|
A SAFE TRIP 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.
Planning Another Trip?
The following pamphlets published by the Bureau of Consular Affairs
can be found on our web site at http://travel.state.gov. Copies may also
be ordered from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing
Office, Washington, DC 20402; tel: (202) 512-1800; fax: (202) 512-2250.
If ordered from the GPO, prices and availability are subject to change
without notice. Please check with the Government Printing Office for more
information.
Your Trip Abroad
Tips for Americans
Residing Abroad
Travel Tips for
Older Americans
Country specific information can be found in the following publications:
Tips for Travelers
to Canada
Tips for Travelers
to the Caribbean
Tips for Travelers
to Central & South America
Tips for Travelers
to the People's Republic of China
Tips for Travelers
to Mexico
Tips for
Travelers to the Middle East & North Africa
Tips for Travelers
to Russia
Tips for Travelers
to South Asia
The following publications may be ordered from the Consumer Information
Center, Pueblo, Colorado 81009. Call (719) 948-4000 to check on price and
availability:
· General entry and visa information for these and other countries
are available in Foreign Entry Requirements.
· Information on how, when and where to apply for your U.S.
passport is available in Passports: Applying
for Them the Easy Way.
Return to Travel
Publications Page
FLY FREE when you earn 10,000 Bonus Miles just for signing
up for the Gold Delta SkyMiles(r) Credit Card.
|
