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Travel Guide
Please Note
This is a generalized travel guide and it is intended to coalesce several resources, which a traveler might find useful, regardless of a particular destination. As such, it does not include travel warnings for specific "hot spot" destinations.
For travel alerts and warnings, please see the United States Department of State's listings available at URL:
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html/
Please note that travel to the following countries, based on these warnings, is ill-advised, or should be undertaken with the utmost precaution:
Afghanistan, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Central African Republic, Chad, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), El Salvador, Guinea-Bissau, Haiti, Honduras, Iraq, Iran, North Korea, Lebanon, Libya, Mali, Mauritania, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Pakistan, Palestinian Territories of West Bank and Gaza, Philippines areas of Sulu Archipelago, Mindanao, and southern Sulu Sea, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Turkey, Venezuela, and Yemen.
International Travel Guide
Checklist for Travelers
1. Make sure you travel with the proper documentation. This may include passports, travel visas, consent for travel with minors, and international driving permits, if necessary. Get the necessary visas for the country (or countries) one intends to visit - but be aware that a visa does not guarantee entry.
2. Protect one's personal information by making copies of one's passport details, insurance policy, travelers checks and credit card numbers. Taking copies of such documents with you, while leaving another collection copies with someone at home, is also good practice for travelers. Taking copies of one's passport photograph is also recommended, as well as leaving a copy of one's passport photograph and details at home is also recommended.
3. Take time to learn about one's destination country and culture. Read and learn about the place one is traveling. Also check political, economic and socio-cultural developments at the destination by reading country-specific travel reports and fact sheets. Always have the contact information for the embassy or consulate of your home country.
4. Keep in regular contact with friends and relatives back at home by phone or email, and be sure to leave a travel itinerary. As well, keep a list of your emergency contacts handy and create a communication plan for reaching family and friends in the event of a crisis.
5. While it may be appealing to travel "off the grid" and without attention to current events, it is inadvisable to travel internationally without paying attention to the news and current events taking place "in country." Monitor local radio, television, and other sources for news and updates. Make contacts with staff at hotels and/or in the community so you are able to stay informed.
6. Phone lines are usually affected during a crisis. Think about other ways to communicate. For example, update your social media status often and send messages as regularly as possible to let friends and family know how you are doing.
7. Know the laws of one's destination country and culture; be sure to understand the repercussions of breaking those laws and regulations. Often the transparency and freedoms of the juridical system at home is not consistent with that of one's destination country. Become aware of these complexities and subtleties before you travel.
8. For longer stays in a country, or where the security situation is volatile, one should register one's self and traveling companions at the local embassy or consulate of one's country of citizenship. Be prepared for crisis situations and have an exit strategy to ensure you can easily evacuate from a volatile situation. Have more than one way to get towards safety as a crisis event may make some roads unpassable or unsafe.
9. Stay healthy by taking all possible precautions against illness. Also, be sure to take extra supplies of prescription drugs along for the trip, while also taking time to pack general pharmaceutical supplies, such as aspirin and other such painkillers, bandages, stomach ailment medication, anti-inflammatory medication and anti-bacterial medication.
10. Do not carry illicit drugs. Understand that the punishment for possession or use of illegal drugs in some countries may be capital punishment. Make sure your prescription drugs are legal in the countries you plan to visit.
11. Women should take care to be prepared both culturally and practically for traveling in a different country and culture. One should be sure to take sufficient supplies of personal feminine products and prescription drugs. One should also learn about local cultural standards for women, including norms of dressing. Be aware that it is simply inappropriate and unsafe for women to travel alone in some countries, and take the necessary precautions to avoid risk-filled situations.
12. If one is traveling with small children, one should pack extra supplies, make arrangements with the travel carrier for proper seating that would adequately accommodate children, infants or toddlers. Note also that whether one is male of female, traveling with children means that one's hands are thus not free to carry luggage and bags. Be especially aware that this makes one vulnerable to pickpockets, thieves and other sorts of crime.
13. Make proper arrangements for accommodations, well in advance of one's arrival at a destination. Some countries have limited accommodation, while others may have culturally distinctive facilities. Learning about these practicalities before one travels will greatly aid the enjoyment of one's trip.
14. Travel with different forms of currency and money (cash, traveler's checks and credit cards) in anticipation that venues may not accept one or another form of money. Also, ensuring that one's financial resources are not contained in one location, or by one person (if one is traveling with others) can be a useful measure, in the event that one loses a wallet or purse. Contact your credit card companies ahead of departure to notify them of your travel plans and be on the lookout for suspicious activity.
15. Find out about transportation in the destination country. In some places, it might be advisable to hire a local driver or taxi guide for safety reasons, while in other countries, enjoying one's travel experience may well be enhanced by renting a vehicle and seeing the local sights and culture independently. Costs may also be prohibitive for either of these choices, so again, prior planning is suggested. If you plan to drive "in country," as indicated above, ensure you have proper international driving permits.
16. Be aware that other countries use different voltage. Travel with a voltage adaptor pack if you will need to power up a laptop, phone, or medical device. It is also advisable to think in terms of power supply, and be sure to find backup power or other ways that will sustain your device or equipment during a power outage.
Tips for Travelers
• Altitude can kill. To avoid acute mountain sickness ascend slowly and acclimatize fully. Take professional advice.
• Check with your embassy, consulate, or appropriate government institution related to travel before traveling.
• Leave a photocopy of your passport and your itinerary with a contact in your home country.
• Enter next of kin details into the back of your passport.
• Avoid any involvement with drugs. Penalties can be severe.
• Do not overstay you visa. If you do, you will be fined and may find yourself in jail.
• Do not trek alone; it is safer to hire a guide from a reputable company.
• Do not enter 'Restricted' areas. Strict terms and conditions apply. Check with a reputable trekking company.
• Register at your appropriate embassy.
Note: This information is directly quoted from the United Kingdom Foreign and Commonwealth Office.
Sources: United Kingdom Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Travel Information for Nepal
Nepal is a developing country with extensive tourist facilities, which vary in quality according to price and location.
A passport and visa are required. Tourist visas can be purchased upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu and at all other ports of entry. All foreigners must pay an airport exit tax, regardless of the length of their stay.
Travelers occasionally report immigration difficulties with Chinese authorities when crossing the Nepal-China border overland in either direction. Foreign nationals planning to travel to Tibet from Nepal may contact relevant embassies in Kathmandu for current information on the status of the border-crossing points. Travelers may also wish to check with the People's Republic of China Embassy in Nepal for current regulations for entry into Tibet.
In an effort to prevent international child abduction, many governments have initiated procedures at entry/exit points. These often include requiring documentary evidence of relationship and permission for the child's travel from the parent(s) or legal guardian not present. Having such documentation on hand, even if not required, may facilitate entry/departure.
Medical care is extremely limited, and it is generally not up to Western standards. Serious illnesses often require evacuation to the nearest adequate medical facility (in Singapore, Bangkok or New Delhi). Illnesses and injuries suffered while on trek in remote areas often require rescue by helicopter. The cost is typically USD $3,000 to $10,000.
While in a foreign country, foreign nationals may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those at home. The information below concerning Nepal is provided for general reference only, and it may not be totally accurate in a particular location or circumstance.
Safety of Public Transportation: Poor
Urban Road Conditions/Maintenance: Poor
Rural Road Conditions/Maintenance: Poor
Availability of Roadside Assistance: Poor
As previously noted, travelers are urged not to undertake road travel outside the Kathmandu Valley at night or during or immediately preceding bandhs (general strikes). Additionally, travelers should be extremely cautious when traveling overland in Nepal, especially by bus. In general, roads are in very poor condition and lack basic safety features. Many mountain and hill roads are impassable during monsoon season (June-September) due to landslides, and they are very hazardous even in the best weather. Please avoid travel on night buses - fatal accidents are frequent. In the Kathmandu Valley, vehicles, bicyclists, pedestrians and animals, all traveling at different speeds, congest narrow roads. Traffic is poorly regulated, and the volume of vehicles on the roads has been increasing by 15 percent a year. Many drivers are neither properly licensed nor trained. Vehicles are poorly maintained. Sidewalks and pedestrian crossings are non-existent in most areas, and drivers do not yield the right-of-way to pedestrians. Pedestrians account for over 40% of all traffic fatalities in Nepal.
Source: United States Department of State Consular Information Sheets.
Information for Trekkers in Nepal
Trekking in Nepal typically involves walking for an extended time over rugged, steep terrain, where one is exposed to the elements, often in remote areas many days' walk from a telephone or emergency services. Many popular trekking routes in Nepal cross passes as high as 18,000 feet. Exercise extreme caution when trekking at higher altitudes. Only experienced mountain travelers should tackle the Himalaya. Trekkers of all ages, experience, and fitness levels can experience Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), which can be deadly.
Trekkers should also be alert to the possibility of avalanches and landslides, even when trails are clear. Avalanches at the narrow gorge above Deurali on the route to the Annapurna Base Camp resulted in the deaths of Western trekkers on four separate occasions during the past year. Avalanches and landslides caused by severe storms have killed many foreign trekkers and their Nepalese guides, and have stranded hundreds of others. Before leaving Kathmandu, trekkers can check with embassy officials to arrange good information about trail conditions and possible hazards in the high country. More than any other factor, solo trekking contributes to injuries and deaths. The safest option for all trekkers is to join an organized group and/or use a reputable firm that provides an experienced guide and porters who communicate in both Nepali and English.
Recently, armed Maoists have demanded "donations" from a number of trekking groups, including American citizens, in Nepal's backcountry, creating new security concerns for Americans traveling in Nepal's remote areas. Trekkers accosted by Maoists often report success in negotiating with them to turn over less money and equipment than was originally demanded.
Many popular trekking routes transit Maoist-affected areas, including areas of conflict, and they should be avoided. Maoist destruction of telephone service to most trekking areas complicates efforts to locate Americans and to make arrangements for medical evacuations. U.S. citizens are strongly encouraged to contact the Embassy in Kathmandu for the latest security information and to register their itinerary before undertaking treks outside the Kathmandu Valley. Trekkers are also advised to leave their itinerary with family or friends in their home countries and to check in at police checkposts where trekking permits are logged.
Source: United States Department of State Consular Information Sheets.
Business Culture: Information for Business Travelers
The main language of business is Nepali. However, many businessmen can speak both Hindi and English. A majority of the population follows the Hindu religion. Nepal is ethnically, linguistically, and culturally diverse. Traditional and conservative by nature, the Nepalese are congenial people who take pride in their national heritage. Business ties, as in much of Asia, are often tied to commonalties. Foreigners must be prepared to obtain the proper introductions and to spend the proper amount of time on confidence building before entering into business negotiations.
Source: United States Department of State Commercial Guides
Online Resources Regarding Entry Requirements and Visas
Foreign Entry Requirements for Americans from the United States Department of State
http://travel.state.gov/foreignentryreqs.html
Visa Services for Non-Americans from the United States Department of State
http://www.unitedstatesvisas.gov/
http://travel.state.gov/visa/visa_1750.html
Visa Bulletins from the United States Department of State
http://travel.state.gov/visa_bulletin.html
Visa Waivers from the United States Department of State
http://travel.state.gov/jvw.html
Passport and Visa Information from the Government of the United Kingdom
http://www.fco.gov.uk/travel/dynpage.asp?Page=402
Visa Information from the Government of Australia
http://www.dfat.gov.au/visas/index.html
Entry Requirements and Other Services for Travelers from the Government of Canada
http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1082.html
Online Visa Processing by Immigration Experts by VisaPro
http://www.visapro.com
Sources: United States Department of State, United Kingdom Foreign and Commonwealth Office, Government of Australia: Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Government of Canada: Canada International
Useful Online Resources for Travelers
Your trip abroad
http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/brochures/brochures_1225.html
A safe trip abroad
http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/safety/safety_1747.html
Tips for expatriates abroad
http://travel.state.gov/travel/living/residing/residing_1235.html
Tips for students
http://travel.state.gov/travel/living/studying/studying_1238.html http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/brochures/brochures_1219.html
Medical information for travelers
http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/health/health_1185.html
US Customs Travel information
http://www.customs.gov/xp/cgov/travel/
UK Travelers' Checklist
http://www.fco.gov.uk/servlet/Front?pagename=OpenMarket/Xcelerate/ShowPage&c=Page&cid=1098377239217
Canadian Government's resources on traveling, living or working abroad
http://www.voyage.gc.ca/Consular-e/living_menu-e.htm
Plan a trip to an exotic location
http://www.geopassage.com
Sources: United States Department of State; United States Customs Department, United Kingdom Foreign and Commonwealth Office, Government of Canada: Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade
Other Practical Online Resources for Travelers
World Weather Forecasts
http://www.intellicast.com/
Worldwide Time Zones and World Clock
http://www.timeanddate.com/
International Currency Exchange Rates
http://www.xe.com/ucc/
Banking and Financial Institutions Across the World
http://www.123world.com/banks/index.html
International Credit Card or Automated Teller Machine (ATM) Locator
http://international.visa.com/ps/services/atmnetwork.jsp
http://www.mastercard.com/cardholderservices/atm/
Foreign Language Phrases for Travelers
http://www.travlang.com/languages/
International Dialing Codes
http://www.kropla.com/dialcode.htm
International Airport Codes
http://www.ar-group.com/icaoiata.htm
International Internet Café Search Engine
http://cybercaptive.com/
World Electric Power Information
http://www.kropla.com/electric.htm
World Electric Power Guide
http://www.kropla.com/electric2.htm
World Television Standards and Codes
http://www.kropla.com/tv.htm
International Chambers of Commerce
http://www.123world.com/chambers/index.html
Diplomatic and Consular Information
United States Diplomatic Posts Abroad
http://usembassy.state.gov/
Resources for Finding Embassies and other Diplomatic Posts Across the World
http://www.escapeartist.com/embassy1/embassy1.htm
Travel and Tourism Information
World Tourism Websites
http://123world.com/tourism/
Safety and Security
United States Department of State Travel Warnings and Consular Information Sheets
http://travel.state.gov/travel_warnings.html
United States Department of State Current Warnings
http://travel.state.gov/warnings_list.html
United Kingdom Current Warnings and Travel Advice By Country
http://www.fco.gov.uk/servlet/Front?pagename=OpenMarket/Xcelerate/ShowPage&c=Page&cid=1007029390590
United Kingdom Travel Fact Sheets By Country
http://www.fco.gov.uk/servlet/Front?pagename=OpenMarket/Xcelerate/ShowPage&c=Page&cid=1007029394365#T1
Government of Canada Travel Reports By Country
http://www.voyage.gc.ca/dest/ctry/new-en.asp#ctr
Government of Canada Travel Warnings
http://www.voyage.gc.ca/dest/sos/warnings-en.asp
Government of Australia Travel Advice Reports By Country
http://www.dfat.gov.au/consular/advice/index.html
Sources: United Kingdom Foreign and Commonwealth Office, the United States Department of State, the Government of Canada: Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Government of Australia: Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
Other Safety and Security Online Resources for Travelers
Information on Terrorism from Government of Canada
http://canada.gc.ca/wire/2001/09/110901-US_e.html
Information on Human Rights
http://www.state.gov/g/drl/hr/
Government of the United Kingdom Resource on the Risk of Terrorism
http://www.fco.gov.uk/servlet/Front?pagename=OpenMarket/Xcelerate/ShowPage&c=Page&cid=1044011304926
FAA Resource on Aviation Safety
http://www.faa.gov/safety/
In-Flight Safety Information for Air Travel (by British Airways crew trainer, Anna Warman)
http://www.warman.demon.co.uk/anna/inflight.html
Hot Spots: Travel Safety and Risk Information
http://www.airsecurity.com/hotspots/HotSpots.asp
Current Issues and Warnings by Government of United States
http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/pa/pa_1766.html
http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/tw/tw_1764.html
Sources: The United States Department of State, the United States Customs Department, the Federal Aviation Authority, Anna Warman's In-flight Website, Hot Spots Travel and Risk Information, the United Kingdom Foreign and Commonwealth Office, the Government
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