The U.S. government offers a variety of publications of interest to travelers. The information ranges from general travel advice to detailed data on foreign countries. Some of the publications are free, and others are available for 50 cents or $1.
”Your Trip Abroad” offers basic information for those taking their first trip out of the country, according to a member of the public affairs staff of the Bureau of Consular Affairs.
The booklet ”Safe Trip Aboard” outlines specific safety precautions a visitor can take when traveling overseas. For example, it tells what to do about a lost passport and how to avoid hostage or terrorist situations.
Here`s a sampling from some of the booklets on foreign destinations:
– From ”Tips for Travelers to Cuba”: ”A limited number of charter flights between Miami and Cuba are available for authorized travelers. For authorized travelers, travel to and from Cuba by scheduled commercial airline service is also possible through a third country such as Canada, Jamaica or Mexico. Travel to Cuba through third countries without a license remains prohibited.”
– From ”Tips for Travelers to the USSR”: ”A high rate of Customs duty may be assessed on gifts. U.S. citizens have had to abandon gifts at the airport because they lacked funds to pay the customs duty.”
– From ”Tips for Travelers to Mexico”: ”Beware of purchasing souvenirs made from endangered wildlife. Mexican markets and stores abound with wildlife, most of it prohibited from international traffic. You risk confiscation and a possible fine by U.S. Customs if you attempt to import virtually any wildlife from Mexico. In particular, watch out for and avoid:
”all products made from sea turtles, including such items as turtle leather boots, tortoise-shell jewelry, and sea turtle oil cosmetics;
”fur from spotted cats;
”Mexican birds stuffed or alive, such as parrots, parakeets or birds of prey;
”crocodile and caiman leather;
”black coral jewelry;
”wildlife curios, such as stuffed iguanas.”
– From ”Tips for Travelers to the Middle East and North Africa”: ”U.S. citizens contemplating travel to Iran are advised not to do so. Travel to Iran is extremely hazardous, and U.S. citizens have been detained without charge or taken hostage. The continuing anti-U.S. atmosphere, the hostile, anti-U.S. stance of the Iranian government and the present conflict between Iran and Iraq create further problems for travelers.”
– From ”Tips for Travelers to Sub-Saharan Africa”: ”(For travel to Senegal), obtain visas in advance to avoid delays upon arrival. Although Dakar is a major port of entry into western Africa, international air service is often overcrowded and unpredictable.”
– From ”Tips for Travelers to South Asia”: ”Bangladesh is an Islamic country, and visitors should dress modestly-shorts are considered
inappropriate. Travelers should pay special attention to preventive health measures because medical facilities, especially in rural areas, are not always available.”
– From ”Tips for Travelers to the Caribbean”: ”Requests for residence permits are rarely granted. Work permits in the Caribbean are expensive and are usually issued for one year only. Check with the country`s embassy or consulate in the United States if you plan to work in a Caribbean country.
”If you seek to enter the Bahamas, for example, with the intention of obtaining employment, entry will be denied. Persons interested in employment should contact the Bahamas immigration department prior to travel.”
– From ”Tips for Travelers to Central and South America”: ”If you plan to drive to Central or South America or arrive in a private plane or boat, contact the embassy or consulate of each country you plan to visit to learn what is required for entry and exit.
”You may not be able to enter certain countries unless you have had your vehicle documented at the embassy or consulate of the country before you left your country of residence.”
The above mentioned brochures are available for $1 each from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402; 202-783-3238.
Other booklets
The office also offers the following booklets for $1: ”Tips for Americans Residing Abroad,” ”A Safe Trip Abroad,” ”Your Trip Abroad” and ”Travel Tips for Older Americans.”
Also of interest to travelers is a booklet called ”Foreign Entry Requirements.” It is available for 50 cents from the Consumer Information Center, Pueblo, Colo. 81009.
Free copies of five publications of interest to travelers are available from the Bureau of Consular Affairs. Two booklets are: ”Handbook of Consular Services” and ”Tips for Visitor Visa Applicants.”
The booklets are available from Public Affairs Staff, Bureau of Consular Affairs, Room 5807, U.S. Department of State, Washington, D.C. 20520.
Videotape available
A 12-minute State Department videotape, ”Traveling Abroad More Safely,” is also available. It can be ordered from Video Transfer Inc., 5710 Arundel Ave., Rockville, Md. 20552; 301-881-0270. The cost is $9 for a VHS or Beta tape or $12.50 for three-quarter-inch tape, plus $3 for mailing and handling. For a free copy of ”Know Before You Go,” ”Importing a Car” or ”Pets/ Wildlife,” write U.S. Customs Service, Box 7407, Washington, D.C. 20044.
The following booklets are available from the Department of Agriculture:
”Travelers Tips-Bringing Food and Animal Products into the U.S.,”
”Visiting Mexico” (Spanish and English editions), ”Why Are You Taking My . . .?” To obtain copies of these booklets, contact Public Information, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, USDA, Washington, D.C. 20250.
The booklet ”Buying a Car Overseas? Beware!” is available from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. To get a copy, write to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Public Information Center, PM-211B, 401 M St. S.W., Washington, D.C. 20460.
