International Travel Information

What Are Travel Warnings, Country exact Information & Travel Alerts?

Travel Warnings

Travel Warnings are issued when the State Department decides based on all related information, to recommend that Americans avoid travel to a certain country. Countries where prevention of travel is recommended will have Travel Warnings as well as Country Specific Information. You may also want to review specific country Background Notes.

Travel Alerts

Travel Alerts are a means to distribute information about terrorist threats and other relatively short-term and/or trans-national conditions posing significant risks to the security of American travelers. The TAs is made when there is a specific threat that cannot be countered. In the past, Travel Alerts have been issued to deal with short-term coups, violence by terrorists and anniversary dates of specific terrorist events.

Country Specific Information

Country Specific Information is available for every country of the world. They include such information as location of the U.S. embassy or consulate in the subject country, unusual immigration practices, health conditions, minor political conflict, unusual currency and entry regulations, crime and security information, and drug penalties. If an unstable condition exists in a country that is not severe enough to warrant a Travel Warning, a description of the condition(s) may be included under an optional section entitled "Safety/Security."On limited occasions, we also restate in this section any U.S. embassy advice given to official employees. Country Specific Information generally does not include advice, but present information in a factual manner so the traveler can make his or her own decisions concerning travel to a particular country.

Country Background Notes

If you are looking for information on any of the U.S. territories and possessions, such as the U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, Guam or American Samoa, you can go to the CIA Fact book.

In addition, please see the section "Tips for Traveling Abroad" for other important health and safety information. Also, stay current with current information by visiting our "News" section.

Women travellers

Travelling alone or with a couple of female friends can be a great experience. Unfortunately women travellers can be targeted by criminals. Know how to avoid trouble.2 young women travellers in Australia. © Digital Vision/Getty Images

When you’re out and about

* think about how your clothing will fit in with local customs – what are local women wearing?
* don’t wear expensive jewellery
* wear a wedding ring (even if you don’t normally) to help avoid harassment
* be wary of new ‘friends’, even if they are fellow holidaymakers
* don’t tell strangers where you are staying or give out too many details about your travel plans
* if you’re travelling alone you may attract unwelcome attention and you may receive unwelcome propositions or remarks – it is usually best to ignore them
* act confidently
* plan your daily itinerary - know where you’re going, what you’re doing and how to get back
* some hotel and hostels have cards with contact details and directions – take one
* never hitchhike or accept car rides from strangers
* ask your hotel or hostel to recommend a taxi firm – try to pair up with someone you know when travelling by taxi


If you ever feel uncomfortable or in danger, don’t be afraid to draw attention to yourself by shouting and making a fuss.
In English-speaking countries you may receive more attention if you shout ‘fire!’ rather than ‘help!’

Going out at night

* always tell someone where you are going and when you expect to return
* be cautious of people who ignore your personal space, do not listen to you, make you feel guilty if you resist their advances or appear drunk
* carefully consider whether you should leave the pub, club or party with someone you have just met

Drug-assisted rape or ‘date’ rape

Unfortunately, drugs are increasingly being used in rape.

Once someone has added drugs to your drink, you won’t normally be able to detect them. Rape drugs can also work in non-alcoholic drinks, such as coffee and tea.

They are normally colourless and tasteless, and can make you virtually unconscious and defenceless.

Never leave drinks unattended and its best not to accept drinks from strangers.

If you begin to feel strange, sick or drunk after only a couple of drinks tell a trusted friend. They should take you to a safe place, such as your hotel room.

If you are alone, phone the local police, a hospital or the British Consulate. And always try to drink responsibly - alcohol is the most frequently used drug in drug-assisted rape.

Stay safe in your hotel or hostel

* only use your first initial and no title (‘Miss’, ‘Ms’ or ‘Mrs’) when checking in
* never leave your key where someone can note your room number
* don’t leave your window open, especially if your room is on the ground floor or has a balcony
* remember to lock your room door even when you are inside the room
* use a door wedge on the inside of your hotel room door for extra security
* if the door has a spy-hole or chain, use these before opening the door to unexpected visitors.

Lost or Stolen Passports

In order to protect yourself from identity fraud it is important to report a lost or stolen valid passport immediately!

For Lost or stolen passports Overseas, please contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate

How to Report and Replace a Lost or Stolen Passport in the U.S.

There are two steps required to get a new passport. First, you must report your valid passport lost or stolen immediately. This is required of anyone who loses or has a passport stolen. The second step is to replace your passport. Both steps and forms required are described below.
To Report a Lost or Stolen Passport:

* Fill in as much of the passport information as you can.
* Answer all the other questions in detail.
* Sign and submit above Form DS-64, Statement Regarding a Lost or Stolen Passport, to:

Do not mail your new passport application to this address. In order to obtain a new passport you must appear in person at a Passport Agency or Acceptance Facility as outlined below.

IMPORTANT NOTICES

* If your still valid passport was lost or stolen, please submit the DS-64 form with the DS-11 application when you apply for a replacement at a Passport Agency or Acceptance Facility. NOTE: You must appear in person.
* The information you provide on the DS-64, Statement Regarding a Lost or Stolen Passport will be entered in our Consular Lost/Stolen Passport System.
* Passports reported lost or stolen are invalidated and can no longer be used for travel.
* If you recover the passport after you have reported it lost or stolen, please submit it to the address listed above. When you submit it, if requested - we will cancel it and return it to you. If not requested, it will be destroyed.
* Once a passport is reported lost or stolen, it cannot be re-validated.

You must appear in person at a Passport Agency or Acceptance Facility.

Complete Question #18 as follows:

* Write your name as it appeared in your passport.
* Write the approximate date of issue.
* Include the passport number if known.
* Under "DISPOSITION", mark the appropriate box.
* If your passport was expired, write "EXPIRED" next to the "OTHER" box.

Submit your form:

* To a passport acceptance facility.
* You will also need photos, documentation and fees. See How to Apply in Person.

Travelling abroad for medical treatment

It’s important to know the risks if you are thinking of traveling abroad for medical treatment.

Standards of medical in some countries may not be the same as those in the UK.

Emergency facilities may not be available. And in some countries there may be a risk of transmission of HIV, hepatitis B and hepatitis C during medical procedures.

Before you go

Discuss pre-existing conditions with your doctor. Check the airline will allow you to travel. And consider the impact long distance travel will have on your health.

You should find out as much information as possible about the hospital before you make a decision. This should include:

1. qualifications and experience of staff
2. mortality rates
3. success rates of the surgeon/doctor who will carry out the operation/treatment
4. infection rates
5. arrangements for follow up care

Consider a private consultation with a doctor in the UK who may be able to recommend overseas practitioners.

Costs, liabilities and insurance

Remember, it’s your responsibility if something goes wrong during or after the treatment. If there are extra costs you’ll have to pay them. We can’t cover these for you.
So make sure you have enough to cover the price you are quoted and any emergency costs.

Make sure you have a written contract with the hospital. This should clearly outline what is and isn’t covered by the fee you have been quoted.

You may be charged for basic provisions such as soap, towels and bed sheets.

In some countries nursing care is not routinely available and friends and family are expected to provide care. Ensure the contract also sets out the arrangements for making complaints.

Be sure who is covering the cost of the following:

1. additional medical or emergency treatment in case of complications
2. medicines and dressings
3. an extended stay for any friends or family accompanying you
4. medical repatriation to the UK
5. correctional treatment in the UK
6. any follow-up treatment that is required

Standard travel insurance is unlikely to cover any extra costs as a result of medical treatment abroad. Be honest with your insurance company about your plans and tell them about existing medical conditions.

Our staff will not visit you while you are in hospital but may be able to assist if things go wrong. Make sure you have the number of the nearest embassy.