By Trish Svoboda

With summer almost here, the office of U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D., encourages Kansans who are planning international travel to prepare in advance and take essential measures to guarantee their safety during their journey.

Postponed passports are the most frequent issue related to international travel. Since his induction into Congress in 2017, the office of Senator Marshall has facilitated over 700 Kansans in securing their passports prior to their scheduled travel date.

The office advises Kansans who intend to travel abroad in the upcoming year to submit their passport applications as early as possible. The rise in demand for passports during the summer often leads to extended processing times at passport agencies.

The U.S. State Department provides a variety of resources to assist all Americans in maintaining contact with U.S. authorities when overseas, as well as in gaining a thorough understanding of the local laws and customs of each country.

When Kansans travel internationally, it is encouraged that they use the following resources and follow these tips:

· Register for the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). Those who enroll will receive emergency notifications from the U.S. Embassy during their overseas travel. Enroll by visiting https://step.state.gov/.

· When preparing for international travel make sure to familiarize yourself with the local laws to understand what items are permitted and prohibited. Be aware that possession of certain medications or ammunition, even unintentionally, can lead to detention or arrest. To learn more, visit travel.state.gov/destination.

· If you should have an emergency while traveling overseas, contact the U.S. Embassy or Consulate. You can find a U.S. Embassy or Consulate by visiting https://www.usembassy.gov/.

· During major weather events, such as hurricane season, closely watch forecasts and have a plan. Learn more by visiting travel.state.gov/crisis.