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Singapore citizens travelling overseas should note the following:

• Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months before departure. It should be in good condition, with no torn or missing pages. If your passport appears to have been tampered with, you could have difficulties at a foreign airport, including being refused entry.
• Ensure you have the required entry visa for your destination country. Please visit the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) website  for information on visa requirements and overseas consular offices.
• Record information about your itinerary on MFA’s eRegister system . The information you provide will allow MFA to contact you to make sure that you are safe and, if need be, assist you should an emergency (for example, a natural disaster, civil unrest) occur.
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Two-factor authentication from banks can be a tricky barrier to overcome while abroad, but there are ways to ensure you have access when you need it most.

Written by Kirin Tsang

Written by {post._embedded?.author[0].name || post.data.author}

On January 18, 2023

Read time 13 mins

Imagine this: you’re lounging in an exotic location overseas, sipping on your preferred chilled beverage of choice, and you decide to get caught up on a little personal banking. 

When you go to login to your account so you can pay off one of your many Miles & Points-generating premium credit cards, your heart sinks when you receive an automated message that says something like “Login not recognized – we’re sending a code to your phone”.

In situations such as this, you’ve just run across two-factor authentication (2FA), which can be a difficult hurdle to overcome. Let’s go through the methods best suited to deal with two-factor authentication when travelling.

What Is Two-Factor Authentication?

Two-factor authentication is a security feature which has taken digital technology platforms by storm in recent years.

Essentially, it’s a system which is designed to ensure that the only person who can access your personal information is, in fact, you. It accomplishes this by placing an extra barrier to accessing this information by way of a second factor to authenticate your identity.

The first factor is typically something that you input, which could be a password, fingerprint, or even facial recognition. With data breaches occurring regularly, using a single factor to access accounts is becoming less and less possible, especially with sensitive data.

The second factor almost always comes in the form of a code which you need to enter into the platform you’re trying to access before being able to complete your login or conduct transactions.

The code is usually delivered to a secondary device or service provider that only you have access to, typically via one of five methods: a phone call, a text message, an email, a push notification through your financial institution’s mobile app, or an authenticator app.

This system of authentication will usually trigger when you try to access your account from an unrecognized location, such as a new device, IP address, or web browser. When travelling, we find ourselves in new places quite often, so encountering 2FA isn’t at all unusual.

Basically, 2FA introduces a trade-off of a minor inconvenience for increased security. How minor that inconvenience is depends on your tech-savviness, your willingness to jump through hoops that aren’t always the most user-friendly, or as is often the case for us intrepid globetrotters, how reliably you can receive an access code on your second device or service provider.

How to Use Two-Factor Authentication Abroad

2FA is a reality across many modern digital technology platforms, and Canadian banking institutions are no exception. Let’s talk about a few ways that you can deal with it in the most effective way possible, both at home and abroad.

Push Notifications

The first method is to use your trusted smartphone device. Many financial institutions conduct 2FA by sending a push notification to the bank’s mobile app, and these apps register the identity of your individual device.

This means that even if you login to one of your bank accounts from a foreign IP address, or while using a SIM card not attached to your main phone number, you’ll be fine as long as you’re using your trusted device. This is also why it’s important not to reset your phone or clear saved data whenever possible before leaving home, especially with the login for your bank’s mobile app.

Canadian Phone Number

The second method to overcoming 2FA while travelling is to always have your Canadian SIM card on hand so you can be ready to receive calls or SMS texts to your Canadian phone number.

When travelling, you’re likely to want to avoid Canada’s ridiculously high roaming fees in favour of far more economic local phone providers or e-SIMs . However, these numbers will not be attached to any of your banking information, and cannot be used for 2FA purposes.

After all, I’m sure we’d all feel a bit less safe if verification codes could be sent to random numbers tracing from Timbuktu!

Therefore, it’s wise to be able to slot in your Canadian SIM if you encounter an emergency. Pay your daily roaming charge to conduct your transactions, and then take it out and continue saving for the rest of your trip.

This method can be quite costly if you’re not careful, but if you’re in a bind, it’s likely worth the price of admission. Many Canadian phone providers deliver inbound SMS text messages for free around the world, so just watch that you don’t take or make calls, send outbound messages, or tap into your roaming data.

Of course, this is made much easier if you have a phone with dual-SIM capability, allowing you to seamlessly switch between reasonable roaming rates and your convenient Canadian cellular carrier.

Virtual Phone Number

The third method for overcoming 2FA, and one which is imperfect, is to pay for a virtual phone number, such as a premium subscription on the Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) service Fongo .

This isn’t a guaranteed way to receive calls or texts for two-factor authentication purposes, but there have been plenty of reports from people using this app to receive both calls and text messages when sent a 2FA message from their bank while abroad.

At $9.99 (CAD) a month, this is an affordable alternative which can work on occasion; however, as Fongo itself notes , not every single carrier will accept their service, and you may not receive all messages from short-code and regular numbers. The price is much likely less than a full roaming package, though, so it could be worthwhile to try it out on your next trip to see if it works for you.

Contact the Bank

Finally, and as a method of last resort, be ready to call your bank from abroad should you absolutely have to. Many financial institutions have voice ID verification, so even if you’re calling from a foreign number or online service such as Google Voice, you’ll still be able to verify your identity and make some transactions.

Even if your bank does not have voice verification, you still may be able to arrange proof of identification that sidesteps 2FA by providing information specific to you and your account.

While this option isn’t convenient, it can be effective should all other avenues of authenticating yourself to access your account fail.

Two-Factor Authentication Methods for Canadian Financial Institutions

The Prince of Travel team has had plenty of experience with the 2FA procedures of most major financial institutions in the country. From our experiences, we’ve compiled the following methods that each bank uses.

If you keep this list in mind while using the strategies we’ve outlined above, you’ll be able to remedy your authentication woes far faster and with less of a headache.

Remember, your experience with 2FA might vary, but this list should give you a good idea of what to look out for.

• American Express Canada: Amex does not require 2FA and provides the fastest and best phone service in Canada for accounts that come under review for any reason.
• BMO : BMO does not require 2FA at present, but may automatically flag accounts. In this case, immediately call the BMO security centre at 1-877-225-5266.
• Canadian Tire Financial Services: Canadian Tire will send an email to your registered email address whenever they have doubts regarding your identity. Their call centre is also excellent, and rivals American Express when it comes to customer service. 
• CIBC : CIBC provides 2FA via SMS, phone call, or push notifications in the CIBC app. It can also send 2FA codes via email, but not to free personal email providers such as Gmail.
• EQ: EQ Bank provides both SMS and email messages.
• HSBC: The primary method of 2FA for HSBC is via the mobile app; however, its functionality can leave something to be desired. Don’t be surprised if you’re required to contact their call centre, which can be frustrating when in another country as you may be required to verify via SMS text message while on the phone.
• Manulife: Manulife offers both email and SMS 2FA methods.
• MBNA: MBNA is 100% phone-based, either via call or SMS.
• National Bank: Email or SMS are the preferred methods of communication for the mainly Quebec-based National Bank.
• PC Financial: For both their credit cards and prepaid Money Account , PC Financial uses SMS or email notifications.
• RBC : All RBC 2FA is conducted via its mobile banking app. However, it’s not strictly necessary, and you can access your account from an unrecognized location through dated security measures like answering a security question.
• Rogers Bank: Strangely, even though Rogers Bank’s parent company is a telecom giant, it only does 2FA via email.
• Scotiabank : Scotiabank only uses app-based 2FA.
• Simplii: As the telephone/online-only subsidiary of CIBC, Simplii is entirely app-based for verification.
• Tangerine: The online-only arm of Scotiabank provides 2FA via email, though occasionally you will be contacted by their fraud department.
• TD : TD requires its 2FA to go through either call, SMS, or their proprietary separate authenticator mobile app .
• Wise: The Wise Prepaid Visa, which is excellent for foreign currency conversions , uses in-app push notifications.

Setting Up Two-Factor Authentication Before You Travel

2FA secures your accounts by sending a verification code to another trusted platform. Before you travel, it’s critical to ensure that you’ll be able to receive these messages successfully.

If you try to set up 2FA from an unknown location, you’ll be prompted for 2FA to set it up. Rather than getting caught in this endless loop, you’ll need to take this first step at home.

Make sure that your online banking profile is up to date before you travel, listing any phone numbers or email addresses where you’d like to receive verification messages.

Also, if the bank uses in-app authentication, be sure to opt into this feature and download any required mobile apps.

It’s interesting to note that many banks seem to corral customers toward their mobile app instead of just using SMS, which has both advantages and disadvantages.

On the one hand, it’s easier to use a mobile app when travelling, and you typically don’t run into any issues accessing your online banking as long as you’re on a trusted device with a Wi-Fi connection. On the other hand, if you lose access to your device, it can be a pain to try and access your online banking with an institution whose primary 2FA method is entirely app- or smartphone-based.

Therefore, I’d highly recommend having a few fallback options, whether activating multiple 2FA methods for the same financial institution, or using multiple financial institutions. If you run into trouble, it will likely be time consuming to regain access to your accounts, but at least you’ll still have access to your finances from around the world.

Two-factor authentication is the ubiquitous best practice in modern digital security, and it’s helpful to remember how to get past this extra step to access your accounts whenever you travel or are away from home.

With Canadian telecom rates – and especially roaming rates – being some of the highest in the world, it’s important to do whatever you can to keep costs low when abroad. Fortunately, many institutions now offer Wi-Fi-friendly alternatives to receive verification codes, but it’s disappointing that so many companies still rely exclusively on SMS-based two-factor authentication.

Regardless, you should be able to manoeuvre your way around most 2FA hurdles that come up, using some strategies to dodge the pain of $15-a-day international roaming fees unless they absolutely cannot be avoided.

Until next time, transact undisturbed.

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Singaporean travellers should register online with MFA in case of emergencies: Dr Maliki

Singapore - Singaporeans should register online with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) each time they travel overseas so consular staff can contact them quickly during crises, said Senior Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Maliki Osman on Thursday.

He added it is a misperception that the MFA's eRegister system is a means for the Government to track Singapore's movements.

Instead, it had allowed the ministry to help Singaporeans during emergency situations such as earthquakes, terror attacks and civil unrest.

"It is in their interest that they eRegister so that we can help them should they face an emergency situation abroad," said Dr Maliki during the parliamentary debate on MFA's budget.

He was updating the House on how the ministry assists Singaporeans in distress situations overseas through consular services.

He cited as examples how consular officers had tracked down and helped Singaporeans who were registered during last month's Brussels bombings and last November's Paris terror attacks.

MFA officers had worked day and night to contact registered Singaporeans and did not stop until all 263 were accounted for during the Paris attacks, said Dr Maliki.

As one of the Singaporeans did not subscribe to auto-roaming services, the consular officers had to use Facebook and Twitter to contact him and make sure he was safe, he added.

In 2015, MFA deployed several crisis response teams to help Singaporeans return from places rocked by earthquakes or civil unrest, such as Nepal, Sabah and Yemen.

Its overseas missions have also rostered officers on duty at all hours of the day so that Singaporeans who urgently need help can get in touch with MFA, said Dr Maliki.

But he cautioned that the ministry "cannot, however, accede to unreasonable requests, especially those that divert our attention or limited resources away from more urgent cases. Singaporeans must also respect and observe local laws as MFA is not in a position to intervene in the legal or judicial process of another country".

He also urged Singaporeans to play their part to stay safe when travelling. For instance, they should purchase comprehensive travel and medical insurance, as emergency medical bills incurred overseas can be very costly, he said.

He added: "While MFA is committed to do its utmost for our fellow citizens, Singaporeans should also play their part by staying in close contact with their next-of-kin and close friends, taking necessary precautions for their personal safety and planning properly for their travels."

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Using Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) When Traveling Abroad

Planning to travel abroad but still need to access your UCSB digital life while away? Taking these planning steps will help ensure you never lose connection with the UCSB services you rely on.

Simplify support for MFA

Make sure your personal information is up to date in campus records. Log into UCSB’s Identity & Access Manager  and review that your information under Edit Your Name’s profile is up to date and accurate. Also, verify that your Edit Personal Information area data is correct. If you ever need assistance, having this data complete and correct will ensure Support can easily identify and assist you. If IT support is unable to positively identify you, they will not be able to provide service. 

• While there, also make sure you have Security Answers and Questions set and you know what they are

Decide on what devices to use

Taking your current phone with an international cell plan is the easiest solution for doing MFA since little to nothing changes.  If you are planning to switch SIM cards for your international plan, please make sure you are using the Duo Mobile App and not relying on an SMS-only setup.  Since your phone number changes with your SIM, Duo would send SMS codes to your old number unless updated. More details found here.

Suppose you leave your current phone or device at home and get a new phone while abroad.  This requires the most planning. The best way to do this is to get your new phone soon after arriving (within 14 days) and take backup passcodes with you to set up your new phone with MFA.

Suppose you use something instead of a phone to do MFA, such as an iPad with WiFi. In that case, you should set up your tablet on WiFi with the Duo Mobile App before you leave, then while abroad, you would need WiFi and use Duo Push or use the Mobile App passcodes.

Hardware tokens are specialized devices UCSB IT can provide you. Call us a few days before you leave to have us mail a hardware token to you at 805-893-5000.  

Decide what MFA methods to use

When abroad and needing to log into UCSB websites or applications protected by MFA, you can use passcodes as your verification method. You can do this in many ways:

• Use the Duo Mobile application on your phone to generate a passcode. This method works anywhere, even in places where you don’t have an Internet connection or cellular service.
• When you have cell or WiFi access, get backup passcodes via SMS Text messaging. You can generate 10 codes , suitable for one use only when you do not have cell or WiFi service.

Before you leave, you can use your existing Duo setup to send yourself a text message with ten backup codes. The passcodes are one-time use (cross them out as you use them). All ten codes expire after 14 days. Use these codes to access Duo-protected systems before setting up your new device. Keep in mind that if you create a set of backup codes and then create a second set later, the first set will expire.

We strongly advise you to obtain a new set of backup passcodes every 14 days. Set a reminder on your phone or calendar to ensure that you remember to do this. Generate your first set of codes before leaving the United States.

Keep your codes in a safe place so that you can easily access them as needed. Do not store them with your primary MFA device since losing them together is the same as having no backup.

Have a backup plan

If you take your US phone abroad, what will happen if it is lost or stolen?  

You can have multiple MFA devices, such as an additional phone or tablet. To set up a new Duo device while abroad, follow the instructions found here.

Even if you have a primary device with cell and WiFi access, print your backup codes on a piece of paper and take them with you - or leave them with a trustworthy person back home!

Get a Hardware Token as an alternate verification device. Contact the IT Support Desk for details

You may contact UCSB IT support for a one time “Temporary Bypass.” This gives you time to configure a new device or log into an MFA protected system in an emergency

OFAC (US Office of Foreign Assets Control) Restrictions

Beginning May 5, 2022, users attempting to authenticate to a Duo-protected application from an access device with an IP address originating in an OFAC-regulated country or region will be blocked from completing their login and receive an error message. 

Web-based applications will display the following error message: “Access denied. Duo Security does not provide services in your current location.” Other applications may display a generic failed login message.

OFAC restrictions relevant to Duo currently apply to the following countries or regions:

• North Korea
• Crimea region
• Sevastopol region
• Donetsk region
• Luhansk region

If traveling to a country or region that is Duo restricted, UCSB technical support cannot enable access to you. Plan accordingly with the expectation that you will not be able to access protected apps while in restricted areas. Duo offers a support article that is updated with currently blocked regions and countries.

More OFAC information found here.

If you are aware of anyone that is planning to travel to these restricted regions or is denied access to services when in one of the regions, please have them contact OR Export Control ([email protected]) for additional information.

Getting Support

Please remember that support personnel are required to identify you before providing service, especially when assistance is provided to users outside the United States. Assistance is only available during UCSB’s business hours, Pacific Standard Time Zone. Support options for MFA are listed here.

IT Services

How to use mfa while traveling or disconnected from the internet.

UCLA Logon multi-factor authentication (MFA) program, provides offline authentication options for times when you lack cell service or when using MFA could cause you to incur cellphone or data charges, such as when you are traveling overseas. In order to take advantage of the options listed below, be sure to register your device(s) for use with your MFA account (including, if applicable, downloading and installing the Duo Mobile App on your smartphone)  before  you begin your travel.

Smartphone and Tablets 

You can request single-use passcodes directly from the Duo Mobile app, even when your mobile device is in airplane mode or lacks cell service.

• Simply open the app and tap the  Passcode  button. Depending on your device, this button may say  Generate Passcode,   Generate Token Code  or, it may be an  image of a key .
• Enter the code provided in the  Passcode  field of the Duo verification screen.

Mobile Phone

If you do not have the Duo Mobile App installed on a smartphone, you can request a batch of passcodes to be sent via text message to your cellphone before you depart for your travel.

• From the Duo verification screen, press  Send SMS passcodes . You will receive ten single-use codes via text message, which will allow you to authenticate up to ten times during your travel. You will need to request the passcodes  before  you leave, or while in an area with cell service, as you will need a cell connection to receive the text message on your phone.
• You may request additional batches of passcodes while in areas with cell service (your carrier’s roaming or international texting rates will apply). Requesting a new batch of passcodes will invalidate any unused codes from the previous batch.
• Duo Hardware Tokens are available for purchase at the UCLA Computer Store in Ackerman Union (B-Level).  Please ask a Computer Store Technologist for assistance.
• Public wireless hotspots generally provide unsecure networks that could allow others to access your information. Make sure to use the UCLA VPN whenever you connect to UCLA systems via a public wireless connection, including hotel, convention center, and café wireless networks. Use of a VPN will protect your personal information by encrypting it over open networks. For more information about VPN, see  https://www.it.ucla.edu/it-support-center/services/virtual-private-network-vpn-clients
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• How to generate a set of 10 one-time use passcodes

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Work/Learn/Travel Overseas - Use Passcodes!

• Use the Duo Mobile application on your phone or tablet to generate a passcode. This works anywhere, even in places where you don't have an Internet connection or cellular service.
• You can also get a passcode sent to you via SMS Text messaging when you have cell or WiFi access.

Recommendations to simplify support for MFA while abroad

• Make sure your personal information is up to date in campus records. Log into CruzID Manager and review that your information under Directory Profile is up to date and accurate. Also verify that your personal information located in MyUCSC is accurate. If you need a one-time passcode and this information is not up to date, the Support Center will have a difficult time verifying your identity before providing your passcode.
• Make sure your Password Recovery Email Address in CruzID Manager is up to date.
• Set up a Hardware Token as an alternate verification device. These hardware tokens will generate a passcode that will allow you to access Gold password systems. These tokens are pre programmed for UCSC and can be purchased at the Baytree bookstore and easily associated with your CruzID. Alternatively if you have no other way to MFA a request process for an ITS provided token can be started via a Slughub ticket.
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When traveling internationally will I be able to receive a phone call/text message?

Phone calls and text messages are also sent to select non-US phone numbers. Our current plan with Duo Security allows each user to utilize up to 5 telephony credits per phone call and/or text message. For more information please view the telephony rate card on Duo Security's site . To avoid high roaming charges when out of the country, you can utilize the Duo Mobile App - Passcode functionality, as it does not rely on cellular service to generate passcodes. Hardware tokens also work internationally.Export Licensing/ITAR/ Office of Foreign Assets (OFAC) compliance 

Duo MFA error messages while overseas

If you’re attempting to log in to a Duo-protected UC Santa Cruz application while in a country or region subject to OFAC (US Office of Foreign Assets Control) restrictions, you will be blocked from completing your login and will receive an error message.

Web-based applications will display the following error message: “Access denied. Duo Security does not provide services in your current location.” Other applications may display a generic failed login message.

Learn more about OFAC restrictions and getting assistance with Duo MFA .

During Your time abroad

• Use the Duo App - it works without connectivity
• Use Duo Push- it works with WiFi
• Use a Hardware Token

Getting Help

If you need additional assistance please contact the UCSC ITS help desk (Support Center) at 831-459-4357, [email protected], or via https://slughub.ucsc.edu/its with your specific request. For account verification please be prepared to provide your full name, CruzID, an alternate email address, as well as your Student ID or Employee ID number.

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Mali Travel Advisory

Travel advisory july 31, 2023, mali - level 4: do not travel.

Reissued with obsolete COVID-19 page links removed.

Do not travel to Mali due to crime, terrorism, and kidnapping .  

Country Summary: Violent crime, such as kidnapping and armed robbery, is common in Mali. Violent crime is a particular concern during local holidays and seasonal events in Bamako, its suburbs, and Mali’s southern regions.  Roadblocks and random police checkpoints are commonplace throughout the country, especially at night.

Terrorist and armed groups continue plotting kidnappings and attacks in Mali.  They may attack with little or no warning, targeting night clubs, hotels, restaurants, places of worship, international diplomatic missions, and other locations frequented by foreigners.  Attacks may target Malian government offices and infrastructure, in addition to locations frequented by Westerners.  

The U.S. government is unable to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens throughout much of Mali as U.S. government employee travel outside Bamako is restricted due to security concerns.

Due to risks to civil aviation operating within or in the vicinity of Mali, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM).  For more information U.S. citizens should consult the Federal Aviation Administration’s Prohibitions, Restrictions and Notices .

Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Mali.

If you decide to travel to Mali:

• Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas .
• Draft a will and designate appropriate insurance beneficiaries and/or power of attorney.
• Discuss a plan with loved ones regarding care/custody of children, pets, property, belongings, non-liquid assets (collections, artwork, etc.), funeral wishes, etc.
• Share important documents, login information, and points of contact with loved ones so that they can manage your affairs if you are unable to return as planned to the United States. Find a suggested list of such documents here .
• Establish your own personal security plan in coordination with your employer or host organization, or consider consulting with a professional security organization.
• Develop a communication plan with family and/or your employer or host organization so that they can monitor your safety and location as you travel through high-risk areas. This plan should specify whom you would contact first and how they should share the information.
• Identify key sources of possible assistance for you and your family in case of emergency, such as the local U.S. embassy or consulate, FBI, the State Department, your employer (if traveling on business), and local friends/family in the high-risk area. 
• Be sure to appoint one family member to serve as the point of contact with hostage-takers, media, U.S. and host country government agencies, and Members of Congress if you are taken hostage or detained.
• Establish a proof of life protocol with your loved ones so that, if you are taken hostage, your loved ones will know specific questions and answers to ask the hostage-takers to be sure you are alive and to rule out a hoax.
• Leave DNA samples with your medical provider in case it is necessary for your family to access them.
• Guard your passport and wallet when in crowded outdoor areas and open-air markets.
• Be vigilant for pickpockets, especially at night.
• Use all available safety measures in your home or hotel, including locking doors and windows at all times, and setting the alarm.
• If asked to stop by police, stop only in well-lit areas or places where several officers are posted.
• Erase any sensitive photos, comments, or other materials from your social media pages, cameras, laptops, and other electronic devices that could be considered controversial or provocative by local groups.
• Leave your expensive/sentimental belongings behind.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program ( STEP ) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter .
• Review the Country Security Report for Mali.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist . 
• Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.   

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MLB's travel plans for '24: Seoul, Mexico City, London, D.R.

David Adler

The MLB World Tour is coming to four international destinations in 2024: London, Mexico City, Seoul and Santo Domingo. 

The Seoul Series will be the opener of the 2024 MLB regular season -- and will mark the first MLB regular-season games ever played in Korea. 

Major League Baseball and the MLB Players Association announced the full plans for the four series on Wednesday.

• Seoul Series: Dodgers vs. Padres, March 20-21 (MLB season opener) • Mexico City Series: Astros vs. Rockies, April 27-28 • London Series: Mets vs. Phillies, June 8-9 • Dominican Republic Series: Red Sox vs. Rays, March 9-10 (Spring Training)

• MLB international

"Major League Baseball is incredibly excited for this extensive slate of international games in 2024," Commissioner Rob Manfred said. "Our recent efforts have produced strong enthusiasm around the globe, and we look forward to building on that foundation with returns to Mexico City and London, while also opening the season in Korea for the first time. In addition, we can’t wait to celebrate the tradition of the sport in the Dominican Republic with our visit to Santo Domingo next March. We are thrilled that our fans across four different countries outside the United States and Canada will have the opportunity to see the game’s stars."

The MLB World Tour schedule for next year includes the return of games to the United Kingdom and Mexico for a second consecutive season, after the 2023 London Series between the Cubs and Cardinals and Mexico City Series between the Giants and Padres, in addition to new stops in Korea and the Dominican Republic.

“Players have a deep interest in growing baseball around the world. No matter where they come from, players are linked by a passion for our game that transcends different languages, cultures, and nationalities,” said Tony Clark, the executive director of the MLB Players Association. “The series announced today will allow fans around the globe to gain a first-hand appreciation for the unmatched skill and infectious enthusiasm players display every time they go to work. We are excited to expand our international presence in new communities and celebrate the game we all love.”

Here's a look at each of the four international series in 2024.

Seoul Series

The Dodgers and Padres will open up the 2024 season with two games in Korea from March 20-21.  

The Seoul Series will mark the ninth time that the MLB season has opened outside the 50 U.S. states and Canada, and the first time in five years. Previous international openers include:

• 1999 -- Monterrey, Mexico (Rockies vs. Padres) • 2000 -- Tokyo, Japan (Mets vs. Cubs) • 2001 -- San Juan, Puerto Rico (Rangers vs. Blue Jays) • 2004 -- Tokyo, Japan (Rays vs. Yankees) • 2008 -- Tokyo, Japan (Red Sox vs. A's) • 2012 -- Tokyo, Japan (A's vs. Mariners) • 2014 -- Sydney, Australia (Dodgers vs. D-backs) • 2019 -- Tokyo, Japan (A's vs. Mariners)

It will be the Dodgers' first international games since they played the Padres in Mexico in 2018, and their second Opening Day abroad after the 2014 season opener in Australia.

"The Dodgers have a long and proud history of helping to grow the game abroad, highlighted by our trips to Mexico, China and Australia. It's very exciting to add Korea to the list," Dodgers president Stan Kasten said. "I know our players are thrilled to put their talents on display in a country so rich with baseball tradition and talent, including former Dodgers Chan Ho Park, Hee-Seop Choi and Hyun Jin Ryu."

The Padres will be playing internationally for a second straight season, but in a new country, going from the 2023 Mexico City Series to the 2024 Seoul Series. Like the Dodgers, they've also played abroad on Opening Day before, in the inaugural international season opener back in 1999. 

"Korea is a great baseball country with a rich tradition, passionate fans, and talented players, including current Padre and San Diego fan favorite Ha-Seong Kim," Padres CEO Erik Greupner said. "The Padres are proud to serve alongside the Dodgers as global ambassadors for the game of baseball with our historic 2024 Korea Series."

Mexico City Series

The second Mexico City Series will feature the Astros and Rockies for a pair of games on April 27 and 28, almost exactly a year after this season's inaugural Mexico City Series.

Both Houston and Colorado last played internationally in Mexico, but in Monterrey, not Mexico City. The Astros played two regular-season games against the Angels there in 2019, and the Rockies played an exhibition series against the D-backs that same year.  

The Astros have played exhibition games in Mexico City before, in 2016 against the Padres and 2004 against the Marlins.

• 2023 Mexico City Series

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London Series

The London Series returns for its third edition overall, with the Mets and Phillies facing off at London Stadium on June 8 and 9.

The Mets will be playing abroad for the first time since 2010, when they faced the Marlins in Puerto Rico. But they're no stranger to international games, having participated in both MLB's first-ever international regular season games in 1996 in Mexico and MLB's first-ever regular-season games in Japan in 2000.

• 2024 London Series will feature NL East rivalry in Mets-Phils

"Interest in baseball is growing all over the world, and to bring the Mets' 'never-say-die' attitude to sports fans in London is a tremendous honor," Mets owner Steve Cohen said. "Our Queens family is ready to show London a great time with exciting baseball and amazing experiences that create new fans and build the Mets community throughout the United Kingdom." 

The Phillies have never played regular-season games internationally, and have left the U.S. and Canada only once, over 50 years ago, for a pair of exhibition games against the Pirates in San Juan in 1977.

"Major League Baseball has done an excellent job of expanding its footprint internationally, and we are honored to play a role in that effort as part of the 2024 London Series," Phillies managing partner John Middleton said. "This will be a wonderful opportunity to showcase our players' talents and highlight the excitement that comes with a Phillies-Mets matchup for our fans in the UK and for those who have never attended a baseball game."

Dominican Republic Series

In addition to the three international regular-season series planned for in 2024, the Red Sox and Rays will play a Spring Training series in Santo Domingo at Estadio Quisqueya from March 9-10.

"This unique opportunity builds on our long-standing connection to the Dominican Republic and allows us to celebrate the remarkable talents and rich cultural heritage of a country whose passion for the game has distinctly shaped our organization," Red Sox president Sam Kennedy said. "From the players who have passed through our Dominican Republic Academy to those who have helped us win championships, we have been fortunate to witness the profound impact of Dominican players within our game, and we are thrilled to be able to bring Red Sox baseball to such a vibrant baseball community next year."

Exhibition games are also a key part of the MLB World Tour, which includes up to 16 exhibition games being played internationally between 2023 and ‘26, as well as up to 24 regular-season games spanning Asia, Europe and Latin America.

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Travel Advisory: Situation in Ukraine and Russia

25 October 2022

In view of the heightened and evolving security situation in Ukraine and Russia, MFA reiterates its advice of 13 February 2022 to Singaporeans to defer all travel to Ukraine. In addition, MFA advises Singaporeans to defer all travel to Russia’s Krasnodar Territory and regions of Belgorod, Bryansk, Voronezh, Kursk, and Rostov, which have recently been placed under medium-response level, just one level below martial law. Local authorities in medium-response level regions have been accorded broader powers to, among others, temporarily resettle residents to safe areas; introduce a special regime of entry and exit into these territories and restrict freedom of movement within them; and restrict the movements of vehicles and inspect them.

Singaporeans are strongly advised to remain vigilant and monitor local news closely. They should take necessary precautions for their personal safety and eRegister with MFA immediately at  https://eregister.mfa.gov.sg  if they have not done so. Singaporeans in Russia who require consular assistance should contact:

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