BACKGROUND:
The U.S. Department of State has no higher priority than the safety and security of U.S. citizens overseas. As we head into the busy summer travel season, we want to help U.S. citizens avoid common international travel pitfalls. Our goal, with the help of Congress, is to do more proactive messaging to better prepare U.S. citizens for international travel this summer and beyond.
THE ASK:
- To share the State Department Bureau of Consular Affairs’ international travel advice and resources with your followers/constituents. Pre-drafted messages are below. Follow @TravelGov and share/amplify posts that you think would benefit your constituents (tags are appreciated!)
KEY MESSAGES:
- Make sure your passport is ready for travel. Many countries require at least six months’ validity remaining in order to enter. Check your expiration date before you book.
- Always visit travel.state.gov/destination to look up the State Department’s guidance for your destination, including local laws, passport validity requirements, the Travel Advisory level, and details about specific risks to U.S. citizens.
- Sign up for the State Department’s free Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) at step.state.gov to receive messages from the U.S. embassy including alerts about any safety or security issues that arise while you’re traveling.
READY-TO-USE SOCIAL MEDIA CONTENT:
Traveling abroad this summer? Before every international trip, look up @travelgov’s latest information for your destination, including local laws, prohibited items, and entry requirements at travel.state.gov/destination to avoid common travel pitfalls.
If your U.S. passport is lost or stolen while you’re abroad, @travelgov’s consular teams around the world can help.
Don’t wait until you’re packing your suitcase to check the passport requirements for your destination. If your passport expires within the next six months, you might not be able to travel. Check your destination’s requirements at travel.state.gov/destination and learn how to renew at travel.state.gov/passport.
One of the easiest things you can do for peace of mind while traveling internationally is signing up for the State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). It’s a free service that allows our embassies to keep U.S. citizens informed of any security threats, disruptions, or severe weather events while abroad. You can receive STEP alerts from the U.S. embassy for the duration of your choosing and unsubscribe at any time. Sign up before your next trip abroad at step.state.gov.
U.S. embassies track local conditions on everything from security threats to local protests and severe weather to keep U.S. citizens informed and safe while abroad. To receive these alerts, sign up for STEP at step.state.gov
There are many items (medications, firearms, food products, etc.) that are allowed in checked bags on U.S. domestic flights but are banned in other countries. Avoid customs headaches and even potential arrest by looking up what is and is NOT allowed at your international destination before you pack at travel.state.gov/destination
U.S. embassies, and @travelgov continuously monitor safety conditions around the world and update @statedept travel advisories with the most important security information for U.S. travelers. Before traveling, read the current travel advisory for your destination at travel.state.gov/destination and sign up for the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) at step.state.gov to receive alerts from the U.S. embassy during your trip.
Reminder! Many health insurance plans do not cover medical events that happen while abroad. Before traveling internationally, check what your insurance plan includes and get travel health insurance to cover any unexpected medical emergencies during your trip.
