Tips for Traveling Abroad & in Sensitive Countries
Compiled and edited by Jim M. Roane, PhD
Introduction
There is no sure fire fool proof list of tips or information that will guarantee your safety aboard or for you to avoid being spotted as a “missionary;” however, the following is an attempt to at least offer some suggestions that have been gained over a lifetime of working in sensitive countries—i.e., Lebanon, Egypt, Nepal, North East India, The Maldive Islands; and several others. We have endured bullets, war zones, the loss of martyred friends, and know what it is to have a loved one kidnapped. So, the call to missions to a sensitive country is not something that is to be taken lightly. It is, however, a delight to follow the call of the Master under any and all circumstances.
To begin, you should secure detailed information about steps you can take to ensure a safe trip, see How to Have a Safe Trip by tapping the underlined to the left.
Meanwhile, here are some quick tips to make your travel easier and safer:
· Register so the State Department can better assist you in an emergency: Register your travel plans with the State Department through a free online service at https://travelregistration.state.gov. This will help us contact you if there is a family emergency in the U.S., or if there is a crisis where you are traveling. In accordance with the Privacy Act, information on your welfare and whereabouts will not be released to others without your express authorization.
· Sign passport, and fill in the emergency information: Make sure you have a signed, valid passport, and a visa, if required, and fill in the emergency information page of your passport.
· Leave copies of itinerary and passport data page: Leave copies of your itinerary, passport data page and visas with family or friends, so you can be contacted in case of an emergency.
· Check your overseas medical insurance coverage: Ask your medical insurance company if your policy applies overseas, and if it covers emergency expenses such as medical evacuation. If it does not, consider supplemental insurance.
· Familiarize yourself with local conditions and laws: While in a foreign country, you are subject to its laws. The State Department web site at http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1765.html has useful safety and other information about the countries you will visit.
· Take precautions to avoid being a target of crime: To avoid being a target of crime, do not wear conspicuous clothing or jewelry and do not carry excessive amounts of money. Also, do not leave unattended luggage in public areas and do not accept packages from strangers!
· Contact a U.S. consular office in emergency: Consular personnel at U.S. Embassies and Consulates abroad and in the U.S. are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to provide emergency assistance to U.S. citizens. Contact information for U.S. Embassies and Consulates appears on the Bureau of Consular Affairs website at http://travel.state.gov. Also note that the Office of Overseas Citizen Services in the State Department’s Bureau of Consular Affairs may be reached for assistance with emergencies at 1-888-407-4747, if calling from the U.S. or Canada, or 202-501-4444, if calling from overseas.
· The State Department strongly encourages American citizens planning travel abroad to register their travel with the Department of State. Travel registration makes it possible to contact a traveler if necessary, whether because of a family emergency in the United States or because of a crisis in the place the traveler is visiting. Registration is a free service provided by the State Department, and is easily accomplished online at https://travelregistration.state.gov.
· Note that, in accordance with the Privacy Act, the Department of State may not release information about those registered without their express written authorization.
· If your family needs to reach you because of an emergency, they can pass a message to you through the Office of Overseas Citizens Services, which can be contacted from within the United States at 1-888-407-4747 (toll free), and from overseas at 202-501-4444. The Office of Overseas Citizens Services will contact the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in the country in which you are traveling in order to pass the message to you.
· The State Department also advises leaving a detailed itinerary and copies of your passport biographical-data page with a friend or relative in the United States.
How to Register (It’s Easy)
You can either register online at https://travelregistration.state.gov; or if you would like to contact an embassy or consulate you can go to http://usembassy.state.gov/ for access to U.S. Embassy and Consulate web pages.
Planning Your Trip: Know Before You Go!
Travelers should familiarize themselves with their destinations, both to get the most enjoyment out of the visit and to avoid known dangers.
Entry Requirements of Foreign Countries
The following links lead to information about entry requirements of foreign countries:
· To view information about entry requirements maintained on the website of the country you plan to visit, go to its embassy’s or consulate’s website, which may be found at http://www.state.gov/s/cpr/rls/dpl/32122.htm.
· To view the “Entry/Exit Requirements” section of the State Department’s Country Specific Information for the country you plan to visit, go to http://www.travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1765.html.
· If a visa is required by the country you will visit, obtain it from the appropriate foreign consular representative before proceeding abroad. Allow sufficient time for processing your visa application, especially if you are applying by mail. Most foreign consular representatives in the U.S. are located in principal cities, and, in many instances, a traveler may be required to obtain the visa from the consular office in the area of his/her residence. As soon as you receive your visa, check it to make sure no mistakes were made. Processing and visa fees vary, and fees may not be refundable.
What to Take With You on the Trip, and What to Leave Behind
· Don’t take anything you would hate to lose.
Leave at home:
· Valuable or expensive-looking jewelry
· Irreplaceable family objects
· All unnecessary credit cards
· Social Security card, library card, and similar items that may be in your wallet.
· Leave Copies of Documents and Itinerary With Relatives in the U.S.
· Leave a copy of the itinerary with family or friends at home in case they need to contact you in an emergency.
· Make two photocopies of the passport identification page, airline tickets, driver’s license and the credit cards you plan to take. Leave one copy of each with family or friends at home, and pack the other copies separately from the originals. 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.
Emergencies: Consular Assistance and Crises Abroad
· The State Department strongly encourages American citizens planning travel abroad to register their travel with the Department of State so that we may find you during a crisis. Travel registration is free, it’s confidential, and it’s easily accomplished online at https://travelregistration.state.gov.
· Consuls also advise and help Americans who are in serious legal, medical or financial trouble, including health emergencies, arrests, deaths, missing persons, and destitution. For information about emergency assistance to Americans in trouble abroad, see
http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/emergencies/emergencies_1205.html#general#general. In addition, note the following information for assistance in emergencies:
· Finding a hospital or doctor abroad: http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/emergencies/emergencies_1195.html
· Victims of crime: http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/emergencies/emergencies_1748.html.
· Financial emergencies or destitution: http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/emergencies/emergencies_1198.html
· Obtaining funds from the U.S. (OCS trust): http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/brochures/brochures_1224.html
Passport replacement: http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/emergencies/emergencies_1197.html
How to Contact the Embassy or the State Department in an Emergency
· Consular duty personnel are available for emergency assistance 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, at U.S. embassies, consulates, and consular agencies overseas and in Washington, D.C. To contact the Office of Overseas Citizens Services in the U.S. call 1-888-407-4747 (during business hours) or 202-647-5225 (after hours). Contact information for U.S. embassies, consulates, and consular agencies overseas may be found at http://www.state.gov/countries.
· When the family of an American traveler needs to reach him or her because of an emergency at home or because family members are worried about the traveler’s welfare, they should call 1-888-407-4747. The State Department will relay the message to the consular officers in the country in which the traveler is thought to be, and the consular officers will try to locate the traveler, pass on urgent messages, and, consistent with the Privacy Act, report back to the inquiring family.
The Consular Information Program
· The Consular Information Program consists of three main components that provide information to the American public about travel to specific countries: Country Specific Information, Travel Warnings and Travel Alerts. The U.S. Department of State issues fact sheets called Country Specific Information on over 200 countries. The sheets contain information on entry requirements, crime and security conditions, and areas of instability, road safety and other details relevant to travel.
· The Department of State also issues Travel Warnings and Travel Alerts. Travel warnings are issued when the State Department recommends deferral of travel by Americans to a country because of civil unrest, dangerous conditions, terrorist activity and, in some cases, because the U.S. has no diplomatic relations with the country and may have great difficulty in assisting Americans in distress. Travel Alerts are issued as a means to disseminate information quickly about terrorist threats and other relatively short-term or transnational conditions that could pose significant risks to American travelers.
How to Obtain Country Specific Information, Travel Warnings and Travel Alerts
Country Specific Information, Travel Warnings and Travel Alerts are updated regularly and are accessible through the State Department’s travel information website at http://www.travel.state.gov. For specific questions regarding an emergency involving an American citizen overseas, contact the Office of Overseas Citizens Services at (202) 647-5225.
There are three ways to access Country Specific Information, Travel Warnings and Travel Alerts:
· On the Internet: http://travel.state.gov
· By Fax: on a fax machine, dial 202-647-3000 and follow the voice prompts.
· By Telephone: dial (888) 407-4747 from within the U.S., or, from overseas, (202) 501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
Background Notes
· Background Notes are factual publications that contain information on countries with which the United States has diplomatic relations. They include facts on each country’s land, people, history, government, political conditions, economy, and relations with other countries and the United States.
· Background notes can be accessed via http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn.
Other Resources
For more information that can help you plan a wonderful (and trouble-free) trip, go to
http://www.travel.state.gov/travel/resources/resources_1244.html, and to http://www.travel.state.gov/travel/tips/plan/plan_1169.html.
Places You Need To Visit Frequently
· If you will be abroad for an extended period, you may want to arrange for the delivery of your mail. Some banks and international credit card companies handle mail for customers at their overseas branches. In addition, post offices in many countries will hold mail for travelers under their General Delivery (Poste Restante) services. U.S. Embassies and Consulates do not handle private mail. Check with the embassy of your destination country to see if that will be possible there. A listing of foreign embassies and consulates in the U.S. is available on the Department of State’s website at http://www.state.gov/s/cpr/rls/dpl/32122.htm. Foreign embassy and consulate contact information can also be found on the Country Specific Information for each country.
· Keep in mind that if you frequent public places that Americans regularly attend may make you an easy target for kidnapping or terrorism.
· Vary your schedule when possible. If you are teaching a class, arrive at different times daily, and use varied routes when possible.
· Make sure you are aware at all times of those that may be following you. Check your rearview mirror. If you are suspicious, stop buy a magazine or use some other diversion. If in a taxi, ask to stop, pay them, walk though the mail and take another taxi.
· Make sure your home is well protected: good locks are a good investment. If possible work out an escape plan. One lady I know had a bookcase that moved, and a secret chamber behind to hid in. Hire a guide if you wish, but keep in mind that in most circumstances their services at best are to sound an alarm to alert you of danger. Remember brides do not have to be large to be tempting to the average security guard.
· If someone attempts to kidnap you, break and run to the nearest safe haven if you can, otherwise fall down fake a fainting spell—you will be amazed how hard it is to lift a limber 175-200 pound body, or even a small child for that matter. Think of how hard it is to pick up a child when they go limber.
· Travel only with people you know, or someone you trust says that you can trust them. Then it is best to travel with 3-4 people, but not so large that you draw unnecessary attention to yourself. Keep in mind most nationals can spot an American, and the more Americans, the more likely you are to be spotted.
Internet and Other Security Issues
· Google you name in every imaginable way possible (John Smith; J. Smith; Dr. John Smith; Nick names like: Bengali Bill; or the Persian Pete; Abe the Arab, The Persian Traveler; whatever, you are someone else uses to identify you.
· Email addresses are a quick giveaway. My suggestion is to use a secure link with a pseudonym, and give this only to a select few, and use it as little as possible.
· SKYPE or other video conferencing communication devices are a definite no-no. Never use video or audio conferencing. Chat is okay, but only with a pseudonym. (The reason for this is obvious—surveillance equipment can quickly identify most images of you, even ones that smear your facial features out. (The ear lobe is a sure bet, as are moles, etc., on any part of your body that is exposed. Your voice is also identifiable.)
· The exception to all of this, of course, is if you have nothing to hide.
o For example, it is not illegal in many sensitive countries to practice Christianity. Most, however, forbid proselytizing.
o Most sensitive countries are very familiar with secular humanitarian and aid programs, and most realize that Americans are Christians. So, a cardinal rule that I have always followed is that I am out to convert no one; conversion is their choice. If asked, I will explain what a Christian believes, but only to the point where my position does not become argumentative, or is perceived as argumentative. It is the Holy Spirit's responsibility to bring about their conversion. Not mine. I will, however, make it a serious point to pray for them.
o Again, we must learn to rely on the Holy Spirit and common sense to guide us. One of my friends, for example, happened to set down next to a future deputy prime minister, and casually answered the question of “What do you do?” with “I am a missionary, and we do humanitarian work.” Needless to say, he was on the next plane out.
o On another occasion, the head of the secret service security office that keeps track on all foreigners in a very prominent Middle Eastern country came to me and said, “Jim, we are going to expel an American working with you, so when you come back in the airport do not go through immigration with him.” So, guess what? I told the gentleman and he said I was paranoid, and the rest is history.” This illustrates a couple of things. One, watch your language. Christianize is out, as are knee jerk reaction words like “missionary, pastor, and so-forth.”
o But, what do you do when you are asked out right, “Are you a missionary?” On more than one occasion this question has been asked of me, and my response has simply been, “What do you mean by the word ‘missionary’? Generally speaking you can conscientiously deny or talk your way around every definition they offer. (When outright asked if I was trying to convert people to Christianity, I honestly answered, “No.” Their conversion is a personal choice between them and God. I could not convert them, even if I wanted to do so.)
o In some cases, particularly if you are talking to someone you don’t know, you may simply say, “You know. I am really just a simple man. I have found it is best not to discuss religion or politics. I am a guest in your country and I respect your beliefs and government.” Then drop the subject like a hot potato. Refusal is not impolite. They generally understand that there are somethings that even they do not discuss outside of their immediate family or very close friends.
o Now, a matter of money. In my opinion, you are wiser to live in a upscale middle class section of town and leave the impression that you are doing what you do for a decent salary as well as to help others and leave it at that. The fact that you drive a car puts you in a league all of your own. So, it is better to leave the impression that you are a middle class American trying to do well, and avoid the impression that you have some sinister motivation. As one of my friends once said to me, “Jim, they have 3 choices: They can believe that we work for the CIA; or we are missionaries; or we are making money. I prefer to let them think we are doing this to make money.”
o The cardinal rule is to use you common sense.
Student Travelers
· Many college students travel during school breaks. While most students will have a safe and enjoyable adventure, for some the trip will become a nightmare with a serious impact on the rest of their lives. Students planning travel may want to review:
http://www.travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/safety/safety_2836.html.
· Carry written plans: Carry with you your written itinerary and directions of where you wish to go. These can be shown to people who might be able to help you if you are lost. Another useful tool is a point-and-conversation guide.
Arrests Abroad
· When you are in a foreign country, you are subject to its laws, and American officials are limited as to how they can assist you. They cannot, for instance, represent you in legal proceedings or pay your legal fees or other expenses. They can, however, perform a variety of vital services, which include providing a list of attorneys, assisting in contacting your family in the U.S. if you wish it, helping you obtain money from family in the U.S., and monitoring your health and welfare and the conditions under which you are being held.
· If you are arrested, immediately ask to speak to a consular officer at the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Under international agreements, the U.S. Government has a right to provide consular assistance to you upon your request. If your request to speak to your consul is turned down, keep asking—politely, but persistently. For information on how consuls assist an American arrested abroad see:
http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/emergencies/emergencies_1199.html.
· Never sign any confession that you can not read or understand. Insist continue to insist on talking to a consular officer. This is your right, even though a national may not be aware of this treaty agreement.
Terrorism
· Terrorist acts occur unpredictably, making it impossible to protect yourself absolutely. The first and best protection is to avoid travel to areas where there has been a persistent record of terrorist attacks or kidnappings.
· Most terrorist attacks are the result of careful planning. Just as a car thief will first be attracted to an unlocked car with the key in the ignition, terrorists are looking for the most accessible targets. The chances that a tourist, traveling with an unpublished program or itinerary, would be the victim of terrorism are slight. In addition, many terrorist groups, seeking publicity for political causes within their own country or region, may not be looking for American targets.
· Nevertheless, the following pointers may help you avoid becoming a target of opportunity. These precautions may provide some degree of protection, and can serve as practical and psychological deterrents to would-be terrorists.
o Schedule direct flights if possible, and avoid stops in high-risk airports or areas.
o Be cautious about what you discuss with strangers or what others may overhear.
o Try to minimize the time spent in the public area of an airport, which is a less protected area. Move quickly from the check-in counter to the secured areas. Upon arrival, leave the airport as soon as possible.
o As much as possible, avoid luggage tags, dress and behavior that may draw attention to you.
o Keep an eye out for abandoned packages or briefcases, or other suspicious items. Report them to airport authorities and leave the area promptly.
o Avoid obvious terrorist targets, such as places where Westerners are known to congregate.
o Watch for people following you or “loiterers” observing your comings and goings.
o Report any suspicious activity to local police, and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.
o Keep a mental note of safe havens, such as police stations, hotels, and hospitals. Formulate a plan of action for what you will do if a bomb explodes or there is gunfire nearby.
o Select your own taxicabs at random. Don’t take a vehicle that is not clearly identified as a taxi. Compare the face of the driver with the one on his or her posted license.
o If possible, travel with others. Actually, this is essential, if you want to be safe.
o Be sure of the identity of visitors before opening the door of your hotel room. Don’t meet strangers at your hotel room, or at unknown or remote locations.
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- Refuse unexpected packages.
- Check for loose wires or other suspicious activity around your car.
- Be sure your vehicle is in good operating condition.
- Immediately lock you car doors upon entering the car. Ask other others you are riding with to do the same.
o Drive with car windows closed in crowded streets. Bombs can be thrown through open windows.
o 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 a solid object. If you must move, crawl on your stomach.
o If someone attempts to kidnap you, drop to the ground or floor if you cannot run. Keep your feet towards them and keep kicking at them while screaming as loudly as you can.
U.S. Government Tips on Hijacking/Hostage Situations
· While every hostage situation is different, there are some general considerations to keep in mind.
· U.S. Government policy is firm: they do not make concessions to terrorists. When Americans are abducted overseas, they 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. The U.S. Government works closely with these governments from the outset of a hostage-taking incident to ensure that our citizens and other victims are released as quickly and safely as possible. Most missions organizations have the same policy.
· At the outset of a terrorist incident, the terrorists typically are tense, high-strung and may behave irrationally. It is extremely important that you remain calm and alert, and control your own behavior.
· Avoid resistance and sudden or threatening movements. Once you are kidnapped, however, do not struggle or try to escape unless you are certain of being successful. Don’t try to be a hero, endangering yourself and others.
· 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.
· Make a concerted effort to relax. Prepare yourself mentally, physically and emotionally for the possibility of a long ordeal. Ask yourself, ‘Can I endure this for another 10 seconds? For another minute? What about 10? Sure you can. So take the ordeal incrementally.
· Try to remain inconspicuous, avoid direct eye contact and the appearance of observing your captors’ actions.
· Avoid alcoholic beverages. Eat what they give you, even if it does not look or taste appetizing, but keep consumption of food and drink at a moderate level. A loss of appetite and weight is normal.
· 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.
· Think positively and avoid a sense of despair. You are a valuable commodity to your captors, and it is important to them to keep you alive and well.
· What You Should Know If You Are Residing Abroad or Are Planning to Reside Abroad
· Whether you are planning to move abroad or are already residing outside of the U.S., you should review the information that appears above about safe travel and consular services available to you, since most of it applies equally to U.S. citizens residing abroad. The following is information about services you are more likely to need if you are residing abroad.
Be Prepared for Emergencies
The following link contains materials about being prepared for emergencies while residing abroad. It was written for persons assigned to American Embassies or Consulates abroad, but most of it is practical advice that would be useful to anyone living outside of their own country: http://www.state.gov/www/flo/paper10.html.
Conclusion
Hopefully this brief paper will serve as a helpful guide in preparing you and your family a safe and pleasant visit or stay in a sensitive country. This in not fool prove, as I have already said, but it is a good start. God bless you. Jim
