Helpful Links

In addition to the OEA's online resources, you may want to visit the following useful sites regarding health and safety issues abroad.

 

U.S. Government Sources of Health and Safety Information

U.S. State Department
These country-by-country safety and health assessments by the U.S. State Department are updated frequently. Free subscription allows receipt of announcements via e-mail as they are issued.
Three types of announcements are provided. The following wording is from the U.S. State Department Travel Advisories Web site:

  • Travel Warnings are issued when the State Department decides, based on all relevant information, to recommend that Americans avoid travel to a certain country. (...)
  • Public Announcements are a means to disseminate information about terrorist threats and other relatively short-term and/or trans-national conditions posing significant risks to the security of American travelers. (...) In the past, Public Announcements have been issued to deal with short-term coups, bomb threats to airlines, violence by terrorists and anniversary dates of specific terrorist events.
  • Consular Information Sheets are available for every country of the world. (...) If an unstable condition exists in a country that is not severe enough to warrant a Travel Warning, a description of the condition(s) may be included under an optional section entitled "Safety/Security."

Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC)
OSAC is a division of the U.S. State Department that fosters the exchange of security information between the government and the private sector operating abroad. The general Web site provides information regarding "recent events" as well as links to current public announcements and consular information.

Smart Traveler Enrollment Program
Registration at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate makes the presence and whereabouts of your study abroad destination known in case it is necessary for a consular officer to contact you in the event of an emergency. During a disaster overseas, U.S. consular officers can assist in evacuations if that becomes necessary.

Federal Aviation Administration
This FAA site contains up-to-date information about which airports (domestic & foreign) "meet current aviation security requirements." It also includes an FAQ section that is updated frequently.

Transportation Security Administration

This site contains information on aviation security, as well as helpful information about what can and cannot be packed in students' checked and carry-on luggage.

 International Health Agencies

 


Health & Safety Info