Release Date: October 2001

TRAVELING SAFELY ABROAD

Current world events have made travel abroad confusing and unsettling for many Americans. Now, more than ever, your family's safety while traveling is your first priority. A new toll-free number from the U.S. State Department can help.

For the latest information on any country you are planning to visit, just call toll-free 1-888-407-4747. Citizens abroad can call 1-317-472-2328. Telephone agents are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to answer your questions. You can get the facts on the latest travel warnings and public announcements, as well as consular information for any country in the world. Travel warnings issued by the U.S. State Department advise citizens to avoid visiting specific countries due to safety concerns. Public announcements alert citizens to conditions in foreign countries that may pose safety risks such as demonstrations that are being planned for a specific date or meetings of high-ranking government and business officials. Consular information for countries includes where the U.S. embassy is located in that country, health conditions, crime and security information and more.

The information you receive is gathered by embassy and consular staff in each country and is updated continuously. U.S. consular officers are located in more than 250 U.S. embassies and consulates around the world.

To get the information you need for your upcoming trip, call toll-free 1-888-407-4747. Or visit the U.S. State Department's web site at www.travel.state.gov.

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GSA # 2542

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