U.S. Citizen Services

Information for Travelers

The Consular Information Program is the Department of State’s primary vehicle for informing American citizens of important issues regarding safety, security and health while traveling abroad.

Travel Alerts (formerly called Public Announcements) are issued to disseminate information about short-term conditions, generally within a particular country, that pose imminent risks to the security of U.S. citizens.  Natural disasters, terrorist attacks, coups, anniversaries of terrorist events, election-related demonstrations or violence, and high-profile events such as international conferences or regional sports events are examples of conditions that might generate a Travel Alert. Travel Alerts are issued for a specific period, usually 90 days or less.

Travel Warnings recommend that U.S. citizens defer or reconsider travel to a country due to a protracted situation that is dangerous or unstable.  A Travel Warning is also issued when the U.S. Government's ability to assist U.S. citizens is constrained due to a drawdown or closure at an embassy or consulate, even if the underlying condition is expected to be of limited duration.

The Worldwide Caution (WWC) reminds Americans to maintain a high level of vigilance and to bolster their personal security while overseas.  It also informs Americans of ongoing security concerns, including the continual threat of terrorist actions and violence against Americans and American interests overseas.  The Worldwide Caution pays particular attention to regions of concern where there is a continued threat of terrorism. The Worldwide Caution is reviewed continually and is updated at least every six months to ensure the most current general and regional safety and security information is shared with the American public.

Country Specific Information (formerly Consular information Sheet) is available for every country of the world. These pages, available at travel.state.gov include such information as location of the U.S. embassy or consulate in the subject country, unusual immigration practices, health conditions, minor political disturbances, unusual currency and entry regulations, crime and security information, and drug penalties.  For more detailed information on Bosnia and Herzegovina, please see the BiH Country Specific Information. Warden Messages are issued by overseas posts to provide timely safety and security information to U.S. citizens in their host country.

Registration with the Embassy

Registration with the Embassy is not an obligation but is highly recommended to American citizens traveling or residing abroad.  If a citizen is registered, the Embassy can contact him/her in case of an emergency, can pass on a message from home, or inform the citizen that his/her lost documents have been found by, for example, local police.  By registering, American citizens who chose this option are included on the e-mail list to receive Warden Messages that the Embassy occasionally sends out. 

You can register in the following way:

1. Preferably, by coming to the Consular Section (Sarajevo, Alipašina 43) in person, every weekday from 14:00 to 15:30 and Fridays from 8:00 to 10:30.  You will fill out the registration form and present your U.S. passport, of which a photocopy will be taken.

2. By faxing or e-mailing us the registration form and a copy of your passport to (033)221-837 or rws@state.gov.

3. Through the State Department’s travel registration website.

Persons who are not citizens of the U.S.A. but may have legal permanent resident status, may register with the Embassy of the country of which they are a citizen, but cannot register with the U.S. Embassy.