CHAPTER 1: SECURITY AWARENESS OVERSEAS

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
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

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

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     9

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

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

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 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

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

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…

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

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