U.S. Senator John Boozman advised Arkansans on Mar. 13 to prepare carefully for upcoming spring and summer travel, highlighting safety tips and federal resources available to constituents planning trips both abroad and within the United States.
Boozman said that as many residents look forward to vacations with family or friends, it is important to plan ahead and stay informed about changing global circumstances that could affect travel safety. He noted recent U.S. Department of State advisories for countries such as Angola, Belarus, Malaysia, Venezuela, and Iran as reminders of the need for timely alerts.
“Whatever your itinerary and goals, it is critical to plan ahead as well as be prepared to adapt to changing circumstances on the ground. Recent events around the world have heightened the need for travelers to stay informed about potentially dangerous or complex situations. Doing so can help ensure safe passage to a new destination or even back home, if necessary,” Boozman said.
He recommended enrolling in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), a free service from the State Department that provides updates from U.S. embassies directly via email. “If Arkansans find themselves in the midst of natural disasters, civil unrest or terrorist attacks while on foreign soil, STEP has proved an invaluable tool for raising awareness of official guidance and alerts,” he said.
For those seeking expedited security screening at airports, Boozman suggested considering TSA Pre-Check—a fee-based service requiring advance approval—and mentioned Mobile Passport Control as a free app for smoother re-entry into the country. He also pointed out that some countries require passports valid for three to six months before entry and directed travelers to State Department resources for reviewing requirements.
Boozman encouraged residents visiting Washington D.C. this year to take part in America 250 events celebrating the nation’s semiquincentennial and offered his office’s assistance with arranging tours of government sites. “It is an honor to assist Arkansans navigating their travel and provide any support possible with federal departments, agencies, services or programs,” he said.
Boozman maintains district offices in Arkansas communities to assist constituents, according to the official website. He holds positions on committees including Appropriations, Veterans’ Affairs, Environment and Public Works, and Rules and Administration according to his official website. Boozman helped enact provisions expanding care for women veterans and modernizing the GI Bill according to his official website. He lives in Rogers, Arkansas with his wife Cathy and their family according to his official website, and obtained a doctor of optometry degree from Southern College of Optometry in 1977 according to his official website.
