Protection of American Citizens Abroad - The range of contemporary consular services



Much on the bureau's web site addresses the potential concerns of travelers, some routine and some dealing with emergencies:

Passports and visas; travel publications; country background notes; key officers at U.S. Foreign Service posts and how to contact them.

Travelers' health concerns; U.S. customs information; cruise ship sanitation inspection scores; foreign airline safety data and related performance information.

Emergency services available through consular offices and aid available in international parental child abduction.

Detailed travel warning for each of the world's countries, covering all manner of things that might catch Americans by surprise (everything from slight differences in U.S. and Canadian traffic laws to rigidly enforced dress codes in Muslim countries).

Those going abroad to work for an American corporation may attend seminars (the Bureau of Consular Affairs does not release agendas for these gatherings) that in all likelihood deal with business law in one or more targeted countries, policies of host governments relating to foreign corporations, labor relations, and—in countries where terrorism has been a threat—security for executives and their families. Both those in business and others planning to live abroad are offered information for most countries on a number of domestic issues: marriage and divorce, dual citizenship and births overseas, and schools for American children.



User Contributions:

Comment about this article, ask questions, or add new information about this topic: