SECURITY_TRAVEL_TIPS
YOUR PASSPORT TO A SAFE TRIP ABROAD
SECURITY TIPS FOR TRAVELING ABROAD
INTRODUCTIONS
Each year, hundreds of thousands of U.S. citizens travel abroad either for business or pleasure. For most people, foreign travel is a positive, rewarding experience. For the few who experience security or safety-related problems, a lack of planning and general awareness are often contributing factors. Whether you are an experienced or first-time foreign traveler, you should take your personal safety and security seriously. Good security habits won’t detract from your travel but will instead serve to enhance it.
This booklet contains security reminders to help individuals avoid pitfalls while traveling overseas. It is not a substitute for a Defensive Travel Briefing which all affiliates who are traveling abroad are required to receive. Check with your security office for additional travel information and specific briefing requirements.
BEFORE YOU GO
The preparations you make before you depart for your trip will depend upon the destination, length, and purpose of your trip. Before leaving, be sure to confirm lodging and travel reservations and obtain traveler’s checks. Unless anonymity is an issue, also leave a copy of your itinerary with a relative or close friend. You should take with you pertinent information regarding health insurance coverage which might be useful in an emergency. In addition, you will need certain official documents and perhaps vaccination information for some areas. The following page contains a checklist which will help you
prepare for your trip.
CHECKLIST
*Learn about the places you plan to visit. Familiarize yourself with local laws and customs in those areas. Information can be obtained from your public library, local travel agency or the U.S. State Department.
* Leave behind any government identification (badges, security passes, phone numbers, etc.) which are not necessary for the trip.
*Ensure that you have all official documents, i.e., passport, shot records, official orders, international driver’s license, etc.
*Grant power of attorney to an immediate relative/close friend. Complete or update your will to include naming a guardian for any minor children.
*Establish a point of contact for your family to call in an emergency.
*Carry an extra set of eyeglasses and any necessary medications, along with a copy of the prescription and the generic name of the drug, in your carry-on luggage. Keep all medications in their original containers.
DURING YOUR STAY IN A FOREIGN COUNTRY
CARRY IDENTIFICATION
*Make copies of your airline ticket, passport Identification page, driver’s license and the credit cards you take with you. Carry this record in a separate place from the originals. This will help speed the replacement process if these documents are lost or stolen.
*Take all essential personal and medical Identification to get you successfully through your trip.
*Do not leave your wallet or purse unattended.
PASSPORT PROTECTION
Your passport is the most significant identification you will carry. This is your proof of U.S. citizenship while traveling abroad. Travelers should be warned that passport theft, particularly of American tourist passports, is on the increase. You should treat your passport with the utmost care and protect it as you would your wallet. Take extra precautions to protect your passport as its loss or theft may cause you unnecessary travel complications as well as significant expense.
To minimize potential loss or theft, it is recommended that you carry your passport in a front pants pocket or in a pouch hidden in your clothes. The only time your passport should leave your possession is if your hotel requires you to leave it at the desk during your stay. Some areas use this procedure to register you with the local police—a routine policy. Don’t forget to ask for a receipt and be very sure to retrieve your passport before continuing your trip.
Use discretion in displaying this document, as it could draw undue attention to you.
Memorizing your passport number and other essential information will help you avoid flashing your passport around when filling out items such as landing cards and hotel registration forms. If your passport is lost or stolen abroad, report the situation IMMEDIATELY to the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate and to the local police authorities. Again, having copies of your passport identification page and/or birth certificate will help speed the replacement process.
ESTABLISH POINTS OF CONTACT
Establishing a point of contact is important. Someone should know your whereabouts from the time you depart the U.S. until you return home. Provide your contact with a detailed copy of your itinerary and advise him/her of any changes.
If you are traveling on business, you should establish a point of contact in the country you are visiting. Be sure to carry that person’s name and phone number with you.
Depending on your personal circumstances or if your travel involves an extended stay, it may be advisable to register with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. This will make it easier should someone at home need to locate you urgently or in the unlikely event that you need to be evacuated due to an emergency.
KEEP A LOW PROFILE
You need to use common sense and be extra conscious of your appearance and actions so that you don’t attract unwanted attention. Take a good look at the items you plan to take with you such as clothing, jewelry and even religious items. This is especially true for reading materials that may be considered offensive. Keep in mind that certain items may not be appropriate for other areas.
Avoid clothing and other outward vestiges which unnecessarily advertise that you are an American citizen. Wear nondescript, casual apparel which enables you to blend in as well as possible. Leave behind the NFL sweatshirts, major league baseball caps and western apparel. Members of the armed forces should avoid wearing their military uniform unless required to do so.
SHUN PUBLICITY
Shun publicity and inquiries by the local news media. If approached by the media, remember not to disclose any information relating to yourself or other government personnel and to report such contacts.
Discussing personal and background information concerning family members with foreigners should also be avoided.
AVOID CIVIL DISTURBANCES
Every effort should be made to avoid civil disturbances and disputes with local citizens.
Use caution if you come upon a demonstration or a rally. If the speaker is denouncing U.S. policy, the crowd could become hostile to any American bystanders. Should violence break out, arrests are sometimes made indiscriminately. In the confusion you could be arrested or detained even though you are only an “innocent bystander”.
LOCAL LAWS
Remember that although you are an American citizen, you are subject to the laws of the country in which you are traveling. Don’t assume that what is acceptable in the United States is acceptable abroad.
For example, in many countries, individuals are prohibited from making derogatory comments about the government or government leaders.
Taking photographs of government facilities and religious symbols is also prohibited in many countries. Therefore, be aware of the local laws and as a general rule, do not attempt to take photographs in the vicinity of foreign military bases or buildings.
MONEY MATTERS
Take most of your money in international traveler’s checks. Do not carry large amounts of cash.
Plan ahead to ensure that you will have enough foreign currency for the expenses you anticipate during your first day in country. It is advisable to exchange some money to cover such essentials as taxi fares, meals, tips, etc.
Do not count on currency exchanges at foreign airports being open 24 hours a day. Local banks usually offer the best rates, although hotel money exchanges may be more convenient.
Always deal with reputable, established currency exchanges; in many countries it is illegal to do otherwise. If you deal with people on the street who offer you an “unbelievable deal”, you run the risk of getting counterfeit currency or being arrested for involvement in black market activity.
Be sure to keep track of all your transactions. Each time you cash a traveler’s check record the serial number, denomination, date and location of purchase. Keep this in a separate place so replacement checks can be issued quickly if they are lost or stolen.
Safeguard all credit cards as well as customer copies of each credit card transaction you make. Any credit cards which are unnecessary or invalid overseas (e.g., gasoline credit cards) should be left behind.