1. Travel Preparation

General

• Keep a low profile
• Learn at least a few phrases in the local language
• Leave a copy of your itinerary with your family
• Go through your carry-on luggage to remove items not needed or which pose a security risk, such as:
  Excess credit cards, Membership- or ID- cards for any group that may be targeted
  Business cards with provocative information or revealing national, ethnic or religious affiliation
  Political, religious or sexually explicit literature
  Anything that looks like a weapon
  expensive or religious jewelry

Essentials

Depending on your situation, consider bringing:

• All necessary official documents (e.g. passport, visa)
• Photocopy of passport and tickets or a list of essential information (carried separately)
• A list of credit card numbers and loss-notification numbers
• Enough money in the local currency inclusive coins or tokens to use a pay phone
• Enough of any required medication to survive delays, carried in original container with prescription
• Laptops and notebooks if you must (carry them in your hand luggage)
• Any medical or personal hygiene products which you use periodically, in case of recurring chronic problems

Dressing

Dress to blend in with the foreign environment - Keep a low profile

• Leave behind expensive jewelry and clothes that mark you as a wealthy foreigner
• Be conscious of local norms in dress, speech, etc.

Luggage

Travel with secure luggage:

• Locked, non-descript luggage, secured with a strap (hard luggage is safer)
• Use closed-faced luggage tags
• Carry-on bag with necessities in case of lost luggage
• Travel light

2. Traveling

• Keep Alert
• Be aware of what is around at all times
• Travel during daylight hours, if possible
• lf available, use valet service
• Confirm flight time, arrive at airport early
• Say good-byes at the curb
• Move immediately through security check area to the departure lounge
• Say no if asked to carry any bags or packages for strangers or, for that matter, friends, unless you are certain of what is inside
• Say no if asked to watch luggage
• Move away from any disturbance or anyone receiving exceptional attention
• Don't leave your baggage unattended, even for a minute

Aircraft

• Check under your seat for left luggage
• Don't give any personal information to fellow passengers
• Take note of the emergency exits

Arrival

• Select your taxi carefully, don't ride in unlicensed cabs (during your stay: when ordering a Radio Taxi by phone mention  o-n-l-y  the area you want to be taken to - not the exact address!)
• Learn how to operate the telephone and carry enough coins or tokens to use a pay phone
• Know who will be meeting you, their names and appearance. lf there has been a change, call to check it out. Don't go with anyone you do not trust
• Avoid dangerous areas of cities

Hotel

• Meet visitors in the hotel lobby - don't give out your room number
• Make sure to chain lock your door while you are there
• Make sure your room number is not overheard while obtaining your key at the front desk
• Check your exit options, count the number of doors to the nearest exit, and learn how to work the escape systems
• Do not leave valuables or important information (such as your itinerary) in your room unless stored in the room safe
• Do not conduct sensitive conversations over the hotel telephone or fax sensitive information
• In case of fire: Do not open your door if it is hot. If smoke or fire is in the corridor, shut your door and seal it with wet bedding and towels. Open a window, unless smoke comes in from outside. If possible, evacuate immediately, placing a wet towel around your mouth, taking your room key and crouching low near the floor. Do not use elevators

Street

• Stay alert and aware of your surroundings; keep an eye on belongings and your hand on your valuables
• Do not pay with large bills or count currency in public
• Stay away from crowds and don't investigate a disturbance; just leave. Even peaceful gatherings can turn ugly
• Carry the phone numbers of emergency contacts - e.g. your host, organisation, and diplomatic representation
• Always carry an ID card or a copy of it - a legal requirement in many countries
• Guard against pickpockets
• Keep your distance from the curb
• If you are followed, change direction and enter a well-lighted business establishment
• If a car follows you, turn and walk the opposite way

Car

• Carjacking is on the increase!
• Do not drive yourself in a city or country with which you are unfamiliar
• Select a rental car with a lockable trunk which is as inconspicuous as possible
• Ask the rental agent about driving laws and customs, road signs and maps
• Carefully check your travel route on a street map in advance
• Be aware of areas you should avoid
• Keep your car doors locked at all times and the windows closed
• Be careful where you park your car
• Always lock your car when unattended and avoid leaving valuables in the car

3. Emergency

Crime

• In a criminal attack, give up your belongings willingly, without argument
• Report the crime immediately to local police authorities. In certain countries check your embassy before contacting the police
• If someone with a weapon approaches and corners you, remember your life is at stake and one wrong move could be your last. Plan ahead how you will react and remember to think rationally
• Report passport theft to your embassy immediately, and initiate the procedure to obtain a new passport
• Report loss of tickets, travellers cheques, credit cards and other documents to the organisation that issued them

Kidnap / Hostage Situations

• Do not behave in any way to make yourself stand out; avoid threatening movements and do not stare
• Do exactly as you are told, and do nothing without asking permission first
• Remain alert and prepared in the event of rescue attempt or escalation of violence
• If you are singled out for questioning, your answers must be consistent with documentation you are carrying. Volunteer no additional information
• Remain courteous, but dignified
• If there is a rescue attempt, stay as close to the ground as possible
• Do not try to be a hero

State Emergency (coup d'Etat, revolution, social unrest, etc.)

• If trouble starts, contact your local embassy
• Call or have someone contact the embassy with your location to facilitate your evacuation if needed
• Stay off the streets, remain in your hotel, and if necessary move only in daylight in groups
• Avoid main squares and boulevards, government buildings, radio/TV stations, military installations, the airport, harbour, banks and shopping centers. All are key targets during take-overs or coups
• Do not discuss opinions about the political situation
• Have the hotel management or embassy update you on any developments

Natural Disaster

• Have a pre-established plan (with family and colleagues) for where to go in the event of a disaster; that plan should include going immediately to your local diplomatic representation or the Red Cross to report yourself alive. (Note: the symbol for the Red Cross in some Islamic countries is a red crescent in place of the Red Cross.)
• Contact your home to save your family worry

Medical Emergency

• Never be afraid to avail yourself of local medical care
• Some medicines are dangerous for people of different countries; find a doctor who has treated foreigners, such as a hotel doctor, recommended by your embassy, the Red Cross, or another expatriate

4. Contacts

Emergencies / Personal assistance

• Don't admit fault or make any statement (other than for the police)
• Contact your diplomatic representation and your air carrier if necessary