Traveling Abroad Post "9-11" & in The Wake Of Terrorism: A Practical Guide for Americans and Other International Travelers

Preface v

CHAPTER 1: SECURITY AWARENESS OVERSEAS 1

Introduction 1

Preparing To Travel 1

Have Your Affairs in Order 1

Important Papers 2

Useful Information 2

Emergency Notification 2

Miscellaneous Tips 2

In Transit 3

On the Plane 3

At an Overseas Airport 3

Car Rentals 3

Public Transportation 3

In‑Transit Accommodations 4

Hotel Crime 4

Civil Unrest 4

Hotel Fires 4

If a Fire Starts 5

Terrorism 5

US Policy 6

Terrorist Demands 6

Terrorist Surveillance 6

Hijackings 7

Armed Assault on the Ground 7

Kidnappings 7

Captivity 7

Behavior Suggestions 7

Avoidance of Capture or Escape 8

Rescue 8

Additional Precautions 9

Overseas Crisis Planning 9

Culture Shock 9

Symptoms 9

Successful Handling 9

Helping Children Adjust 10

Before the Move 10

Relocation Crisis 10

Stress During Crisis 10

Security for Children 11

Rules for Children 11

Rules for Parents 11

Child‑Watch Checklist 11

Checklist for Babysitters 11

Evacuation 12

Preparation 12

If Evacuated 12

Residential Fire Safety 12

Smoke Detectors 13

Fire Escape Plan 13

Fire Drills 13

Fire Extinguishers 13

A Summary of Fire Safety Reminders 14

The Final World 14

Community Participation in Security 14

Safety in Numbers 14

What You Can Do 14

Other Useful Steps 15

Resources 15

Government Resources in the US 15

Overseas Resources 15

Publications 15

Conclusion 15

CHAPTER 2: PERSONAL SECURITY 17

Introduction 17

Residential Security 17

Establishing a safe haven 17

Home Security While You are Away 18

Personal Security While Traveling 18

Personal Security in Hotels 19

Fire Safety at Home 19

Preventive Measures 19

Security Do’s for Children 19

Letter and Parcel Bombs 20

Carjacking 20

Surveillance 21

Sexual Assault Prevention 21

Crisis Awareness and Preparedness 22

CHAPTER 3: A SAFE TRIP ABROAD 23

Before You Go 23

What to Bring 23

What to Leave Behind 23

A Few Things to Bring and Leave Behind 24

What to Learn About Before You Go 24

Things to Arrange Before You Go 24

Precautions to Take While Traveling 25

Safety on the Street 25

Safety in Your Hotel 25

Safety on Public Transportation 26

Taxis 26

Trains 26

Buses 26

Safety When You Drive 26

Patterns of Crime Against Motorists 26

How to handle money Safely 27

How to Avoid Legal Difficulties 27

Drug Violations 27

Possession of Firearms 27

Photography 27

Purchasing Antiques 27

Terrorism 27

Travel to High-Risk Areas 28

Hijacking/Hostage Situations 28

Assistance Abroad 29

CHAPTER 4: GETTING HELP ABROAD FROM U.S. CONSULS 31

Emergency Services 31

Replace A Passport 31

Help Find Medical Assistance 31

Help Get Funds 31

Help in an Emergency 31

Visit in Jail 31

Help in Death Situations 31

Help in Disaster/Evacuation 32

Non-Emergency Services 32

Issue a Consular Report of Birth 32

Issue a Passport 32

Distribute Federal Benefits Payments 32

Assist in Child Custody Disputes 32

Help in Other Ways 32

What Consular Offices Cannot Do 32

Privacy Act 32

CHAPTER 5: CRISES ABROAD: WHAT THE STATE DEPARTMENT DOES 33

When Disaster Strikes Abroad

Welfare and whereabouts 33

Death 33

Injury 34

Evacuation 34

Private Act 34

CHAPTER 6: OVERSEAS CITIZENS SERVICES/THE CITIZENS EMERGENCY CENTER 35

Overseas Citizens Services 35

American Citizens Services and Crisis Management 35

Arrests 35

Deaths 35

Financial Assistance 35

Medical Assistance 36

Welfare and Whereabouts of U.S. Citizens 36

Consular Information Program 36

Disaster Assistance 36

Children’s Issues 36

International Adoptions 36

International parental Child Abductions 36

Consular Conventions and Treaties 37

Federal benefits 37

Legislation 37

Privacy Act 37

CHAPTER 7: THE STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL ADVISORIES 39

Travel warnings 39

Public Announcements 39

Consular Information Sheets 39

Current Travel Warnings 39

Current Public Announcements 40

State Department Electronic Subscriptions 40

CHAPTER 8: ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, TIPS AND ADVICE 43

Entry/Exit Requirements 43

Safety Matters 44

Health Matters 51

Law and Order 54

Money Matters 56

Shopping Matters 59

Driving Matters 66

Matters of Etiquette 67

Matters of Common Sense, Good Judgment & Good Habit 70

Matters Here and There 77

CHAPTER 9: MORE INFORMATION AND ADVICE FROM THE U.S. STATE DEPARTMENT, CUSTOMS, TRANSPORTATION, AGRICULTURE, SOCIAL SECURITY… 93

Traveling Out of/Into the U.S.; New Guidelines/Procedures 93

Prepared to Take Off? 93

Permitted & Prohibited Items 93

Travel Preparations 98

Packing Tips 99

Baggage Security Checkpoints 100

Baggage Screening 100

Transporting Firearms and Ammunition 101

Travelers & Consumers 101

Final Checklist 103

Security Procedures 104

Passenger Security Checkpoints 104

Gate Screening 105

Persons with Disabilities or Medical Concerns 106

Religious or Cultural Needs 109

Traveling With Children 110

Pets 111

Film 111

Sports Equipment 112

Road Safety 113

Information for Students 113

International Driving permits 114

Tips on Driving Abroad 115

Retaining a Foreign Attorney 115

Authentication and Translation of Documents 117

Complaints Against Foreign Attorney 117

Finding a Foreign Attorney 117

Bar Associations 118

Social Security 121

Application for Social Security Card 129

Travel Smart 130

Top Ten Tips for Travelers 130

Legal Disputes Abroad 131

Getting Help with Tourist Complaint Abroad 132

Finding Assistance in Connection with an Investment Disputes Abroad 132

Finding Information about Export Licensing requirements 132

Finding Information about U.S. Treasury Restrictions and Foreign Asset Controls 132

Filing Claim against a Foreign Government 133

Office of Authentication 133

Traveling with Samples 134

Payment of Duty 134

ATA Carnet 134

What Countries use the ATA Carnet? 137

Currency Reporting 138

Why are You Taking My…? 139

Random Exams 140

Why did this Happen to Me? 141

Why U.S. Customs Conduct Examinations 143

Overseas Schools Advisory Council 143

CHAPTER 10: REFERENCES AND RESOURCES FOR OVERSEAS TRAVELERS 147

U.S. Department of State 147

U.S. Department of Commerce 149

U.S. Department of Treasury/Customs 149

U.S. Department of Agriculture 150

U.S. Department of Health & Human Resources 150

U.S. Department of Interior 150

Environmental Protection Agency 151

U.S. Department of Transportation 151

Social Security Administration 151

Recommended Government Websites 154

Other Travel Websites 154

Health Advice 155

Security/Travel Advisories 155

Other travel services 155

Final Checklist (Forget-Me-Nots) 156