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ASSISTANCE FROM U.S. EMBASSIES AND CONSULATES
Emergencies. If you encounter serious legal, medical,
or financial difficulties or other problems abroad, contact the
nearest U.S. embassy or consulate for assistance. Although consular
officers cannot serve as attorneys, they can help you find legal
assistance. Consular officers cannot cash checks, lend money,
or act as travel agents. However, in an emergency, consular officers
can help you get in touch with your family back home to inform
them on how to wire funds to you and to let them know of your
situation. Consular officers can also provide you with the latest
information about adverse conditions abroad.
Nonemergencies. Consular officers also provide
nonemergency services such as information on absentee voting and
acquisition or loss of U.S. citizenship. They can arrange for
the transfer of Social Security and other benefits to Americans
residing abroad, provide U.S. tax forms, notarize documents, and
advise U.S. citizens on property claims.
Safeguarding Your Health. If you are injured or
become seriously ill abroad, a U.S. consular officer will assist
you in finding a physician or other medical services, and, with
your permission, will inform your family members or friends of
your condition. If needed, consular officers can assist your family
in transferring money to the foreign country to pay for your treatment.
Death Abroad. Each year, about 6,000 Americans
die abroad. Two thirds of them are Americans who live overseas,
but approximately 2,000 Americans per year die while visiting
abroad. Consular officers will contact the next of kin in the
United States and will explain the local requirements. It is a
worthwhile precaution to have insurance that covers the cost of
local burial or shipment of remains home to the United States
(see information on medical assistance programs). Otherwise, this
cost must be borne by your next of kin and can be extremely expensive.
The U.S. government cannot pay for shipment of remains to the
United States.
SHOPPING--SOME THINGS TO AVOID
Beware of purchasing souvenirs made from endangered wildlife.
Many wildlife and wildlife products are prohibited either by U.S.
or foreign laws from import into the United States. You risk confiscation
and a possible fine if you attempt to import such things. Watch
out for and avoid purchasing the following prohibited items:
All products made from sea turtles.
All ivory, both Asian and African.
Furs from spotted cats.
Furs from marine mammals.
Feathers and feather products from wild birds.
All live or stuffed birds from Australia, Brazil, Colombia,
Costa Rica, Ecuador, Guatemala, Mexico, Paraguay, Venezuela, and
some Caribbean countries.
Most crocodile and caiman leather.
Most coral, whether in chunks or in jewelry.
WHEN YOU RETURN
Be Prepared. On arrival in the United States,
have your passport ready when you go through immigration and customs
controls.
Keep receipts for any items you purchased abroad. U.S. citizens
may bring back and orally declare $400 worth of merchandise duty
free. The next $1000 is taxed at a flat rate of 10%. Check with
U.S. Customs for further information.
Currency. There is no limit on the amount of money
or negotiable instruments which can be brought into or taken out
of the United States. However, any amount over $10,000 must be
reported to U.S. Customs on Customs Form 4790 when you depart
from or enter into the United States.
Foreign Produce. Don't bring home any fresh fruits
or vegetables. Such items will be confiscated.
OTHER USEFUL TRAVEL PUBLICATIONS
For the official word on immunizations, customs, what you can
legally bring into the United States, and how to protect yourself
from business fraud, you may order one of the following U.S. Government
publications:
Health Information for International Travel is a comprehensive
listing of immunization requirements of foreign governments. In
addition, it gives the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's
recommendations on immunizations and other health precautions
for international travelers. Copies are available for $14 from
the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office,
Washington, D.C. 20402; tel. (202) 512-1800.
Know Before You Go, Customs Hints for Returning U.S. Residents
gives detailed information on U.S. Customs regulations, including
duty rates. Single copies are available free from any local Customs
office or by writing to the Department of the Treasury, U.S. Customs
Service, P.O. Box 7407, Washington, D.C. 20044.
Don't Pack a Pest lists the regulations on bringing agricultural
items into the United States from most parts of the world. Fresh
fruits and vegetables, meat, potted plants, pet birds, and other
items are prohibited or restricted. Obtain the publication free
from the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, U.S. Department
of Agriculture, 732 Federal Bldg., 6505 Belcrest Road, Hyattsville,
Maryland 20782.
Buyer Beware! is prepared by the World Wildlife Fund.
This publication provides information about restrictions on importing
wildlife and wildlife products. For a free copy, write to the
Publications Unit, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Department
of the Interior, Washington, D.C. 20240.
Tips for Business Travelers to Nigeria is designed to
help U.S. citizens doing business in Nigeria identify business
scams, and provide them with information about what the U.S. Government
can or cannot do to assist them. The booklet is free by sending
a self-addreseed, stamped envelope to CA/OCS/ACS/AF, Room 4811,
U.S. Department of State, Washington, D.C. 20520-4818.
The following publications from the Department of State may
be ordered for $1-$1.50 each from the Superintendent of Documents,
U.S. Government Printing Office (GPO), Washington, D.C. 20402;
tel. (202) 512-1800. (Prices and availability are subject to change
without notice. Check pricing information with the GPO before
ordering.)
Your Trip Abroad provides basic travel information --
tips on passports, visas, immunizations, and more. It will help
you prepare for your trip and make it as trouble-free as possible.
A Safe Trip Abroad gives travel security advice for any
traveler, but particularly for those who plan trips to areas of
high crime or terrorism.
Tips for Americans Residing Abroad is prepared for the
more than 3 million Americans who live in foreign countries.
The following publications are also from the Department of State
(see ordering information below):
Foreign Entry Requirements lists visa and other entry
requirements of foreign countries and tells you how to apply for
visas and tourist cards. Order this publication for 50ó
from the Consumer Information Center, Pueblo, CO 81009.
Key Officers of Foreign Service Posts gives addresses
and telephone, telex, and fax numbers for all U.S. embassies and
consulates abroad. This publication is updated twice a year and
may be purchased from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government
Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402; tel. (202) 512-1800.
It is available for $3.75 individually or $5.00 for a year's subscription
Background Notes are brief, factual pamphlets on all
countries in the world. They give current information on each
country's people, culture, geography, history, government, economy,
and political condition and include a factual profile, brief travel
notes, a country map, and suggested reading list. For information
on their price and to order copies contact: U.S. Government Printing
Office at (202) 512-1800. You may also obtain select issues by
fax by calling the State Department's Bureau of Public Affairs
Fax on Demand at (202) 763-7720 from your fax machine.
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