Traveling Safely: Terrorism

Before You Go to a High-Threat Destination

• Discuss with family and friends what they should do in the event you are involved in a terrorist situation. Do this also with your trip companions
• Prepare or review and update your will and other related documents
• Copy your family or friends with your itinerary
• Schedule direct flights, if possible, and avoid stops in high-risk airports
• Be aware of and be prepared to use alternative transportation options
• Pre-arrange airport transfers
• Avoid bringing items that identify you as a U.S. citizen, including clothing with logos
• Pre-book your first night's hotel stay

Departure and Arrival

• Avoid using open luggage tags identifying you as a U.S. citizen
• Remove your luggage tags upon arrival at your destination
• Avoid dress and behavior identifying you as a U.S. citizen
• Minimize your time in the common areas of an airport, which are less protected
• Move quickly from the secured official and baggage claim areas through the lobby and to your transportation. Leave the airport as soon as possible
• Verify the identity of anyone meeting as your transportation contact
• Register with the U.S. Embassy or Consulate; include contact information and itinerary

While in Country

• Inform trusted people of your travel plans and keep them informed of changes
• Ask your hotel staff where Westerners usually congregate and avoid those places
• Be friendly but cautious about discussing personal matters, your itinerary or arrangements with strangers or those who may overhear you
• Be sure of the identity of visitors before opening the door of your hotel room
• Refuse unexpected packages from unknown persons, businesses or organizations
• Do not leave personal or business documents or stationery in view in your hotel room
• Be aware of people following you or of loiterers observing your comings and goings
• Report suspicious activity to the local police and the U.S. Embassy or Consulate
• Keep a mental note of safe havens, such as police stations, hotels and hospitals. Mark these on a local map
• Do not meet strangers at unknown or remote locations
• Select your taxis at random and on your own, unless arranged by a host or your hotel
• Do not enter a vehicle that you expect to be a taxi that is not clearly identified
• Before closing the door to a taxi, compare the face of the driver with the one posted on the displayed license; if the two do not match, do not accept the ride

Driving

• If driving, check for loose wires or signs of other suspicious activity around your car before entering it
• Ensure that your vehicle is in good operating condition and that the gas tank is at least half full
• Avoid driving or riding in luxury or ostentatious cars
• Avoid predictable times and routes of travel. Vary modes and times
• When traveling long distances by automobile, try to do so in a convoy of two or more vehicles
• Avoid using back country or deserted roads, especially at night
• Try to always travel with other known and trusted people
• Drive in the center lane of a multiple lane highway. That makes it difficult for your car to be forced off the road
• In crowded streets, always drive with windows up and doors locked. Bombs and other objects can be thrown through open windows. Unlocked doors and be easily opened from the outside during stops or in traffic jams

If Involved in a Terrorist Incident

• Be proactive and form a plan of action if a bomb explodes or there is gunfire nearby
• If possible, contact the U.S. Embassy or Consulate and ask for guidance
• If there is a disturbance outside your hotel, keep your drapes closed and stay away from the windows. Turn off all lights. If you must have some light, turn on the bathroom light and crack the door. Assemble your traveling companions in one room
• If you hear an explosion, stay away from windows. A second, and usually more violent, explosion follows many explosions. Seek shelter in your bathroom or, if possible, an interior stairwell
• If shooting starts, drop to the floor or get down as low as possible and try to shield yourself behind or under a solid object
• Follow all instructions and orders from terrorists or rescuers
• Do not move until you are certain the danger has passed
• Do not attempt to help rescuers and do not pick up a weapon
• If you must move, crawl on your stomach or as instructed by rescuers