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U.S. Department of State Bureau of Consular Affairs Catherine Barry Consul General – U.S. Embassy Paris September 24, 20

U.S. Department of State Bureau of Consular Affairs Catherine Barry Consul General – U.S. Embassy Paris September 24, 2008. Mission of the Bureau of Consular Affairs.

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U.S. Department of State Bureau of Consular Affairs Catherine Barry Consul General – U.S. Embassy Paris September 24, 20

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  1. U.S. Department of StateBureau of Consular AffairsCatherine BarryConsul General – U.S. Embassy ParisSeptember 24, 2008

  2. Mission of the Bureau of Consular Affairs • Consular Affairs is the public face of the Department of State for millions of United States citizens and foreign nationals around the world. • Consular Affairs is responsible for the welfare and protection of U.S. citizens abroad and for the issuance of passports and other documentation to citizens and nationals.

  3. American Citizens Abroad • 60 million trips abroad by U.S. citizens each year • Up to 4.5 million present overseas at any given time

  4. Consular Information Program • The cornerstone of our efforts to keep the American traveling public aware of problems threatening their safety and security overseas is our Consular Information Program.

  5. Consular Information Program Documents located on www.travel.state.gov • Country Specific Information • Travel Warnings • Travel Alerts • Warden Messages • Fact Sheets • 321 Million Views in FY 2007!

  6. Make Informed Choices “Know Before You Go” The Consular Information Program aims at helping Americans living and traveling abroad make informed decisions and plans.

  7. Road Safety Awareness How we inform the traveling public: • Country Specific Information - In 1996, began including information on traffic safety and road conditions as they affect the safety of American citizens in a specific country • Semi-Annual Non-Natural Death Report - Congressionally mandated - Encourage informed decisions • Fact Sheet on Overseas Road Safety

  8. France and Monaco Country Specific Information

  9. TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS:  While in a foreign country, U.S. citizens may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States. The information below concerning France and Monaco is provided for general reference only, and it may not be totally accurate in a particular location or circumstance.Roads in France are generally comparable to those in the United States, but traffic engineering and driving habits pose special dangers. Usually, lane markings and sign placements are not as clear as in the United States. Drivers should be prepared to make last-minute maneuvers, as most French drivers do. The French typically drive more aggressively and faster than Americans, and tend to exceed posted speed limits. Right-of-way rules in France may differ from those in the United States. Drivers entering intersections from the right have priority over those on the left (unless specifically indicated otherwise), even when entering relatively large boulevards from small side streets. Many intersections in France are being replaced by traffic circles, where the right-of-way belongs to drivers in the circle. On major highways, service stations are situated at least every 25 miles. Service stations are not as plentiful on secondary roads in France as they are in the United States. Paris, the capital and largest city in France, has an extensive and efficient public transportation system. The interconnecting system of buses, subways, and commuter rails serves more than 4 million people a day with a safety record comparable to or better than the systems of major American cities. Similar transportation systems are found in all major French cities. Between cities, France is served by an equally extensive rail service, which is reliable. High-speed rail links connect the major cities in France. Many cities are also served by frequent air service.Please refer to our Road Safety page for more information. Visit the web site of the French and Monegasque National Tourist Office at http://franceguide.com/. The website contains specific information concerning French and Monegasque driver's permits, vehicle inspection, road tax, and mandatory insurance. Sample Traffic Safety and Road Conditions Page: TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS:  Roads in France are generally comparable to those in the United States, but traffic engineering and driving habits pose special dangers. Usually, lane markings and sign placements are not as clear as in the United States. Drivers should be prepared to make last-minute maneuvers, as most French drivers do. The French typically drive more aggressively and faster than Americans, and tend to exceed posted speed limits. Right-of-way rules in France may differ from those in the United States. Drivers entering intersections from the right have priority over those on the left (unless specifically indicated otherwise), even when entering relatively large boulevards from small side streets. Many intersections in France are being replaced by traffic circles, where the right-of-way belongs to drivers in the circle. On major highways, service stations are situated at least every 25 miles. Service stations are not as plentiful on secondary roads in France as they are in the United States. Please refer to our Road Safety page for more information. Visit the web site of the French and Monegasque National Tourist Office at http://franceguide.com/. The website contains specific information concerning French and Monegasque driver's permits, vehicle inspection, road tax, and mandatory insurance.

  10. Report of U.S. Citizen Deaths Abroad from Non-Natural Causes • Congressionally mandated report • Requires the U.S. State Department to include certain information, in a specific format – i.e. country-by-country • Updated every 6 months • Not to be considered entirely comprehensive

  11. How the Report is Compiled • Death reported to the State Department - Host government authorities - Family/friend of the decedent • Obtain local Death Certificate - Issue U.S. Consular Report of Death based on the local death certificate • All posts utilize a worldwide case management system

  12. How the Report is Compiled (cont.) • Semi-Annual Updates (January and July) - Compile a report consisting of the previous 6 months using the data in the case management system - Ensure consistency - Compose graphs based on the current statistical information - Archive the previous 6 months - Post on-line at www.travel.state.gov

  13. Reporting and Statistical Samples

  14. Road Safety Overseas • Provides General Information for International Drivers - International Driving permits - Information for Students - Auto Insurance - Tips on Driving Abroad - Road Security - Various Informational Links

  15. In Conclusion • Keep American Citizens Informed - Consular Information Program - Comprehensive Information and Resources • Encourage Good Decisions - Through Public Outreach - Providing Links to International Organizations

  16. Thank youQuestions?

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