International Travel Information

What Are Travel Warnings, Consular Information Sheets & Public Announcements?

Travel Warnings

Travel Warnings are issued when the State Department decides, based on all relevant information, to recommend that Americans avoid travel to a certain country. Countries where avoidance of travel is recommended will have Travel Warnings as well as Consular Information Sheets. You may also want to review specific country Background Notes.

Public Announcements

Public Announcements are a means to disseminate information about terrorist threats and other relatively short-term and/or trans-national conditions posing significant risks to the security of American travelers. They (PAs) are made when there is a specific threat that cannot be countered. In the past, Public Announcements have been issued to deal with short-term coups, violence by terrorists and anniversary dates of specific terrorist events.

Consular Information Sheets 

Consular Information Sheets are available for every country of the world. They include such information as location of the U.S. embassy or consulate in the subject country, unusual immigration practices, health conditions, minor political disturbances, unusual currency and entry regulations, crime and security information, and drug penalties. If an unstable condition exists in a country that is not severe enough to warrant a Travel Warning, a description of the condition(s) may be included under an optional section entitled "Safety/Security."On limited occasions, we also restate in this section any U.S. embassy advice given to official employees. Consular Information Sheets generally do not include advice, but present information in a factual manner so the traveler can make his or her own decisions concerning travel to a particular country.

Country Background Notes

If you are looking for information on any of the U.S. territories and possessions, such as the U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, Guam or American Samoa, you can go to the CIA Factbook.

In addition, please see the section “Tips for Traveling Abroad" for other important health and safety information. Also, stay current with current information by visiting our “News "section.

Before you travel

Make sure all passports, visas any vaccinations and health requirements are up to date.

Take all your travel insurance documents with you including travel insurance certificate. Keep them safe and handy.

Take a separate note of your policy numbers in case of loss or damage to your certificate or policy cards. Also leave a copy at home with next of kin as a contingency.

At home lock all doors, windows and cancel any milk, newspapers or extra deliveries. If possible get a friend or neighbor to keep an eye on your property whilst you are away.

Don't take large quantities of cash. Take travelers checks and/or credit cards and don't forget most travel insurance policies have single article limits.

Make sure you have with you the emergency numbers to cancel your credit cards.

Don't forget an appropriate electrical adaptor for the country you're traveling too. You'll need one to power any electrical items you have with you.

Taking a small first aid kit is a good idea, as is a basic sewing kit , ski or snow board wax and tools - multi-tool, edge file, wax scraper etc - if you have them. It will save you time and money too.

Check through our General Safety Guide and FIS Code of Conduct. Always keep up to date with your ski, snow board and mountain safety education. Print a copy if required and keep for reference.

When you are traveling or on holiday

Be aware of the latest airline and travel security measures. Allow plenty more time for check in and be careful when packing any carry on bags. Travelers are advised to keep hand baggage to a minimum and not to carry any sharp items, including scissors or penknives in hand baggage or on their person - these can be carried in hold baggage.

Don't leave your home address visible on your baggage.

Keep all valuables, passports and money on you. Never pack these items in checked in baggage. Keep your ski and snow board insurance documents or policy cards with you.

When you get to your destination

Take time to acclimatize to the altitude and be careful when moving around. Many have ended a trip before even getting to the slopes by falling over on icy walkways, roads and stairs.

Find out where all the main services are such as the Post Office, Police, Doctor and Medical Facilities.

Check that the electrical fittings and heaters in your hotel room are safe. Health and Safety standards are not always to the same standard we have in the US.

Check that the tap water is safe to drink - not usually a problem in Western resorts. If unsure, drink bottled water and avoid ice drinks.

Never leave belongings unattended or with strangers, especially at airports, stations, in resort, on the slopes or unattended in a vehicle. Be aware of potential equipment theft from areas such as lift systems, mountain restaurants, cable cars, car parks and especially in resort at the end of the day. Always keep an eye on your equipment.

At your hotel, keep valuables and cash in a safe deposit box or in the hotel safe.

Please remember that you must obtain a police report in the event of any loss or theft. Original documents are required in order to settle your claim.

Please make sure you photocopy them before you send them to the claim adjustors.

Check with the lift pass office and/or local papers for any special offers on passes - if you've not pre-booked - and other local services which may save you time and money.

Enjoy your holiday!