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International Travel > Before You Go > Travelers with Special Considerations > Information for Women Travelers
In some places, women travelers may face extra health and security risks. Before you go, read these tips.
Research your destination, Be Aware of Local Customs and Norms
Customs and norms in other countries can be very different from those in the United States. Some countries have rules against certain behaviors or speech. Others may have different rules or expectations about women's clothing and appearance. Tight-fitting clothes, sleeveless shirts, or shorts, for example, may not be acceptable.
Women’s Health Abroad
Every country has its own healthcare system. When you travel, bring health items that might be hard to find where you're going, like feminine hygiene products or birth control.
Many countries have laws that impact women's health in ways that may be different than where you live. For example, some countries make certain reproductive health services illegal. Some countries may punish women who get pregnant but are not married, including victims of sexual assault.
If you're pregnant, airlines might not let you fly in the later stages of your pregnancy. It's a good idea to have a note from your doctor saying it's safe for you to fly. Make sure your travel insurance covers pregnancy-related costs.
You can find more information on our Your Health Abroad page.
Public Transport
The safety of public transportation varies from country to country. In many places, informal taxis or minibuses can be dangerous, particularly for women traveling alone. Find out what is and is not safe from reliable sources, such as local authorities or tourism officials.
Consider these transport tips:
Travel Accommodations
Review our Lodging page and also do the following:
Be Aware of Your Surroundings
Use your best judgement to stay away from unsafe situations. Think ahead and come up with a safety plan to deal with unsafe situations, in the event you end up in one. Consider bringing personal safety whistles/alarms and taking self-defense courses before you travel.
In an unsafe situation, depending on the circumstances, it also may be helpful to speak loudly and draw attention to yourself to deter unwanted actions. Being safe is more important than being polite.
Use facial expressions, body language, and a firm voice to fend off unwanted attention.
Find out where emergency services like police stations and hospitals are located nearby in case of an emergency.
Gender Based Violence
Gender Based Violence (GBV) is violence committed against someone because of their gender. It particularly affects women and minorities all over the world. GBV can take many forms, like sexual or physical assault, domestic violence, forced marriage, female infanticide, sex and human trafficking, and other violent acts. Women travelers can be targeted for these crimes. If you are a victim of GBV, please contact the Office of Overseas Citizens Services at 1-888-407-4747. If you are overseas, call 202-501-4444. You can also contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.
Drug Assisted Rape or “Date Rape”
Other sources you may want to consult: