Safety & Security Overseas

Violence is a leading worldwide public health problem and a concern of US citizens traveling, working, or residing abroad. International terrorism and crime are risks anywhere in the world, but international travelers operating in unfamiliar environments face particular hurdles. Travelers overseas, particularly tourists, may not have an immediately accessible network of friends or family to assist them in an emergency. Local government responses to violent activities and crime may not be what US residents expect; an effective local government may not exist to respond at all. Language barriers, unanticipated costs, or different cultural mores can compound an already challenging situation. US travelers should research conditions at their destination to learn what risks they are likely to face and have plans to mitigate those risks while they are abroad.