Senior Citizen News Article
Travel Tips for Older Americans
Forward
International travel can be a rich and rewarding adventure. Whether you have waited a lifetime to
take the perfect trip or are an experienced world traveler, we would like to offer some advice to
help you plan a safe and healthy trip.
American consuls at U.S. embassies and consulates abroad are there to help if you encounter
serious difficulties in your travels. They are happy to meet you if you come in to register your
passport at the Consular Section of the U.S. embassy or consulate. But it is also their duty to
assist American citizens abroad in times of emergency--at hospitals or police stations, for instance.
This pamphlet is written in the hopes that it will help you to prevent such emergencies from
arising.
DEPARTMENT OF STATE PUBLICATION 10337
Bureau of Consular Affairs
Revised August 1996
PREPARATION FOR YOUR TRIP
Start Early. Apply for your passport as soon as possible. Three months before your departure
date should give you plenty of time. See the section, Passports and Visas, for details on how to
apply.
Learn About the Countries You Plan to Visit. Before you go, read up on the culture, people,
and history for the places you will travel. Bookstores and libraries are good resources. Travel
magazines and the travel sections of major newspapers tell about places to visit and also give
advice on everything from discount airfares to international health insurance. Many travel agents
and foreign tourist bureaus provide free information on travel abroad.
For up-to-date travel information on any country in the world that you plan to visit, obtain the
Department of State's Consular Information Sheet. They cover such matters as health
conditions, unusual currency and entry regulations, crime and security conditions, drug penalties,
and areas of instability. In addition, the State Department issues Travel Warnings when it
recommends Americans defer travel to a country because of unsafe conditions. Travel Warnings
are under continuous review by the Department of State and are removed when conditions
warrant. The Department of State also issues Public Announcements as a means to disseminate
information quickly about relatively short-term and/or trans-national conditions which would pose
significant risks to the security of American travelers.
How to Access Consular Information Sheets, Travel Warnings and Public Announcements
Consular Information Sheets, Travel Warnings and Public Announcements may be heard any time
by dialing the Office of Overseas Citizens Services at (202) 647-5225 from a touchtone phone.
The recording is updated as new information becomes available. They are also available at any of
the 13 regional passport agencies, field offices of the Department of Commerce, and U.S.
embassies and consulates abroad, or, by sending a self-addressed, stamped envelope and
indicating the desired country to the Office of Overseas Citizens Services, Bureau of Consular
Affairs, Room 4811, U.S. Department of State, Washington, D.C. 20520-4818.
By Fax
From your fax machine, dial (202) 647-3000, using the handset as you would a regular telephone.
The system prompts you on how to proceed.
By Internet
Information about travel and consular services is now available on the Internet's World Wide
Web. The address is http://travel.state.gov. Visitors to the web site will find Travel Warnings,
Public Announcements and Consular Information Sheets, passport and visa information, travel
publications, background on international adoption and international child abduction services,
international legal assistance, and the Consular Affairs mission statement. There is also a link to
the State Department's main site on the Internet's World Wide Web that provides users with
current foreign affairs information. The address is http://www.state.gov.
Consular Affairs Bulletin Board - CABB
If you have a personal computer, modem and communication software, you can access the
Consular Affairs Bulletin Board (CABB). This service is free of charge. To view or download
the documents from a computer and modem, dial the CABB on (301) 946-4400. The login is travel;
the password is info.
Passport. Pack an "emergency kit" to help you get a replacement passport in case yours is lost or
stolen. To make a kit: photocopy the data page at the front of your passport; write down the
addresses and telephone numbers of the U.S. embassies and consulates in the countries you plan
to visit; and put this information along with two recent passport-size photographs in a place
separate from your passport.
Leave a Detailed Itinerary. Give a friend or relative your travel schedule. Include names,
addresses, and telephone numbers of persons and places to be visited; your passport number and
the date and place it was issued; and credit card, travelers check, and airline ticket numbers.
Keep a copy of this information for yourself in a separate place from your purse or wallet. If you
change your travel plans--for example, if you miss your return flight to the United States or
extend your trip--be sure to notify relatives or friends at home.
Don't Overprogram. Allow time to relax and really enjoy yourself. Even if this is your
once-in-a-lifetime trip, don't feel you have to fill every available minute.
If you are visiting a country such as China, where physical activity can be quite strenuous and
sudden changes in diet and climate can have serious health consequences for the unprepared
traveler, consult your physician before you depart.
What to Pack. Carefully consider the clothing you take. Don't pack more than you need and end
up lugging around heavy suitcases. Wash-and-wear clothing and sturdy walking shoes are good
ideas. Consider the climate and season in the countries you will visit and bring an extra outfit for
unexpectedly warm or cool weather. A sweater or shawl is always useful for cooler evenings and
air-conditioned planes and hotels. Dress conservatively--a wardrobe that is flashy or too causal
may attract the attention of thieves or con artists.
Include a change of clothing in your carry-on luggage. Otherwise, if your bags are lost, you could
be wearing the same clothes you were traveling in during the entire time it takes to locate your
luggage--an average of 72 hours.
Do not pack anything that you would hate to lose such as valuable jewelry, family photographs,
or objects of sentimental value.
PASSPORTS AND VISAS
Passports. It is a good idea to apply 3 months before you plan to travel. If you also need visas,
allow more time as you must have a valid passport before applying for a visa. If this is your first
passport, you must apply in person, bringing with you proof of U.S. citizenship (usually a certified
copy of your birth certificate, previous U.S. passport, a naturalization certificate, or a Consular
Report of Birth Abroad); 2 identical recent front-view photos (2" x 2"); a completed passport
application (Form DSP-11); proof of identity, such as a valid drivers license or other photo or
physical-description I.D.; and the appropriate fee for a passport valid for 10 years.
Click here to see a chart of passport fees.
You may apply at any passport agency (see list at the end of this pamphlet) or at one of the many
clerks of court or post offices designated to accept passport applications. Your birth certificate or
other documents will be returned to you by mail, along with your new passport.
You may be eligible to apply for a passport by mail. If you have had a passport issued within the
past 12 years and you are able to mail that passport with your application, you can use Form
DSP-82, "Application for Passport by Mail," to apply. Obtain this form from any office that
accepts passport applications or from your travel agent. Follow the instructions on the back of
the form. Click here to see a chart of passport fees.
If you are leaving on an emergency trip within two weeks, apply in person at the nearest passport
agency and present your tickets and itinerary from an airline, as well as the other required items.
Or, apply at a court or post office and arrange to have the application sent to the passport agency
through an overnight delivery service of your choice. (You should also include a self-addressed,
pre-paid envelope for the return of the passport by express mail.) Be sure to include your dates of
departure, travel plans on your application and all appropriate fees (including the $35 expedite
fee).
When you receive your passport, be sure to sign it on page 1 and to pencil in on page 4 the
requested information. This will help us notify your family or friends in case of an accident or
other emergency. Do not designate your traveling companion as the person to be notified in case
of an emergency.
Visas. Many countries require a visa--an endorsement or stamp placed in your passport by a
foreign government that permits you to visit that country for a specified purpose and a limited
time. A number of countries require you to obtain a visa from the embassy or consular office
nearest to your residence. The addresses of foreign consular offices can be found in telephone
directories of large cities or in the Congressional Directory, available in most libraries; or you may
write to the appropriate embassy in Washington, D.C. and request the address of their consulate
that is nearest to you. You can also obtain the Department of State booklet, Foreign Entry
Requirements, which lists visa and other entry requirements and locations of all foreign embassies
and consulates in the U.S. To order this booklet see page 11. Apply for your visa directly to the
embassy or consulate of each country you plan to visit or ask your travel agent to assist you with
visas. U.S. passport agencies cannot obtain visas for you.
An increasing number of countries are establishing entry requirements regarding AIDS testing,
particularly for long-term residents and students. Check with the embassy or consulate of the
countries you plan to visit for the latest information.
HEALTH
Health problems sometimes affect visitors abroad. Information on health precautions can be
obtained from local health departments or private doctors. General guidance can also be found in
the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) book, Health Information for
International Travel, available for $14.00 from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S.
Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402, or the CDC's international travelers hotline
at (404) 332-4559.
Health Insurance. It is wise to review your health insurance policy before you travel. In some
places, particularly at resorts, medical costs can be as high or higher than in the United States. If
your insurance policy does not cover you abroad, it is strongly recommended that you purchase a
policy that does. There are short-term health insurance policies designed specifically to cover
travel. If your travel agent cannot direct you to a medical assistance company, look for
information in travel magazines. The U.S. government cannot pay to have you medically
evacuated to the United States.
The Social Security Medicare program does not provide for payment of hospital or medical
services obtained outside the United States. However, some Medicare supplement plans offer
foreign medical care coverage at no extra cost for treatments considered eligible under Medicare.
These are reimbursement plans. You must pay the bills first and obtain receipts for submission
them later for compensation. Many of these plans have a dollar ceiling per trip.
Review your health insurance policy. Obtaining medical treatment and hospital care abroad can
be expensive. If your Medicare supplement or other medical insurance does not provide
protection while traveling outside the United States, we strongly urge you to buy coverage that
does. The names of some of the companies offering short-term health and emergency assistance
policies are listed in the Bureau of Consular Affairs flyer, Medical Information for Americans
Traveling Abroad. The flyer is available by sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope to Bureau
of Consular Affairs, Room 6831, U.S. Department of State, Washington, D.C. 20520-4818 (or
via the automated systems mentioned under How to Access Consular Information Sheets).
Trip Insurance. One sure way to ruin a vacation is to lose money because an emergency forces
you to postpone or cancel your trip. Except for tickets on regularly scheduled airlines, almost any
travel package you purchase will have a penalty for cancellation and some companies will give no
refund at all. Regularly scheduled airlines usually give a refund if an illness or death in the family
forces you to cancel. Airlines require a note from the doctor or a death certificate. Take careful
note of the cancellation penalty for any other large travel purchase you make, such as a tour
package, charter flight, or cruise. Unless you can afford to lose the purchase amount, protect
yourself by buying trip insurance. If you invest in trip insurance, make sure your policy covers all
reasonable possibilities for having to cancel. For instance, if an emergency with a family member
would force you to cancel, insure against that as well.
Some trip insurance policies will give a refund if the company goes out of business or otherwise
does not make good on its offering. The best insurance against company default is to choose a
reputable company that guarantees a refund if they do not provide the services procured. If,
however, you are tempted to purchase a tour at a great bargain price and you can't find a
guarantee of delivery in the fine print, protect yourself by purchasing trip insurance that covers
company default.
Shop around for the trip insurance policy that offers the most benefits. Some credit card and
traveler's check companies offer travel protection packages for an additional fee. Benefits may
even include accident and illness coverage while traveling.
Immunizations. Information on immunizations and health precautions for travelers can be
obtained from local health departments, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's
international travelers hotline at (404) 332-4559, private doctors, or travel clinics. General
guidance can also be found in the U.S. Public Health Service book, Health Information for
International Travel. Immunizations are normally recommended against diptheria, tetanus, polio,
typhoid, and hepatitis A for travelers. Generally, these immunizations are administered during
childhood.
Medical Assistance Programs. One strong advantage of medical assistance programs is that they
also cover the exorbitant cost of medical evacuation in the event of an accident or serious illness.
As part of the coverage, these companies usually offer emergency consultation by telephone.
They may refer you to the nearest hospital or call directly for help for you. If you need an
interpreter, they may translate your instructions to a health care worker on the scene. Another
benefit that is normally part of such coverage is payment for the return of remains to the United
States in case of death.
If your regular health insurance already covers you for medical expenses abroad, you can buy a
medical assistance program that offers all the consultative and evacuation services listed above
except for the health insurance itself. Cost of medical assistance coverage is usually inexpensive
without health insurance coverage or a little more for the complete medical assistance program
including health insurance. On the other hand, escorted medical evacuation can cost thousands of
dollars.
If your travel agent cannot direct you to a medical assistance company, look for information on
such services in travel magazines. Once you have adequate coverage, carry your insurance policy
identity cards and claim forms with you when you travel.
Medication. If you require medication, bring an ample supply in its original containers. Do not
use pill cases. Because of strict laws concerning narcotics throughout the world, bring along
copies of your prescriptions and, if possible, carry a letter from your physician explaining your
need for the drug. As an extra precaution, carry the generic names of your medications with you
because pharmaceutical companies overseas may use different names from those used in the
United States.
If you wear eyeglasses, take an extra pair with you. Pack medicines and extra eyeglasses in your
hand luggage so they will be available in case your checked luggage is lost. To be extra secure,
pack a backup supply of medicines and an additional pair of eyeglasses in your checked luggage.
If you have allergies, reactions to certain medications, foods, or insect bites, or other unique
medical problems, consider wearing a "medical alert" bracelet. You may also wish to carry a
letter from your physician explaining desired treatment should you become ill.
Medical Assistance Abroad. If you get sick, you can contact a consular officer at the nearest
U.S. embassy or consulate for a list of local doctors, dentists, and medical specialists, along with
other medical information. If you are injured or become seriously ill, a consul will help you find
medical assistance and, at your request, inform your family or friends. The list of English
speaking doctors is also available before you travel by writing to the Office of Overseas Citizens
Services, Room 4811, 2201 C Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20520. Please specify to which
country you will be traveling.
Health Precautions. Air pollution abroad may sometimes be severe. Air pollution and high
altitudes are a particular health risk for the elderly and persons with high blood pressure, anemia,
or respiratory or cardiac problems. If this applies to you, consult your doctor before traveling.
In high altitude areas most people need a short adjustment period. If traveling to such an area,
spend the first few days in a leisurely manner with a light diet and reduced intake of alcohol.
Avoid strenuous activity, this includes everything from sports to rushing up the stairs. Reaction
signs to high altitude are lack of energy, a tendency to tire easily, shortness of breath, occasional
dizziness, and insomnia.
If possible, drink only bottled water or water that has been boiled for 20 minutes. Be aware of ice
cubes that may not have been made with purified water. Vegetables and fruits should be peeled
or washed in a purifying solution. A good rule to follow is if you can't peel it or cook it, do not
eat it. Diarrhea may be treated with antimicrobial treatment which may be prescribed or
purchased over the counter. Travelers should consult a physician, rather than attempt
self-medication, if the diarrhea is severe or persists several days.
Charter Flights. Before you pay for a charter flight or travel package, read your contract
carefully and see what guarantee it gives that the company will deliver the services that it is trying
to sell you. Tour operators sometimes go out of business in the middle of a season, leaving
passengers stranded, holding unusable return tickets and unable to obtain a refund for the unused
portion of their trip. Unless you are certain a company is reputable, check its credentials with
your local Better Business Bureau (BBB). The BBB maintains complaint files for a year. You
can also check with the consumer affairs office of the American Society of Travel Agents, 1101
King Street, Alexandria, VA 22314, tel. (703) 739-2782 to learn if a travel company has a
complaint record.
MONEY AND VALUABLES
Don't Take Your Money in Cash. Bring most of your money in traveler's checks. Have a
reasonable amount of cash with you, but not more than you will need for a day or two. Convert
your traveler's checks to local currency as you use them rather than all at once.
You may also wish to bring at least one internationally-recognized credit card. Before you leave,
find out what your credit card limit is and do not exceed it. In some countries, travelers who have
innocently exceeded their limit have been arrested for fraud. Leave unneeded credit cards at
home.
ATMs (Automated Teller Machines) are becoming increasingly popular in some of the more
modern countries abroad. Often these ATMs can be accessed by your local bank card depending
on which service is available. The exchange rates are comparable to the going rate of exchange.
Check with your local bank to find out which ATM service is available in the country you plan to
visit. Because ATMs may not always be available, this should be used as only a backup method
and not depended on solely for all your financial transactions abroad.
If you must take jewelry or other valuables, use hotel security vaults to store them. It is wise to
register such items with U.S. Customs before leaving the United States to make customs
processing easier when you return.
It is a violation of law in some countries to enter or exit with that countrys currency. Check with
a travel agent or the embassy or consulate of the countries you plan to visit to learn their currency
restrictions. Before departing from the U.S., you may wish, if allowed, to purchase small
amounts of foreign currency and coins to use for buses, taxis, telephone calls, and other
incidentals when you first arrive in a country. You may purchase foreign currency from some
banks or from foreign exchange dealers. Most international airports also have money exchange
facilities.
Once you are abroad, local banks generally give more favorable rates of exchange than hotels,
restaurants, or stores for converting your U.S. dollars and traveler's checks into foreign currency.
YOUR TRIP
Driving. U.S. auto insurance is usually not valid outside of the United States and Canada. When
you drive in any other country, be sure to buy adequate auto insurance in that country. When
renting a car abroad, make certain that adequate insurance is part of your contract; otherwise,
purchase additional coverage in an amount similar to that which you carry at home. Also, prior to
driving in a foreign country, familiarize yourself with the metric system since countries abroad
display speed limits in kilometers per hour. REMEMBER: If you plan to rent a car, keep in
mind which side of the road traffic moves. Unlike the U.S., many countries drive on the left hand
side of the road.
Flying. On overseas flights, break up long periods of sitting. Leave your seat from time to time
and also do in-place exercises. This will help prevent you from arriving tired and stiff-jointed.
Also, get some exercise after a long flight. For example, take a walk or use your hotel's exercise
room.
Reconfirm. Upon arrival at each stopover, reconfirm your onward reservations. When possible,
obtain a written confirmation. International flights generally require confirmation 72 hours in
advance. If your name does not appear on the reservation list, you could find yourself stranded.
Register. If you plan to be in a location for 2 weeks or more or in an area where there is civil
unrest or any other emergency situation, register with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.
This will help in locating you, should someone in the United States wish to confirm your safety
and welfare or need to contact you urgently.
PRACTICAL SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
Respect the Local Laws and Customs. While abroad, you are subject to the laws and regulations
of your host country and are not protected by the U.S. Constitution. If you should be detained by
local authorities, ask them to notify a U.S. consular officer. Under international agreements and
practice, you have a right to contact an American consul. Although U.S. consuls cannot act as
your attorney or get you out of jail, they can provide you with a list of local attorneys and inform
you of your rights under local laws. They will also monitor the status of detained Americans and
make sure they are treated fairly under local laws.
Guard Your Passport. Your passport is the most valuable document you carry abroad. It
confirms that you are an American citizen. Do not carry your passport in the same place as your
money or pack it in your luggage. Remember to keep your passport number in a separate
location in case it is lost or stolen. In some countries, you may be required to leave your passport
overnight or for several days with the hotel management. This may be local practice--do not be
concerned unless the passport is not returned as promised. If your passport is lost or stolen
abroad, immediately report it to the local police, obtain a copy of the report, and contact the
nearest U.S. embassy or consulate to apply for a new passport.
Be Alert. Move purposefully and confidently. If you should find yourself in a crowded area, such
as in an elevator, subway, marketplace, or in busy tourist areas, exercise special caution to avoid
theft.
Robbery. Help prevent theft by carrying your belongings securely. Carry purses tucked under an
arm and not dangling by a strap. Carry valuables hidden in an inside front pocket or in a money
belt, not in a hip pocket. You may wish to wrap your wallet with rubber bands to make it more
difficult for someone to slip it from your pocket unnoticed. Money belts or pouches that fit
around your shoulder, waist or under clothing are available through some luggage shops and
department stores.
ASSISTANCE FROM U.S. EMBASSIES AND CONSULATES
Emergencies. If you encounter serious legal, medical, or financial difficulties or other problems
abroad, contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate for assistance. Although consular officers
cannot serve as attorneys, they can help you find legal assistance. Consular officers cannot cash
checks, lend money, or act as travel agents. However, in an emergency, consular officers can help
you get in touch with your family back home to inform them on how to wire funds to you and to
let them know of your situation. Consular officers can also provide you with the latest
information about adverse conditions abroad.
Nonemergencies. Consular officers also provide nonemergency services such as information on
absentee voting and acquisition or loss of U.S. citizenship. They can arrange for the transfer of
Social Security and other benefits to Americans residing abroad, provide U.S. tax forms, notarize
documents, and advise U.S. citizens on property claims.
Safeguarding Your Health. If you are injured or become seriously ill abroad, a U.S. consular
officer will assist you in finding a physician or other medical services, and, with your permission,
will inform your family members or friends of your condition. If needed, consular officers can
assist your family in transferring money to the foreign country to pay for your treatment.
Death Abroad. Each year, about 6,000 Americans die abroad. Two thirds of them are
Americans who live overseas, but approximately 2,000 Americans per year die while visiting
abroad. Consular officers will contact the next of kin in the United States and will explain the
local requirements. It is a worthwhile precaution to have insurance that covers the cost of local
burial or shipment of remains home to the United States (see information on medical assistance
programs). Otherwise, this cost must be borne by your next of kin and can be extremely
expensive. The U.S. government cannot pay for shipment of remains to the United States.
SHOPPING--SOME THINGS TO AVOID
Beware of purchasing souvenirs made from endangered wildlife. Many wildlife and wildlife
products are prohibited either by U.S. or foreign laws from import into the United States. You
risk confiscation and a possible fine if you attempt to import such things. Watch out for and
avoid purchasing the following prohibited items:
All products made from sea turtles.
All ivory, both Asian and African.
Furs from spotted cats.
Furs from marine mammals.
Feathers and feather products from wild birds.
All live or stuffed birds from Australia, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Guatemala, Mexico, Paraguay, Venezuela, and some Caribbean countries.
Most crocodile and caiman leather.
Most coral, whether in chunks or in jewelry.
WHEN YOU RETURN
Be Prepared. On arrival in the United States, have your passport ready when you go through
immigration and customs controls.
Keep receipts for any items you purchased abroad. U.S. citizens may bring back and orally declare
$400 worth of merchandise duty free. The next $1000 is taxed at a flat rate of 10%. Check with
U.S. Customs for further information.
Currency. There is no limit on the amount of money or negotiable instruments which can be
brought into or taken out of the United States. However, any amount over $10,000 must be
reported to U.S. Customs on Customs Form 4790 when you depart from or enter into the United
States.
Foreign Produce. Don't bring home any fresh fruits or vegetables. Such items will be
confiscated.
OTHER USEFUL TRAVEL PUBLICATIONS
For the official word on immunizations, customs, what you can legally bring into the United
States, and how to protect yourself from business fraud, you may order one of the following U.S.
Government publications:
Health Information for International Travel is a comprehensive listing of immunization
requirements of foreign governments. In addition, it gives the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention's recommendations on immunizations and other health precautions for international
travelers. Copies are available for $14 from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government
Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402; tel. (202) 512-1800.
Know Before You Go, Customs Hints for Returning U.S. Residents gives detailed information on
U.S. Customs regulations, including duty rates. Single copies are available free from any local
Customs office or by writing to the Department of the Treasury, U.S. Customs Service, P.O. Box
7407, Washington, D.C. 20044.
Don't Pack a Pest lists the regulations on bringing agricultural items into the United States from
most parts of the world. Fresh fruits and vegetables, meat, potted plants, pet birds, and other
items are prohibited or restricted. Obtain the publication free from the Animal and Plant Health
Inspection Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 732 Federal Bldg., 6505 Belcrest Road,
Hyattsville, Maryland 20782.
Buyer Beware! is prepared by the World Wildlife Fund. This publication provides information
about restrictions on importing wildlife and wildlife products. For a free copy, write to the
Publications Unit, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior, Washington, D.C.
20240.
Tips for Business Travelers to Nigeria is designed to help U.S. citizens doing business in Nigeria
identify business scams, and provide them with information about what the U.S. Government can
or cannot do to assist them. The booklet is free by sending a self-addreseed, stamped envelope to
CA/OCS/ACS/AF, Room 4811, U.S. Department of State, Washington, D.C. 20520-4818.
The following publications from the Department of State may be ordered for $1-$1.50 each from
the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office (GPO), Washington, D.C.
20402; tel. (202) 512-1800. (Prices and availability are subject to change without notice. Check
pricing information with the GPO before ordering.)
Your Trip Abroad provides basic travel information -- tips on passports, visas, immunizations, and
more. It will help you prepare for your trip and make it as trouble-free as possible.
A Safe Trip Abroad gives travel security advice for any traveler, but particularly for those who
plan trips to areas of high crime or terrorism.
Tips for Americans Residing Abroad is prepared for the more than 3 million Americans who live
in foreign countries.
The following publications are also from the Department of State (see ordering information
below):
Foreign Entry Requirements lists visa and other entry requirements of foreign countries and tells
you how to apply for visas and tourist cards. Order this publication for 50ó from the Consumer
Information Center, Pueblo, CO 81009.
Key Officers of Foreign Service Posts gives addresses and telephone, telex, and fax numbers for
all U.S. embassies and consulates abroad. This publication is updated twice a year and may be
purchased from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington,
D.C. 20402; tel. (202) 512-1800. It is available for $3.75 individually or $5.00 for a year's
subscription
Background Notes are brief, factual pamphlets on all countries in the world. They give current
information on each country's people, culture, geography, history, government, economy, and
political condition and include a factual profile, brief travel notes, a country map, and suggested
reading list. For information on their price and to order copies contact: U.S. Government
Printing Office at (202) 512-1800. You may also obtain select issues by fax by calling the State
Department's Bureau of Public Affairs Fax on Demand at (202) 763-7720 from your fax machine.
PASSPORT AGENCIES
Apply Early for Your Passport!
Boston Passport Agency
Thomas P. O'Neill Federal Building
Room 247, 10 Causeway Street
Boston, Massachusetts 02222-1094
Public Inquiries: 617-565-6990*
Chicago Passport Agency
Kluczynski Federal Building
Suite 380, 230 South Dearborn Street
Chicago, Illinois 60604-1564
Public Inquiries: 312-353-7155*
Honolulu Passport Agency
First Hawaii Tower
1132 Bishop St., Suite 500
Honolulu, Hawaii 96813-2809
Public Inquiries: 808-522-8283 or 808-522-8286*
Houston Passport Agency
Mickey Leland Federal Building
1919 Smith Street, Suite 1100
Houston, Texas 77002-8049
Public Inquiries: 713-209-3153*
Los Angeles Passport Agency
11000 Wilshire Boulevard, Room 13100
Los Angeles, California 90024-3615
Public Inquiries: 310-235-7070*
Miami Passport Agency
Claude Pepper Federal Office Building, 3rd Floor
51 Southwest First Avenue
Miami, Florida 33130-1680
Public Inquiries: 305-536-4681*
New Orleans Passport Agency
Postal Services Building, Room T-12005
701 Loyola Avenue
New Orleans, Louisiana 70113-1931
Public Inquiries: 504-589-6161 ext. 620 or 504-589-6728*
New York Passport Agency
Rockefeller Center, Room 270
630 Fifth Avenue
New York, New York 10111-0031
Public Inquiries: 212-399-5290*
Philadelphia Passport Agency
U.S. Customs House
200 Chestnut Street Room 103
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19106-2970
Public Inquiries: 215-597-7480*
San Francisco Passport Agency
Tishman Speyer Building
525 Market Street, Suite 200
San Francisco, California 94105-2773
Public Inquires: 415-974-4444 or 415-974-4010*
Seattle Passport Agency
Federal Office Building, Room 992
915 Second Avenue
Seattle, Washington 98174-1091
Public Inquiries: 206-220-7788*
Stamford Passport Agency
One Landmark Square
Broad and Atlantic Streets
Stamford, Connecticut 06901-2667
Public Inquiries: 203-325-3530*
Washington Passport Agency
1111 19th Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20522-1705
Public Inquiries: 202-647-0518*
If you are applying by mail, send your application (DSP-82) and your previous passport,
photographs and fees (make checks and money orders payable to Passport Services--do not send
cash through the mail) to:
National Passport Center
P.O. Box 371971
Pittsburgh, PA 15250-7971
*This is a 24-hour information line that includes general passport information, passport agency
location, and hours of operation and information regarding emergency passport services during
non-working hours.
Where Are You Going?
*Travel information for specific countries or regions is provided in the following pamphlets. You
can order them for $1-$1.50 each from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government
Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20420:
Tips for Travelers to Canada
Tips for Travelers to the Caribbean
Tips for Travelers to Central and South America
Tips for Travelers to Mexico
Tips for Travelers to the Middle East and North Africa
Tips for Travelers to People's Republic of China
Tips for Travelers to Russia and the Newly Independent States
Tips for Travelers to South Asia
Tips for Travelers to Sub-Saharan Africa
*Prices and availability are subject to change without notice. Please check with the Government
Printing Office for more information.
Senior Citizen Aticles | Senior Travel Tips
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