IMMUNIZATION. Under the International Health Regulations, a country may require International Certificates of Vaccination against Yellow Fever and Cholera. Because smallpox has been eradicated, smallpox vaccination should NOT be given. Check with health care providers or your records to ensure measles, mumps, rubella, polio, diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis immunizations are up to date. Prophylactic medication for malaria and certain other preventive measures are advisable for some travelers. NO immunizations are required to return to the United States. Pertinent information is included in "Health Information for International Travel," U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402 or may be obtained from your local health department or physician.
HEALTH INSURANCE. Persons considering foreign travel should determine what health insurance coverage, if any, they have while outside the United States. Medicare does not cover health care costs outside the United States except under limited circumstances in Canada and Mexico.
CUSTOMS SERVICE. The pamphlet, "Know Before You Go," gives you current pertinent information about Customs requirements, and how they apply to articles acquired abroad. Obtain a copy from your nearest Customs Office or from the U.S. Customs Service, PO. Box 7407, Washington, D.C. 20044. The transportation of currency or bearer instrument, regardless of the amount, is legal; however, if you take out of or bring into the United States more than $5,000 (U.S. or foreign currency, travelers checks, money orders, or other bearer monetary instruments), you are required by U.S. law to file a report with the U.S. Customs Service.
TREASURY. The unlicensed purchase or importation of Cuban, North Korean, Vietnamese, or Cambodian goods is prohibited except for goods with a foreign market value of $100 or less imported as accompanied baggage directly from those countries. Certain transactions involving travel to Cuba are prohibited. For more information, contact the Office of Foreign Assets Control, Treasury Department, Washington, D.C. 20220.
AGRICULTURE. Your reentry into the United States will be speeded if you bring with you NO foreign meat, other animal products, birds, animals, fruits, vegetables, plants, soil, or other agricultural items. It is unlawful to import foreign agricultural items without permission since they may carry destructive plant or animal pests and diseases. For specific information, write "Quarantines," PPQ, APHIS, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 6505 Belcrest Road, Hyattsville, Maryland 20782. |