Travel Safety
Protect your passport and visa
Your passport is the most valuable document you have. Be aware of where your passport is at all times.- Hide your passport securely on your person when you will need it close to hand. Keep it handy; you may need to show it to check into hotels or carry as an identity document.
- Do not leave your passport in a handbag or an exposed pocket. Keep passports in places that are inaccessible to thieves and pickpockets.
- If you are traveling with a group, do not have one person carry all the passports. Each traveler should hold on to his or her own passport.
- Have extra passport photos and photocopy of info in case of loss.
Protect your luggage
- Use TSA locks on your luggage
- Use only a business or school address and telephone number on your tags
- Never place valuables in checked luggage
- Never leave your luggage unattended
Know the local laws
- You are not protected by the U.S. Constitution or U.S. law while overseas. You are subject to local laws.
- Ask to contact the nearest embassy or U.S. consulate if you are arrested or detained
- Stay calm and be respectful of the officers or officials
- Do not admit anything or volunteer any information
- Do not sign anything. Decline politely and wait until you have legal or embassy/consulate representation