For Seniors Traveling Abroad: Some Tips From the State Department
By Teresa Ambord
If you're a senior about to embark on international travel, there are a few things you should know to avoid unnecessary delays and other problems. The U.S. State Department has put together 10 recommendations especially for senior citizens.
1. Don't leave home until you have a signed, valid passport, and whatever visas are required by the countries you will be visiting. Before you leave, fill out the emergency information page.
2. The State Department publishes Consular Information Sheets, Public Announcements, and Travel Warnings on its Web site. Check them for vital information before you leave. Click this link, and find what you are looking for in the menu to the left: U.S. Department of State.
3. Keep in mind that when traveling in a foreign country you are subject to their laws, not the laws of the United States. It's a good idea to become familiar with the laws and customs of the areas you are visiting before you go there so there are no unpleasant surprises.
4. Make a passport emergency kit. You'll need two passport sized recent photos, two copies of your passport identification page, and two copies of a list of contact information for the U.S. embassies and consulates in each country you'll visit. Give one copy of the list and one copy of your passport to a friend or family member at home. The other copies and both photos should go with you, in a separate location from your passport.
5. As with any trip, inform someone at home of your itinerary in case emergency contact is needed.
6. Never leave luggage unattended, and do not accept packages from strangers, no matter how compelling their reasons.
7. If you plan to remain overseas for more than two weeks, contact the U.S. embassy in the country you are visiting upon arrival, by phone or in person. This will make it easier for the communication easier if someone is looking for you.
8. Don't make yourself a target for crime. Don't carry excess money and credit cards or flashy jewelry or dress like an obvious tourist.
9. Avoid violating local law by only dealing with authorized agents when exchanging money, buying artwork or antiques.
10. If you do get into trouble, contact the nearest U.S. embassy.
The U.S. State Department recommends that you check the Consular Information Sheets - available for every country - for data you will need before you leave. These sheets provide such information as health conditions, immigration practices, drug penalties, information about crime and security, currency and entry regulations, and security information about minor political disturbances. If a major disturbance erupted, such an event would probably generate a Travel Warning posted on the Web site. Consular Information Sheets are not intended as advice, but meant to provide useful factual information to help you make good decisions.
In the event of terrorist threat and other significant threat conditions, the State Department issues Public Announcements.
Miscellaneous tips:
- Medical help: if you become ill, contact the U.S. embassy or consulate for a list of local medical and dental professionals, or if you're seriously ill, ask the consul to arrange medical care for you. Before you leave, you may want to write to this address to get a list of English speaking doctors for the countries you will visit.
- Currency: there is no limit to the amount of money or negotiable instruments you can take out of or bring into the United States. But if you are carrying more than $10,000 you will have to fill out a form (Form 4790) with U.S.Customs reporting the money.
- Fresh fruit: If you're thinking of bringing home some fresh produce from out of the country, don't. It will be confiscated.
For More Information:
Office of Overseas Citizens Services
Room 4811
2201 C Street, N.W. Washington, D.C 20520
(remember to specify which countries you want)