Travel Plans: Notify The State Department?

If you're a U.S. citizen who is planning to travel or live outside of the country, it's a good idea to notify the State Department and enroll in their Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). STEP is a free service that sends you updates and alerts from the local U.S. embassy or consulate, including information about health, weather, safety, and security in the country you're visiting. By enrolling in STEP, you can also get help from the embassy or consulate in case of an emergency, such as a natural disaster or civil unrest. It's recommended to provide specific trip details, such as arrival and departure dates, and to ensure your email is accessible during your trip so you can receive timely updates. Additionally, you can stay informed through other means, such as the Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC) and various social media platforms.

Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)

The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) is a free service provided by the U.S. Department of State that sends you updates and alerts from the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate via email. This includes Routine Messages, which are news and updates about your chosen country, and Alerts, which are short-term notifications about security, terrorism, health, weather, or disaster situations that may impact your travels. Additionally, Travel Advisories are sent every 6-12 months, providing a 1-4 rating system, details of specific risks, and steps to ensure safety.

STEP is designed to help U.S. citizens living or travelling internationally by providing them with real-time updates about health, weather, safety, and security in their chosen country. This allows travellers to plan ahead using information from the local U.S. embassy. In the event of an emergency, such as a natural disaster or civil unrest, STEP also facilitates contact between the embassy or consulate and U.S. citizens, providing instructions on what to do.

To join STEP, simply set up an account and select the types of messages you wish to receive. This program is a valuable resource for U.S. citizens abroad, helping them stay informed and safe during their travels. It is recommended to also research your destination and follow the U.S. Department of State on social media for additional safety and security information.

By enrolling in STEP, you can stay connected during emergencies and ensure that you receive important instructions or updates from the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. This service is easily accessible through web browsers like Microsoft Edge or Google Chrome. Remember to always be prepared when travelling internationally and consider making copies of your travel documents, leaving one set with a trusted contact.

Safety and security messaging

The U.S. Department of State provides several ways to stay informed about safety and security while travelling internationally. The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) is a free service that sends email updates from the local U.S. embassy or consulate. This includes Routine Messages, Alerts, and Travel Advisories. Routine Messages contain news and updates about the country you selected, while Alerts are about short-term security, terrorism, health, weather, or disaster situations that could impact your travels. Travel Advisories are re-evaluated every 6-12 months and include a 1-4 rating system, details about specific risks, and steps U.S. citizens should take to stay safe.

To sign up for STEP, create an account at STEP.state.gov and provide the details of your trip, including dates of arrival and departure for the countries you choose. You can also pick what types of messages you want to receive. This helps the U.S. embassy contact you in case of an emergency and allows them to pass on urgent news from your family or friends in the U.S.

In addition to STEP, the Department of State offers other ways to receive safety and security updates. You can subscribe to receive all Travel Advisories and Alerts, or just the Travel Advisory updates if you're not currently travelling. The @TravelGov Twitter and Facebook accounts also post this information, but you may not see all the updates due to social media algorithms. An interactive map at travelmaps.state.gov provides a visual overview of Travel Advisory levels worldwide.

For those interested in security issues, the Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC) is a public-private partnership within the State Department's Bureau of Diplomatic Security. OSAC publishes Travel Advisories and Alerts that can be sorted by world regions and security categories. You can also subscribe to their daily newsletters for more detailed security information.

Insurance coverage overseas

When travelling overseas, it is important to consider your insurance coverage. The U.S. government does not provide insurance for U.S. citizens abroad, nor does it pay for medical bills or unexpected medical costs. Therefore, it is highly recommended that you purchase insurance before travelling internationally. Here are some key points to consider:

Medicare and Medicaid

Medicare and Medicaid do not cover medical costs overseas. If you rely on these for your medical coverage, you will need to purchase additional insurance for your trip.

Private Insurance

If you have private health insurance, check with your provider to see if you are covered internationally. Many private insurance policies do not cover expenses overseas, so it is important to review the terms of your policy before travelling. If your insurance does not provide full coverage, consider buying a short-term supplemental policy. Look for a policy that will make payments directly to hospitals.

Travel Insurance

If you do not have private insurance, or if your private insurance does not cover international travel, consider purchasing travel insurance. Travel insurance can provide coverage for emergency medical treatment, trip cancellation, interruption, weather, terrorism, travel and baggage delay, missed connections, and rental car damage. It can also include medical evacuation and repatriation coverage, which will transport you to a medical facility of your choice or back to your home country for treatment. When purchasing travel insurance, carefully review the terms of the policy to ensure it meets your needs. Consider factors such as the region(s) you will visit, the duration of your trip, emergency medical care, medical transport, travel/accommodation costs, financial coverage for worst-case scenarios, pre-existing conditions, and any activities you plan to engage in. Additionally, make sure the insurance company has a 24-hour contact line.

Credit Cards

Some travel credit cards offer limited emergency evacuation and medical coverage. However, the coverage amounts are typically much lower than those provided by travel insurance policies.

Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)

The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) is a free service provided by the U.S. government that sends you updates and alerts about health, weather, safety, and security in your destination country. It also helps the U.S. embassy or consulate contact you in case of an emergency, such as a natural disaster or civil unrest.

Driving and road safety abroad

Driving in a foreign country can be challenging, and according to the US State Department, about a third of all American deaths overseas are from road accidents. Here are some tips to help you stay safe on the roads when travelling abroad:

Planning and Preparation:

Before your trip, research the local rules, signage, and driving culture of your destination. Check for potential hazards, dangerous road conditions, and local areas or roads to avoid. Familiarize yourself with local emergency numbers and the necessary documents to carry, including any special road permits, insurance, and your driver's license.

Vehicle and Equipment:

Ensure your vehicle is in good condition and carries the necessary safety equipment, including seat belts. Check that your auto insurance policy covers you abroad, and if not, consider purchasing additional coverage.

On the Road:

Always wear your seat belt and ensure children have appropriate restraints. Obey local traffic rules and speed limits, and be aware of unique regulations, such as those regarding blood alcohol level, use of mobile phones, and mandatory safety equipment. Be cautious when driving at night, as some countries may have unlit roads or discourage the use of headlights.

Additional Considerations:

Be mindful of animals on the road, such as kangaroos in Australia or wild boar in France. When renting a car, opt for a reputable company and a sturdy model. Learn basic vehicle maintenance and carry essential tools, especially when travelling in remote areas.

Remember, driving abroad may require an International Driving Permit (IDP), which translates your driver's license into multiple languages and confirms you passed a driving test. Always follow local laws and stay vigilant to ensure your safety on the roads.

Customs and import restrictions

Restrictions on Items Entering Foreign Countries

Many countries have restrictions on what you can bring into them. These restrictions often include food, pets, and medications, even those available over the counter. It is important to check the relevant country's embassy or consulate website for detailed information on prohibited items. Some examples of restricted items when entering foreign countries include:

• Gold and other precious metals
• Precious and semi-precious stones
• Electronic equipment not declared on arrival
• Firearms and ammunition
• Religious artifacts and literature
• Ivory and certain other wildlife parts and products

Violating customs rules can result in detention, fines, confiscation of items, prosecution, and even imprisonment.

U.S. Customs and Import Restrictions

The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) enforces laws and regulations to protect community health, public safety, American workers, children, and domestic plant and animal life. Some items prohibited from entering the U.S. include:

• Dangerous toys
• Cars that do not meet safety and environmental standards
• Illegal substances like absinthe and Rohypnol
• Certain fruits and vegetables
• Animal products and by-products
• Absinthe with thujone content above 10 parts per million
• Biological specimens without the necessary permits
• Defense articles or items with military applications without a license
• Dog or cat fur products
• Drug paraphernalia
• Certain fish and wildlife products and their derivatives
• Ivory, unless it is an antique over 100 years old and properly documented
• Meat and meat products from most foreign countries
• Prescription and over-the-counter medications that have not been evaluated or approved by the FDA
• Merchandise from embargoed countries like Cuba and Iran without a specific license
• Soil without an import permit

Tips for Compliance

To ensure compliance with customs and import restrictions, it is recommended to:

• Research the specific restrictions of your destination country and the U.S. before travelling.
• Consult with the appropriate authorities, such as CBP, for clarification on restricted items.
• Obtain necessary permits and licenses for items that are restricted but not completely prohibited.
• Declare and present all agricultural items for inspection to avoid penalties.
• Comply with medication regulations for U.S. citizens and non-U.S. citizens.

Frequently asked questions