Avoiding Terrorism Abroad

Terrorist acts occur at random and unpredictably, making it impossible to protect yourself absolutely. The first and best protection is to avoid travel to unsafe areas where there has been a persistent record of terrorist 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 terrorism.

Most terrorist attacks are the result of long and 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 defenseless, easily accessible targets who follow predictable patterns. The chances that a tourist, traveling with an unpublished program or itinerary, would be the victim of terrorism are slight. 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.

• 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 quickly from the check-in counter to the secured areas. On arrival, leave the airport as soon as possible.
• Keep an 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.

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 your 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 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.

Credits:

This article has been sligtly edited for content and style to match the needs of Run The Planet visitors. The original version can be found on the U.S. State Department website (http://travel.state.gov/asafetripabroad.html).