Americans abroad face all the same potential calamities that they do while living in the United States. Many are under the impression that just being American is protection enough when traveling abroad. It’s not. Lack of infrastructure and support in other countries can complicate even simple problems, and many activities legal in the United States are restricted or downright illegal abroad. Finding the right kind of help when in trouble can keep a mistake from turning into an unmitigable disaster.
- Some laws against drug or weapon possession are much tougher outside the United States. Even a medical prescription may not be enough to deter an arrest.
- Some countries use exit bans to prevent an American from leaving the country after an arrest or legal action, even if there is no finding of guilt.
- If a business deal with a foreign national goes wrong, an American may find themselves outmaneuvered and subject to unexpected local laws and customs.
- Victims of crime and domestic violence are handled differently outside of the United States. Victims may be less likely to be believed and common resources in the United States may not exist in other countries.
- Children of separated or divorced parents may be taken outside the United States without the American parent’s permission. Solving these cases can take a long time and countries tend to favor their own nationals over American citizens.
- Younger people, including minors, may be enticed by their family to go abroad and be “matched” into a marriage against their will.
In many cases, the U.S. Embassy can help Americans in a crisis abroad. However, the Embassy only gets involved after the problem has occurred and communication issues may delay a resolution. Critically, the Privacy Act restricts the Embassy from communicating with friends or loved ones of Americans in crisis, exacerbating stresses and anxieties and limiting the way that individuals in the United States can help their people in trouble abroad.
Preparation and planning are key to avoiding these problems, particularly when safety is at risk. We can provide advice, contingency planning, local resources, and/or act as an intermediary between American citizens and the U.S. Embassy to make sure individuals outside the United States are able to get the support they need.
We are a team of experienced professionals and problem-solvers with deep connections in the legal and governmental communities. Please contact Green & Spiegel for more information to give you, your employees, your students, or your family members peace of mind before the next time someone travels abroad.