Wayzata World Factbook 1996/The World Factbook - 1996 Edition - Wayzata Technology (3079) (1996).iso/pc/text/trvltops/trip.toq

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YOUR TRIP ABROAD
(Consular Affairs Topics)





Before you purchase a charter flight or tour package, read the contract
carefully. Unless it guarantees they will deliver services promised
or give a full refund, consider purchasing trip insurance. If you
are unsure of the reputation of a charter company or tour operator,
consult your local Better Business Bureau or the American Society
of Travel Agents at 1101 King Street, Alexandria, VA 22314, Tel.
[phone], to learn if the company has a complaint record .

DRIVER'S LICENSE/AUTO INSURANCE

If you intend to drive overseas, check with the embassy or consulate
of the countries you will visit to learn their driver's license,
road permit, and auto insurance requirements. If possible, obtain
road maps before you go.

Many countries do not recognize a U.S. driver's license. Most, however,
accept an international driver's permit. Before departure, obtain
one at a local office of an automobile association. You must be
at least age 18, and you will need two passport-size photographs
and your valid U.S. license. Certain countries require road permits
instead of tolls to use their divided highways and will fine drivers
without a permit.

Car rental agencies overseas usually provide auto insurance, but
in some countries, the required coverage is minimal. A good rule
of thumb when renting a car overseas is to purchase insurance coverage
that is at least equivalent to that which you carry at home.

In general, your U.S. auto insurance does not cover you abroad.
However, your policy may apply when you drive to countries that neighbor
the United States. Check with your insurer to see if your policy
covers you in Canada, Mexico, or countries south of Mexico.  Even
if your policy is valid in one of these countries, it may not meet
its minimum requirements. For instance, in most of Canada, you must
carry at least $200,000 in liability insurance, and Mexico requires
that if vehicles do not carry theft, third party liability, and comprehensive
insurance, the owner must post a bond that could be as high as 50%
of the value of the vehicle. If you are under-insured for a country,
auto insurance can usually be purchased on either side of the border.

U.S. CUSTOMS PRE-REGISTRATION

Learn about U.S. Customs regulations. Foreign-made personal articles
taken abroad are subject to duty and tax unless you have proof of
prior possession such as a receipt, bill of sale, an insurance policy,
or a jeweler's appraisal. If you do not have proof of prior possession,
items such as foreign-made watches, cameras, or tape recorders that
can be identified by serial number or permanent markings may be taken
to the Customs office nearest you or at the port of departure for
registration before departing the United States. The certificate
of registration provided can expedite free entry of these items when
you return.

DOCUMENTATION FOR MEDICATIONS

If you go abroad with preexisting medical problems, carry a letter
from you doctor describing your condition, including information
on any prescription medicines you must take. You should also have
the generic names of the drugs. Leave medicines in their original,
labeled containers. These precautions make customs processing easier.
A doctor's certificate, however, may not suffice as authorization
to transport all prescription drugs to all foreign countries. Travelers
have innocently been arrested for drug violations when carrying items
not considered to be narcotics in the United States. To ensure you
do not violate the drug laws of the countries you visit, consult
the embassy or consulate of those countries for precise information
before leaving the United States.

If you have allergies, reactions to certain medicines, or other unique
medical problems, consider wearing a medical alert bracelet or carrying
a similar warning.

Several private organizations provide listings of physicians to international
travelers. Membership in these organizations is generally free,
although a donation may be requested. Membership entitles the traveler
to a number of traveler's medical aids, including a directory of
physicians with their overseas locations, telephone numbers and doctors'
fee schedules. The physicians are generally English-speaking and
provide medical assistance 24 hours a day. The addresses of these
medical organizations are in travel magazines or may be available
from your travel agent.

PLACES TO RECEIVE MAIL

If you are traveling for an extended period, you may want to arrange
to pick up mail or messages. Some banks and international credit
card companies handle mail for customers at their overseas branches.
General Delivery (Poste Restante) services at post offices in most
countries will hold mail for you. U.S. embassies and consulates
do not handle private mail.

LEARN ABOUT DUAL NATIONALITY

Whether you are a U.S. citizen from birth or were naturalized as
a U.S. citizen, a foreign country may claim you as its citizen if:

-- You were born there.
-- Your parent is or was a citizen of that country.
-- You are married to a citizen of that country.

If any of the possibilities for dual nationality applies to you,
check on your status (including military obligations) with the embassy
or consulate of the country that might claim you as a citizen. In
particular, Americans may have problems with dual nationality in
certain countries in the Middle East, in South America, and in Africa.
Some foreign countries refuse to recognize a dual national's U.S.
citizenship and do not allow U.S. officials access to arrested Americans.

SOME THINGS TO LEAVE BEHIND

YOUR ITINERARY≡LEAVE A PAPER TRAIL

Leave a detailed itinerary (with names, addresses, and phone numbers
of persons and places to be visited) with relatives or friends in
the United States so you can be reached in an emergency. Also include
a photocopy of your passport information page.

OTHER IMPORTANT NUMBERS

It is a good idea to make a list of all important numbers≡your passport
information as well as your credit card, travelers checks, and airline
ticket numbers. Leave a copy at home and carry a copy with you,
separate from your valuables.

WHILE YOU ARE OVERSEAS

HOW TO DEAL WITH THE UNEXPECTED

If you change your travel plans, miss your return flight, or extend
your trip, be sure to notify relatives or friends back home. Should
you find yourself in an area of civil unrest or natural disaster,
let them know as soon as you can that you are safe. In addition,
contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate to register your presence
and to keep the U.S. consul informed of your whereabouts.

SAFETY TIPS

PROTECT YOUR PASSPORT

Your passport is the most valuable document you will carry abroad.
It confirms your U.S. citizenship. Guard it carefully. Do not
use it as collateral for a loan or lend it to anyone. It is your
best form of identification. You will need it when you pick up mail
or check into hotels, embassies or consulates.

When entering some countries or registering at hotels, you may be
asked to fill out a police card listing your name, passport number,
destination, local address, and reason for traveling. You may be
required to leave your passport at the hotel reception desk overnight
so it may be checked by local police officials. These are normal
procedures required by local laws. If your passport is not returned
the following morning, immediately report the impoundment to local
police authorities and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.

PASSPORT FRAUD
Law enforcement records show that U.S. passports are sometimes used
for illegal entry into the United States or by criminals abroad seeking
to establish another identity. This can cause embarrassment to innocent
citizens whose names become associated with illegal activities.
To protect the integrity of the U.S. passport and the security of
the person bearing it, consular officers overseas have found it necessary
to take precautions in processing lost passport cases. These precautions
may involve some delay before a new passport is issued.

SAFEGUARD YOUR PASSPORT
Carelessness is the main cause for losing a passport or having it
stolen. You may find that you have to carry your passport with you
because either you need to show it when you cash travelers checks
or the country you are in requires you to carry it as an identity
document. When you must carry your passport, hide it securely on
your person. Do not leave it in a handbag or an exposed pocket.
Whenever possible, leave your passport in the hotel safe, not in
an empty hotel room or packed in your luggage. One family member
should not carry all the passports for the entire family.

GUARD AGAINST THIEVES

Coat pockets, handbags, and hip pockets are particularly susceptible
to theft. Thieves will use all kinds of ploys to divert your attention
just long enough to pick your pocket and grab your purse or wallet.
These ploys include creating a disturbance, spilling something on
your clothing, or even handing you a baby to hold!

Prevent theft by carrying your belongings in a secure manner. Consider
not carrying a purse or wallet when going on crowded streets. Women
who carry a shoulder bag should keep it tucked under the arm and
held securely by the strap. Men should put their wallets in their
front trouser pockets or use money belts instead of hip pockets.
A wallet wrapped in rubber bands is more difficult to remove undetected.
Be especially cautious in a large crowd≡in the subway, marketplace,
at a festival, or if surrounded by groups of vagrant children. Do
not make it easy for thieves!

FINANCIAL AND SHOPPING TIPS

CURRENCY

Local banks usually offer better rates of exchange than hotels, restaurants,
or stores. Rates are often posted in windows. Above all, avoid
private currency transactions. In some countries, you risk more
than being swindled or stuck with counterfeit currency≡you risk arrest.
Avoid the black market≡learn and obey the local currency laws wherever
you go.

SHOPPING

MAIL SMALL ITEMS
When you purchase small items, it is a good idea to mail them personally
to your home or to carry them in your luggage. This will help prevent
misdirected packages, nonreceipt of merchandise, or receipt of wrong
merchandise. When you mail purchases, be sure to ask about insurance.

American embassies and consulates abroad cannot serve as post offices.
They cannot accept, hold, or forward mail for U.S. citizens abroad.

THE VALUE ADDED TAX
Some European countries levy a value added tax (VAT) on the items
you buy. In some places, if you ship your purchases home, the VAT
can be waived. Other places may require you to pay the VAT, but
have a system to refund it to you by mail. Ask the store clerk for
an application to apply for the refund. The VAT refund is only for
items you can ship or carry with you. It does not apply to food,
hotel bills, or other services. Because the rules for VAT refunds
vary from country to country, check with the country's tourist office
to learn the local requirements.

THINGS TO BEWARE OF PURCHASING

WILDLIFE SOUVENIRS
Be careful when you buy articles made from animals and plants or
purchase live wild animals to bring back as pets. Some items, such
as those made from elephant ivory, sea turtles, crocodile leather,
or fur from endangered cats, and many species of live animals cannot
be brought into the United States legally. Your wildlife souvenirs
could be confiscated by government inspectors, and you could face
other penalties for attempting to bring them into the United States.
Do not buy wildlife or wildlife products unless you are certain
they are legal for import into the United States. More information
follows later.

GLAZED CERAMICS
Beware of purchasing glazed ceramic ware abroad. It is possible
to suffer lead poisoning if you consume food or beverages that are
stored or served in improperly glazed ceramics. Unless the ceramics
are made by a firm with an international reputation, there is no
immediate way to be certain a particular item is safe. The U.S.
Food and Drug Administration recommends that ceramic tableware purchased
abroad be tested for lead release by a commercial laboratory on your
return or be used for decorative purposes only. More information
later on in this file.

ANTIQUES
Some countries consider antiques to be national treasures and the
"inalienable property of the nation." In some countries, customs
authorities seize illegally purchased antiques without compensation
and may also levy fines on the purchaser. Americans have been arrested
and prosecuted for purchasing antiques. Americans have even been
arrested for purchasing reproductions of antiques from street vendors
because a local authority believed the purchase was a national treasure.

Protect yourself. In countries where antiques are important, document
your purchases as reproductions if that is the case, or if they are
authentic, secure the necessary export permit. The documentation
or export permit may be available through the country's national
museum. A reputable dealer may provide the export permit or information
on how to secure one.

If you have questions about purchasing antiques, the country's tourist
office can guide you. If you still have doubts, consult the Consular
Section of the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. In places where
Americans have had problems because of purchasing antiques, the Consular
Section is well aware of the situation. They can tell you about
the local laws and the correct procedures to follow.

CUSTOMS

Keep all receipts for items you buy overseas. They will be helpful
in making your U.S. Customs declaration when you return.

LEGAL TIPS

OBEY FOREIGN LAWS

When you are in a foreign country, you are subject to its laws.
Learn about local laws and regulations and obey them. Avoid areas
of unrest and disturbance. Deal only with authorized outlets when
exchanging money or buying airline tickets and travelers checks.
Do not deliver a package for anyone unless you know the person well
and are certain the package does not contain drugs or other contraband.

Before you sell personal effects, such as clothing, cameras, or jewelry,
learn the local regulations regarding such sales. Adhere strictly
to local laws because the penalties you risk are severe.

Some countries are particularly sensitive about photographs. In
general, refrain from photographing police and military installations
and personnel; industrial structures including harbor, rail, and
airport facilities; border areas; and scenes of civil disorder or
other public disturbance. Taking such photographs may result in
your detention, in the confiscation of your camera and films, and
the imposition of fines. For information on photography restrictions,
check with the country's tourist office or its embassy or consulate
in the United States. Once abroad, check with local authorities
or at the Consular Section of the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.

DRUG ARRESTS

About 3000 Americans are arrested abroad each year. Of these, approximately
one-third are held on drug charges. Despite repeated warnings, drug
arrests and convictions are still a common occurrence. Many countries
have stiff penalties for drug violations and strictly enforce drug
laws. You are subject to foreign, not U.S. laws overseas, and you
will find, if arrested, that:

-- Few countries provide a jury trial.
-- Most countries do not accept bail.
-- Pretrial detention, often in solitary confinement, may last months.
-- Prisons may lack even minimal comforts≡bed, toilet, wash basin.
-- Diets are often inadequate and require supplements from relatives
and friends.
-- Officials may not speak English.
-- Physical abuse, confiscation of personal property, degrading or
inhumane treatment, and     extortion are possible.

If you are convicted, you face a possible sentence of:

-- 2-10 years in many countries.
-- A minimum of 6 years hard labor and a stiff fine in some countries.
-- The death penalty in some countries.

Do not get involved with illegal drugs overseas. It can spoil more
than your vacation. It can ruin your life!

LEGAL AID

Because you are subject to local laws abroad, there is little that
a U.S. consul can do for you if you encounter legal difficulties.
For example, a consular officer cannot get you out of jail. What
American officials can do is limited by both foreign and U.S. laws.
The U.S. Government has neither funds nor authority to pay your
legal fees or related expenses.

Although U.S. consular officers cannot serve as attorneys or give
legal advice, they can provide a list of local attorneys and help
you find adequate legal representation. The lists of attorneys are
carefully compiled from local bar association lists and responses
to questionnaires, but neither the Department of State nor U.S. embassies
or consulates abroad can assume responsibility for the caliber, competence,
or professional integrity of the attorneys.

If you are arrested, ask the authorities to notify a consular officer
at the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. Under international agreements
and practice, you have the right to talk to the U.S. consul. If
you are denied this right, be persistent and try to have someone
get in touch for you.

When alerted, U.S. officials will visit you, advise you of your rights
according to local laws, and contact your family and friends if you
wish. They will do whatever they can to protect your legitimate
interests and to ensure you are not discriminated against under local
law. Consuls can transfer money, food, and clothing to the prison
authorities from your family or friends. They will try to get relief
if you are held under inhumane or unhealthy conditions or treated
less favorably than others in the same situation.

HELP FROM AMERICAN CONSULS ABROAD

WHEN TO REGISTER WITH THE U.S. EMBASSY

REGISTER AT THE CONSULAR SECTION OF THE NEAREST U.S. EMBASSY OR CONSULATE:

≡If you find yourself in a country or area that is experiencing civil
unrest, has an unstable political climate, or is undergoing a natural
disaster, such as an earthquake or hurricane.

≡If you plan to go to a country where there are no U.S. officials.
In such cases, register in an adjacent country, leave an itinerary,
and ask about conditions in the country you will visit and what third
country may represent U.S. interests there.

≡If you plan to stay in a country for longer than one month.

Registration makes your presence and whereabouts known in case it
is necessary for a consular employee to contact you in an emergency.
During a disaster overseas, American consular officers offer assistance
to Americans and can even assist in evacuation when that becomes
necessary. But they cannot assist you if they do not know where
your are. Registration also makes it easier to apply for a replacement
passport if yours is lost or stolen.

If you are traveling with an escorted tour to areas experiencing
political uncertainty or other problems, find out if registration
is being done for you by your tour operator. If it is not, or if
you are traveling on your own, leave a copy of your itinerary at
the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate soon after arrival.

WHAT U.S. CONSULS CAN DO

U.S. consular officers are located at U.S. embassies and consulates
in most countries overseas. They are available to advise and help
you if you are in any serious trouble.

DESTITUTION
If you become destitute abroad, the U.S. consul can help you get
in touch with your family, friends, bank, or employer and tell you
how to arrange for them to send funds for you. These funds can sometimes
be wired to you through the Department of State.

IF ILL OR INJURED
Should you become ill while abroad, contact the nearest U.S. embassy
or consulate for a list of local doctors, dentists, medical specialists,
clinics and hospitals. If your illness or injury is serious, the
consul can help you find medical assistance from that list and, at
your request, will inform your family or friends of your condition.
If necessary, a consul can assist in the transfer of funds from
the United States. Payment of hospital and other expenses is your
responsibility. Consular officers cannot supply you with medication.

In an emergency when you are unable to communicate, the consul will
check your passport for the name and address of any relative, friend,
or legal representative whom you wish to have notified. Because
the U.S. Government cannot pay for medical evacuations, it is advisable
to have private medical insurance to cover this.

MARRIAGE ABROAD
U.S. diplomatic and consular officials do not have the authority
to perform marriages overseas. Marriage abroad must be performed
in accordance with local law. There are always documentary requirements,
and in some countries, there is a lengthy residence requirement before
a marriage may take place.

Before traveling, ask the embassy or consulate of the country in
which you plan to marry about their regulations and how to prepare
to marry abroad. Once abroad, the Consular Section of the nearest
U.S. embassy or consulate may be able to answer some of your questions,
but it is your responsibility to deal with local civil authorities.

BIRTH ABROAD
A child born abroad to a U.S. citizen parent or parents generally
acquires U.S. citizenship at birth. The U.S. parent or parents should
contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate to have a Report of
Birth Abroad of a Citizen of the United States of America prepared.
This document serves as proof of acquisition of U.S. citizenship
and is acceptable evidence for obtaining a U.S. passport and for
most other purposes where one must show a birth certificate or proof
of citizenship.

ADOPTION ABROAD
The Department of State and its embassies and consulates abroad have
become increasingly concerned about international adoptions because
of an increase in illegal activities by some intermediaries and adoption
agencies. Illegal adoption practices can cause great difficulty,
financial strain, and emotional upheaval for adopting parents. If
you are a prospective adopting parent, beware of any agency or attorney
claiming to be able to streamline established procedures. Because
of irregular activities, foreign governments sometimes determine
that an adoption in process is illegal and refuse to finalize the adoption.

For more information, you may write for a free pamphlet, International
Adoptions. Send a self-addressed, triple-stamped 9"x12" envelope
to: Citizens Consular Services (CA/OCS/CCS), Room 4817, Department
of State, Washington, D.C. 20520-4818. If you are planning to adopt
from a particular country, mention that in your request, because
Citizens Consular Services has specific information on the adoption
process in certain countries.


DEATH ABROAD
When a U.S. citizen dies abroad, the consular officer reports the
death to the next of kin or legal representative and arranges to
obtain from them the necessary private funds for local burial or
return of the body to the United States. Before you begin your trip,
complete the address page in the front of your passport. Provide
the name, address and telephone number of someone to be contacted
in an emergency. Do not give the names of your traveling companions
in case the entire party is involved in the same accident.

Because the U.S. Government cannot pay for local burial or shipment
of remains to the United States, it is worthwhile to have insurance
to cover this. Following a death, a Report of the Death of An American
Citizen (Optional Form 180) is prepared by the consular officer to
provide the facts concerning the death and the custody of the personal
estate of the deceased. Under certain circumstances, a consular
officer becomes the provisional conservator of a deceased American's
estate and arranges for the disposition of those effects.

A VARIETY OF NONEMERGENCY SERVICES
Consular employees provide nonemergency services as well. These
include information on Selective Service registration, travel advisories,
absentee voting, and the acquisition or loss of U.S. citizenship.
They arrange for the transfer of Social Security and other federal
benefits to beneficiaries residing abroad, provide U.S. tax forms,
and notarize documents. Consuls can also provide information on
how to obtain foreign public documents.

WHAT U.S. CONSULS CANNOT DO

Consular officers will do their best to assist U.S nationals abroad.
However, they must devote priority time and energies to those Americans
who find themselves in the most serious legal, medical, or financial
difficulties.

Because of limited resources, consuls cannot provide routine or commercial-type
services. They cannot act as travel agents, information bureaus,
banks, or law enforcement officers. U.S. federal law forbids a consular
officer from acting as your lawyer. Consular officers cannot: find
you employment; get you visas, residence permits or driving permits;
act as interpreters; search for missing luggage; call your credit
card company or bank; replace stolen travelers checks; or settle
disputes with hotel managers. They can, how-ever, tell you how to
get assistance on these and other matters.

WHEN YOU RETURN

RETURN TRANSPORTATION

Reconfirm your return reservation at least 72 hours before departure.
Whenever possible, obtain a written confirmation. If you do it
by phone, record the time, day, and the agent's name who took the
call. If your name does not appear on the reservations list, you
have no recourse and may find yourself stranded.

DEPARTURE TAX

Some countries levy an airport departure tax on travelers that can
be as high as $50. Ask the airline or a travel agent about this.
Make certain to have enough money at the end of your trip to be
able to get on the plane.

IMMIGRATION AND CUSTOMS

If a passport was required for your trip, have it ready when you
go through Immigration and Customs. If you took other documents
with you, such as an International Certificate of Vaccination, a
medical letter, or a Customs certificate of registration for foreign-made
personal articles, have them ready also. Have your receipts handy
in case you need to support your customs declaration. When returning
to the United States by car from Mexico or Canada, have your certificate
of vehicle registration handy. It is a good idea to pack your baggage
in a way to make inspection easier. For example, pack the articles
you acquired abroad separately.

U.S. Customs currently allows each U.S. citizen to bring back $400
worth of merchandise duty free, provided the traveler has been outside
the United States for at least 48 hours, has not already used this
exemption within 30 days, and provided the traveler can present the
purchases upon his or her arrival at the port of entry. The next
$1000 worth of items brought back for personal use or gifts is subject
to duty at a flat rate of 10%.

There are two groups of destinations from which the duty-free exemption
is higher. These are a group of 24 countries and dependencies in
the Caribbean and Central America from which the exemption is $600
and a group of U.S. insular possessions (the U.S. Virgin Islands,
American Samoa, and Guam) from which the exemption is $1,200. For
details, consult your travel agent or the U.S. Customs Service publication,
Know Before You Go, listed directly below.

ADDITIONAL SOURCES OF INFORMATION

CUSTOMS

Know Before You Go, Customs Hints for Returning U.S. Residents contains
information on key U.S. Customs regulations and procedures, including
duty rates. Single copies are free from any local Customs office
or write: U.S. Customs Service, P.O. Box 7407, Washington, D.C. 20044.

AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS

Travelers Tips on Bringing Food, Plant, and Animal Products Into
the United States lists entry requirements for these items from most
parts of the world. Fresh fruit and vegetables, meat, potted plants,
pet birds, and other items are prohibited or restricted from entry
into the United States. The publication is available from the U.S.
Department of Agriculture, 613 Federal Bldg., 6505 Belcrest Road,
Hyattsville, MD 20782.

WILDLIFE AND WILDLIFE PRODUCTS

Buyer Beware! provides general guidelines governing restrictions
on imports of wildlife and wildlife products into the United States.
For a free copy, write to the Publications Unit, U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service, Department of the Interior, Washington, D.C. 20240. Additional
information on importing wildlife and wildlife products can be obtained
through
TRAFFIC USA, World Wildlife Fund, 1250 24th Street, N.W., Washington,
D.C. 20037.