Top Tips to Make your Trip Easier:

• Make sure you have a signed, valid passport and visas, if required. Complete the emergency information page of your passport!
   
• Read the Consular Information Sheets and Public Announcements or Travel Warnings for the countries you plan to visit. 
   
• Familiarize yourself with local laws and customs of the countries to which you are traveling. Remember, the U.S. Constitution does not follow you! While in a foreign country, you are subject to its laws.
   
• Make 2 copies of your passport identification page. This will facilitate replacement if your passport is lost or stolen. Leave one copy at home with friends or relatives. Carry the other with you in a separate place from your passport. 
   
• Leave a copy of your itinerary with family or friends at home so that you can be contacted in case of an emergency.
   
• Do not leave your luggage unattended in public areas. Do not accept packages from strangers
   
• Prior to your departure, you should register with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate through the State Department’s travel registration website. Registration will make your presence and whereabouts known in case it is necessary to contact you in an emergency.In accordance with the Privacy Act, information on your welfare and whereabouts may not be released without your express authorization. Remember to leave a detailed itinerary and the numbers or copies of your passport or other citizenship documents with a friend or relative in the United States
   
• To avoid being a target of crime, try not to wear conspicuous clothing and expensive jewelry and do not carry excessive amounts of money or unnecessary credit cards.
   
• In order to avoid violating local laws, deal only with authorized agents when you exchange money or purchase art or antiques.
   
• If you get into trouble, contact the nearest embassy.
   
• Do not flash large amounts of money when paying a bill. Make sure your credit card is returned to you after each transaction.
   
• Deal only with authorized agents when you exchange money, buy airline tickets or purchase souvenirs. Do not change money on the black market.
   
• If your possessions are lost or stolen, report the loss immediately to the local police. Keep a copy of the police report for insurance claims and as an explanation of your plight. After reporting missing items to the police, report the loss or theft of:
  
  • travelers' checks to the nearest agent of the issuing company,
  • credit cards to the issuing company,
  • airline tickets to the airline or travel agent,passport to the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.