Basics to Learn Before You Go to Trip
The Department of Country Specific Information is available for each country of the world. They explain entry requirements, currency regulations, unusual health conditions, the crime and security condition, political turbulence, areas of unsteadiness, and special information about driving and road conditions. They also provide addresses and emergency telephone numbers and consulates. In general, Country Specific Information does not give advice. Instead, they describe conditions so travelers can make knowledgeable decisions about their trips.For a few countries, however, the Department of State issues a Travel caution in addition to a Country Specific Information. The Travel Warning may recommend that campers postpone travel to that country because of a dangerous situation there. Â
Travel Alerts
Travel Alerts are a means to distribute information about relatively short-term conditions posing important hazard to the security of travelers. They are issued when there is an apparent threat, even if it does not involve Campers as a particular target group. In the history, Travel Alerts have been issued to deal with coups, pre-election disturbances, and violence by terrorists and anniversary dates of specific terrorist events.
You can contact Country Specific Information, for Travel Warnings and Travel Alerts at anytime 24-hours a day in several ways.
Internet
The most suitable source of information about travel and consular services is the Consular Affairs home page.
Telephone
Overseas Citizens Services can answer general inquiries on safety and security overseas. This number is available from working hours. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except federal holidays). Callers who are unable to use toll-free numbers, such as those calling from overseas, can obtain information and assistance from OCS during these hours.
In Person
Country Specific Information, Travel Warnings and Travel Alerts are available at any of the regional passport agencies and consulates abroad.
Local Laws and Customs
When you leave the sites, you are subject to the laws of the country you are visiting. Therefore, before you go, learn as much as you can about the local laws and customs of the places you plan to vacation. Excellent resources are your library, your travel agent, and the embassies, consulates or tourist bureaus of the countries you will visit. In addition, keep track of what is being reported in the media about current developments in those places.