Tip for a Safe Trip Abroad
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 and
the chance of becoming a hostage is remote, some considerations
are important.
The U.S. government's policy not to negotiate with terrorists
is firm - 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. Breathe deeply
and 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.
Another reason to contact the Consular Section is to obtain
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 also 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 agreements and practice, 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.
Thank you for taking the time to become an informed traveler.
We wish you a safe and wonderful journey.
Planning Another Trip?
For general travel information, the following pamphlets
may be ordered from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government
Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20420, tel. 202-512-1800:
Your Trip Abroad ($1.25)
A Safe Trip Abroad
Tips for Americans Residing Abroad
Travel Tips for Older Americans
Tips for Travelers to Canada
Tips for Travelers to the Caribbean
Tips for Travelers to Central and South America
Tips for Travelers to Mexico
Tips for Travelers to the Middle East and North Africa ($1.50)
Tips for Travelers to the People's Republic of China
Tips for Travelers to Russia and the Newly Independent States
Tips for Travelers to South Asia
Tips for Travelers to Sub-Saharan Africa ($1.50)
The price of each publication is about $1.00, except where noted.
Prices and availability are subject to change without notice.
Please check with the Government Printing Office for more information.
General 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 provided in Passports: Applying
for Them the Easy Way. Both publications may be ordered for 50
cents each from the Consumer Information Center, Pueblo, Colorado
81009.
DEPARTMENT OF STATE PUBLICATION 10399
Bureau of Consular Affairs
Revised August 1996
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