Travel-Snap: News & Notes

Medical Information for Americans Traveling Abroad

nospam@example.com (Travel-Snap News) — 2005-11-06T12:04:00Z

If an American citizen becomes seriously ill or injured abroad, a U. S. consular officer can assist in locating appropriate medical services and informing family or friends. If necessary, a consular officer can also assist in the transfer of funds from the United States. However, payment of hospital and other expenses is the responsibility of the traveler.

Before going abroad, learn what medical services your health insurance will cover overseas. If your health insurance policy provides coverage outside the United States, REMEMBER to carry both your insurance policy identity card as proof of such insurance and a claim form. Although many health insurance companies will pay "customary and reasonable" hospital costs abroad, very few will pay for your medical evacuation back to the United States. Medical evacuation can easily cost $10,000 and up, depending on your location and medical condition.

THE SOCIAL SECURITY MEDICARE PROGRAM DOES NOT PROVIDE COVERAGE FOR HOSPITAL OR MEDICAL COSTS OUTSIDE THE U.S.A. ...

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U.S. Department of State

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DHS Reminds Public of Deadline for Comments on Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative

nospam@example.com (Travel-Snap News) — 2005-10-28T15:30:00Z

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is reminding the public of the October 31, 2005 deadline for comment on the Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPRM) for the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative.

The ANPRM seeks comments on how to implement a mandate established by The Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act (IRTPA) which requires the Secretaries of Homeland Security and State to develop and implement a plan to require U.S. citizens and foreign nationals to present a passport or other appropriate secure identity and citizenship documentation when entering the United States. IRTPA will require all travelers to and from the Americas, the Caribbean, and Bermuda to have a passport or other accepted documents that establish the bearers identity and nationality to enter or re-enter the United States by January 1, 2008.

IRTPA, and implementing the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, will affect all United States citizens entering or re-entering the U.S. who do not currently possess valid passports. It will also affect certain foreign nationals who currently are not required to present a passport to travel to the United States, namely Canadian citizens, citizens of the British Overseas Territory of Bermuda and Mexican citizens. ...

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U.S. Department of Homeland Security

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TSA Opens Ronald Reagan Washington Airport to General Aviation Operations

nospam@example.com (Travel-Snap News) — 2005-10-18T16:14:00Z

WASHINGTON, D.C. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) today reopened Ronald Reagan Washington Airport (DCA) to certain pre-cleared General Aviation (GA) operations, including corporate and charter aircraft.

Opening up Reagan National to General Aviation underlines TSAs commitment to balance the security and commercial needs of the Capital Region, said Pat Hynes, Federal Security Director for TSA at DCA. We recognize the economic importance of providing access to the airport so we worked with key stakeholders to develop stringent requirements that allow private aircraft to return here.

The TSAs DCA Access Standard Security Program (DASSP) -- which was developed in coordination with other Department of Homeland Security (DHS) agencies, the Department of Transportation, the Department of Defense, and other federal agencies -- addresses the special aviation security needs in the National Capital Region.

TSAs plan allows access for up to 48 GA flights into DCA per day from from twelve gateway airports. These airports are: Seattle-Tacoma, WA; Boston Logan; Houston Hobby; White Plains, NY; LaGuardia, New York; Chicago Midway; Minneapolis/St.Paul, MN; West Palm Beach, FL; San Francisco, CA; Teterboro Airport, NJ; Philadelphia, PA; and Lexington, KY. ...

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Transportation Security Administration

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Digital Photo Deadline for Passports Approaching

nospam@example.com (Travel-Snap News) — 2005-10-18T15:26:00Z

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is reminding visitors that Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries will be required to produce passports with digital photographs by October 26, 2005. The requirement for digital photographs is part of a multi-layered approach to increasing the security of our citizens and visitors by helping to ensure the integrity of their travel documents.

DHS recognizes the importance of travel and trade particularly from VWP nations to our own economic and cultural well-being. This is another critical step among many that are bringing us closer to realizing a future vision of a world in which travel around the globe is secure for legitimate visitors and extremely difficult for those who would do us harm.

Visitors with valid machine-readable passports issued prior to October 26, 2005, may continue to travel without a visa under the Visa Waiver Program. Passports issued on or after October 26, 2005 require the digital photo. Visitors who are issued a passport after the October 26 deadline that does not meet these requirements will be required to obtain a visa to travel to the United States. ...

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U.S. Department of Homeland Security

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TSA Urges Hunters and Sportsmen to Pack With Care for Air Travel

nospam@example.com (Travel-Snap News) — 2005-10-07T16:12:00Z

Washington, D.C. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) reminds individuals who have flight plans for their next hunting or fishing trip to pack carefully before coming to the airport. Traveling with outdoor gear, guns and most camping items is permitted, but outdoor enthusiasts should prepare in advance to avoid packing prohibited items in carry-on or checked baggage.

"It is particularly important that guns and other types of sporting equipment are packed correctly to avoid lengthy delays in the screening process," said Kenneth Kasprisin, North Central Area Director for TSA. "We want to especially remind hunters that ammunition must be properly packaged and placed in checked baggage. Weapons and ammunition cannot be taken through the passenger checkpoints. We also advise everyone to carefully check all pockets and the bottoms of carry-on bags for loose ammunition." ...

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Transportation Security Administration

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A Safe Trip Abroad

nospam@example.com (Travel-Snap News) — 2005-10-03T12:08:00Z

Foreword

When you travel abroad, the odds are in your favor that you will have a safe and incident-free trip. However, crime and violence, as well as unexpected difficulties, do happen to U.S. citizens in all parts of the world. No one is better able to tell you this than the U.S. consular officers who work in more than 250 U.S. embassies and consulates around the globe. Every day of the year, U.S. embassies and consulates receive calls from American citizens in distress.

Happily, most problems can be solved over the telephone or by a visit of the U.S. citizen to the Consular Section of the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. But, there are less fortunate occasions when U.S. diplomats are called on to meet U.S. citizens at foreign police stations, hospitals, prisons and even at morgues. In these cases, the assistance that diplomats can offer is specific but limited.

In the hope of helping you avoid serious difficulties during your abroad, we have prepared the following travel tips.

Thank you for taking the time to become an informed traveler. We wish you a safe and wonderful journey! ...

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U.S. Department of State

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TSA Expanding National Explosives Detection Canine Teams to Mass Transit and Commuter Rail Systems

nospam@example.com (Travel-Snap News) — 2005-09-28T16:09:00Z

WASHINGTON D.C. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced today the expansion of the National Explosive Detection Canine Team Program to 10 mass transit and commuter rail systems. The 10 systems are: Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA), San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District (BART), Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA), Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), Port Authority Trans-Hudson Corporation (PATH), Chicago Transit Authority (CTA), Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro), Maryland Transit Administration (MTA), San Francisco Municipal Railway (Muni) and San Diego Trolley, Inc. (SDTI).

Law enforcement officers from the 10 systems will attend the TSA Explosives Detection Canine Handler Course beginning in October. During the 10-week course, handlers will be matched with a TSA canine and trained in proper dog handling and search techniques. Upon graduation, the teams will return to their systems for local training, familiarization and certification.

Expanding the canine program to mass transit and commuter rail systems allows TSA to partner with local resources to protect this critical piece of the transportation network, said Kip Hawley, Assistant Secretary of Homeland Security for TSA. These teams are a mobile and efficient method for identifying explosive materials and they can be quickly deployed to address a variety of situations.

TSA primarily uses German Shepherds, Belgian Malanois and Labrador Retrievers for the program. These dogs are usually obtained from breeders in the United States and Europe. These breeds are chosen for their temperament and keen sensory capabilities. Individual dogs selected for the program must undergo exacting pre-acceptance screening to prove they are healthy, smart, highly motivated, and able to detect the necessary odors. TSA also operates a breeding program of Labrador Retrievers at Lackland Air Force Base. ...

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Transportation Security Administration

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Travel Tips for Older Americans

nospam@example.com (Travel-Snap News) — 2005-09-03T11:58:00Z

Forward

International travel can be a rich and rewarding adventure. Whether you have waited a lifetime to take the perfect trip or are an experienced world traveler, we would like to offer some advice to help you plan a safe and healthy trip.

American consuls at U.S. embassies and consulates abroad are there to help if you encounter serious difficulties in your travels. They are happy to meet you if you come in to register your passport at the Consular Section of the U.S. embassy or consulate. But it is also their duty to assist American citizens abroad in times of emergency--at hospitals or police stations, for instance. This pamphlet is written in the hopes that it will help you to prevent such emergencies from arising.

PREPARATION FOR YOUR TRIP

Start Early. Apply for your passport as soon as possible. Three months before your departure date should give you plenty of time. See the section, Passports and Visas, for details on how to apply.

Learn About the Countries You Plan to Visit. Before you go, read up on the culture, people, and history for the places you will travel. Bookstores and libraries are good resources. Travel magazines and the travel sections of major newspapers tell about places to visit and also give advice on everything from discount airfares to international health insurance. Many travel agents and foreign tourist bureaus provide free information on travel abroad.

For up-to-date travel information on any country in the world that you plan to visit, obtain the Department of State''s Consular Information Sheet. They cover such matters as health conditions, unusual currency and entry regulations, crime and security conditions, drug penalties, and areas of instability. In addition, the State Department issues Travel Warnings when it recommends Americans defer travel to a country because of unsafe conditions. Travel Warnings are under continuous review by the Department of State and are removed when conditions warrant. The Department of State also issues Public Announcements as a means to disseminate information quickly about relatively short-term and/or trans-national conditions which would pose significant risks to the security of American travelers. ...

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U.S. Department of State

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Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative Formally Submitted for Public Comment

nospam@example.com (Travel-Snap News) — 2005-09-01T15:23:00Z

The Departments of Homeland Security and State formally submitted the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative proposal for public comment. The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative will require all U.S. citizens, citizens of the British Overseas Territory of Bermuda, and citizens of Canada and Mexico to have a passport or other accepted secure document that establishes the bearers identity and nationality to enter or re-enter the United States by January 1, 2008.

The Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 mandated that the Secretary of Homeland Security, in consultation with the Secretary of State, develop and implement a plan to require U.S. citizens and foreign nationals to present a passport, or other secure document when entering the United States.

In the proposed implementation plan, the Initiative will be rolled out in phases, providing as much advance notice as possible to the affected public to enable them to meet the terms of the new guidelines. The proposed timeline will be as follows:

~ December 31, 2006 Requirement applied to all air and sea travel to or from Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda.

~ December 31, 2007 Requirement extended to all land border crossings as well as air and sea travel.

In April 2005, the Departments of State (State) and Homeland Security (DHS) announced a proposed plan to be implemented in three phases beginning on December 31, 2005 for the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative. After further review and considering the delay in publishing the public notice in the Federal Register, State and DHS recognized that implementing the December 31, 2005, phase would be problematic for travelers. This new timeline will simplify the implementation and provide a longer lead-time for travelers to come into compliance with the requirements. ...

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U.S. Department of Homeland Security

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Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

nospam@example.com (Travel-Snap News) — 2005-09-01T15:20:00Z

What is the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative?
The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative will require all travelers, including U.S. citizens, to and from the Americas, the Caribbean, and Bermuda to have a passport or other accepted document that establishes the bearers identity and nationality to enter or re-enter the United States. This is a change from prior travel requirements. The goal is to strengthen border security and facilitate entry into the United States for U.S. citizens and legitimate foreign visitors.

Who will the Travel Initiative affect?
The travel document initiative will affect all United States citizens traveling within the Western Hemisphere, who will now be required to carry a passport or other accepted document..

It will also affect certain foreign nationals who currently are not required to present a passport to travel to the United States namely most Canadian citizens, citizens of the British Overseas Territory of Bermuda and Mexican citizens.

When will Travel Initiative be implemented?
In the proposed implementation plan, which is subject to a period of initial public comment, the Initiative will be rolled out in phases, providing as much advance notice as possible to the affected public to enable them to meet the terms of the new guidelines. The proposed timeline will be as follows:

~ December 31, 2006 Requirement applied to all air and sea travel to or from Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda.

~ December 31, 2007 Requirement extended to all air, sea and land border crossings.

I thought there was an additional phase to be implemented on December 31, 2005. Is this a change?
In April 2005, the Departments of State (DOS) and Homeland Security (DHS) announced a proposed plan to be implemented in three phases beginning on December 31, 2005 for the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative. After further review and considering the delay in publishing the public notice in the Federal Register, DOS and DHS recognized that implementing the December 31, 2005, phase would be problematic for travelers during the upcoming winter tourism season. This change will simplify the implementation and provide a longer lead-time for travelers to come into compliance with the requirements. ...

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U.S. Department of Homeland Security

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US-VISIT Fact Sheet

nospam@example.com (Travel-Snap News) — 2005-08-11T15:13:00Z

US-VISIT: Goals

~ Enhance the security of our citizens and visitors
~ Facilitate legitimate travel and trade
~ Ensure the integrity of our immigration system
~ Protect the privacy of our visitors

US-VISIT: An Overview

US-VISIT is a top priority for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security because it enhances security for our citizens and visitors while facilitating legitimate travel and trade across our borders. US-VISIT helps to secure our borders, facilitate the entry and exit process, and enhance the integrity of our immigration system while respecting the privacy of our visitors.

US-VISIT is part of a continuum of security measures that begins outside U.S. borders and continues through a visitors arrival in and departure from the United States. It incorporates eligibility determinations made by the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of State.

US-VISIT currently applies to all visitors (with limited exemptions) entering the United States, regardless of country of origin or whether they are traveling on a visa. Most visitors experience US-VISITs biometric procedures digital, inkless fingerscans and digital photograph upon entry to the United States. ...

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U.S. Department of Homeland Security

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Tips for Americans Residing Abroad

nospam@example.com (Travel-Snap News) — 2005-08-06T12:15:00Z

FOREWORD

The Department of States Bureau of Consular Affairs has prepared this publication for Americans considering residence abroad as well as for the millions of U.S. citizens who are currently residing in a foreign country. Our primary goal is to provide assistance to and protect the welfare of American citizens who live abroad.

Before taking up a foreign residence, there are many details that you will need to consider. This brochure will acquaint you with the wide range of services provided to American citizens by U.S. embassies and consulates worldwide.

Any additional guidance not specifically addressed in this publication may be obtained at http://travel.state.gov.

Department of State Publication 11244
Bureau of Consular Affairs

Revised July 2005

BEFORE YOU GO

LEARN ABOUT THE HOST COUNTRY

Learn as much as possible about the country where you plan to reside. Finding out about a nations culture, customs, people, and history will make your stay more meaningful. Libraries, bookstores and tourist bureaus are good resources for this information. Keep abreast of the international news for the latest political developments in the country where you will live. Although English is spoken in many countries, learning the language of the region in which you plan to reside will make the transition to your new environment easier. ...

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U.S. Department of State

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Tips for Women Traveling Alone

nospam@example.com (Travel-Snap News) — 2005-08-01T11:54:00Z

~ REMINDERS ~

1. Make sure you have a signed, valid passport and visas, if required. Also, before you go, fill in the emergency information page of your passport!

2. Read the Consular Information Sheets (and Public Announcements or Travel Warnings, if applicable) for countries you plan to visit.

3. Leave copies of your itinerary, passport data page and visas with family and friends at home, so you can be contacted in case of an emergency.

4. Make sure you have insurance that will cover your medical needs while you are overseas.

5. Familiarize yourself with local laws and customs, especially when it comes to dressing and socializing.

6. Do not leave your luggage unattended in public areas and never accept packages from strangers.

7. Do not announce that you are traveling alone!

8. Do not wear conspicuous clothing and expensive jewelry and do not carry excessive amounts of cash or unnecessary credit cards.

9. Before leaving your hotel ask for directions.

10. Ensure that the hotel you plan on staying at has good security and easy access to transportation.

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U.S. Department of State

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Ten New Explosives Detection Canine Teams Join TSA to Protect Against Terrorism

nospam@example.com (Travel-Snap News) — 2005-07-29T16:05:00Z

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Ten new explosives detection canine teams joined the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) National Explosives Detection Canine Team Program following graduation today at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas.

The canine teams are being assigned to airports in San Francisco; Miami; Boston; Los Angeles; Indianapolis; Cincinnati; Nashville, Tenn.; El Paso, Texas; Tampa, Fla.; and Washington D.C.

During the ten-week training program, law enforcement officers assigned to various airports are provided instruction on handler skills, explosives safety, and safe handling and accountability of explosives canine training aids. The teams spent much of their time searching for explosives in specialized indoor and outdoor training areas that resemble the airport environment, including aircraft searches where teams check cockpits, cabins and overhead storage bins. The teams also practice searching warehouses, luggage and a parking lot filled with cars, trucks, vans and buses.

"These ten teams are another example of TSAs commitment to build upon our existing layered security approach, said Dave Kontny, Director of TSAs National Explosives Detection Canine Team Program. Our partnership with local law enforcement agencies across the country enhances the Department of Homeland Securitys ability to provide a rapid deployable force of highly trained explosives detection canine teams to meet todays security challenges. ...

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Transportation Security Administration

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TSA Continues to Roll-out Explosives Detection Trace Portals

nospam@example.com (Travel-Snap News) — 2005-07-27T16:02:00Z

Two trace portals added at Dallas/Ft. Worth International Airport

WASHINGTON, D.C. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) today announced that it is deploying one explosives detection trace portal to the north passenger security checkpoint and another to the central security checkpoint in Terminal D at Dallas/Ft. Worth International Airport (DFW). Two additional machines will be deployed to other terminals by September 2005.

These deployments signify TSAs ongoing commitment to develop and execute new technologies within aviation, said Jimmy Wooten, TSAs Federal Security Director at DFW. We are thrilled to be able to partner with the airport and airlines to launch this new technology, and we look forward to our continued partnership in the utilization and facilitation of this state-of-the-art equipment.

Passengers identified as needing additional screening will pass through the trace portal for explosives detection screening. As passengers enter the trace portal, they are asked to stand still for a few seconds while several puffs of air are released, dislodging microscopic particles from passengers that are then collected and analyzed for traces of explosives. A computerized voice indicates when a passenger may exit the portal. Screeners will take necessary and appropriate steps to resolve possible alarms.

TSA has already advanced its explosives detection capabilities at the passenger security checkpoint by deploying trace portals at airports in Baltimore; Boston; Gulfport, Miss.; Jacksonville, Fla.; Las Vegas; Los Angeles; Miami; Newark; New York (JFK); Phoenix; Providence, R.I.; Rochester, N.Y.; San Francisco; San Diego; and Tampa, Fla.

By the end of September, TSA plans to deploy this technology to airports in Charlotte, N.C.; Fort Lauderdale, Fla.; New York (LaGuardia); Palm Beach, Fla.; Pittsburgh; San Juan, P.R., and Washington, D.C. (both Dulles and Reagan National). ...

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Transportation Security Administration

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