US Embassies and announcements.

[Pineau]

The U.S. Embassy informs U.S. citizens in China that on Sunday, June 12 there was a minor explosion at Shanghai Pudong International Airport.  U.S. authorities have been in touch with Chinese authorities, who stated no Americans were affected and that the airport is open for business. The cause of the incident has not been officially reported.‎ The U.S. Embassy has no information indicating this was an incident directed at U.S. citizens and is unaware of any specific security threats against U.S. citizens in China at this time.

The Department of State's Worldwide Caution remains in effect.  Enroll in the Smart Traveler  Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.  Contact the U.S. Embassy in Beijing, located at 55 An Jia Lou Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing, by phone at (+86 10) 8531-4000, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., or by email at BeijingACS@State.gov.  For AFTER HOUR EMERGENCIES, call 8531-3000 to speak to the operator.  Call 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States or Canada or 1-202-501-4444 from other countries, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except federal holidays). 

[Pineau]

Celebrate democracy this 4th of July by taking the necessary steps to vote in the 2016 U.S. elections!
 
In order to vote in the November 2016 elections, all overseas U.S. citizens need to have completed a Federal Post Card Application (FPCA) in 2016. Whether you are a first-time voter or have already received ballots and voted absentee in past elections, you must complete an FPCA each year to participate in elections as an overseas absentee voter. 
 
If you would like to drop off your completed Federal Post Card Application over the 4th of July holiday week for delivery to the United States via diplomatic pouch free of charge, the U.S. Embassy/Consulates in China provides the following details about voter assistance and abiliity to accept Federal Post Card Applications.
 
Beijing: You may drop off postage included and postmarked FPCAs and/or ballots at the ACS section of the U.S. Embassy during the hours descirbed below.  Bring your passport for identification and please inform the guards you are an American citizen dropping off a ballot.  Normal transit time from Beijing to the United States is 2-3 weeks.
 
Chengdu: FPCA post cards and ballots can be dropped off at the U.S. Consulate’s American Citizen Services section without an appointment on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays between 1:00 and 4:00. To prevent delays related to security screening of mail, do not close and seal any documents or envelopes until you are in front of a consulate employee. If you require additional information or assistance in completing forms, please make an appointment beforehand. Transit time for materials sent from Chengdu to the United States can be up to 30 days.
 
Guangzhou: Federal Post Card Applications (FPCA) for voter registration as well as voted ballots can be dropped off at the U.S. Consulate without an appointment Monday – Friday, between 7 am and 7 pm, excluding American and Chinese holidays. Please bring them to the side entrance located on Huajiu Rd (not the main entrance). While you’re here, you may drop off FPCAs and ballots for other voters as well.  If you have any questions about how to get registered to vote or voting overseas feel free to reach out to GuangzhouACS@state.gov and we’ll be happy to assist.
 
Shanghai: You may drop off postage included and postmarked FPCAs and/or ballots at the ACS section on the 8th floor of the Westgate Mall, Shanghai between during the business hours specified below. Bring your passport for identification and please inform the guards you are dropping off a ballot.  Normal transit time from Shanghai to the United States is 3-4 weeks.
 
Shenyang: Voters who wish to drop off their postage-paid forms or ballots may do so at the U.S. Consulate General Shenyang, No. 52, 14 Wei Road, Heping District.  The ballot box is located inside the front gate, at the guard booth.  The ballot box is accessible from 8 am – 5 pm Monday through Friday, except on U.S. and Chinese holidays. You do not need to make an appointment or enter the Consulate building to drop off your voter registration or ballot. Forms and ballots will generally be posted within one week. Normal transit time from Shenyang to the United States is approximately 14 days.  Please direct any questions to ShenyangACS@state.gov, or to 86 (24) 2335-5188.
 
You can always get voting assistance from the embassy/consulate or drop off your completed voting forms and ballots, addressed to your local election officials, during the following hours:
 
Beijing: 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 noon and 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday, and Friday. On Wednesday and Thursday, we are only open 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 noon.  We are closed Thursday afternoons except for passport pickup and emergency situations.   
 
Chengdu: 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.
 
Guangzhou:  Monday - Friday, 8:30 am to 11:30 am & 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm, excluding U.S. and Chinese holidays.
 
Shanghai: Monday to Friday, 8:00 - 11:30 a.m.
 
Shenyang: Monday and Thursday afternoons between the hours of 2:30 and 4:00pm, except for holidays.
 
 
If you have never voted while overseas before, the process is easy ¬-- just follow these steps:
 
1.     Request Your Ballot:  Complete a new Federal Post Card Application (FPCA).   You must complete a new FPCA after January 1, 2016 to ensure you receive your ballot for the 2016 elections.  The completion of the FPCAallows you to request absentee ballots for all elections for federal offices (President, U.S. Senate, and U.S. House of Representatives) including primaries and special elections during the calendar year in which it is submitted. The FPCA is accepted by all local election officials in all U.S. states and territories. 
 
You can complete the FPCA online at FVAP.gov.  The online voting assistant will ask you questions specific to your state.   We encourage you to ask your local election officials to deliver your blank ballots to you electronically (by email, internet download, or fax, depending on your state).  Include your email address on your FPCA to take advantage of the electronic ballot delivery option.  Return the FPCA per the instructions on the website.  FVAP.gov will tell you if your state allows the FPCA to be returned electronically or if you must submit a paper copy with original signature.  If you must return a paper version, please see below for mailing options.
 
2.     Receive and Complete Your Ballot:   States are required to send out ballots 45 days before a regular election for federal office and states generally send out ballots at least 30 days before primary elections.  For most states, you can confirm your registration and ballot delivery online.
 
3.     Return Your Completed Ballot:  Some states allow you to return your completed ballot electronically and others do not.  If your state requires you to return paper voting forms or ballots to local election officials, you can do so free of charge at the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.  Place your ballots in postage paid return envelopes or in envelopes bearing sufficient domestic U.S. postage, and address them to the relevant local election officials. 
 
Researching the Candidates and Issues:  Online Resources.  Check out the FVAP links page for helpful resources that will aid your research of candidates and issues.  Non-partisan information about candidates, their voting records, and their positions on issues are widely available and easy to obtain on-line.  You can also read national and hometown newspapers on-line, or search the internet to locate articles and information.  For information about election dates and deadlines, subscribe to FVAP's Voting Alerts (vote@fvap.gov).  FVAP also shares Voting Alerts via Facebook and Twitter.
 
Learn more at the Federal Voting Assistance Program's (FVAP) website, FVAP.gov.  If you have any questions about registering to vote overseas, please contact  the Embassy or Consulate General via email:
Beijing: BeijingACS@state.gov
Chengdu: AmcitChengdu@state.gov
Guangzhou: GuangzhouACS@state.gov
Shanghai: ShanghaiACS@state.gov
Shenyang: ShenyangACS@state.gov
 
Remember, your vote counts!

[Pineau]

August 1, 2016
 

THE CONSULATE GENERAL OF THE UNITED STATES IN GUANGZHOU IS TRANSMITTING THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION THROUGH THE CONSULATE WARDEN SYSTEM AS A PUBLIC SERVICE TO AMERICAN CITIZENS IN CHINA. PLEASE DISSEMINATE THIS MESSAGE TO ALL U.S. CITIZENS IN YOUR ORGANIZATION OR NEIGHBORHOOD.
 

The U.S. Consulate General advises all U.S. citizens that local authorities are forecasting that Typhoon Nida will impact South China the evening of Monday (August 1) through Wednesday (August 3). Weather conditions are expected to deteriorate rapidly and may include strong winds, heavy rains, and flooding in low-lying areas. All U.S. citizens are encouraged to monitor local news media and the China Meteorological Administration website. You can also find more information on typhoon preparation on the U.S. Department of State website.
 

If you require assistance, please contact the U.S. Consulate General in Guangzhou, located at 43 Huajiu Road, Zhujiang New Town, Tianhe District, Guangzhou, China 510623. The Consulate is open 8:30 to 12:30 and 1:30 to 5:00 on normal working days. You can contact the American Citizens Services Unit at +86 20 3814 5775 or by email at GuangzhouACS@state.gov.  If you are a U.S. citizen in need of urgent assistance after hours, the emergency number for the U.S. Consulate General is +86 10 8531 4000.

[Pineau]

October 20, 2016
 
THE CONSULATE GENERAL OF THE UNITED STATES IN GUANGZHOU IS TRANSMITTING THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION THROUGH THE CONSULATE WARDEN SYSTEM AS A PUBLIC SERVICE TO AMERICAN CITIZENS IN CHINA. PLEASE DISSEMINATE THIS MESSAGE TO ALL U.S. CITIZENS IN YOUR ORGANIZATION OR NEIGHBORHOOD.
 
The U.S. Consulate General advises all U.S. citizens that local authorities are forecasting that Typhoon Haima will impact South China, particularly Guangdong and Fujian provinces, the morning of Friday (October 21) through late Saturday evening (October 22). Weather conditions are expected to deteriorate rapidly and may include maximum sustained winds of at least 90 mph with gusts up to 120 mph, heavy rains, and flooding in low-lying areas. 
 
All U.S. citizens living in or traveling to the area should monitor local news media, the Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC), and the Hong Kong Observatory Typhoon tracking website while following directions from local officials and taking other appropriate actions as needed.
 
For further information about security in China:
 
See the State Department's travel website for the Worldwide Caution, Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts, and China Country Specific Information.
 
Enroll in the Smart Traveler-Enrollment Program (STEP) and add our WeChat account GuangzhouACS to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
 
Contact the U.S. Consulate General Guangzhou, located at 43 Huajiu Rd, Zhujiang New Town, Tianhe District, Guangzhou, China 510623, at +86 20 3814 5775 or by email at GuangzhouACS@state.gov, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday (except U.S. and Chinese holidays). If you are a U.S. citizen in need of urgent assistance after hours, the emergency number for the U.S. Consulate General is +86 10 8531 4000.
 
Call 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or 1-202-501-4444 from other countries from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).

[Willy The Londoner]

We have a bit of a windy day here.

No rain as yet.

The trees are bending.

Rubbish is flying around.

But none of this is stopping the motorcyclist from riding with umbrellas up!!!!

Willy

[Pineau]

Security Message for U.S. Citizens: Holiday Travel Advisory

In the lead up to the holiday season, the U.S. Embassy in Beijing and the Consulates General throughout China remind U.S. citizens in China to remain vigilant to the continuing threat of terrorist actions and violence against U.S. citizens and interests around the world.

The Department of State recently issued an updated Travel Alert for Europe advising U.S. citizens to exercise caution during festivals, events, and outdoor markets.  The Department also has in effect a worldwide caution, alerting U.S. citizens to the continuing threat of terrorist actions and violence against U.S. citizens and interests throughout the world.

As you plan your travels and holiday activities, check the State Department's travel website for the latest Worldwide Caution, Travel Warnings, and Travel Alerts, as well as useful Country Specific Information.

Enroll your trip in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.

From everyone at the Embassy and the Consulates General, happy holidays and safe travels!

Please see our website for additional information and contact information for the Embassy or the Consulates General nearest you.

[Pineau]

Message for U.S. Citizens:
 
January 11, 2017
 
The U.S. Consulate General advises all U.S. citizens that the Consulate regularly posts important messages for Americans on the Consulate’s website in addition to sending urgent messages via email and WeChat.
 
The Consulate’s webpage is located at http://guangzhou.usembassy-china.org.cn.  To view these messages, navigate to the U.S. Citizen Services page via the menu at the top of the page, then click on Important Notices in the sidebar.  A direct link to these messages is available here.
 
We encourage all Americans to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) and to add our WeChat account GuangzhouACS to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
 
THE CONSULATE GENERAL OF THE UNITED STATES IN GUANGZHOU IS TRANSMITTING THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION THROUGH THE CONSULATE WARDEN SYSTEM AS A PUBLIC SERVICE TO AMERICAN CITIZENS IN CHINA. PLEASE DISSEMINATE THIS MESSAGE TO ALL U.S. CITIZENS IN YOUR ORGANIZATION OR NEIGHBORHOOD.

[Pineau]

Security Alert

 

According to press reports, at approximately 3:30 pm on January 18, a small explosive device was detonated on a public bus in the Nanhai district of Foshan, injuring four people.  A second device was detonated approximately 30 minutes later on another bus in Foshan, injuring two.  Police have apprehended a suspect, who has confessed to carrying out the two incidents, but no motive has been provided.  Local police continue to investigate but verifiable official details are very limited at this time.
 
While these attacks did not specifically target U.S. citizens or foreigners, these types of incidents do pose a random threat to foreigners who may be in the area when they occur.
 
U.S. Consulate General Guangzhou would like to take this opportunity to remind all U.S. citizens to practice increased personal security awareness, particularly when visiting popular tourist locations or transiting through major transportation hubs.  U.S. citizens are advised to remain aware of their surroundings; pay attention to your belongings, those around you, any items that might be out of place and anyone whose behavior is suspicious, to include sweating profusely, avoiding eye contact, trembling/shaking body or hands, or is avoiding areas with police presence/checkpoints.  If you notice anyone exhibiting any of these behaviors or anything else suspicious, you should notify the local police immediately.   
 
For further information:
·        See the State Department's travel website for the Worldwide Caution, Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts, and China Specific Information.
·        Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
·        The U.S. Consulate in Guangzhou is located at 43 Hua Jiu Road, Zhujiang New Town, Tianhe District, Guangzhou, China 510623 and is open from 8:00 a.m. to12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. and can be reached at (86)(20) 3814-5775.  If you are a U.S. citizen in need of urgent assistance outside of business hours, the emergency number for the U.S. Consulate in Guangzhou is (86)(010) 8531-4000.

·        Call 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or 1-202-501-4444 from other countries from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).

 

 

 

[JohnB]

I have to check out the US Embassy, Beijing website to see if there are any 'dirty air' warnings.
I use the 'air quality' apps I downloaded from Google Play Store but I think the casual China visitor would
be annoyed on their China arrival if the air looked like pea green soup much less inhaling the toxic stew.
 
In my opinion, Chinese cities are relatively free of crime, terrorism.. that sort of thing, maybe
a few con artists, of which, can be anywhere, in any major city in the world, but the air quality is sometimes suspect. 
 

[Pineau]

March 28, 2017
 
THE CONSULATE GENERAL OF THE UNITED STATES IN GUANGZHOU IS TRANSMITTING THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION AS A PUBLIC SERVICE TO AMERICAN CITIZENS IN CHINA. PLEASE DISSEMINATE THIS MESSAGE TO ALL U.S. CITIZENS IN YOUR ORGANIZATION OR NEIGHBORHOOD.
 
The U.S. Consulate General in Guangzhou is hosting an American Town Hall on March 30th from 6:00PM to 8:00PM to engage with U.S. citizens residing in the Guangdong area.  U.S. Consul General Chuck Bennett will take questions from Americans about U.S.-China diplomatic relations, business and trade issues, and quality of life concerns for Americans overseas.  Participants will also learn about the services we provide for Americans and the security and health environment in South China.  They will also be treated to a U.S. Marine Corps Color Guard ceremony.
 
Representatives will be available to assist U.S. citizens with questions about visas, facilitating trade, and other consulate services.  In addition, medical professionals from the consulate and international medical clinics in Guangzhou will be answering participants’ questions about health issues.
 
No RSVP is required but is welcome, along with your inquiries about the event, at GuangzhouACS@state.gov or at our WeChat account (WeChat ID: “GuangzhouACS”).  Americans interested in participating should bring their U.S. passports to enter the Consulate.  We look forward to seeing you on the 30th!
 
Please note: All electronics except cell phones are not permitted within the Consulate.  Cell phones cannot be used for photography or video recording.

[JohnB]

Gerry, all is good with your updates.
Maybe you can answer a simple question.
Assuming I visit the consulate. Will my wife,
a Chinese national, be able to accompany me?
I suppose I could ask the consulate, but maybe
you know the answer of the open- house visit.
much thanks for your answer.

[Pineau]

No. She can wait inside but is not allowed past security.
I am speaking of the old location which was a leased building with a large lobby and businesses on the  first floor.
I have not been to the newest location so I cant say for sure. They have a waiting room but I dont know how  big or how busy it is. But there ae a dozen restaurants near by for her to wait for you. phone number is 86 203 814 5775

[Robertt S]

 Considerations for Older Travelers     As an increasing number of older U.S. citizens are traveling abroad, the U.S. Department of State wants you to be prepared so you can enjoy your trip. Please consider the information when planning your trip.
   Travel Documents 

• Make sure your travel documents – passports and/or passport cards are valid and have not expired.
• Check to see if there is a Travel Warning or Travel Alert for your destination.
• Check our Country Information to determine if:
  • you need a visa;
  • you have enough blank pages in your passport for entry stamps;
  • your passport will be valid six months beyond the end of your trip, or some countries maynot let you enter.

Stay Connected

• Enroll in our Smart Traveler Enrollment Program.  Your information is stored securely and enables the Department of State, U.S. embassy, or U.S. consulate to contact you, your family, or your friends in an emergency according to your wishes.
• Provide a copy of your itinerary, including contact information for where you will be staying to a friend or family.
• Manage expectations – if you don’t plan to stay in touch on your vacation, let your family know you will not be in regular contact.   
• Not all cell phones work abroad. If you want to have a cell phone with you as you travel you will need to check your cell phone coverage before you travel.

Health Information

• Medical care in foreign countries varies and is often not up to U.S. standards.
• Medicare does not cover you overseas.
• We highly recommend that you obtain medical and dental health care that will cover you overseas.
• We also recommend insurance.
• Consider obtaining an advance healthcare directive before you travel but note that not all countries recognize them.
• For more tips related to health issues, visit our website.  You may also find health information at the Travelers’ Health page of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website.

Pharmacies and Medications
 

• Bring an ample supply of medication to cover you for your trip and if possible, for a few extra days in case there are delays.
• Have information from your doctor regarding your condition and your medication.
• To avoid questions or delays at customs or immigration, keep medications in their original, labeled containers.
• Know the generic name for your medication as those generic names may be more recognizable at pharmacies in a foreign country.

Financial Information
 

• Determine whether you should try to exchange currency before you travel abroad.
• Understand the currency rates at your travel destination.
• Know whether or not credit cards are readily accepted and if traveler’s checks can be cashed and plan accordingly.
• Make sure your credit card company knows you will be traveling abroad so they do not freeze your accounts.
• Read the Crime section of the Country Information for the countries you will visit to review the ATM scams and other financial scams that may be targeting foreign visitors.  If ATM service is not widely available or is not secure, bring travelers checks and one or two major credit cards instead of planning to use cash.  Many banks in most countries will issue cash advances from major credit cards.

Accessibility and Accommodations

• For more information, check our section on Traveling with Disabilities.  Beware of Scams

Beware of Scams

• Scammers intend to get money from their victims by making the victims believe they will gain something of great personal value (financial gain, a romantic relationship, helping someone in trouble, the safe return of a friend, etc.).
• Scammers operate primarily via the Internet, email, and phone.  For more information, please review our information on International Financial Scams. 

Prepare for Emergencies
 

• Leave emergency contact information and a copy of your passport biographic data page with family and trusted friends.
• Carry emergency contact information for your family in the United States with you when you travel (be sure to also pencil it in the emergency contact information section of your passport).
• Know the contact information for the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate, available on the Country Information page for each country and on each embassy or consulate’s website, and provide that information to your family and friends.
• If there is an emergency situation where you are staying, such as civil unrest, disrupted transportation, or a natural disaster, prevent undue worry or concern by contacting your family and friends as soon as possible.
• A secure way to maintain your emergency contact information is to enroll with our Smart Traveler Enrollment Program.
• Take careful note of the cancellation policies for your travel and consider purchasing travel and luggage insurance.  Many credit card, travel, and tourism companies offer protection packages for an additional fee.

 

[Willy The Londoner]

Relieve yourself of all this and the worry of making sure you have done everything and follow my advice and STAY AT HOME. Ha Ha  LOL

Willie

Considerations for Older Travelers     As an increasing number of older U.S. citizens are traveling abroad, the U.S. Department of State wants you to be prepared so you can enjoy your trip. Please consider the information when planning your trip.
   Travel Documents 

• Make sure your travel documents – passports and/or passport cards are valid and have not expired.
• Check to see if there is a Travel Warning or Travel Alert for your destination.
• Check our Country Information to determine if:
  • you need a visa;
  • you have enough blank pages in your passport for entry stamps;
  • your passport will be valid six months beyond the end of your trip, or some countries maynot let you enter.

Stay Connected

• Enroll in our Smart Traveler Enrollment Program.  Your information is stored securely and enables the Department of State, U.S. embassy, or U.S. consulate to contact you, your family, or your friends in an emergency according to your wishes.
• Provide a copy of your itinerary, including contact information for where you will be staying to a friend or family.
• Manage expectations – if you don’t plan to stay in touch on your vacation, let your family know you will not be in regular contact.   
• Not all cell phones work abroad. If you want to have a cell phone with you as you travel you will need to check your cell phone coverage before you travel.

Health Information

• Medical care in foreign countries varies and is often not up to U.S. standards.
• Medicare does not cover you overseas.
• We highly recommend that you obtain medical and dental health care that will cover you overseas.
• We also recommend insurance.
• Consider obtaining an advance healthcare directive before you travel but note that not all countries recognize them.
• For more tips related to health issues, visit our website.  You may also find health information at the Travelers’ Health page of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website.

Pharmacies and Medications
 

• Bring an ample supply of medication to cover you for your trip and if possible, for a few extra days in case there are delays.
• Have information from your doctor regarding your condition and your medication.
• To avoid questions or delays at customs or immigration, keep medications in their original, labeled containers.
• Know the generic name for your medication as those generic names may be more recognizable at pharmacies in a foreign country.

Financial Information
 

• Determine whether you should try to exchange currency before you travel abroad.
• Understand the currency rates at your travel destination.
• Know whether or not credit cards are readily accepted and if traveler’s checks can be cashed and plan accordingly.
• Make sure your credit card company knows you will be traveling abroad so they do not freeze your accounts.
• Read the Crime section of the Country Information for the countries you will visit to review the ATM scams and other financial scams that may be targeting foreign visitors.  If ATM service is not widely available or is not secure, bring travelers checks and one or two major credit cards instead of planning to use cash.  Many banks in most countries will issue cash advances from major credit cards.

Accessibility and Accommodations

• For more information, check our section on Traveling with Disabilities.  Beware of Scams

Beware of Scams

• Scammers intend to get money from their victims by making the victims believe they will gain something of great personal value (financial gain, a romantic relationship, helping someone in trouble, the safe return of a friend, etc.).
• Scammers operate primarily via the Internet, email, and phone.  For more information, please review our information on International Financial Scams. 

Prepare for Emergencies
 

• Leave emergency contact information and a copy of your passport biographic data page with family and trusted friends.
• Carry emergency contact information for your family in the United States with you when you travel (be sure to also pencil it in the emergency contact information section of your passport).
• Know the contact information for the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate, available on the Country Information page for each country and on each embassy or consulate’s website, and provide that information to your family and friends.
• If there is an emergency situation where you are staying, such as civil unrest, disrupted transportation, or a natural disaster, prevent undue worry or concern by contacting your family and friends as soon as possible.
• A secure way to maintain your emergency contact information is to enroll with our Smart Traveler Enrollment Program.
• Take careful note of the cancellation policies for your travel and consider purchasing travel and luggage insurance.  Many credit card, travel, and tourism companies offer protection packages for an additional fee.

[Pineau]

The Social Security Administration (SSA) has consolidated its overseas operations into several regional offices that provide a full range of SSA services for U.S. citizens residing outside of the United States.  Effective October 1, 2017, individuals residing in the People's Republic of China who require social security services or have questions about SSA benefits must contact the SSA Federal Benefits Unit (FBU) located in the Philippines, rather than China.