Preparation and planning for a pandemic health crisis in overseas locations is similar to other emergency planning activities. Whether a Federal employee is employed overseas or is traveling overseas, it is important for the employee to become familiar with the risks and emergency procedures that exist for the area of the stay.
The Department of State emphasizes that, in the event of a pandemic, its ability to assist Americans traveling and residing abroad may be severely limited due to restrictions on local and international movement imposed for public health reasons either by foreign governments and/or the United States. Further, American citizens should take note that the Department of State cannot provide Americans traveling or living abroad with medications or supplies, including supplies needed in the event of a pandemic.
It is likely governments will respond to a pandemic by imposing public health measures that restrict domestic and international movement, further limiting the U.S. Government's ability to assist Americans in these countries. These measures can be implemented very quickly. The Department of State has asked its embassies and consulates to consider preparedness measures that take into consideration the fact that travel into or out of a country may not be possible, safe, or medically advisable during a pandemic. Guidance on how private citizens can prepare for a "stay in place" response, including stockpiling food, water, and medical supplies, is available on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Website and the main Federal Website.
- Overseas employees of the Department of State or of an agency whose mission is attached to an Embassy or Consulate should become familiar with emergency guidance issued by the Chief of Mission and follow all appropriate procedures.
- Overseas employees of the Department of Defense, or of an agency whose mission is assigned to an overseas Defense installation, should become familiar with emergency guidance issued by the employing organization or the appropriate Commander and should follow all appropriate procedures.
- Overseas employees whose mission is not attached to an Embassy, Consulate, or Defense installation should stay in regular contact with agency headquarters for guidance on what to do in the event of a pandemic health crisis in their area.
- Federal employees traveling to overseas locations should review all advisories and guidance provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the World Health Organization (WHO), and the State Department for the area(s) of the visit, and should contact organization or agency headquarters immediately if a warning is issued for the area of travel.
CDC Information
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) travel information related to avian influenza, including preventive measures, is available at CDC website and Flu.gov.
- Public Inquiries:
- English (888) 246-2675
Spanish (888) 246-2857
TTY (866) 874-2646
Mon-Fri 8am-11pm EST
Sat-Sun 10am-8pm EST - Address:
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
1600 Clifton Rd.
Atlanta, GA 30333
USA (404) 639-3311
WHO Information
- Contact Information:
- Telephone: (202) 974-3787
Facsimile: (202) 974-3789 - Address:
- WHO Liaison Office
1889 F Street, N.W., Suite 369
Washington, D.C. 20006 USA
State Department Information
General country information and Embassy Consulate websites can be obtained from the Department of State's website.
- Toll-free number:
- 1-888-407-4747
- If calling from overseas:
- 202-501-4444