Travel Safety Tips when Traveling Abroad
DEPARTMENT OF STATE PUBLICATION 10942
Bureau of Consular Affairs
March 2002
Foreword
When you travel abroad, the odds are in your favor that you will have a safe
and incident-free trip. However, crime and violence, as well as unexpected difficulties,
do happen to U.S. citizens in all parts of the world. No one is better able
to tell you this than the U.S. consular officers who work in more than 250 U.S.
embassies and consulates around the globe. Every day of the year, U.S. embassies
and consulates receive calls from American citizens in distress.
Happily, most problems can be solved over the telephone or by a visit of the
U.S. citizen to the Consular Section of the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.
But, there are less fortunate occasions when U.S. diplomats are called on to
meet U.S. citizens at foreign police stations, hospitals, prisons and even at
morgues. In these cases, the assistance that diplomats can offer is specific
but limited.
In the hope of helping you avoid serious difficulties during your abroad, we
have prepared the following travel tips.
Thank you for taking the time to become an informed traveler. We wish you a
safe and wonderful journey!
BEFORE YOU GO
What to Bring
Safety begins when you pack. To avoid being a target, dress conservatively.
Don't wear expensive looking jewelry. A flashy wardrobe or one that is too casual
can mark you as a tourist. As much as possible, avoid the appearance of affluence.
Always try to travel light. You can move more quickly and will be more likely
to have a free hand. You will also be less tired and less likely to set your
luggage down, leaving it unattended.
Carry the minimum amount of valuables necessary for your trip and plan a place
or places to conceal them. Your passport, cash and credit cards are most secure
when locked in a hotel safe. When you have to carry them on your person, you
may wish to conceal them in several places rather than putting them all in one
wallet or pouch. Avoid handbags, fanny packs and outside pockets that are easy
targets for thieves. Inside pockets and a sturdy shoulder bag with the strap
worn across your chest are somewhat safer. One of the safest places to carry
valuables is in a pouch or money belt worn under your clothing.
If you wear glasses, pack an extra pair. Bring them and any medicines you need
in your carry-on luggage.
To avoid problems when passing through customs, keep medicines in their original,
labeled containers. Bring copies of your prescriptions and the generic names
for the drugs. If a medication is unusual or contains narcotics, carry a letter
from your doctor attesting to your need to take the drug. If you have any doubt
about the legality of carrying a certain drug into a country, consult the embassy
or consulate of that country first.
Bring travelers checks and one or two major credit cards instead of cash.
Pack an extra set of passport photos along with a photocopy of your passport
information page to make replacement of your passport easier in the event it
is lost or stolen.
Put your name, address and telephone numbers inside and outside of each piece
of luggage. Use covered luggage tags to avoid casual observation of your identity
or nationality. If possible, lock your luggage.
Consider getting a telephone calling card. It is a convenient way of keeping
in touch. If you have one, verify that you can use it from your overseas location(s).
Access numbers to U.S. operators are published in many international newspapers.
Find out your access number before you go.
What to Leave Behind
Don't bring anything you would hate to lose. Leave at home:
· valuable or expensive-looking
jewelry,
· irreplaceable family objects,
· all unnecessary credit cards,
· Social Security card, library cards, and similar items you may routinely
carry in your wallet.
Leave a copy of your itinerary with family or friends at home in case they
need to contact you in an emergency.
A Few Things to Bring AND Leave Behind
Make two photocopies of your passport identification page, airline tickets,
driver's license and the credit cards that you plan to bring with you. Leave
one photocopy of this data with family or friends at home; pack the other in
a place separate from where you carry your valuables.
Leave a copy of the serial numbers of your travelers' checks with a friend
or relative at home. Carry your copy with you in a separate place and, as you
cash the checks, cross them off the list.
What to Learn About Before You Go
Security. The Department of State's Consular Information Sheets
are available for every country of the world. They describe entry requirements,
currency regulations, unusual health conditions, the crime and security situation,
political disturbances, areas of instability, and special information about
driving and road conditions. They also provide addresses and emergency telephone
numbers for U.S. embassies and consulates. In general, the Sheets do not give
advice. Instead, they describe conditions so travelers can make informed decisions
about their trips.
In some dangerous situations, however, the Department of State recommends that
Americans defer travel to a country. In such a case, a Travel Warning
is issued for the country in addition to its Consular Information Sheet.
Public Announcements are a means to disseminate information about relatively
short-term and/or trans-national conditions posing significant risks to the
security of American travelers. They are issued when there is a perceived threat,
even if it does not involve Americans as a particular target group. In the past,
Public Announcements have been issued to deal with short-term coups, pre-election
disturbances, violence by terrorists and anniversary dates of specific terrorist
events.
You can access Consular Information Sheets, Travel Warnings and Public Announcements
24-hours a day in several ways.
Internet
The most convenient source of information about travel and consular services
is the Consular Affairs home page. The
web site address is http://travel.state.gov. If you do not have access to the
Internet at home, work or school, your local library may provide access to the
Internet.
Fax
From your fax machine, dial (202) 647-3000, using the handset as you
would a regular telephone. The system will instruct you on how to proceed.
Telephone
Consular Information Sheets and Travel Warnings may be heard any time by dialing
the office of American Citizens Services at (202) 647-5225 from a touchtone
phone.
In Person/By Mail
Consular Information Sheets, Travel Warnings and Public Announcements are available
at any of the regional passport agencies and U.S. embassies and consulates abroad,
or, by writing and sending a self-addressed, stamped envelope to the Office
of American Citizens Services, Bureau of Consular Affairs, Room 4811, U.S. Department
of State, Washington, D.C. 20520-4818.
Local Laws and Customs. When you leave the United States, you are subject
to the laws of the country where you are. Therefore, before you go, learn as
much as you can about the local laws and customs of the places you plan to visit.
Good resources are your library, your travel agent, and the embassies, consulates
or tourist bureaus of the countries you will visit. In addition, keep track
of what is being reported in the media about recent developments in those countries.
THINGS TO ARRANGE BEFORE YOU GO
Your Itinerary. As much as possible, plan to stay in larger hotels that
have more elaborate security. Safety experts recommend booking a room from the
second to seventh floors above ground level to deter easy entrance from outside,
but low enough for fire equipment to reach.
Because take-off and landing are the most dangerous times of a flight, book
non-stop flights when possible. When there is a choice of airport or airline,
ask your travel agent about comparative safety records.
Legal Documents. Have your affairs at home in order. If you leave a
current will, insurance documents, and power of attorney with your family or
a friend, you can feel secure about traveling and will be prepared for any emergency
that may arise while you are away. If you have minor children, consider making
guardianship arrangements for them.
Credit. Make a note of the credit limit on each credit card that you
bring. Make certain not to charge over that amount on your trip. In some countries,
Americans have been arrested for innocently exceeding their credit limit. Ask
your credit card company how to report the loss of your card from abroad. 800
numbers do not work from abroad, but your company should have a number that
you can call while you are overseas.
Insurance. Find out if your personal property insurance covers you for
loss or theft abroad. More importantly, check on whether your health insurance
covers you abroad. Medicare and Medicaid do not provide payment for medical
care outside the U.S. Even if your health insurance will reimburse you for medical
care that you pay for abroad, normal health insurance does not pay for medical
evacuation from a remote area or from a country where medical facilities are
inadequate. Consider purchasing one of the short-term health and emergency assistance
policies designed for travelers. Also, make sure that the plan you purchase
includes medical evacuation in the event of an accident or serious illness.
PRECAUTIONS TO TAKE WHILE TRAVELING
Safety on the Street
Use the same common sense traveling overseas that you would at home. Be especially
cautious in or avoid areas where you are likely to be victimized. These include
crowded subways, train stations, elevators, tourist sites, market places, festivals
and marginal areas of cities.
Don't use short cuts, narrow alleys or poorly-lit streets. Try not to travel
alone at night.
Avoid public demonstrations and other civil disturbances.
Keep a low profile and avoid loud conversations or arguments. Do not discuss
travel plans or other personal matters with strangers.
Avoid scam artists. Beware of strangers who approach you, offering bargains
or to be your guide.
Beware of pickpockets. They often have an accomplice who will:
· jostle you,
· ask you for directions or the time,
· point to something spilled on your clothing,
· or distract you by creating a disturbance.
A child or even a woman carrying a baby can be a pickpocket. Beware of groups
of vagrant children who create a distraction while picking your pocket.
Wear the shoulder strap of your bag across your chest and walk with the bag
away from the curb to avoid drive-by purse-snatchers.
Try to seem purposeful when you move about. Even if you are lost, act as if
you know where you are going. When possible, ask directions only from individuals
in authority.
Know how to use a pay telephone and have the proper change or token on hand.
Learn a few phrases in the local language so you can signal your need for help,
the police, or a doctor. Make a note of emergency telephone numbers you may
need: police, fire, your hotel, and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.
If you are confronted, don't fight back. Give up your valuables. Your money
and passport can be replaced, but you cannot.
Safety in Your Hotel
Keep your hotel door locked at all times. Meet visitors in the lobby.
Do not leave money and other valuables in your hotel room while you are out.
Use the hotel safe.
Let someone know when you expect to return if you are out late at night.
If you are alone, do not get on an elevator if there is a suspicious-looking
person inside.
Read the fire safety instructions in your hotel room. Know how to report a
fire. Be sure you know where the nearest fire exit and alternate exits are located.
Count the doors between your room and the nearest exit. This could be a life
saver if you have to crawl through a smoke-filled corridor.
Safety on Public Transportation
If a country has a pattern of tourists
being targeted by criminals on public transport, that information is mentioned
in the Consular Information Sheets
under the "Crime Information" section.
Taxis. Only take taxis clearly identified with official markings. Beware
of unmarked cabs.
Trains. Well organized, systematic robbery of passengers on trains along
popular tourists routes is a serious problem. It is more common at night and
especially on overnight trains.
If you see your way being blocked by a stranger and another person is very
close to you from behind, move away. This can happen in the corridor of the
train or on the platform or station.
Do not accept food or drink from strangers. Criminals have been known to drug
food or drink offered to passengers. Criminals may also spray sleeping gas in
train compartments.
Where possible, lock your compartment. If it cannot be locked securely, take
turns sleeping in shifts with your traveling companions. If that is not possible,
stay awake. If you must sleep unprotected, tie down your luggage, strap your
valuables to you and sleep on top of them as much as possible.
Do not be afraid to alert authorities if you feel threatened in any way. Extra
police are often assigned to ride trains on routes where crime is a serious
problem.
Buses. The same type of criminal activity found on trains can be found
on public buses on popular tourist routes. For example, tourists have been drugged
and robbed while sleeping on buses or in bus stations. In some countries whole
bus loads of passengers have been held up and robbed by gangs of bandits.
Safety When You Drive
When you rent a car, don't go for the exotic; choose a type commonly available
locally. Where possible, ask that markings that identify it as a rental car
be removed. Make certain it is in good repair. If available, choose a car with
universal door locks and power windows, features that give the driver better
control of access to the car. An air conditioner, when available, is also a
safety feature, allowing you to drive with windows closed. Thieves can and do
snatch purses through open windows of moving cars.
Keep car doors locked at all times. Wear seat belts.
As much as possible, avoid driving at night.
Don't leave valuables in the car. If you must carry things with you, keep them
out of sight locked in the trunk.
Don't park your car on the street overnight. If the hotel or municipality does
not have a parking garage or other secure area, select a well-lit area.
Never pick up hitchhikers.
Don't get out of the car if there are suspicious looking individuals nearby.
Drive away.
Patterns of Crime Against Motorists
In many places frequented by tourists, including areas of southern Europe,
victimization of motorists has been refined to an art. Where it is a problem,
U.S. embassies are aware of it and consular officers try to work with local
authorities to warn the public about the dangers. In some locations, these efforts
at public awareness have paid off, reducing the frequency of incidents. You
may also wish to ask your rental car agency for advice on avoiding robbery while
visiting tourist destinations.
Carjackers and thieves operate at gas stations, parking lots, in city traffic
and along the highway. Be suspicious of anyone who hails you or tries to get
your attention when you are in or near your car.
Criminals use ingenious ploys. They may pose as good Samaritans, offering help
for tires that they claim are flat or that they have made flat. Or they may
flag down a motorist, ask for assistance, and then steal the rescuer's luggage
or car. Usually they work in groups, one person carrying on the pretense while
the others rob you.
Other criminals get your attention
with abuse, either trying to drive you off the road, or causing an "accident" by rear-ending you or creating
a "fender bender."
In some urban areas, thieves don't
waste time on ploys, they simply smash car windows at traffic lights, grab
your valuables or your car and get away. In
cities around the world, "defensive driving" has come to mean more
than avoiding auto accidents; it means keeping an eye out for potentially criminal
pedestrians, cyclists and scooter riders.
How to Handle Money Safely
To avoid carrying large amounts of cash, change your travelers' checks only
as you need currency. Countersign travelers' checks only in front of the person
who will cash them.
Do not flash large amounts of money when paying a bill. Make sure your credit
card is returned to you after each transaction.
Deal only with authorized agents when you exchange money, buy airline tickets
or purchase souvenirs. Do not change money on the black market.
If your possessions are lost or stolen, report the loss immediately to the
local police. Keep a copy of the police report for insurance claims and as an
explanation of your plight. After reporting missing items to the police, report
the loss or theft of:
· travelers' checks to the
nearest agent of the issuing company,
· credit cards to the issuing company,
· airline tickets to the airline or travel agent,
· passport to the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.
How to Avoid Legal Difficulties
When you are in a foreign country, you are subject to its laws and are under
its jurisdiction NOT the protection of the U.S. Constitution.
You can be arrested overseas for actions that may be either legal or considered
minor infractions in the United States. Be aware of what is considered criminal
in the country where you are. Consular Information Sheets include information
on unusual patterns of arrests in various countries when appropriate.
Some of the offenses for which U.S. citizens have been arrested abroad are:
Drug Violations. More than 1/3 of U.S. citizens incarcerated abroad
are held on drug charges. Some countries do not distinguish between possession
and trafficking. Many countries have mandatory sentences - even for possession
of a small amount of marijuana or cocaine. A number of Americans have been arrested
for possessing prescription drugs, particularly tranquilizers and amphetamines,
that they purchased legally in certain Asian countries and then brought to some
countries in the Middle East where they are illegal. Other U.S. citizens have
been arrested for purchasing prescription drugs abroad in quantities that local
authorities suspected were for commercial use. If in doubt about foreign drug
laws, ask local authorities or the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.
Possession of Firearms. The places where U.S. citizens most often come
into difficulties for illegal possession of firearms are nearby - Mexico, Canada
and the Caribbean. Sentences for possession of firearms in Mexico can be up
to 30 years. In general, firearms, even those legally registered in the U.S.,
cannot be brought into a country unless a permit is first obtained from the
embassy or a consulate of that country and the firearm is registered with foreign
authorities on arrival. (Note: If you take firearms or ammunition to another
country, you cannot bring them back into the U.S. unless you register them with
U.S. Customs before you leave the U.S.)
Photography. In many countries you can be harassed or detained for photographing
such things as police and military installations, government buildings, border
areas and transportation facilities. If you are in doubt, ask permission before
taking photographs.
Purchasing Antiques. Americans have been arrested for purchasing souvenirs
that were, or looked like, antiques and which local customs authorities believed
were national treasures. This is especially true in Turkey, Egypt and Mexico.
In countries where antiques are important, document your purchases as reproductions
if that is the case, or if they are authentic, secure the necessary export permit
(usually from the national museum.)
Terrorism
Terrorist acts occur at random and unpredictably, making it impossible to protect
yourself absolutely. The first and best protection is to avoid travel to unsafe
areas where there has been a persistent record of terrorist attacks or kidnapping.
The vast majority of foreign states have good records of maintaining public
order and protecting residents and visitors within their borders from terrorism.
Most terrorist attacks are the result of long and careful planning. Just as
a car thief will first be attracted to an unlocked car with the key in the ignition,
terrorists are looking for defenseless, easily accessible targets who follow
predictable patterns. The chances that a tourist, traveling with an unpublished
program or itinerary, would be the victim of terrorism are slight. In addition,
many terrorist groups, seeking publicity for political causes within their own
country or region, may not be looking for American targets.
Nevertheless, the following pointers may help you avoid becoming a target of
opportunity. They should be considered as adjuncts to the tips listed in the
previous sections on how to protect yourself against the far greater likelihood
of being a victim of crime. These precautions may provide some degree of protection,
and can serve as practical and psychological deterrents to would-be terrorists.
· Schedule direct flights
if possible and avoid stops in high-risk airports or areas. Consider other
options for travel, such as trains.
· Be aware of what you discuss
with strangers or what may be overheard by others.
· Try to minimize the time
spent in the public area of an airport, which is a less protected area. Move
quickly from the check-in counter to the secured
areas. On arrival, leave the airport as soon as possible.
· As much as possible, avoid luggage tags, dress and behavior that may
identify you as an American.
· Keep an eye out for suspicious
abandoned packages or briefcases. Report them to airport security or other
authorities and leave the area promptly.
· Avoid obvious terrorist
targets such as places where Americans and Westerners are known to congregate.
Travel to High-Risk Areas
If you must travel in an area where there has been a history of terrorist attacks
or kidnapping, make it a habit to:
· Discuss with your family
what they would do in the event of an emergency. Make sure your affairs are
in order before leaving home.
· Register with the U.S.
embassy or consulate upon arrival.
· Remain friendly but be
cautious about discussing personal matters, your itinerary or program.
· Leave no personal or business
papers in your hotel room.
· Watch for people following you or "loiterers" observing
your comings and goings.
· Keep a mental note of safehavens,
such as police stations, hotels, hospitals.
· Let someone else know what
your travel plans are. Keep them informed if you change your plans.
· Avoid predictable times
and routes of travel and report any suspicious activity to local police,
and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.
· Select your own taxi cabs at random. Don't take a vehicle that is not
clearly identified as a taxi. Compare the face of the driver with the one posted
on his or her license.
· If possible, travel with
others.
· Be sure of the identity
of visitors before opening the door of your hotel room. Don't meet strangers
at unknown or remote locations.
· Refuse unexpected packages.
· Formulate a plan of action
for what you will do if a bomb explodes or there is gunfire nearby.
· Check for loose wires or
other suspicious activity around your car.
· Be sure your vehicle is
in good operating condition in case you need to resort to high-speed or evasive
driving.
· Drive with car windows
closed in crowded streets. Bombs can be thrown through open windows.
· If you are ever in a situation
where somebody starts shooting, drop to the floor or get down as low as possible.
Don't move until you are sure the
danger has passed. Do not attempt to help rescuers and do not pick up a weapon.
If possible, shield yourself behind or under a solid object. If you must
move,
crawl on your stomach.
Hijacking/Hostage Situations
While every hostage situation is different, some considerations are important.
The U.S. government's policy is firm. We will negotiate, but not make concessions
- to do so would only increase the risk of further hostage-taking. When Americans
are abducted overseas, we look to the host government to exercise its responsibility
under international law to protect all persons within its territories and to
bring about the safe release of hostages. We work closely with these governments
from the outset of a hostage-taking incident to ensure that our citizens and
other innocent victims are released as quickly and safely as possible.
Normally, the most dangerous phases of a hijacking or hostage situation are
the beginning and, if there is a rescue attempt, the end. At the outset, the
terrorists typically are tense, high-strung and may behave irrationally. It
is extremely important that you remain calm and alert and manage your own behavior.
Avoid resistance and sudden or threatening movements. Do not struggle or try
to escape unless you are certain of being successful.
· Make a concerted effort
to relax. Prepare yourself mentally, physically and emotionally for the possibility
of a long ordeal.
· Try to remain inconspicuous,
avoid direct eye contact and the appearance of observing your captors' actions.
· Avoid alcoholic beverages.
Consume little food and drink.
· Consciously put yourself
in a mode of passive cooperation. Talk normally. Do not complain, avoid belligerency,
and comply with all orders and instructions.
· If questioned, keep your
answers short. Don't volunteer information or make unnecessary overtures.
· Don't try to be a hero,
endangering yourself and others.
· Maintain your sense of
personal dignity and gradually increase your requests for personal comforts.
Make these requests in a reasonable low-key
manner.
· If you are involved in
a lengthier, drawn-out situation, try to establish a rapport with your captors,
avoiding political discussions or other confrontational
subjects.
· Establish a daily program
of mental and physical activity. Don't be afraid to ask for anything you
need or want - medicines, books, pencils, papers.
· Eat what they give you,
even if it does not look or taste appetizing. A loss of appetite and weight
is normal.
· Think positively. Avoid
a sense of despair. Rely on your inner resources. Remember that you are a
valuable commodity to your captors. It is important
to them to keep you alive and well.
ASSISTANCE ABROAD
If you plan to stay more than two weeks in one place, if you are in an area
experiencing civil unrest or a natural disaster, or, if you are planning travel
to a remote area, it is advisable to register at the Consular Section of the
nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. This will make it easier if someone at home
needs to locate you urgently or in the unlikely event that you need to be evacuated
in an emergency. It will also facilitate the issuance of a new passport should
yours be lost or stolen.
The Consular Section can provide updated information on the security situation
in a country.
If you are ill or injured, contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate for
a list of local physicians and medical facilities. If the illness is serious,
consular officers can help you find medical assistance from this list and, at
your request, will inform your family or friends. If necessary, a consul can
assist in the transfer of funds from family or friends in the United States.
Payment of hospital and other medical expenses is your responsibility.
If you run out of money overseas and have no other options, consular officers
can help you get in touch with your family, friends, bank or employer and inform
them how to wire funds to you.
Should you find yourself in legal difficulty, contact a consular officer immediately.
Consular officers cannot serve as attorneys, give legal advice, or get you out
of jail. What they can do is provide a list of local attorneys who speak English
and who may have had experience in representing U.S. citizens. If you are arrested,
consular officials will visit you, advise you of your rights under local laws
and ensure that you are held under humane conditions and are treated fairly
under local law. A consular officer will contact your family or friends if you
desire. When necessary, consuls can transfer money from home for you and will
try to get relief for you, including food and clothing in countries where this
is a problem. If you are detained, remember that under international treaties
and customary international law, you have the right to talk to the U.S. consul.
If you are denied this right, be persistent. Try to have someone get in touch
for you.
