International travel is a major part of business in today's world, and being prepared for these trips can help ensure that they are safe and incident-free.
From passports to visas to vaccinations, there are many things to consider in addition to the business you will be conducting overseas.
Although not meant to be all-inclusive, these sources provide a great deal of the information to know and check before you leave the U.S.!
Warnings and Alerts
Travel Warnings Travel Warnings are issued by the State Department and describe long-term, protracted conditions that make a country dangerous or unstable. A Travel Warning is also issued when the U.S. Government's ability to assist American citizens is constrained due to the closure of an embassy or consulate or because of a drawdown of its staff.
Travel Alerts Also issued by the State Department, Travel Alerts disseminate information about short-term conditions, generally within a particular country, that pose imminent risks to the security of U.S. citizens. Natural disasters, terrorist attacks, coups, anniversaries of terrorist events, election-related demonstrations or violence, and high-profile events such as international conferences or regional sports events are examples of conditions that might generate a Travel Alert.
Travel Notices The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention maintain information on warnings, precautions and outbreaks related to certain diseases and infections. They also describe both levels of risk for the traveler to a given location and recommended preventive measures to take at each level of risk.
Flight Alerts The Federal Aviation Administration monitors the airports and air traffic all across the U.S. to allow you to check for possible delays by airport or region before you leave home.
Documentation
Passports The U.S. passport identifies the bearer as a U.S. citizen or national. It is a request to foreign governments to permit travel or temporary residence in their territories and access to all lawful, local aid and protection. It also allows bearers access to U.S. consular services and assistance while abroad and re-entry into the U.S. Checking to make sure your passport is valid, or taking action if it requires renewal or just needs additional pages, should always be done well in advance of your planned travel.
Click HERE for more passport information related to the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative for U.S. citizens traveling to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda and the Caribbean.
VISAS/ Foreign Entry Requirements The State Department's Country Specific Information page provides detailed information on what visas/requirements are needed to enter a given country - including those visas, etc. which must be obtained in advance and those which can be received at the point of entry.
Vaccinations Paperwork indicating receipt of certain vaccinations is needed before travel to some destinations. Check the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Travelers' Health page to select the country you are going to and to see which vaccinations are required or recommended.
Emergencies
Consular Assistance U.S. consular officers are located in over 260 Foreign Service posts abroad. In addition, consular agents in approximately 46 foreign cities without U.S. embassies or consulates provide a more limited but still important series of emergency and other consular services.
Doctors/Hospitals Abroad U.S. Embassies and Consulates maintain lists of physicians and medical facilities for distribution to American citizens needing medical care while abroad.
Arrest Abroad If arrested abroad, a citizen must go through the foreign legal process for being charged or indicted, prosecuted, possibly convicted and sentenced, and for any appeals process. Within this framework, U.S. consular officers provide a wide variety of services to U.S. citizens arrested abroad and their families.
For additional information on items to check before international travel, please visit the U.S. Department of State's International Travel website HERE.