Before Departure
- Pack clothing that will not single you out among the general population. Minimize wearing clothing with corporate names and logos, unless you are moving directly between your accommodations and business destinations. Avoid, in general, apparel with flags, religious symbols, political slogans, and culturally sensitive art or graphics.
- Review special entry requirements for countries you are visiting. This may include a check to make certain that prescriptions that are allowed in your home country are not illegal or restricted at your destination.
- Learn about cultural and legal issues. Laws regarding alcohol consumption in some countries are quite restrictive, punishments severe, and embassy personnel have a diminished ability to help when a crime is involved.
- Maintain an awareness of events for your destination, as well as global events that may spread, such as political events, economic conditions, cultural differences and religious conflicts.
- If possible, register with your country’s embassy to ensure that they know you are in the area. In many countries, this can now be completed online.
- Make sure key people have your travel itinerary, points of contact while abroad, international cell phone number, and emergency contact information at home. Prearrange times to make contact.
At All Times and In All Places
- Blend in as much as possible, especially in your dress and appearance. Avoid an obvious tourist appearance.
- When sightseeing, try not to appear overwhelmed by an attraction. Such behavior makes you appear more vulnerable to a criminal.
- Keep cameras and video equipment in a bag when possible; avoid walking around with such items hanging from your neck.
- Avoid viewing maps in plain view; thieves prey on travelers who seem lost or disoriented.
- Do not accept food or drink from strangers; would-be criminals often try to drug their victims through food and drink.
- Ignore attempts by locals to provoke an argument. Change the topic of discussion and, if possible, remove yourself from the situation.
- Stay informed of the local situation through reliable news sources.
- Pre-identify potential safe havens if ever needed. These may include police stations, hospitals, business hotels, embassies and consulates. Exercise discretion and utilize security resources in identifying these locations. What may be an appropriate secure location in none city or country may offer little protection in another. For example, in a time of civil unrest, the embassy may be the center of turmoil, making it difficult to reach the embassy and achieve entrance. In some locations, the policy may be little help in the face of civil unrest. Have several secondary locations identified in the even that your primary safe havens are unavailable.
- Keep your corporate affiliation, nationality, and religion private. Do not discuss sensitive issues, such as politics or religion.
- Have a plan of action for how you would react during a security situation. Where would you go? Who would you contact?
- Do not discuss personal matters with strangers, including your itinerary, place of lodging or mode of transportation.
In Transit/At the Airport
- Schedule direct flights, if possible, and avoid stops in high-risk airports. For corporate travelers, use arrangements approved and made by yo ur company. These have often been evaluated for security issues.
- Be aware of and be prepared to use alternative transportation options. Interruptions in air travel may force passengers to wait hours, or rely upon other forms of transportation, such as trains and automobiles.
- Avoid using luggage tags identifying you as an obvious foreigner.
- Minimize your time in the common areas of an airport, which are less protected. Move quickly from the security official and baggage claim areas through the lobby and to your transportation.
At Your Hotel
- Lock hotel room, connecting room and balcony doors, and all windows. When entering the room, monitor for anyone who may be following you, immediately close the door upon entering, and check the room before securing deadbolts, chain locks or other door restraints.
- Know the local emergency assistance phone number and how to use the local phone system.
- Store all unneeded personal documents and excess cash in the hotel or room safe.
- Meet people, especially strangers, only in the hotel lobby and not in your room. Ask that unexpected deliveries be left at the front desk or bellstand.
- Try to exercise in hotel workout facilities. Workout apparel may run counter to cultural sensitivities. In addition, this is often a time when you are not in physical possession of identification or other needed contact information, and personal security awareness should be heightened.
Getting Around
- Have hotel management call for a taxi rather than trying to hail one yourself. If you are using a car service, have a designated method for confirming the driver. Do not rely solely on a sign carried by a person, as this is often copied by others who take the passengers and may rob or assault them.
- Be knowledgeable of any restricted areas requiring entry permits, and attain these documents before traveling to such locations.
- Do not photograph police stations, military installations, government buildings, airports, ports or train stations without first determining whether photography is permitted. If in doubt, ask permission from someone in authority before taking any photographs.
On the Street
- Avoid walking alone at night, unless you have been assured the area is safe and is well traveled.
- Use local drivers whenever possible. If you do drive, do not take shortcuts or go off well-traveled roads.
- Stay on well-lit main streets when possible.
- If disoriented, ask for directions only from uniformed officers or individuals of obvious authority.
- Do not accept rides from strangers or new acquaintances.
- Avoid all demonstrations or other civil disturbances; leave the area immediately if caught in an impromptu assembly.
- Seek immediate shelter from violent situations; hotels, large restaurants, museums and police stations are good places to take refuge.
- Withdraw money from ATMs only during daylight hours and preferably only in banks or hotels.
- Report suspicious activity to your hotel's management, the police and/or your embassy or consulate.
- Avoid, if possible, establishments, embassies, or community centers that may be considered potential security targets in that country.
