Foreign Travel

Foreign Travel: On September 12, 2001, the following Worldwide Travel Warning was issued by the Department of State:

PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Office of the Spokesman
Worldwide Caution
September 12, 2001

The events of September 11 at the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and Somerset, Pennsylvania, serve as a cruel reminder of the continuing threat from terrorists and extremist groups to Americans and American interests worldwide. This situation remains fluid and American citizens should be aware of the potential risks and to take these into consideration when making travel plans. The Department will continue to develop information about potential threats to Americans overseas and to share credible threat information through its Consular Information Program documents available on the Internet at http://www.travel.state.gov As the U.S. Government has reported in Public Announcements over the last several months, U.S. citizens and interests abroad may be at increased risk of terrorist actions from extremist groups. Most recently, we advised that we had unconfirmed information that terrorist actions may be taken against U.S. military facilities and/or establishments frequented by U.S. military personnel in Korea and Japan. In addition, we continue to be concerned about information we received in May 2001 that American citizens may be the target of a terrorist threat from extremist groups with links to Usama Bin Ladin's Al-Qaida organization. In the past, such individuals have not distinguished between official and civilian targets. We take this information seriously. In light of the above information, U.S. Government facilities worldwide remain at a heightened state of alert. U.S. citizens are urged to maintain a high level of vigilance and to increase their security awareness. Americans should maintain a low profile, vary routes and times for all required travel, and treat mail and packages from unfamiliar sources with suspicion. American citizens are also urged to avoid contact with any suspicious, unfamiliar objects, and to report the presence of the objects to local authorities. Vehicles should not be left unattended and should be kept locked at all times. U.S. Government personnel overseas have been advised to take the same precautions. U.S. citizens planning to travel abroad should consult the Department of State's Public Announcements, Travel Warnings, Consular Information Sheets, and regional travel brochures, all of which are available at the Consular Affairs Internet website. We will continue to provide updated information should it become available. American citizens overseas may contact the American Citizens Services unit of the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate by telephone or fax for up-to-date information on security conditions. American citizens in need of emergency assistance should telephone the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate before visiting there. U.S. Government facilities have and will continue to temporarily close or suspend public services as necessary to review their security posture and ensure its adequacy. In those instances, U.S. Missions will make every effort to provide emergency services to American citizens.

In addition to information on the Internet, U.S. travelers may hear recorded information by calling the Department of State in Washington, D.C. at 202-647-5225 from their touch-tone telephone, or receive information by automated telefax by dialing 202-647-3000 from their fax machine.
This Public Announcement supersedes the Public Announcement – Worldwide Caution of September 7, 2001, to inform U.S. citizens of of our continued concern about safety and security overseas in light of the events of September 11. This Public Announcement expires on March 12, 2002.

From Code I, Office of External Relations:

Assuming the resumption and availability of international flights, it is more important than ever for Centers (and Headquarters Offices) to provide Code I with timely requests for foreign travel. Travelers can expect denials on late notice foreign travel, where there is insufficient time for HQ review and to obtain a country clearance through the Department of State. This applies to both program and non-program travel. For those planning on attending the 53rd International Astronautical Federation (IAF) Congress in Toulouse, France in early October, travel requests are due now, and if a paper is to be presented, a copy of the completed NASA Form 1676 must accompany the request.

The following are useful links for those who are planning to attend:

IAF Website
U.S. Embassy, Paris
French Embassy, Washington
CNES Website
Welcome to Toulouse
State Department Information for Traveling Abroad
State Department Information for Traveling Abroad
State Department Information for Business Travel Abroad
Publications for Traveling Abroad
Center for Disease Control – Traveling Abroad
SOS International
U.S. Customs – Traveling Abroad
Per Diem Rates for Travel Abroad
CIA World Factbook