Top Ten Tips for Travelers

Tips provided by the Department of State

• Make sure you have a signed, valid passport and visa, if required. Also, before you go, fill in the emergency information page of your passport!
• Read the Consular Information Sheets (and Public Announcements or Travel Warnings, if applicable) for the countries you plan to visit. (See the section “Consular Information Program.”)
• Leave copies of your itinerary, passport data page and visas with family or friends at home, so that you can be contacted in case of an emergency.
• Make sure you have insurance, which will cover your emergency medical needs, while you are overseas.
• Familiarize yourself with local laws and customs of the countries to which you are traveling. Remember, while in a foreign country, you are subject to its laws!
• Do not leave your luggage unattended in public areas and never accept packages from strangers.
• While abroad, avoid using illicit drugs or drinking excessive amounts of alcoholic beverages, and associating with people who do.
• Do not become a target for thieves by wearing conspicuous clothing and expensive jewelry and do not carry excessive amounts of cash or unnecessary credit cards.
• Deal only with authorized agents when you exchange money or purchase art or antiques in order to avoid violating local laws.
• When overseas, avoid demonstrations and other situations that may become unruly or where anti-American sentiments may be expressed.