illness coverage while traveling.
Immunizations.
Information on immunizations and health precautions for travelers
can be obtained from local health departments, the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention's international travelers hotline at (404)
332-4559, private doctors, or travel clinics. General guidance can
also be found in the U.S. Public Health Service book, Health Information
for International Travel. Immunizations are normally recommended
against diptheria, tetanus, polio, typhoid, and hepatitis A for
travelers. Generally, these immunizations are administered during
childhood.
Medical
Assistance Programs. One strong advantage of medical assistance
programs is that they also cover the exorbitant cost of medical
evacuation in the event of an accident or serious illness. As part
of the coverage, these companies usually offer emergency consultation
by telephone. They may refer you to the nearest hospital or call
directly for help for you. If you need an interpreter, they may
translate your instructions to a health care worker on the scene.
Another benefit that is normally part of such coverage is payment
for the return of remains to the United States in case of death.
If
your regular health insurance already covers you for medical expenses
abroad, you can buy a medical assistance program that offers all
the consultative and evacuation services listed above except for
the health insurance itself. Cost of medical assistance coverage
is usually inexpensive without health insurance coverage or a little
more for the complete medical assistance program including health
insurance. On the other hand, escorted medical evacuation can cost
thousands of dollars.
If
your travel agent cannot direct you to a medical assistance company,
look for information on such services in travel magazines. Once
you have adequate coverage, carry your insurance policy identity
cards and claim forms with you when you travel.
Medication.
If you require medication, bring an ample supply in its original
containers. Do not use pill cases. Because of strict laws concerning
narcotics throughout the world, bring along copies of your prescriptions
and, if possible, carry a letter from your physician explaining
your need for the drug. As an extra precaution, carry the generic
names of your medications with you because pharmaceutical companies
overseas may use different names from those used in the United States.
If
you wear eyeglasses, take an extra pair with you. Pack medicines
and extra eyeglasses in your hand luggage so they will be available
in case your checked luggage is lost. To be extra secure, pack a
backup supply of medicines and an additional pair of eyeglasses
in your checked luggage. If you have allergies, reactions to certain
medications, foods, or insect bites, or other unique medical problems,
consider wearing a "medical alert" bracelet. You may also
wish to carry a letter from your physician explaining desired treatment
should you become ill.
Medical
Assistance Abroad. If you get sick, you can contact a consular
officer at the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate for a list of local
doctors, dentists, and medical specialists, along with other medical
information. If you are injured or become seriously ill, a consul
will help you find medical assistance and, at your request, inform
your family or friends. The list of English speaking doctors is
also available before you travel by writing to the Office of Overseas
Citizens Services, Room 4811, 2201 C Street, N.W., Washington, D.C.
20520. Please specify to which country you will be traveling.
Health
Precautions. Air pollution abroad may sometimes be severe. Air
pollution and high altitudes are a particular health risk for the
elderly and persons with high blood pressure, anemia, or respiratory
or cardiac problems. If this applies to you, consult your doctor
before traveling.
In
high altitude areas most people need a short adjustment period.
If traveling to such an area, spend the first few days in a leisurely
manner with a light diet and reduced intake of alcohol. Avoid strenuous
activity, this includes everything from sports to rushing up the
stairs. Reaction signs to high altitude are lack of energy, a tendency
to tire easily, shortness of breath, occasional dizziness, and insomnia.
If
possible, drink only bottled water or water that has been boiled
for 20 minutes. Be aware of ice cubes that may not have been made
with purified water. Vegetables and fruits should be peeled or washed
in a purifying solution. A good rule to follow is if you can't peel
it or cook it, do not eat it. Diarrhea may be treated with antimicrobial
treatment which may be prescribed or purchased over the counter.
Travelers should consult a physician, rather than attempt self-medication,
if the diarrhea is severe or persists several days.
Charter
Flights. Before you pay for a charter flight or travel package,
read your contract carefully and see what guarantee it gives that
the company will deliver the services that it is trying to sell
you. Tour operators sometimes go out of business in the middle of
a season, leaving passengers stranded, holding unusable return tickets
and unable to obtain a refund for the unused portion of their trip.
Unless you are certain a company is reputable, check its credentials
with your local Better Business Bureau (BBB). The BBB maintains
complaint files for a year. You can also check with the consumer
affairs office of the American Society of Travel Agents, 1101 King
Street, Alexandria, VA 22314, tel. (703) 739-2782 to learn if a
travel company has a complaint record.
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Money
and Valuables
Don't Take Your Money in Cash. Bring most of your money in
traveler's checks. Have a reasonable amount of cash with you, but
not more than you will need for a day or two. Convert your traveler's
checks to local currency as you use them rather than all at once.
You
may also wish to bring at least one internationally-recognized credit
card. Before you leave, find out what your credit card limit is
and do not exceed it. In some countries, travelers who have innocently
exceeded their limit have been arrested for fraud. Leave unneeded
credit cards at home.
ATMs
(Automated Teller Machines) are becoming increasingly popular in
some of the more modern countries abroad. Often these ATMs can be
accessed by your local bank card depending on which service is available.
The exchange rates are comparable to the going rate of exchange.
Check with your local bank to find out which ATM service is available
in the country you plan to visit. Because ATMs may not always be
available, this should be used as only a backup method and not depended
on solely for all your financial transactions abroad.
If
you must take jewelry or other valuables, use hotel security vaults
to store them. It is wise to register such items with U.S. Customs
before leaving the United States to make customs processing easier
when you return.
It
is a violation of law in some countries to enter or exit with that
countrys currency. Check with a travel agent or the embassy or consulate
of the countries you plan to visit to learn their currency restrictions.
Before departing from the U.S., you may wish, if allowed, to purchase
small amounts of foreign currency and coins to use for buses, taxis,
telephone calls, and other incidentals when you first arrive in
a country. You may purchase foreign currency from some banks or
from foreign exchange dealers. Most international airports also
have money exchange facilities.
Once
you are abroad, local banks generally give more favorable rates
of exchange than hotels, restaurants, or stores for converting your
U.S. dollars and traveler's checks into foreign currency.
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Your
Trip
Driving. U.S. auto insurance is usually not valid outside
of the United States and Canada. When you drive in any other country,
be sure to buy adequate auto insurance in that country. When renting
a car abroad, make certain that adequate insurance is part of your
contract; otherwise, purchase additional coverage in an amount similar
to that which you carry at home. Also, prior to driving in a foreign
country, familiarize yourself with the metric system since countries
abroad display speed limits in kilometers per hour. REMEMBER: If
you plan to rent a car, keep in mind which side of the road traffic
moves. Unlike the U.S., many countries drive on the left hand side
of the road.
Flying.
On overseas flights, break up long periods of sitting. Leave your
seat from time to time and also do in-place exercises. This will
help prevent you from arriving tired and stiff-jointed. Also, get
some exercise after a long flight. For example, take a walk or use
your hotel's exercise room.
Reconfirm.
Upon arrival at each stopover, reconfirm your onward reservations.
When possible, obtain a written confirmation. International flights
generally require confirmation 72 hours in advance. If your name
does not appear on the reservation list, you could find yourself
stranded.
Register.
If you plan to be in a location for 2 weeks or more or in an area
where there is civil unrest or any other emergency situation, register
with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. This will help in locating
you, should someone in the United States wish to confirm your safety
and welfare or need to contact you urgently.
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Practical
Safety Precautions
Respect the Local Laws and Customs. While abroad, you are
subject to the laws and regulations of your host country and are
not protected by the U.S. Constitution. If you should be detained
by local authorities, ask them to notify a U.S. consular officer.
Under international agreements and practice, you have a right to
contact an American consul. Although U.S. consuls cannot act as
your attorney or get you out of jail, they can provide you with
a list of local attorneys and inform you of your rights under local
laws. They will also monitor the status of detained Americans and
make sure they are treated fairly under local laws.
Guard
Your Passport. Your passport is the most valuable document you
carry abroad. It confirms that you are an American citizen. Do not
carry your passport in the same place as your money or pack it in
your luggage. Remember to keep your passport number in a separate
location in case it is lost or stolen. In some countries, you may
be required to leave your passport overnight or for several days
with the hotel management. This may be local practice--do not be
concerned unless the passport is not returned as promised. If your
passport is lost or stolen abroad, immediately report it to the
local police, obtain a copy of the report, and contact the nearest
U.S. embassy or consulate to apply for a new passport.
Be
Alert. Move purposefully and confidently. If you should find
yourself in a crowded area, such as in an elevator, subway, marketplace,
or in busy tourist areas, exercise special caution to avoid theft.
Robbery.
Help prevent theft by carrying your belongings securely. Carry purses
tucked under an arm and not dangling by a strap. Carry valuables
hidden in an inside front pocket or in a money belt, not in a hip
pocket. You may wish to wrap your wallet with rubber bands to make
it more difficult for someone to slip it from your pocket unnoticed.
Money belts or pouches that fit around your shoulder, waist or under
clothing are available through some luggage shops and department
stores.
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Assistance
from U.S. Embassies and Consulates
Emergencies. If you encounter serious legal, medical, or
financial difficulties or other problems abroad, contact the nearest
U.S. embassy or consulate for assistance. Although consular officers
cannot serve as attorneys, they can help you find legal assistance.
Consular officers cannot cash checks, lend money, or act as travel
agents. However, in an emergency, consular officers can help you
get in touch with your family back home to inform them on how to
wire funds to you and to let them know of your situation. Consular
officers can also provide you with the latest information about
adverse conditions abroad.
Nonemergencies.
Consular officers also provide nonemergency services such as information
on absentee voting and acquisition or loss of U.S. citizenship.
They can arrange for the transfer of Social Security and other benefits
to Americans residing abroad, provide U.S. tax forms, notarize documents,
and advise U.S. citizens on property claims.
Safeguarding
Your Health. If you are injured or become seriously ill abroad,
a U.S. consular officer will assist you in finding a physician or
other medical services, and, with your permission, will inform your
family members or friends of your condition. If needed, consular
officers can assist your family in transferring money to the foreign
country to pay for your treatment.
Death
Abroad. Each year, about 6,000 Americans die abroad. Two thirds
of them are Americans who live overseas, but approximately 2,000
Americans per year die while visiting abroad. Consular officers
will contact the next of kin in the United States and will explain
the local requirements. It is a worthwhile precaution to have insurance
that covers the cost of local burial or shipment of remains home
to the United States (see information on medical assistance programs).
Otherwise, this cost must be borne by your next of kin and can be
extremely expensive. The U.S. government cannot pay for shipment
of remains to the United States.
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Shopping
- Some things to avoid
Beware of purchasing souvenirs made from endangered wildlife. Many
wildlife and wildlife products are prohibited either by U.S. or
foreign laws from import into the United States. You risk confiscation
and a possible fine if you attempt to import such things. Watch
out for and avoid purchasing the following prohibited items:
All products made from sea turtles.
All ivory,
both Asian and African.
Furs from
spotted cats.
Furs from
marine mammals.
Feathers
and feather products from wild birds.
All live
or stuffed birds from Australia, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador,
Guatemala, Mexico, Paraguay, Venezuela, and some Caribbean countries.
Most crocodile
and caiman leather.
Most coral,
whether in chunks or in jewelry.
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When
you Return
Be Prepared. On arrival in the United States, have your passport
ready when you go through immigration and customs controls.
Keep
receipts for any items you purchased abroad. U.S. citizens may bring
back and orally declare $400 worth of merchandise duty free. The
next $1000 is taxed at a flat rate of 10%. Check with U.S. Customs
for further information.
Currency.
There is no limit on the amount of money or negotiable instruments
which can be brought into or taken out of the United States. However,
any amount over $10,000 must be reported to U.S. Customs on Customs
Form 4790 when you depart from or enter into the United States.
Foreign
Produce. Don't bring home any fresh fruits or vegetables. Such
items will be confiscated.
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Disclaimer.
Elder Travel Club should not be held responsible for any errors,
omissions, misconceptions, accuracy of the information on this site.
Use of any information on this page or site is solely with the discretion
of the user/s.
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