Consul's Corner - Travel & Safety Tips from a Diplomatic Career

Retired U.S. Consul | Virginia Notary Public
Arleen Grace Genuino. Originally published in The Foreign Service Journal, March 2022.

The Go/No-Go Trip Decision: Good Resources to Evaluate Travel Risks for Your Next Overseas Adventure

Disclaimer: The information in this post is provided for general informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice, nor does it create an attorney–client relationship. Although care is taken to ensure accuracy, laws and regulations relating to U.S. citizenship and identification can change. Individuals should consult a qualified legal professional or the appropriate government agency before acting on any information discussed here.

By Arleen Grace Genuino
Retired U.S. Consul & Virginia Notary Public

After more than two decades at the U.S. Department of State, I know that the best-prepared travelers are those with the right information. Transitioning from U.S. Consul to Virginia notary public, I still value data-driven safety. I’ve compiled these essential, official government links to assist you in making informed decisions for your next international trip. These are resources that every traveler should have bookmarked.

1.⁠ ⁠Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)

This free service notifies the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate of your presence. It is the most effective way to ensure that the State Department can reach you with safety updates or provide assistance during a crisis.

  • Why use it: You’ll receive real-time security updates and make it easier for the U.S. embassy or consulate to contact you in an emergency.
  • Official Link: Register for STEP.

2.⁠ ⁠Department of State OSAC Country Information

The Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC) is a top-tier resource for professionals. As a public-private partnership, it offers granular safety reporting tailored to the needs of business, NGO, and academic travelers.

  • What to look for: OSAC provides detailed “Annual Crime & Safety Reports” for nearly every country. These reports offer granular data on local crime trends, road safety, and regional stability that go beyond basic travel warnings.
  • ⁠Official Link: OSAC.

3. UK Government: Travel Aware (Country Advice)

Consular professionals know that safety is best viewed through multiple lenses. I recommend the UK’s Travel Aware program to provide a valuable ‘second opinion.’ Comparing the UK’s on-the-ground analysis with U.S. data often reveals a more nuanced, comprehensive picture of local risks.

  • ⁠Why use it: The UK’s country-specific information may offer a different perspective on local customs, health requirements, or regional risks that complements U.S. data. It is a world-class resource for practical “on-the-ground” safety tips.
  • ⁠Official Link: UK Foreign Travel Aware

Important Legal Notice & Disclaimers

  • ⁠Not Legal Advice: The information provided on this blog is for general informational and educational purposes only. It does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice.
  • Notary Public Disclosure: I am not an attorney licensed to practice law in the Commonwealth of Virginia, and I may not give legal advice or accept fees for legal advice.
  • Status: While I am a retired U.S. Consul, the views expressed here are my own and do not represent the official policy or position of the U.S. Department of State or the U.S. Government.
  • Third-Party Links: This blog contains links to external government websites. I do not guarantee the accuracy or timeliness of information on these external sites.

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DISCLAIMER:

I am not an attorney licensed to practice law in the Commonwealth of Virginia and may not give legal advice about immigration or any other legal matter, or accept fees for legal advice. I am not accredited by the U.S. Department of Justice to represent you in immigration matters or before any government agency. I am a retired U.S. Consul and am not a currently accredited diplomat; I cannot comment on, advise on, or facilitate U.S. Department of State or consular policy/procedures. I am a commissioned Virginia Notary Public. My services are limited solely to the notarization of signatures on documents. I am not authorized to select, draft, or fill out immigration forms, or provide assistance with the immigration process (VA Code § 47.1-15.1). Notarization does not constitute legal advice or guarantee document acceptance.

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