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Volume 41, Issue 1
March 11, 2003
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March 11, 2003
Travelers heed caution
By Andrew James
Mesa Legend
Spring break means student travel.
Every year more than 2,500 students are arrested abroad due to drugs,
alcohol, and disorderly behavior.
The State Department’s Bureau of Consular Affairs, responsible for
the protection and welfare of U.S. citizens overseas, issued a statement
aimed at ensuring the safety of students traveling abroad.
Acccording to the statement students often feel they are immune to prosecution
in foreign countries because they are American.
This is not true.
Americans are expected to obey all foreign laws.
The Bureau of Consular Affairs has offered several tips to safeguard travelers
while abroad.
First, apply for or validate passports long before the planned trip.
Make sure all necessary documentation is obtained to visit the specific
destination.
Know information on the intended destination such as culture, law, and
any problems that the country is facing that may hinder your travel plans.
Be aware of travel warnings and public announcements as they provide late-breaking
information on short term conditions that may threaten travelers.
Guarantee medical treatment in case of an emergency.
It is important for students to confirm that their health insurance will
provide coverage abroad, including medical evacuations.
Anyone traveling with a medical condition should consult a physician before
departing.
If prescription medication is needed, the bureau warns to bring enough
for the duration of the trip and keep all medication in properly labeled
containers.
Many countries are very strict about drug trafficking and may become suspicious
of unlabeled bottles.
Finally, leave an itinerary, a duplicate passport, and flight information
at home.
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