International Travelers

Protect Yourself While Traveling Abroad

Before your trip:

• Visit CDC’s Travelers’ Health website to learn about the health risks in countries you’ll visit and steps you can take to prevent getting sick.

During your trip:

• Keep your hands clean.
  • Wash hands often with soap and water, especially at these key times:
    • Before, during, and after preparing food
    • Before and after eating food
    • After using the bathroom
    • After changing diapers or cleaning up a child who has used the bathroom
    • Before and after caring for someone who is sick
  • Wet hands with clean, running water and apply soap. Lather all surfaces of hands and scrub for at least 20 seconds. Rinse with clean, running water and dry with a clean towel or air dry them.
  • If clean, running water and soap are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Remember, hand sanitizers may not be as effective if hands are visibly dirty or greasy.
• Follow safe food and water practices.
  • Avoiding unsafe food and water may be difficult when traveling abroad. In these instances, avoid eating and drinking raw fruits and vegetables, tap water, ice made from tap water, unpasteurized (raw) milk or dairy products, and items purchased from street vendors.
  • These foods and drinks are usually safe: steaming-hot foods, fruits you peel yourself, bottled and canned processed drinks, and hot coffee or tea.

Learn about the health risks for diarrhea at your destination and know what steps you can take to prevent getting ill.