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Global Crisis
The U.S. Department of State prioritizes the safety and security of all U.S. citizens abroad, especially during a major global crisis.
Handling the global crisis
In the event of a major crisis overseas, we offer the following services:
- Crisis-specific intake form – when you need assistance or have inquiries related to the crisis, we provide a specific form for public submissions. When the form is open, we share the link via our social media channels and on Travel.State.gov.
- Emergency alert web banner – on Travel.State.gov, we display an emergency alert banner. This banner includes links to crisis-related information.
- Up-to-date crisis information webpage – a Travel.State.gov information page dedicated to the ongoing crisis, ensures that citizens have access to accurate and timely updates.
Constituent transportation during a crisis
Use the following tips when working with constituents who are affected by the global crisis:
Commercial transportation
- Always the best choice for leaving a crisis area.
- Allows travelers to choose their destination.
- Permits additional luggage (subject to airline policies).
- U.S. government, host government, other countries work to provide multiple options for safe departure.
- Cannot guarantee that departure will be possible as the situation deteriorates.
Challenges in dangerous areas
- Sometimes, an area is too dangerous for organized departure options.
- Even if consular officers are present, we may not be able to help organize departures.
- In such cases, we encourage U.S. citizens to shelter-in-place.
- They should follow local authorities’ instructions and arrange commercial transportation when it is safe.
Cost and forms
- U.S. citizens must reimburse the government for U.S. government-coordinated transport (22 U.S.C. 2671(b)(2)(A)(ii)).
- Before boarding, they sign an Evacuee Manifest and Promissory Note PDF (Form DS-5528), which includes a Privacy Act waiver.
Priority and documentation
- During crises, U.S. citizens are our priority.
- Non-U.S. citizens must have appropriate travel documentation for evacuation.
- We try to accommodate special family circumstances on a space-available basis.
Pets
- Unfortunately, we can’t provide transportation assistance for pets.
- Travelers should make alternate pet care plans when traveling or living abroad.
- Using commercial transportation remains the best option.