What do you do if war breaks out in (or near) the country you currently live in?
Tips for expats/immigrants who may end up as refugees.
As an expat/immigrant at a time like this <see “war in Ukraine”>, I realized I have LITERALLY no idea what to do if war breaks out. So that makes me think it might be good to share what I’ve learned in case someone else is in the same boat.
In this post, I’m going to share the top 3 things you can do to prepare yourself in case war breaks out near or in the country that you’re currently residing in:
Check with your native country’s embassy in your current country: Before you move abroad, it might be smart to go ahead and register with your State Department the moment you leave for your new home. But if you haven’t, you can still check in with your embassy for updates on what to do. The United States also has a phone number you can call: 1-833-741-2777 (in the U.S.) or 1-606-260-4379 (from overseas). (Only call right now if you are currently in Ukraine). Follow them on twitter, and keep an eye on the website for what else you need to do to get assistance. If you’re an American citizen, you should also register in the STEP or S mart T raveler E nrollment P rogram.
If you need to cross over into another country, find out the requirements for that specific border-crossing: In times of war, things are obviously chaotic. Different countries will approach border crossings in different ways. Also, prepare for long crossing times. Have a go-bag ready with supplies you need like non-perishable foods, travel papers, cash, safety items, etc.
Subscribe to regular security updates and follow civilians on Twitter.
Be safe.