A World of Info for Global Travelers
Overseas Citizen Services helps with crises, crimes, lost passports and other issues
The State Department offers emergency services to U.S. residents
traveling or working abroad.
OVERSEAS CITIZENS SERVICES:
From
within the U.S. 1-888-407-4747
From outside the U.S. 1-202-501-4444
According to their website, “The American Office of American Citizen Services and Crisis Management (ACS) supports the work of our overseas embassies and consulates in providing emergency services to Americans traveling or living abroad. We also assist in non-emergency matters of birth, identity, passport, citizenship, registration, judicial assistance, and estates. ACS can facilitate the transfer of funds overseas to assist U.S. citizens in need, repatriate the remains of loved ones who have died overseas, assist victims of crime, and help U.S. citizens who are detained in foreign prisons. In other words, ACS is here to assist you and your family whenever and wherever we can.
ACS also administers a repatriation loan program to bring home destitute Americans. We operate a 24-hour Duty Officer Program and Crisis Response Teams who work on task forces convened to deal with natural or man-made disasters. Read More
Get Updates on Travel Warnings While Abroad
State Department Launches "Smart Traveler Enrollment Program" (STEP)
The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) is a free service provided by the U.S. Government to U.S. citizens who are traveling to, or living in, a foreign country.
STEP allows you to enter information about your upcoming trip abroad so that the Department of State can better assist you in an emergency.
STEP also allows Americans residing abroad to get routine information from the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.
To sign up for the free service go to this link: Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (formerly known as “Travel Registration” or “Registration with Embassies”). Once enrolled, it will send you Travel Warnings and Travel Alerts (where appropriate).
From the TSA
What is Secure Flight and what does it do?
The following is a Q & A from the TSA about the new secure flight program that TripNewsWire finds useful for travelers. Airlines must comply with the new - regulations by the end of 2010.
Secure Flight is a behind the scenes program that streamlines the watch list matching process. It will improve the travel experience for all passengers, including those who have been misidentified in the past.
What information will be collected by Secure Flight?
Under the Secure Flight Final Rule, TSA requires airlines to collect and transmit to TSA the following Secure Flight Passenger Data (SFPD):
- Name as it appears on government-issued I.D. when traveling
- Date of Birth
- Gender
- Redress Number (if available)
Why is Secure Flight collecting this information?
TSA determined that mandating the provision of the additional data elements of date of birth and gender would greatly reduce the number of passengers misidentified as a match to the watch list. It is to the passenger's advantage to provide the required data elements as doing so may prevent delays or inconveniences at the airport, particularly for those individuals who have similar names to those on the watch lists.
When did Secure Flight's requirements go into effect?
Secure Flight required that all airlines request and collect Secure Flight Passenger Data (SFPD) as of October 31, 2009 (sic - TripNewsWire notices every other reference says by Oct. 31, 2010...). Secure Flight is being phased in with each airline. Implementation with all domestic airlines is scheduled to be completed in the Spring of 2010 and international carriers by the end of 2010.
What happens if my airline did not ask for any of the newly required information?
Secure Flight is being phased-in and each airline will incorporate the necessary changes into its system over the coming months. Passengers should not be concerned if particular airlines don't ask them to provide the additional information right away; it should not impact their travel.
What is the objective of Secure Flight?
The goals of the program are to:
- Identify known and suspected terrorists
- Prevent individuals on the No Fly List from boarding an aircraft
- Subject individuals on the Selectee List to enhanced screening to determine if they are permitted to board an aircraft
- Facilitate passenger air travel
- Protect individuals' privacy
What are the benefits provided by Secure Flight?
By assuming watch list matching responsibilities from the airlines, TSA:
- Decreases the chance for compromised watch list data by limiting its distribution
- Provides earlier identification of potential matches, allowing for expedited notification of law enforcement and threat management
- Provides a fair, equitable, and consistent matching process across all airlines
- Reduces instances of misidentified individuals
- Offers consistent application of an integrated redress process for misidentified individuals via the Department of Homeland Security's Travel Redress Inquiry Program (DHS TRIP)
What laws mandate Secure Flight?
The 9/11 Commission Report recommended that the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) take over watch list matching from the airlines. The Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act (IRTPA) of 2004 codified this recommendation and requires the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and TSA to assume from airlines the function of conducting pre-flight comparisons of airline passenger information to federal government watch lists. TSA is implementing the Secure Flight program to meet this Congressional mandate. The Secure Flight Final Rule provides the regulatory authority for the implementation of the Secure Flight program.
What this means for you as a traveler
How will my travel experience be different now that Secure Flight is up and running?
The biggest change for most passengers will be providing additional information when booking a reservation for air travel. Under Secure Flight, airlines require that passengers provide their full name, date of birth, and gender when making a reservation to travel and will request a passenger's Redress Number and passport information if available. Otherwise, the passenger experience under Secure Flight will be the same for most travelers.
If the name printed on my boarding pass is different than what appears on my government ID, will I still be able to fly?
Secure Flight is a behind-the-scenes process that TSA and airlines collaborate on to compare the information you provide against government watch lists. The additional data elements that you may be asked to provide, such as date of birth and gender, serve to better differentiate you from individuals on the government watch lists.
Due to differences in boarding pass systems, boarding passes may not always display the exact name you provided when booking your travel. The name you provide when booking your travel is used to perform the watch list matching before a boarding pass is ever issued, so small differences between the passenger's ID and the passenger name printed on the boarding pass, such as the use of a middle initial instead of a full middle name or no middle name/initial at all, or hyphens and apostrophes should not cause a problem for the passenger.
Redress - for passengers who have been misidentified
What is Redress?
Redress is an opportunity for passengers who believe they have been improperly or unfairly delayed or prohibited from boarding an aircraft to seek resolution and avoid future delays. The affected passengers often have the same or a similar name to someone on the watch list. The DHS Traveler Redress Inquiry Program (TRIP) provides a one-stop shop for passengers seeking redress. Secure Flight uses the results of the redress process in its watch list matching process to help prevent future delays for misidentified passengers. For more information on the redress process, visit www.dhs.gov/trip.
How does Secure Flight use the Redress Number?
Secure Flight uses the results of the redress process in its watch list matching process, thus helping to prevent future misidentifications for passengers who may have a name that's similar to an individual name on the watch list.
How do I use the Redress Number?
After receiving the Redress Number, passengers should provide the number to their travel arranger or airline representative when making airline reservations. By doing so, passengers can avoid inconveniences or delays that may result from mistaken identity. If passengers are not asked for the Redress Number by their travel arranger or airline representative, they should volunteer the number to the agent taking the reservation or provide the Redress Number when checking in for their flight.
Once I have a Redress Number, will my travel experience be better?
After submitting your application for redress, you will receive your Redress Number immediately. This number is used to track your application, but will also serve as the number to be provided when traveling in the future. Please bear in mind that even though you have been assigned a Redress Number, your application must still be processed. Once your application is processed and finalized, you will be notified with a letter.
Please note that DHS can neither confirm nor deny whether an individual is on a Federal watch list because this information is derived from classified and sensitive law enforcement and intelligence information. In addition, DHS cannot ensure that your travel will always be delay-free. Airline check-in procedures must still be followed and other security measures remain in place at the airport.
How long is a Redress Number?
A Redress Number is seven digits long.
What is the difference between a Redress Number and a Redress Control Number?
The official term used by the DHS Travel Redress Inquiry Program (TRIP) is Redress Control Number. Many people simply refer to this as a Redress Number. These terms all refer to the same number.
Where can I apply?
To apply for redress through DHS Transportation Redress Inquiry Program (TRIP), visit www.dhs.gov/trip.
Who do I contact if I need my Redress Number?
To check the status of your inquiry, go to https://trip.dhs.gov/status.htm and enter your Redress Number. If you have lost or misplaced your Redress Number, contact DHS TRIP by e-mail at trip@dhs.gov.
Who do I contact if I have additional questions about redress?
For more information on the redress process and how to apply, visit www.dhs.gov/trip or email trip@dhs.gov.
Links to Passport pages on the U.S. State Department website
Applying for a passport - either for the first time, to renew or to replace a lost or stolen passport, can be daunting. Here are the links to the various passport pages on the State Department website.
To apply for a passport for the first time, and you are an adult over 16, go here.
To renew a passport, go here.
For minors, go here.
If you need a passport in a hurry, go here.
Lost or stolen passport, go here.
And if you need more information on where to go to apply in person, here is the link to the page on the State Department's website to look up your closest passport agency by your zip code.
Passport Acceptance Facility Search Page
Or try these websites below:
BOSTON
CONNECTICUT
DALLAS
DETROIT
HONOLULU
HOUSTON
LOS ANGELES
MIAMI
MINNEAPOLIS
NEW ORLEANS
NEW YORK
PHILADELPHIA
SAN FRANCISCO
SEATTLE
WASHINGTON DC
WESTERN US
U.S. Territories:
No Passport Required
No passport is required for U.S. citizens to travel to the U.S. commonwealths and territories such as Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands - St. Croix, St. John and St. Thomas.
________________
How to Have a Safe Trip.
Meanwhile, here are their tips for making your travel easier and safer:
- Register so the State Department can better assist you in an emergency: Register your travel plans with the State Department through a free online service at the new Smart Traveler Enrollment Program.
This will help them contact you if there is a family emergency in the
U.S., or if there is a crisis where you are traveling. In accordance
with the Privacy Act, information on your welfare and whereabouts will
not be released to others without your express authorization.
- Sign passport, and fill in the emergency information:
Make sure you have a signed, valid passport, and a visa, if required,
and fill in the emergency information page of your passport.
- Leave copies of itinerary and passport data page: Leave
copies of your itinerary, passport data page and visas with family or
friends, so you can be contacted in case of an emergency.
- Check your overseas medical insurance coverage: Ask your
medical insurance company if your policy applies overseas, and if it
covers emergency expenses such as medical evacuation. If it does not,
consider supplemental insurance.
- Familiarize yourself with local conditions and laws: While in a foreign country, you are subject to its laws. The State Department web site at http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1765.html has useful safety and other information about the countries you will visit.
- Take precautions to avoid being a target of crime: To
avoid being a target of crime, do not wear conspicuous clothing or
jewelry and do not carry excessive amounts of money. Also, do not leave
unattended luggage in public areas and do not accept packages from
strangers.
- Contact the U.S. embassy in an emergency: Consular personnel at U.S. Embassies and Consulates abroad and in the U.S. are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to provide emergency assistance to U.S. citizens. Contact information for U.S. Embassies and Consulates appears on the Bureau of Consular Affairs website at http://travel.state.gov. Also note that the Office of Overseas Citizen Services in the State Department’s Bureau of Consular Affairs may be reached for assistance with emergencies at 1-888-407-4747, if calling from the U.S. or Canada, or 202-501-4444, if calling from overseas.
Hurricanes are severe tropical storms that form in the southern Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea, Gulf of Mexico and in the eastern Pacific Ocean. People who live in hurricane prone communities should know their vulnerability, and what actions should be taken to reduce the effects of these devastating storms.
The information provided by FEMA can be used to save lives at work, home, while on the road, or on the water.
For a full list of tips, go to the FEMA site and read more.
What the State Department Can and Can't Do in a Crisis
Source: U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs
TripNewsWire.com thinks this is good info to have if a crisis occurs overseas - especially the part re: evacuation and departure assistance, which is covered in a number of the questions below.
Q: What is the Department of State's role during a crisis overseas? Do you always evacuate U.S. citizens during a crisis overseas?
The actions we take depend on the nature of the crisis. In some instances, we may only need to provide information on conditions in the country, such as warning about areas of unrest, how and where to seek help, and other useful advice. In more serious situations, we may recommend that U.S. citizens leave the foreign country, and, if commercial transportation is not available, provide departure assistance, as our resources permit.
Q: What departure assistance do you provide? Why do you tell U.S. citizens they should leave, and then don’t offer transportation?
The assistance we provide depends upon the nature of the crisis. Regularly scheduled commercial flights or transportation are always the best option when local communications and transportation infrastructure are intact and operating normally, even if we have advised all U.S. citizens to leave. Our efforts are devoted to keeping the local U.S. citizen community informed of developments and travel options.
Q: What happens during an evacuation?
Each evacuation depends on the nature of the crisis. In extreme situations, where local infrastructure is damaged or severely compromised, we work with the host government, other countries, and other U.S. government agencies to arrange chartered or non-commercial transportation for U.S. citizens seeking to depart. This could include transportation by air, land, or sea. While we partner closely with the Department of Defense, military options are only used as a last resort. You should not expect the U.S. military to assist you when we issue a Travel Warning advising you to leave a country.
Q: Why don’t you use the U.S. military in every evacuation?
We use the resources that are most expedient and appropriate to the situation. Expectations of rescue by helicopters, the U.S. military, and U.S. government-provided transportation with armed escorts reflect a Hollywood script more than reality. While some evacuations involve U.S. military or other U.S. government assets, most rely on commercial transportation and local infrastructure. Any level of departure assistance constitutes an enormous logistical effort.
Q: Will the U.S. government come and pick me up if I need assistance getting to the airport or other evacuation point?
Crises place an enormous strain on our resources as embassy personnel focus on assisting U.S. citizens affected by the crisis. Security conditions can also limit our ability to move freely around the country. It is almost impossible for the U.S. government to provide in-country transportation service to individuals or specific groups during a foreign crisis. You should therefore pay close heed to our travel and safety information for the country they are traveling to or residing in, monitor local conditions, and have a plan of action in case of emergency.
Q: Will the U.S. government pay for my travel? How much will it cost?
Departure assistance is expensive. U.S. law 22 U.S.C. 2671(b) (2) (A) requires that any departure assistance be provided “on a reimbursable basis to the maximum extent practicable.” This means that evacuation costs are ultimately your responsibility; you will be asked to sign a form promising to repay the U.S. government. We charge you the equivalent of a full coach fare on commercial air at the time that commercial options cease to be a viable option. You will be taken to a nearby safe location, where the traveler will need to make his or her own onward travel arrangements. If you are destitute, and private resources are not available to cover the cost of onward travel, you may be eligible for emergency financial assistance.
Q: What about my pets? Will the U.S. government transport them?
In general, we are not able to provide transportation assistance for your pets. If the pet can fit into an under-the-seat carrier, it can accompany the traveler. U.S. citizens traveling or residing abroad with pets should make alternate plans for their care or commercial transport if a crisis occurs abroad.
Q: How can I receive updated information during a crisis?
We encourage all U.S. citizens traveling abroad, especially citizens who plan to be overseas for a significant amount of time, to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) (see article to the left on Tripnewswire.com home page). It is important that you keep your contact information up-to-date so that we can notify you or your designated emergency contact of developments and provide valuable information.
Also be sure to monitor our website, travel.state.gov, for updates, as this is our primary tool to disseminate important information during a crisis. Our Facebook and Twitter accounts are also good sources of information. Rest assured that in case of a crisis, we will make use of all available modes of communication to keep our citizens informed, including the internet, social media, TV, and radio.
Q: If I don’t hear from the embassy or I’m not enrolled in STEP, can I call them?
Often our embassies and consulates abroad cannot handle the huge volume of calls that follow a major crisis. We encourage you to contact us using the Task Force Alert (see below for more details), special e-mail addresses established for public inquiries during a crisis, or our U.S.-based telephone number at 1-888-407-4747 (from overseas +1-202-501-4444).
Q: What is Task Force Alert? How can I provide information about myself or my U.S. citizen friends and loved ones who are affected by a crisis overseas?
The best way to contact us during a major crisis overseas is via Task Force Alert, a free service that allows U.S. citizens to enter information about themselves or their U.S. citizens friends and loved ones into a database that we use to provide emergency consular assistance to U.S. citizens during a crisis. This service does not automatically alert emergency medical or law enforcement officials. U.S. citizens experiencing an emergency that requires immediate medical or law enforcement response should contact appropriate local responders. It is only applicable to U.S. citizens who are in the affected foreign country, and we do not collect information on people who are not U.S. citizens.
Q: What if I don’t have access to e-mail or phone?
We know that Internet and cell phone service is sometimes interrupted during a crisis. Land line phones might also be affected. In such cases, we will use local television and radio to broadcast emergency information and may also use a system of pre-designated U.S. citizen “wardens” to pass on information to other U.S. citizens in your area. We also encourage citizens to reach out to family and friends outside the affected area to obtain information and relay messages to and from the task force handling the crisis at the Department of State. Don’t underestimate the power of social media – regularly updating your status through social media sites is an effective way to let your loved ones know how you are doing.
Q: If my U.S. passport is expired, will you still assist me?
We strongly recommend that all U.S. citizens traveling or residing abroad keep their travel documents up-to-date. If your U.S. passport expires, you may be required to obtain a valid emergency travel document from the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate before traveling. In some cases, we may need to take additional steps to determine your citizenship.
Department
Issues Rare Alerts for Chile and the Philippines
U.S. citizens traveling abroad.
Source: U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs
Travel Alerts
Chile 01/10/2012
Philippines 12/22/2011
Senegal 12/12/2011
South Pacific Cyclone Season 12/12/2011
Congo, Democratic Republic of the 12/09/2011
Liberia 11/09/2011
Bahrain 11/18/2011
Thailand 11/16/2011
Egypt 11/07/2011
Congo, Democratic Republic of the 11/03/2011India 10/18/2011
Congo, Democratic Republic of the 10/13/2011
Worldwide 10/11/2011
Japan 10/07/2011
Tunisia 10/05/2011
Worldwide 10/01/2011
Bhutan 09/23/2011
India 09/23/2011
Nepal 09/23/2011
9-11 Anniversary 09/02/2011
Bahrain 08/19/2011
Zambia 08/11/2011
Zambia 08/11/2011
Japan 07/19/2011
Tunisia 07/08/2011
Pacific Typhoon Season 06/02/2011
Hurricane Season 2011 06/01/2011
Bahrain 05/13/2011
Worldwide 05/01/2011
Egypt 04/28/2011
Japan 04/14/2011
Tunisia 04/11/2011
Travel Warnings
Sudan 01/11/2012
Syria 01/11/2012
Philippines 01/05/2012
Central African Republic 01/04/2012
Republic of South Sudan 12/22/2011
Cote d'Ivoire 12/16/2011
Afghanistan 12/01/2011
Burundi 11/25/2011
Eritrea 11/04/2011
Kenya 11/04/2011
Guinea 11/04/2011
Korea, Democratic People's Republic of 11/03/2011
Iran 10/21/2011
Nigeria 10/13/2011
Lebanon 10/12/2011
Mauritania 10/12/2011
Mali 10/04/2011
Syria 09/30/2011
Libya 09/22/2011
Algeria 09/19/2011
Iraq 09/13/2011
Yemen 09/02/2011
Libya 08/23/2011
Somalia 08/19/2011
Chad 08/16/2011
Haiti 08/08/2011
Pakistan 08/08/2011
Syria 08/05/2011
Niger 08/05/2011
Saudi Arabia 08/05/2011
Colombia 07/22/2011
Congo, Democratic Republic of the 07/19/2011
Libya 07/19/2011
Republic of South Sudan 07/12/2011
Israel, the West Bank and Gaza 06/22/2011
Sudan 06/22/2011
Cote d'Ivoire 06/16/2011
Philippines 06/14/2011
Burundi 06/01/2011
Yemen 05/25/2011
Syria 04/25/2011
Uzbekistan 04/25/2011
Mexico 04/22/2011
Burkina Faso 04/19/2011 Nigeria 04/15/2011
Cote d'Ivoire 04/14/2011
Iraq 04/12/2011
Tunisia 04/11/2011
Bahrain 04/12/2011
Lebanon 04/04/2011
Syria 04/03/2011
Egypt 03/29/2011
Algeria 03/16/2011
Mauritania 03/11/2011
Afghanistan 03/08/2011
Yemen 03/06/2011
Cote d'Ivoire 03/02/2011
Mali 03/02/2011
Eritrea 02/27/2011
Libya 02/24/2011
Egypt 02/18/2011
Mali 02/09/2011
Pakistan 02/02/2011
Central African Republic 01/14/2011
Niger 01/12/2011
Nepal 01/12/2011
Sudan 01/07/2011
Kenya 12/28/2010
Somalia 12/27/2010
Saudi Arabia 12/23/2010
Cote d'Ivoire 12/19/2010
Mauritania 12/08/2010
Chad 12/08/2010
Central African Republic 12/06/2010
Guinea 12/03/2010
Congo, Democratic Republic of the 11/25/2010
Colombia 11/10/2010
Iraq 11/05/2010
Burundi 11/04/2010
Philippines 11/02/2010
Nigeria 10/19/2010
Yemen 10/15/2010
Lebanon 10/08/2010
Iran 10/08/2010
Sudan 10/01/2010
Eritrea 09/24/2010
Mexico 09/10/2010
Korea, Democratic People's Republic of 08/27/2010
Afghanistan 08/13/2010
Israel, the West Bank and Gaza 08/10/2010
Mali 08/06/2010
Uzbekistan 07/22/2010
Pakistan 07/22/2010
Nepal 06/15/2010
Niger 05/11/2010
Georgia 05/03/2010
Algeria 04/02/2010
Kenya 03/16/2010
Travel Alerts have also been issued by the U.S. State Department for a number of countries. For more information, go to the State Department Travel Alert page here. And for additional information on Travel Warnings, visit the Travel Warning page here.
Volcanoes, floods, hurricanes, earthquakes and other natural travel disasters
Tropical storms, hurricanes, earthquakes, floods and even volcanoes can cause travel interruptions and air traffic delays -- reason to really check your destination's current weather and read up on what to do if caught in weather -- before you go.
that tells travelers what to do when traveling overseas and a hurricane hits.
Our World Weather page has links to the weather centers in specific countries, plus the Pacific Disaster Center has news and maps of impending world disasters. The USGS Hazards page has updates for U.S. situations and if you like to see things as they happen, NASA has a site with great live photos.
Although the widespread travel disruption caused by the Iceland volcano is over, at least for now, TripNewsWire says take note - U.S. embassies throughout Europe offered assistance to U.S. citizens during the crisis and are there to help you if something similar happens again. Check out our U.S. Embassies Overseas page and go to the embassy page of the country you are traveling to - write down their address and phone number, just to have in case you can't get to the internet when abroad.
And if traveling to a region affected by a natural disaster, TripNewsWire says call your airline first to check schedules - if your flight has been canceled ask to be "reaccommodated" to the next flight or "protected" on another airline.
Is there an entry tax? Do I need a visa?
For example, Argentina recently joined Chile in charging a hefty entry tax to U.S. citizens upon arrival. Called a "reciprocal" tax since we charge them to come to the U.S., the tax was $131 when first introduced but went up to $140 in June. It is payable by credit card - whew - and good for 10 years, still a shocker if you didn't check with your airline or a consulate beforehand.
So we say check the rules for entry taxes, visas, customs, etc. at the time of booking and again the day before you go.
The best place to go for this info is the country's embassy or consulate web page - not always easy to find online.
So on TripNewsWire, we have a list of foreign embassies in D.C. as well as some of the major country's foreign consulates in the U.S.
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) Travel Centre website enables you to type in your destination to find out a number of useful travel facts -- airport taxes, currencies, what documents you need and other basic travel information all in one fell swoop. This is what most of the airlines use when you call them for international document requirements.
The U.S. State Department also has A to Z Country Specific Information about visas, taxes, news and other travel questions - although be certain to go to this link vs. the other A to Z link that simply has a map and flag on it. The country specific link is also good for looking up current Travel Warnings and Travel Alerts.
