More and more American citizens are choosing to travel and live abroad. Whether you are looking to get away for a short weekend in Mexico or planning on living overseas for an extended period of time, the U.S. government offers a variety of services that can help you plan a great experience.
Passports:
Whether you’re getting a passport for the first time, renewing it, updating information, or replacing a lost or stolen passport, the State Department is the place to go.
Travel Warnings:
While it may seem obvious to keep away from current war zones because of possible dangers, you might be surprised about other places that pose physical threats to travelers. Be sure to check in advance whether a country is considered dangerous for travel.
Smart Travelers Program:
Before you leave, take a few minutes to sign up for this service so you can be contacted in case of an emergency.
Country-Specific Information:
Use this wealth of information about things such as a description of the country, embassy locations, and local travel laws.
Life Changes Abroad:
Learn how to deal with marriages, births, divorce, and deaths while out of the United States.
Voting:
Just because you are out of the country doesn’t mean your voice can’t be heard. If you’re out of the country during elections, you can still vote.
Citizen Exchanges:
There are a variety of programs that allow citizens of different countries to participate in exchange programs. In these programs, you get to spend time living in another country. Check these programs out to see how they could allow you to travel outside the United States.
Academic Exchange Programs:
If you’re still a student, take advantage of the numerous services the State Department offers specifically for students. These services range from scholarships for travel to grants
for learning a new language in a country where it is spoken.
Arrests:
Know what the local embassy will and won’t do for you if you run into legal troubles while traveling.
International Health Information:
Find out what vaccinations you need before you travel, how to get medical help abroad, or what health hazards you might encounter.
For more information, visit—
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—Pieter Mueller
Very helpful indeed!