In light of recent overseas protests, UGA’s Office of International Education and the Association of International Educators offer the following travel safety tips:
• All international travelers should register with the U.S. Department of State Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (https://step.state.gov/step/).
• Monitor State Department travel warnings (http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/tw/tw_1764.html and travel alerts, http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/pa/pa_1766.html).
• Avoid all demonstrations.
• Avoid traveling near U.S. embassies/consulates or places of worship.
• Avoid businesses frequented by foreign nationals and Western-affiliated companies or restaurants (particularly fast-food restaurants).
• Do not go out alone, and let someone know where you will be going and when you expect to return.
• Carry photographic identification and a charged mobile phone at all times.
• Remain alert to the possibility of road blockage.
• Maintain situational awareness and know escape routes in case of emergency situations.
• Keep updated by following media reports.
• If confronted by members of the military or law enforcement, request identification, but show deference and respect.
• Be mindful of sharing personal details, such one’s name and address, with strangers (unless they are members of the military or law enforcement).
• Sign up for and follow partner/host institution, provider or home campus emergency message system.
• Have emergency cash supplies (just in case ATM machines go down).
• Adhere to any curfews imposed and follow any other emergency orders given.