The State Department’s Role in a Crisis: What to Expect

What is the Department of State's role during a crisis overseas? Does the Department always evacuate U.S. citizens? What other assistance can the Department provide during a crisis?

These are a few questions we often receive from American Citizens traveling overseas.

The actions the State Department takes depend on the nature of the crisis. In some instances, we may only need to provide information on conditions in the country, such as warning about areas of unrest, how and where to seek help, and other useful advice. In more serious situations, we may recommend that U.S. citizens consider departing the foreign country, and, if commercial transportation is not at all available, provide departure assistance, as resources permit.

Check out the following link below to learn more about the State Department's role in a crisis and what happens during an evacuation: http://www.travel.state.gov/travel/tips/emergencies/emergencies_1212.html.