Traveler Health and Safety
Updated January 26, 2024
Be prepared when you travel.
Travel Healthy
Before you leave, download your insurance company’s app and check for available in-network care providers at your destination.
Pack at least an extra week’s supply of any medications you take regularly and some basic medical supplies. See CDC’s packing guidance for a list of medical essentials to ensure a healthy trip. While traveling, be sure to hydrate, drink bottled water, exercise, limit alcohol consumption, stay mindful of food sources, and wash your hands regularly.
If you become ill while traveling, seek help from your own doctor first. See if a telemedicine appointment is possible or visit a local clinic, hospital, or pharmacy if your doctor is not available. If you experience a life-threatening illness and you are traveling in the U.S. or Canada, call 911. If you are outside North America, seek help from the local emergency services.
Covid-19
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services ended the federal Covid-19 public health emergency on May 11, 2023. Visit defense.gov for the latest DoD Guidance on Coronavirus.
Mental Health Resources
The Department of Defense has issued guidance that allows Service members to initiate their own referral for a mental health evaluation. Named after Petty Officer 3rd Class Brandon Caserta who died by suicide in 2018, the Brandon Act empowers Service members to get the help they need confidentially to help reduce the stigma associated with mental health.
Service members and their families can reach the Veterans/Military Crisis Line at these telephone numbers:
CONUS/Non-foreign OCONUS (including the five major US territories): Dial 988, then press 1
Foreign OCONUS: Dial DSN 988 or (tolls may apply)
- In Europe, call: (844) 702-5495
- In the Pacific, call: (844) 702-5493
- In Southwest Asia, call: (855) 422-7719
Learn more at health.mil/
Travel Safely
Before you leave, perform a quick Internet search for your destination (and for transit points if you have connecting flights) to check for potential inclement weather and for local events that could disrupt travel (these can include high-profile festivals/sporting events, local political proceedings, planned protests, etc.).
Safeguard your travel documents, including your CAC, driver’s license, and passport. Consider digitizing your driver’s license and passport (the U.S. Department of State recommends leaving a photocopy of your passport behind and bringing a photocopy with you) to make them easier to replace if lost or stolen. Reminder: do not photocopy your CAC.
The U.S. Department of State has put together some detailed information for travelers with special circumstances. Visit State.gov for guidance for women travelers, older travelers, LGBTQI+ travelers, and many more.
International Travel
When traveling Internationally, there are numerous resources available, including Department of State advisories and U.S. Customs and Border Protection mobile apps (including the Mobile Passport Control app, which allows travelers to bypass the regular line to enter the U.S. at 33 U.S. airports).