Foreign policy guide ensures safe travel

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Briana Jones
  • 31st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy --  While stationed overseas, Airmen are afforded the opportunity to travel and experience many different cultures. Before traveling, however, there is information Airmen and their families need to know.

Team Aviano members have multiple resources available to help make an informed travel decisions and stay up-to-date on advisories and limitations on American travel outside the U.S.

Airmen are encouraged to talk to their unit's security manager to determine if they're desired travel destinations require a briefing from the Office of Special Investigations. This information can only be obtained through the security manager. To better prepare for travel, Airmen should also conduct as much research as possible to determine how safe it is to visit their desired location to include: weather advisories, rises in crime and demonstrations or protests that could be occurring during one's stay.

"Airmen should familiarize themselves with their destinations, to get the most enjoyment out of the visit and to avoid known dangers," said Donna Pacelli, 31st Fighter Wing antiterrorism officer. "It is equally important for all travelers to understand the cultural norms of the country they will be visiting, and try to blend in as much as possible."

For Airmen who want to get a head start on planning their trips they can look through the electronic foreign clearance guide, which provides information on foreign laws and policies, country customs and uniform and medical requirements. The guide also provides a list of countries with detailed instructions on what is needed to enter the country and what laws need to be followed while on leave or official travel.

Recently, a wing-wide memorandum was put into effect mandating all active-duty Airmen to notify his or her supervision before traveling outside of Italy. According to the memo, it is important for Airmen to realize the impact any misconduct could have while off-duty traveling. Supervisors are encouraged to talk with their subordinates on the potential dangers and pit-falls of traveling abroad and the importance of maintaining proper customs and courtesies at all times, no matter where they may be traveling.

Also available to Team Aviano members is the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, a free service by the U.S. government for citizens who are traveling to or living in a foreign country. Enrollment allows information to be recorded about an upcoming trip overseas that the Department of State can use in case of an emergency.

When an emergency happens, such as a natural disaster, terrorism or local strikes during foreign travel, the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate can be a source of assistance and information. By registering, the embassy or consulate will be able to locate the traveler and provide assistance as necessary.

"The free service and guide provide useful information such as locations of the U.S. embassies, consulate offices and crime and security information. It is also a good idea for Airmen to monitor local news outlets for current conditions and upcoming events," said Pacelli. "Taking advantage of these services will allow the embassy or consulate to help you when you might need them the most."

Airmen are highly encouraged to take advantage and do everything they can to make their arrival, stay and departure as safe as possible, while also upholding the core values of the U.S. Air Force.

For more information visit, https://www.fcg.pentagon.mil/fcg.cfm or https://step.state.gov/step/.