All travelers should familiarize themselves with conditions at their destination that could affect their health (high altitude or pollution, types of medical facilities, required immunizations, availability of required pharmaceuticals, etc.). While some of this information may be found in the documents listed above, the key resource for health information is the Travelers’ Health page [...]
Buying a house and living in Spain has been seen as “living the dream” for many years now. Torrevieja situated on the south of Spain just south of Alicante, is one of the more popular places to buy property as a holiday home, or to move out and live there. But for while now Torrevieja [...]
When you are in a foreign country, you are subject to its laws, and American officials are limited as to how they can assist you. They cannot, for instance, represent you in legal proceedings or pay your legal fees or other expenses. They can, however, perform a variety of vital services, which include [...]
When you are in a foreign country, you are subject to its laws and are under its jurisdiction. You can be arrested overseas for actions that may be either legal or considered minor infractions in the United States. Familiarize yourself with legal expectations in the countries you will visit. Country Specific Information [...]
1. Make sure you have a signed, valid passport and visas, if required. Also, before you go, fill in the emergency information page of your passport! Copy or scan your passport and email it to yourself, leave a copy with family, and stick a copy in your wallet.
2. Read the Consular Information Sheets (and [...]
Many countries have stiff penalties for drug violations and strictly enforce drug laws. If you are caught buying, selling, carrying or using any type of drug - from hashish to heroin, marijuana to mescaline, cocaine to quaaludes - you will be arrested. You are subject to foreign laws overseas, not U.S. laws, and, if arrested, [...]
In the Case of 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.
In the Case of Illness [...]