Publications

For the official word on immunizations, customs, what you can legally bring into the United States, and how to protect yourself from business fraud, you may order one of the following U.S. Government publications:

  • Health Information for International Travel is a comprehensive listing of immunization requirements of foreign governments. In addition, it gives the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's recommendations on immunizations and other health precautions for international travelers. Copies are available for $14 from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402; tel. (202) 512-1800.
  • Know Before You Go, Customs Hints for Returning U.S. Residents gives detailed information on U.S. Customs regulations, including duty rates. Single copies are available free from any local Customs office or by writing to the Department of the Treasury, U.S. Customs Service, P.O. Box 7407, Washington, D.C. 20044.
  • Don't Pack a Pest lists the regulations on bringing agricultural items into the United States from most parts of the world. Fresh fruits and vegetables, meat, potted plants, pet birds, and other items are prohibited or restricted. Obtain the publication free from the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 732 Federal Bldg., 6505 Belcrest Road, Hyattsville, Maryland 20782.
  • Buyer Beware! is prepared by the World Wildlife Fund. This publication provides information about restrictions on importing wildlife and wildlife products. For a free copy, write to the Publications Unit, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior, Washington, D.C. 20240.
  • Tips for Business Travelers to Nigeria is designed to help U.S. citizens doing business in Nigeria identify business scams, and provide them with information about what the U.S. Government can or cannot do to assist them. The booklet is free by sending a self-addressed, stamped envelope to CA/OCS/ACS/AF, Room 4811, U.S. Department of State, Washington, D.C. 20520-4818.

The following publications from the Department of State may be ordered for $1-$1.50 each from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office (GPO), Washington, D.C. 20402; tel. (202) 512-1800. (Prices and availability are subject to change without notice. Check pricing information with the GPO before ordering.)

  • Your Trip Abroad provides basic travel information -- tips on passports, visas, immunizations, and more. It will help you prepare for your trip and make it as trouble-free as possible.
  • A Safe Trip Abroad gives travel security advice for any traveler, but particularly for those who plan trips to areas of high crime or terrorism.
  • Tips for Americans Residing Abroad is prepared for the more than 3 million Americans who live in foreign countries.

The following publications are also from the Department of State (see ordering information below):

  • Foreign Entry Requirements lists visa and other entry requirements of foreign countries and tells you how to apply for visas and tourist cards. Order this publication from the Consumer Information Center, Pueblo, CO 81009.
  • Key Officers of Foreign Service Posts gives addresses and telephone, telex, and fax numbers for all U.S. embassies and consulates abroad.
  • Background Notes are brief, factual pamphlets on all countries in the world. They give current information on each country's people, culture, geography, history, government, economy, and political condition and include a factual profile, brief travel notes, a country map, and suggested reading list.

For information on their price and to order copies contact: U.S. Government Printing Office at (202) 512-1800. You may also obtain select issues by fax by calling the State Department's Bureau of Public Affairs Fax on Demand at (202) 763-7720 from your fax machine.

Source: U.S. State Department- Bureau of Consular Affairs