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US Government’s Advice for Expats and Travelers: Some of it Really is Worth Knowing

If you’re considering moving abroad, the recommendations of the U.S. government are likely the last thing on your mind.  Nevertheless, Big Brother has a virtual guide for those who are planning on moving, or even just traveling overseas.

Travel Advice for moving Abroad

Photo Credit: Highway Agency

While a lot of the suggestions may seem like just another way for the government to keep tabs on you while you’re out of the country, some of the tips may actually prove helpful.

Advice about Marriage

For those who wish to get married abroad, the laws can vary greatly from one country to the next.  There may be various documentation and residency requirements, so research the process well before you plan to tie the knot.

Some of the necessary steps might include blood tests, affidavits, or certified copies of documents such as divorce decrees or death certificates, if one party was in a previous marriage.  Contact the country’s embassy or tourist information bureau for more information.

Ceremonies are usually performed by a local civil or religious official.  Once you are married, the U.S. consular can authenticate the marriage documents issued by the country where the marriage is performed.  However, you’ll need to verify with your state of residence whether they will recognize the marriage if you plan on returning to the U.S.

Birth

The child of a U.S. citizen born abroad automatically acquires citizenship at birth.  All you’ll likely need to do is contact the U.S. Embassy or Consulate to obtain a Consular Report of Birth Abroad of a Citizen of the United States of America (Form FS-240).  This form will be needed once the child needs to obtain a passport or enroll in school, and it’s better to obtain it immediately than to wait until you need it.

Advice about Divorce

As with marriage, the validity of a divorce obtained overseas will depend largely on your state of residence.

Death

When a U.S. citizen dies overseas, the Bureau of Consular Affairs provides a number of services to the person’s family.  They first notify the next-of-kin and explain the options for local burial or transport of the body to the U.S.
>While they also assist with information on how the family can transfer funds for such services, they do not provide any monetary assistance to the family of the deceased.  They also inventory and return any personal effects to the deceased’s family.

Federal Benefits

If you are receiving any kind of federally-provided benefits, you’ll need to notify the appropriate federal agency (i.e. Social Security, Veteran’s Affairs, etc.) to advise them of your new address.  Allow at least 60 days to make sure you don’t miss any checks.

If that seems like a lot of notice, just think back on your last trip to the DMV.

You should notify the agency of your new address even if your payments are being sent to a bank.  If you find a bank in your new country of residence that will accept a direct deposit, you can contact the agency to arrange for this change as well.

You should also note that, while being out of the country has no effect on your eligibility for many benefits (such as Social Security), you will not be able to receive benefits from Medicare or Medicaid outside the United States.

Documentation and Identification

When traveling to most countries, you will need to have a valid passport.  Many also require that your passport’s expiration date be well past the date of your planned return to the U.S.  If your passport is lost or stolen, report the issue immediately to the local authorities and the U.S. Embassy or Consulate.  The consul can issue you a replacement, often within 24 hours.

If you plan to drive, find out the requirements for licensing in your destination country.  While many require a license and insurance, some do accept an international driver’s permit.  However, most do not recognize a U.S. driver’s license.

Voting

Don’t let your absence prevent you from exercising your civic duty.  Receiving an absentee ballot is easier than ever, as many jurisdictions have the capability to fax or even email the forms.

You can visit FVAP.gov to complete a Federal Post Card Application (FPCA).  However you will need to complete this process every year, preferably in January.  While you should receive your ballot 45 days prior to general and mid-term elections (30 days before special, primary, and run-off elections), make sure to be proactive.  Follow up if you don’t receive it on time, and submit it as early as possible to make sure your vote is counted.

Taxes

We covered death overseas.  Might as well mention taxes.  Once again it’s inevitable.  All the usual reporting requirements and deadlines still apply for those living abroad.  Consult your tax professional with questions about any income earned overseas.  If you do have any, you’ll need to make sure all amounts are converted and reported in U.S. dollars.

Health

The government recommends that you familiarize yourself with any conditions in your destination country that could have an impact on your health.  Some examples are altitude, allergies, the availability of medical facilities, required immunizations, etc.  The Centers for Disease Control website is a good resource for more information on your country of residence.

It is also recommended to bring along a letter from your physician describing any medical conditions you may have and to explain the necessity of any medications you’re carrying.  When traveling, you should always carry drugs, eyeglasses, and other medical items in your carry-on.  Consider a medical alert bracelet if you suffer from any life-threatening conditions.

When medical treatment is needed, the U.S. Embassy or Consulate can provide a list of physicians and facilities.  However, they’d like you to note that the providers are listed alphabetically; their order is not a ranking of the quality of care they provide.  Furthermore, “the inclusion of a specific physician or medical facility does not constitute a recommendation and the Department of State assumes no responsibility or liability for the professional ability or reputation of, or the quality of services provided by, the medical professionals, medical facilities, or air ambulance services whose names appear on such lists.”

Whew!  That was a long sentence.  Oh, also, the list cannot be reproduced in any form without the express written consent of major league baseball.

The cost of medical procedures overseas can vary greatly, and most U.S. health insurance isn’t accepted.  Short term travel policies that cover you when traveling abroad are available from many insurers.

Customs and Import Restrictions

Before bringing any items into or out of a country, make sure you know what’s legal.  Items such as food, medications, and even pets can be restricted in some countries.  Also prohibited are items associated with endangered wildlife, such as ivory, furs, feathers, leather, and coral products.  Consult your country’s U.S. embassy to find out more about any restrictions.

Mail

You thought you were escaping the ever-mounting pile of junk mail, but the U.S. government recommends that you make arrangements to receive your mail if you’ll be gone for an extended period of time.  A few international banks and credit card companies may provide mail services for their customers.  Some foreign post offices will also hold mail for travelers.

General Precautions

On its travel website, the U.S. government lists a number of other precautions.  While some are really just common sense, like not traveling with valuables, a few are worth mentioning.  For instance, you should always make sure friends or relatives back home have copies of your itinerary.  Also leave home with additional copies of your travel documents, and pack an extra copy in your bags, separate from the originals.

Always plan for the unexpected, taking extra cash or credit cards for emergencies.  There are a lot of scams out there, so stay away from any deal that seems questionable.  And, if anyone asks you to carry a small, unmarked package in your luggage in exchange for a sum of money…for goodness sake, don’t do it.

Remember that when you’re out of the country, you’re subject to different laws.  And if you do something illegal, you’re on your own.

Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)

In an effort to protect its citizens abroad, or maybe just to perpetually monitor your whereabouts, the government is proud to offer the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).  By registering your travel plans, you can receive updates about the country where you’ll be traveling, as well as travel warnings and alerts.

Reportedly the program also enables the government to better assist you in the event of a minor (e.g. lost passport) or major (e.g. earthquake) emergency.

Regardless of the destination or duration of your trip, the Department of State and Bureau of Consular Affairs is an excellent resource for many of your needs while overseas.

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One thought on “US Government’s Advice for Expats and Travelers: Some of it Really is Worth Knowing

  1. Christine Szeszich
    1

    Hello many times you don’t know whom to trust whom to believe, I often think so and believe that yes get advise but a very important feeling is one’s
    own. I am living in Switzerland and whant to move away. Life is to expensive conditions very difficult. My family and myself lived in different countries
    but they where the good days. My father was a chemical engineer and for this reason both me and my sister good the best of an inteernational education. We lived in the US and Iloved it actually it was the country I appreciated the most with Italy. To make a long story short I thought to move to Panama, but am not sure if my necessionis good or not. I have a stange feeling about conversation that I had with people who live there.
    I do not have a good health and need sun and a dryy climate more than medication, also because I do not like taking pills but cure in a natural way.
    Prices in Panama don’t seem so low as is said. My aim was Panama City of Coronado, which is more countra style type of life with good climate
    but I wunder is it not to village like a place. Another problen I am scared stiff of crocodiles, snakes, nsects that can be dangerous so I have big doubt. Health insurance worries me don’t know where to turn taxes and so on. Could I have you advise on this subject where to go ? Find a place in Europe? Critical. The rest also.Central South America? America?What do you think? Very grateful for your thouths and advise. Christine Szeszich

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