Business Travel and Work Abroad

Before you go

• Review the travel information page for your destination before your trip.
• Make sure your passport meets any required minimum validity and any necessary visa according to your destination entry requirements for your purpose of travel.
• Research which visa you are required to have based on the type of work you plan to do in that destination.
• Remember while abroad you are subject to local laws. Local labor and criminal laws vary greatly by country. 
• If you're a dual national and have a problem abroad, some foreign governments may treat you as a citizen of that country first or may not recognize your U.S. citizenship at all. Review our information on the Dual Nationality page.

Protect yourself while working abroad

Your job may make you a target of hostile governments, foreign companies, or criminal organizations that may try to blackmail you or elicit information. 

• Don’t get involved in illegal activities or make yourself vulnerable. Avoid drinking too much, buying illegal goods and services, or accepting packages from strangers. 
• If you are arrested or detained, you may be put in prison or prevented from departing while your case is pending.
• Watch out for signs of being followed or monitored. Report any suspicious activity to police or the U.S. embassy or consulate for your destination. Review our information on victims of crime if you need help.
• Report to the FBI and your company’s security team any strange contacts or events from your trip where you suspect someone tried to solicit or steal sensitive business information. 

Protect your electronics and information

Be careful with sensitive information and data. Discuss with your company or employer how best to protect information and data on your devices before you travel.

• Make sure your devices have appropriate antivirus and anti-spyware software and are updated with the most recent security patches according to company policy.
• Keep your electronics, paperwork, and any other sensitive business materials with you at all times.
• Don’t attach unknown electronic storage devices or peripherals to your computer or phone.
• Don’t expect privacy on Wi-Fi provided by hotels, airplanes, internet cafes, or public spaces. 
• Change your passwords and check your devices for viruses both before and after your trip.

Mobile phones are a critical part of conducting business. Traveling abroad with a mobile phone, especially to countries with high levels of theft or strict speech laws, carries significant risk. Review the information in OSAC’s Guide for Mobile Device Usage Overseas.

Travel to high-risk areas

• Before traveling to high-risk areas, think about if it is necessary. Traveling to certain locations puts your life—and possibly the lives of others—at risk.  
• In high-risk areas, the United States may have limited or no consular services. We may not be able to assist in the cases of arrest, detention, or death abroad. Review the Travel Advisory information for your destination. 

Working while living abroad

Living and working abroad require careful planning. Review our tips to help with your plans:

• Make sure your immigration or residence status is correct and that it permits working.  
• Employers and host-governments may require proof of qualifications. Make sure you have the appropriate supporting documents such as professional certifications, diplomas, or transcripts. 
• Understand your rights and protections under the local labor laws vary greatly by destination. 
• Review IRS.gov to learn more about any responsibility to pay U.S. taxes.  
• For U.S.-incorporated organizations and their employees, join the Diplomatic Security Service’s public-private partnership, OSAC, on OSAC.gov to access topical and regional security updates, analysis, and security-information-sharing membership groups.