A
Safe
Trip
Abroad
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A
SAFE
TRIP
ABROAD
DEPARTMENTOFSTATEPUBLICATION
I
0942
Bureau
of
Consular
Affairs
March 2002
Foreword
when
you
travel
abroad,
the
odds
are
in your
favor
that you
will
have a
safe
aad
incident-free
trip.
However,
crime
and violence,
as well
as
unexpected
difficulties,
do
happen
to
U.S. citizens
in all parts
of
the
wortd.
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.
citizento
the
Consular
Section
of
the
nearest
u.s.
embassy
or
consulate'
But'
there
are
tess
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
safery
begins
when you
pack'
To
avoid
being
a target,
dress
conseryatively.
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,
avoii
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 praces
to
conceat
them.
your
passport,
cash
and
credit
cards
are
most
secure
when
locked
in
a
hotel
safe. when
you
h.u" tocarry
ih"r
on
your
person,
you
may
wish
to
conceal
them
in
several
places
rather
than
putting
them
all in
one waltet
or pouch.
Avoid
handbags,
fanny
packs
and
outside
po"r"t
that
are
easy
targets
for
thieves'
Inside
pockets
and
a sturdy
shoulder
bag with
the
strap *orn
""Jr"
your
chest
are
somewhat
safer.
one
of the
safest
places
to
carry valuables
is in
a
pouch
or
money
belt wom
under your
clothing.
If
you
wear
glasses,
pack
an
extra piir.
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
narcotrcs,
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
tuggaje.
consider
getting
a telephone
calting
card.
It is a
convcnient
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
Dont
bring
anything
you
would
hate
to
lose.
Leave
at
home:
valuable
or
expensive-looking
jewelry,
irreplaceable
family
objecu,
all
unnecessary
credit
cards,
'social
Security
card,
library
cards,
and
similar
items
you
may
I*ave
a
copy
of
your
itinerary
with
famity
or
friends
at
home
in
routinely
carry
in
your
wallet.
case
they
need
to
contact
you
in an
emergency.
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A
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Things
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Leave
Behind
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Make
two photocopies
of your
Passport
identification page,
airline
tickets,
driver's
license
and
the
credit
cards
that you
plan
to bring
with
you'
l,eave
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
Securify'
The
Department
of
State's
Consular
Information
Sheets
are
available
for every
country
of
the world.
They
describe
entry
requlrements,
cuffency
regulations,
unusual
health conditions,
the
crime
and
security
situation,
poiitical
disturbancesjareas
of
instability'
and
special
information
about
driving
and
road
conditions.
They also
provide
addresses
and
emergency
telephone
numbers
for
U's'
embassies
and
consulates.
ln
general,
the
sheets do
not give
advice.
ILtead,
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
ihere
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 tenorists
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.
fnternet
Themostconvenientsourceofinformationabouttrave|[email protected]
http:/itravel.state.gov'
If
you
do
not have
access
to the
Intemet
at
home,
work
or r"r,*r, y-ilo-t
tiuo]
may provide
access
to
the
Internet.
Fax
From
your
fax
machine,
dial
(202)
@7-3000'
using
the
handset
as you
would
a regular
telephone.
The
system
wilt
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)
64il-5225
from
a touchtone
phone.
In
Person/3y
Mail
Consular
Information
Sheets'
Travel warnings
and
Public Announcements
are available
at any
of the
regional
passport
agencies
and
embassies
and
consulates
abroad,
or,
by writing
and
sending
a self-addressed,
stamped
envelope
to the
dfice
of
American
Citizens
Services'
Bureau
of Consular
Affairs,
Room
481
l,
U.S.
Department
of
Srab, Washington,
O.C. ZOSZO+S1A.
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
CO
Your
ltinerary.
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
equrpment
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 aftorney
with your
family
or a friend, you
can
feel
secure
about
traveling
and will
be
prepared
for any
emergency
that
may arise
whiie
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
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loss
ofyour 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
ttre
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 evacriation
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.
PR.ECAUTIONS
TO
TAI(E
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{it
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
ot 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 atl
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
retum
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
nearesi
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 tratns.
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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
plarform
or station.
Do
not accept
food or
drink
from
strangers.
Criminals
have
been
known
to drug food
or drink
offered
to passengem.
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
ifyou
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
have
been
drugged
and
robbed while
sleeping
on
buses
or
in
bus
stations.
In
up
and
robbed
by
gangs
of
bandits.
Safety
When
You
Drive
public
buses
on
popular
tourist
routes.
For
example,
tourists
some
countries
whole
bus
loads
of passengers
have
been
held
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
refair.
tf
available,
choose
a car
with
universal
door
tocks
and
power
windows,
features
that
give
the
driver
better
control
of
accesi
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
Don't
park
your
car
on the
street
overni.ght.
If the
hotel
or
well-lit
area.
If your
possessions
are
lost
or
stolen,
report
the
loss
immediately
to the
local
claims
and as
an
explanation
of
your
plight.
After
reporting
missing
items
to
with
you,
keep
them
out
of
sight
locked
in the
rrunk.
municipality
does
not
have
a parking
garage
or
other
secure
area,select
a
police.
Keep
a copy
of
the
police
report
for
insurance
the police,
report
the
loss
or
theft
of:
Never
pick
up
hitchhikers.
Don't
get
out of
the
car
if there
are
suspicious
rooking
individuars
nearby.
Drive
away.
Patterns
of
Crime
Against
Motorists
In
many places
frequented
by tourists,
including
areas
of
southem
Europe,
victimization
of
motorists
has
been
refined
to
an
art.
where
it
is
a
problem'
u's'
embassies
are
au/are
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
ofi
reducing
the
frequency
of
incidents.
you
may
also
wish
to ask
your
rental
car
agency
for
advice
on avoiding
robbery
while
visiting
tourist
destiiations.
carjackers
and
thieves
operate
at gas
stations,
parking
lots,
in city
traffic
and
along
the
highway.
Be
suspicious
of
anyone
who
haits you
or tnes
to
get
your
attention
when
you
are
in
or
near
your
car.
Criminals
use
ingenious
ptoys.
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.
""*:1""#fj:j:i#il:I*tion
with
abuse,
either
tryins
to
drive
vou
off the
road,
or
causing
an
"accidenr,,
by
rear-ending
you
or
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-clme
to
mean more
than
avoiding-auto
iccidents;
it
means
keeping
an
eye
out
for potentialry
criminar
pedestrians,
cycrists
and
scooter
riders.
IIow
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
bitl.
Make
sure your
credit
card
is retumed
to you
after
each
transaction.
fi::i."lt#tt
authorized
agents when you
exchange
money,
buy
airline
rickers
or
purchase
souvenirs.
Do
nor
change
money on
rhe
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as
afetri
p
a
b
ro
ad.
htm
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
Difliculties
when
you
are
in a
foreign
country,
you
are
subject to
its
laws
and
are
under
is
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
considered
criminal
in the
country where
you
are.
Consular
Information
Sheets
include
information
various
countries
when
appropriate.
some
of the
offenses
for which
u.S. citizens
have
been
arrested
abroad
are:
the
United
States.
Be
aware
of
what
is
on
unusual
patterns
of
arrests
in
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
-
"u"n
fo, possession
of
a
small
amount
of
marijuana
or
cocaine'
A number
of
Americans
have
been
arrested
for possessinj
prescription
drugs,
particularly
tranquilizers
and
amphetamines,
that
they
purchased
legally
in
certain
Asian
countries
and
then
broughtioro*"
countri"s
in irre
uioate
East
where
they
are
illegal.
other
U.S.
citizens
have
been
arrested
for purchasing
prescription
drugs
abioad
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.
unlesi you
register
them
with
U.s.
cusioms
before
you
leave
the
u.S.)
Photography'
In
many
countries
you
can
be harassed
or
detained
for photographing
such
things
as
police
and
military
instaltations,
government
buildings,
border
areas
and
transportation
facilities.
If
you
are
in ioubt,
ask p"rmission
before
taking
photographs.
::T::T:T"^.,,,:11::::IT1":T 11Y:
o::n
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ror
purchasing
souvenirs
rhar
were,
or
tooked
like,
antiques
and
which
locat
arru
wltlu[
lwal
il'Jff"lT*l*::::::J":,X::::::::::::T:A"1ii'.::
:-'T:'i'll
;*
in
rurkev,
egvpi
*a
r"r.*i.o"in
"oun,,,"s
where
antiques
are
;Afi,i:l;"*,lT"jj,l:::
rjj:::i
as
reproductions
if that
is
ihe
case,
or if
thef'aia
iri#;J#;";;;;;""ilX'ffi:;
(usually
frorn
the
national
museum.)
Terrorism
Terrorist
acts
occur
at
random
and
unpredictably,
makin_g
it impossible
to
protect
yourself
absolutely.
The
first
and
best
protection
is to
avoid
travel
to
unsafe
areas
where
tfrere
has
been
a persistent
record
of
teriorist
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
[errorism.
Most terrorist
attacks
are the
result
of long
and
careful
planning.
Just
as a
car
thief
will
first
be
atlracted
to
an
unlocked
car
with
the
key
in
the
ignition'
terrorists
are
looking
for
defenseless,
easiiy
accessible
targets
who
follow
predictable
patrems.
The
chances
that
a tourist,
traveling
with
an
unpublished
Progtam
or
itinerary,
would
be
the victim
of terorism
are slight.
In
aidition,
many
terrorist
groups,
seeking
publicity
for
political
causes
within
their
own
country
or
region,
may
not
be
looking
for
Arnerican
targets.
Nevertheless,
the
following
Pointers
may
help you
avoid
becoming
a rarger
of opportunity.
They
should
be
considered
as
adjuncts
to
the
tips
listed
in
the
previous
sections
on
how to protect
yourself
against
thJfar
greater
likelihood
of being
a
yictim
of
crime.
These
precautions
may
provide
some
degree
of
protection,
and
can
,"*"
*
practical
and psychotogical
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
guickly
from
the
check-in
counter
to
the
secured
areas.
On arrival,
leave
the
airport
Ers
soon
as possible.
'
As
much
as possible,
avoid
luggage
tags,
dress
and
behavior
that
may identify you
as
an
American.
'
Keepan
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
leavins
home.
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h tm
'
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 porice
stations,
hotels,
hospitars.
'
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
tocal police,
and
the
nearest
u.s.
embassy
or
consulate.
'
select
your
own
taxi
cabs
at
random'
Don't
take
a vehicle
nat
is not
clearly
iientified
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
wich
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/flostage
while
every
hostage
situation
is different,
some
considerations
are
important.
The
u's'
govemment's
policy
is
firm.
we
will
negotiate,
but
not
make
concessions
-
to
do
so
would
only
increase
the
risk
of
further
hostage+aking'
when
Americans
are
abducted
overseas,
we
look
to the
host government
to
exercise
its
responsibility
under
international
law
to
Protect
all
persons
within
its teritories
and
to
bring
about
the
safe
release
of
hostages.
we work
ctosely
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
irrationalty.
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
retax'
Prepare yourself
mentally,
physicatty
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
normalty.
Do
not
complain,
avoid
belligerency,
and
comply
with
all
orders
and
insructions.
'
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.
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goviasafetri
pabroad.htm
look
or
taste appetizing.
A loss of
appetite and
weight
is
normal.
Rely
on
your
inner
resources. Remember that
you
are a valuable commodity to your
captors.
well.
'
Eat
what
they
give you,
even
if it
does
not
'
Think
positively.
Avoid a sense
of
despair.
It is important
to
them
to
keep
you
alive
and
A.SSISTAAICE
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
medicat
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 ofjail. 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
intemational 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
2M02; tel:
(202)
512-1800;
fax:
(202)
512-2250.
If ordered from lhe
GPO,
prices
and availability are
subject to
change without
notice.
Please check with the
Govemment Printing Office for more information.
Your
Trio
Abroad
Tios for Americans Residins Abroacl
Travel Tios for Older Americans
Country
specific information can be found
in
the following
publicatrons:
Tios for Travelers to Canada
Tios for Travelers to the Caribbean
Tips fnr Travelers
to
Central &
South America
Tios for Travelers
to
the Peoole's Republic of China
Tios for Travelers to Mexico
'l'ips
for
Travelers to the Middle
East
& North Africa
Tins for Travelers
to
Russia
Tios
for Travelers
to
South Asia
The following
publications
may be ordered
from
the
Consumer Information Center, Pueblo,
Colorado
81009. Call
(719)
9484O00
to
check on
price
and availability:
'
General
entry
and
visa
information for these
and other countries are available in Foreign
Entn, Reouirements.
'
lnformation on how,
when
and
where
to apply for
your
U.S.
passport
is
available
in Passports:
Apolvine fbr
Them the Easy Way.
Return to
Travel
Publications Page
'7
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