• 1. Make sure you have a signed, valid passport and visas, if required. Also, before you go fill in the emergency information page of your passport.

• 2. Read the Consular information Sheets (see below) and any travel warnings for the countries you plan to visit. Stay aware of events in the country while you are there.

• 3. Familiarize yourself with the local laws and customs of the countries to which you are traveling. Remember, while in a country, YOU ARE SUBJECT TO ITS LAWS!!!

• 4. Make 2 photocopies of your passport identification page. This will facilitate replacement if your passport is lost or stolen. Leave one copy at home. Carry the other with you in a separate place from your passport.

• 5. Leave a copy of your itinerary with family or friends at home so you can be contacted in case of an emergency.

• 6. Notify by phone or register in person with the U.S. embassy or consulate upon your arrival.

• 7. Don't leave luggage unattended in public areas. Don't accept packages from strangers.

• 8. Don't be a target! Avoid conspicuous clothing and expensive jewelry and don't carry excessive amounts of money or unnecessary credit cards.

• 9. In order to avoid violating local laws, deal only with authorized agents when you exchange money or purchase art or antiques.

• 10. IF YOU GET INTO TROUBLE, CONTACT THE U.S. CONSUL.

Further Information

The Department of State issues Consular Information Sheets for all countries of the world. They describe unusual entry or currency regulation, health conditions, the crime and security situation, political disturbances, areas of instability and drug penalties.

In general, Consular Information Sheets do not give advice. Instead they describe conditions so that travelers can make informed decisions about their trips. However, in some dangerous situations, the Department of State recommends that Americans defer all travel to a county. In these cases, a Travel Warning is issued for the country, in addition to its Consular Information Sheet. There are many ways to access Consular Information Sheets and Travel Warnings:

• You can listen to them 24 hours a day by calling (202) 647-5225 from a touchtone phone.
• Visit this web site: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/tw/tw_1764.html
• You can also find the information at the 13 regional U.S. passport agencies, or you can learn about them from the airline when you or your travel agent make your international air reservations.