Dealing with a Crisis During Travel

It is possible that Americans traveling abroad may be caught in extreme crisis situations. Events such as natural disasters, political upheaval, and terrorism have the potential to affect Americans. In the event of a crisis situation, the U.S. Department of State assists both the traveler and his/her relatives in disseminating critical information and giving necessary aid.

When a crisis occurs, a task force is assembled in Washington D.C. to field inquiries from the families of affected Americans. The Department of State also works with the local government to attempt to locate and give aid to Americans caught in the crisis. In the case that abroad location becomes dangerous or hostile to Americans, the Department of State may arrange transportation out of the country.