Embassy of the United States Nassau, Bahamas

March 14, 2013

MESSAGE FOR U.S. CITIZENS - SPRING BREAK

The U.S. Department of State has no higher priority than the safety and security of U.S. citizens traveling and residing abroad.  This includes the tens of thousands of U.S. students who travel abroad every year for Spring Break. 

Unfortunately, spring break travel can sometimes include unforeseen problems like a lost passport or a missed flight.  Students may also encounter more serious problems, like arrest, injury, or even worse.  That’s where the State Department can help, with a number of resources to aid in keeping students safe and connected to their families.

Smart travelers are safe travelers.  Before they travel, we encourage students to learn as much as possible about their spring break destinations at our website dedicated to student travelers: studentsabroad.state.gov.  Students can find out about entry requirements, crime, health precautions, and road conditions; and, if trouble does occur, contact information for U.S. embassies and consulates.  Consular sections at these embassies and consulates provide a full range of services to U.S. citizens, from replacing lost or stolen passports to emergency services such as help in arranging medical evacuations, responding to arrests, and assistance in natural disasters.

Smart travelers stay connected. The State Department's Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) keeps students up-to-date with important safety and security announcements.  Enrolling also helps the Department provide critical assistance in emergencies.  To make it easier than ever to stay connected, the Bureau of Consular Affairs launched a mobile version of STEP that is accessible by students through their mobile devices.  In the airport lounge, at the mall, even poolside at a hotel – students can enroll in STEP and update their travel plans to stay connected.  The mobile version of STEP is also available through the popular SMART Traveler App, available through iTunes and the Android market.

For more information about tips for traveling abroad, please visit us on studentsabroad.state.gov.