Please read carefully and save this information since it contains important health, safety, and security information for your time abroad
- Create an account in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), a free service from the Department of State that allows U.S. citizens traveling and living abroad to enroll their trip with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. You will receive important information from the Embassy about safety conditions in your destination country, help the U.S. Embassy contact you in an emergency, whether a natural disaster, civil unrest, or a family emergency, and help family and friends get in touch with you in an emergency.
- Check the Department of State Travel Advisories before your trip for your intended destination or any independent travel destination.
- Save the Websites of U.S. Embassies, Consulates, Diplomatic Missions, and Offices Providing Consular Services on your phone/computer. If, for example, you are independently visiting another country and your passport gets lost or stolen, they will assist you with a replacement passport.
- These are the equivalent of the 911 if you are in an emergency abroad. In addition, we recommend installing apps like EchoSOS (iOS or Android), or similar, on your phone and allowing geolocation (the emergency services will locate you if you need immediate assistance).
- Most of our partners abroad have a 24/7 emergency number to help you with safety/medical emergencies. Save this number on your phone, and report any health, safety, and security events, no matter how minor, so that they can support you.
- Penalties for use, possession, or trafficking of illegal drugs in your destination country could be severe, and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines.
- Mitigation strategies: Do not physically resist any robbery attempt; Avoid demonstrations and areas of civil unrest and traveling alone, especially at night; Drinking alcohol might be legal in your new country for those 18 and over. If you do it, drink responsibly; Never accept drinks or rides from strangers or new acquaintances; Carry emergency contact numbers and a cell phone with the numbers programmed in.
Government Resources and Travel Advisories
- U.S. State Department Website for Students Studying Abroad
- U.S. State Department Travel Advisories
- Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)
- Websites of U.S. Embassies, Consulates, Diplomatic Missions
Currency and Time Zone Conversions
Financial
Insurance
Health Issues
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
- American Red Cross
- International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)
- Department of Health and Human Service
- Avoid Bug Bites
Other: Voting While Abroad
- Learn how to cast an absentee ballot as a U.S. citizen.