A SAFE TRIP ABROAD

Millions of U.S. citizens travel abroad each year and use their U.S.
passport. When you travel abroad, the odds are in your favor that you
will have a safe and incident-free trip. Even if you do come into
difficulty abroad, the odds are still in your favor that you will not be
a victim of crime or violence.

But crime and violence, as well as unexpected difficulties, do befall
U.S. citizens in all parts of the world. No one is better able to tell
you this than U.S. consular officers who work in the more than 250 U.S.
embassies and consulates around the world. Every day of the year U.S.
embassies and consulates receive calls from American citizens in
distress.

Fortunately, most problems can be solved over the telephone or by a
visit of the U.S. citizen to the Consular Section of the nearest U.S.
embassy or consulate. But there are less fortunate occasions when U.S.
consular officers are called on to meet U.S. citizens at foreign police
stations, hospitals, prisons, and even at morgues. In these cases, the
assistance that consular officers can offer is specific, but limited.

In the hope of helping you avoid unhappy meetings when you go abroad, we
have prepared the following travel tips. Please have a safe trip
abroad.

BEFORE YOU GO

WHAT TO BRING

Safety begins when you pack. To avoid being a target, dress
conservatively. A flashy wardrobe or one that is too casual can mark
you as a tourist. As much as possible, avoid the appearance of
affluence.

Always try to travel light. If you do, you can move more quickly and
will be more likely to have a free hand. You will also be less tired
and less likely to set your luggage down, leaving it unattended.

Carry the minimum amount of valuables necessary for your trip and plan a
place or places to conceal them. Your passport, cash and credit cards
are safest when locked in a hotel safe. When you have to carry them on
your person, you may wish to conceal them in several places rather than
putting them in one wallet or pouch. Avoid hand bags, fanny packs and
outside pockets which are easy targets for thieves. Inside pockets and
a sturdy shoulder bag with the strap worn across your chest are somewhat
safer. The safest place to carry valuables is probably a pouch or money
belt that you wear under your clothing.

If you wear glasses, pack an extra pair. Carry them and any medicines
you need in your carry-on luggage.

To avoid problems when passing through customs, keep medicines in their
original, labeled containers. Bring a copy of your prescriptions and
the generic names for the drugs. If a medication is unusual or contains
narcotics, carry a letter from your doctor attesting to your need to
take the drug. If you have any doubt about the legality of carrying a
certain drug into a country, consult the embassy or consulate of that
country first.

Bring travelers checks and one or two major credit cards instead of
cash.

Pack an extra set of passport photos along with a photocopy of your
passport information page to make replacement of your passport easier in
case it is lost or stolen.

Put your name, address and telephone numbers inside and outside of each
piece of luggage. Use covered luggage tags to avoid casual observation
of your identity or nationality. Last of all, lock your luggage.

WHAT TO LEAVE BEHIND

Don't bring anything you would hate to lose. Leave at home:

- expensive or expensive-looking jewelry,
- irreplaceable family objects,
- all unnecessary credit cards.

Leave a copy of your itinerary with family or friends at home in case
they need to contact you in an emergency.

A FEW THINGS TO BRING AND LEAVE BEHIND

Make photocopies of your passport identification page, airline tickets,
driver's license, and the credit cards that you bring with you. Make
two copies. Leave one with family or friends at home; pack the other in
a place separate from where you carry your valuables.

Leave a copy of the serial numbers of your travelers checks at home.
Carry your copy with you in a separate place and, as you cash the
checks, cross them off the list.

WHAT TO LEARN ABOUT BEFORE YOU GO

Security. The Department of State's Consular Information Sheets are
available for every country of the world. They describe unusual entry
or currency regulations, unusual health conditions, the crime and
security situation, political disturbances, areas of instability, and
drug penalties. They also provide addresses and emergency telephone
numbers for U.S. embassies and consulates. In general, the sheets do
not give advice. Instead, they describe conditions so travelers can make
informed decisions about their trips.

In some dangerous situations, however, the Department of State
recommends that Americans defer travel to a country. In such a case, a
Travel Warning is issued for the country in addition to its Consular
Information Sheet.

Consular Information Sheets and Travel Warnings are available at the 13
regional passport agencies; at U.S. embassies and consulates abroad; or
by sending a self-addressed, stamped envelope to: Overseas Citizens
Services, Room 4811, Department of State, Washington, DC 20520-4818.
They are also available through airline computer reservation systems
when you or your travel agent make your international air reservations.

In addition, you can access Consular Information Sheets and Travel
Warnings 24-hours a day from three different electronic systems. To
listen to them, call (202) 647-5225 from a touchtone phone. To receive
them by fax, dial (202) 647-3000 from a fax machine and follow the
prompts that you will hear on the machine's telephone receiver. To view
or download the documents through a computer and modem, dial the
Consular Affairs Bulletin Board (CABB) on (202) 647-9225, setting your
software to N-8-1. There is no charge to use these systems other than
normal long distance charges.

Local Laws and Customs. When you leave the United States, you are
subject to the laws of the country where you are. Therefore, before you
go, learn as much as you can about the local laws and customs of the
places you plan to visit. Good resources are your library, your travel
agent, and the embassies, consulates or tourist bureaus of the countries
you will visit. In addition, keep track of what is being reported in the
media about recent developments in those countries.

THINGS TO ARRANGE BEFORE YOU GO

Your Itinerary. As much as possible, plan to stay in larger hotels that
have more elaborate security. The safest floor to book a room may be
from the second to seventh floors -- above ground level to deter easy
entrance from outside, but low enough for fire equipment to reach.

Because take-off and landing are the most dangerous times of a flight,
book non-stop flights when possible. When there is a choice of airport
or airline, ask your travel agent about comparative safety records.
There are differences.

Legal Documents. Have your affairs at home in order. If you leave an
up-to-date will, insurance documents, and a power of attorney with your
family or a friend, you can feel secure about traveling and will be
prepared for any emergency that may occur while you are away. If you
have minor children, consider making guardianship arrangements for them.

Credit. Make a note of the credit limit on each credit card that you
bring. Make certain not to charge over that amount on your trip. In
some countries, Americans have been arrested for innocently exceeding
their credit limit. Ask your credit card company how to report the loss
of your card from abroad. 800 numbers do not work from abroad, but your
company will have a number that you can call.

Insurance. Find out if your personal property insurance covers you for
loss or theft abroad. Even more important, check if your health
insurance will cover you abroad. Social Security Medicare does not
provide payment for medical care outside the U.S. Even if your health
insurance will reimburse you for medical care that you pay for abroad,
normal health insurance does not pay for medical evacuation from a
remote area or from a country where medical facilities are inadequate.
Consider purchasing one of the short-term health and emergency
assistance policies designed for travelers that includes medical
evacuation in the event of an accident or serious illness.

PRECAUTIONS TO TAKE WHILE TRAVELING

SAFETY ON THE STREET

Use the same common sense traveling overseas that you would at home. Be
especially cautious in, or avoid areas where you are likely to be
victimized. These include crowded subways, train stations, elevators,
tourist sites, market places, festivals and marginal areas of cities.

Don't use short cuts, narrow alleys or poorly-lit streets. Try not to
travel alone at night.

Avoid public demonstrations and other civil disturbances.

Keep a low profile and avoid loud conversations or arguments. Do not
discuss travel plans or other personal matters with strangers.

To avoid scam artists, beware of strangers who approach you, offering
bargains or to be your guide.

Beware of pickpockets. They often have an accomplice who will:

- jostle you,
- ask you for directions or the time,
- point to something spilled on your clothing,
- or distract you by creating a disturbance.

A child or even a woman carrying a baby can be a pickpocket. Beware of
groups of vagrant children.

Wear the shoulder strap of your bag across your chest and walk with the
bag away from the curb to avoid drive-by purse snatchers.

Try to seem purposeful when you move about. Even if you are lost, act
as if you know where you are going. When possible, ask directions only
from individuals in authority.

Know how to use a pay telephone and have the proper change or token on
hand.

Learn a few phrases in the local language so you can signal your need
for help, the police, or a doctor. Make note of emergency telephone
numbers you may need: police, fire, your hotel, and the nearest U.S.
embassy or consulate.

If confronted by superior force, don't fight attackers -- give up
valuables.

SAFETY IN YOUR HOTEL

Keep your hotel door locked at all times. Meet visitors in the lobby.

Do not leave money and other valuables in your hotel room while you are
out. Use the hotel safe.

Let someone know when you expect to return, especially if out late at
night.

If you are alone, do not get on an elevator if there is a
suspicious-looking person inside.

Read the fire safety instructions in your hotel room. Know how to
report a fire. Be sure you know where the nearest fire exit and an
alternate are. Count the doors between your room and the nearest exit
-- this could be a life-saver if you have to crawl through a
smoke-filled corridor.

SAFETY ON PUBLIC TRANSPORT

In countries where there is a pattern of tourists being targeted by
criminals on public transport, this information is mentioned in Consular
Information Sheets.

Taxis. Only take taxis clearly identified with official markings.
Beware of irregular cabs.

Trains. Well organized, systematic robbery of passengers on trains
along popular tourists routes is a serious problem. It is more common
at night and especially on overnight trains.

If you see your way blocked by someone and another person is pressing
you from behind, move away. This can happen in the corridor of the
train or on the platform or station.

Do not accept food or drink from strangers. Criminals have been known
to drug passengers by offering them food or drink. Criminals may also
spray sleeping gas in train compartments.

Where possible, lock your compartment. If it cannot be locked securely,
take turns with your traveling companions sleeping in shifts. If that
is not possible, stay awake. If you must sleep unprotected, tie down
your luggage, strap your valuables to you and sleep on top of them as
much as possible.

Do not be afraid to alert authorities if you feel threatened in any way.
Extra police are often assigned to ride trains on routes where crime is
a serious problem.

Buses. The same type of criminal activity found on trains can be found
on public buses on popular tourist routes. For example, tourists have
been drugged and robbed while sleeping on buses or in bus stations. In
some countries whole bus loads of passengers have been held up and
robbed by gangs of bandits.


SAFETY WHEN YOU DRIVE

When you rent a car, don't go for the exotic; choose a type commonly
available locally. Where possible, ask that markings that identify it
as a rental car be removed. Make certain it is in good repair. If
available, choose a car with universal door locks and power windows,
features that give the driver better control of access to the car. An
air conditioner, when available, is also a safety feature, allowing you
to drive with windows closed. Thieves can and do snatch purses through
open windows of moving cars.

Keep car doors locked at all times. Wear seat belts.

As much as possible, avoid driving at night.

Don't leave valuables in the car. If you must carry things with you,
keep them out of sight in the trunk.

Don't park your car on the street overnight. If the hotel or
municipality does not have a parking garage or other secure area, select
a well-lit area.

Never pick up hitchhikers.

Don't get out of the car if there are suspicious individuals nearby.
Drive away.

PATTERNS OF CRIME AGAINST MOTORISTS

In many places frequented by tourists, including areas of southern
Europe, victimization of motorists has been refined to an art. Where it
is a problem, U.S. embassies are aware of it and consular officers try
to work with local authorities to warn the public about the dangers. In
some locations, these efforts at public awareness have paid off,
reducing the frequency of incidents. Ask your rental car agency for
advice on avoiding robbery. Where it is a problem, they are well aware
of it and should tell you how best to protect yourself.

Carjackers and thieves operate at gas stations, parking lots, in city
traffic, and along the highway. Be suspicious of anyone who hails you
or tries to get your attention when you are in or near your car.

Criminals use ingenious ploys. They may masquerade as good Samaritans,
offering help for tires that they claim are flat or that they have made
flat. Or they may flag down a motorist, ask for assistance, and then
steal the rescuer's luggage or car. Usually they work in groups, one
person carrying on the pretense while the others rob you.

Other criminals get your attention with abuse, either trying to drive
you off the road, or causing an "accident" by rear-ending you or
creating a "fender bender."

In some urban areas, thieves don't waste time on ploys, they simply
smash car windows at traffic lights, grab your valuables or your car and
get away. In cities around the world, "defensive driving" has come to
mean more than avoiding auto accidents; it means keeping an eye out for
potentially criminal pedestrians, cyclists, and scooter riders.

HOW TO HANDLE MONEY SAFELY

To avoid carrying large amounts of cash, change your travelers checks
only as you need currency. Counter sign travelers checks only in front
of the person who will cash them.

Do not flash large amounts of money when paying a bill. Make sure your
credit card is returned to you after each transaction.

Deal only with authorized agents when you exchange money, buy airline
tickets, or purchase souvenirs. Do not change money on the black
market.

If your possessions are lost or stolen, report the loss immediately to
the local police. Keep a copy of the police report for insurance claims
and as an explanation of your plight. After reporting lost items to the
police, report the loss of:

- travelers checks to the nearest agent of the issuing company.
- credit cards to the issuing company.
- airline tickets to the airline or travel agent.
- passport to the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.

HOW TO AVOID LEGAL DIFFICULTIES

When you are in a foreign country, you are subject to its laws and are
under its protection -- not the protection of the U.S. Constitution.

You can be arrested overseas for actions that may be either legal or
considered minor infractions in the United States. Be aware of what is
considered criminal in the country where you are. Consular Information
Sheets include information on unusual patterns of arrests in various
countries.

Some of the offenses for which U.S. citizens have been arrested abroad
are:

Drug Violations. More than 1/3 of U.S. citizens incarcerated abroad are
held on drug charges. Some countries do not distinguish between
possession and trafficking; many have mandatory sentences -- even for a
small amount of marijuana or cocaine. Although we know of no U.S.
citizens who have been arrested abroad for prescription drugs purchased
in the United States for personal use and carried in original labeled
containers, a number of Americans have been arrested for possessing
prescription drugs, particularly tranquilizers and amphetamines, that
they purchased legally in certain Asian countries and took to some
countries in the Middle East where they are illegal. Other U.S.
citizens have been arrested for purchasing prescription drugs abroad in
quantities that local authorities suspected were for commercial use. If
in doubt about foreign drug laws, ask local authorities or the nearest
U.S. embassy or consulate.

Possession of Firearms. The places where U.S. citizens most often come
into difficulties for illegal possession of firearms are nearby --
Mexico, Canada and the Caribbean. Sentences for possession of firearms
in Mexico can be up to 30 years. In general, firearms, even those
legally registered in the U.S., cannot be brought into a country unless
a permit is first obtained from the embassy or a consulate of that
country. (Note: If you take firearms or ammunition to another country,
you cannot bring them back into the U.S. unless you register them with
U.S. Customs before you leave the U.S.)

Photography. In many countries you can be harassed or detained for
photographing such things as police and military installations,
government buildings, border areas, and transportation facilities. If
in doubt, ask permission before taking photographs.

Purchasing Antiques. Americans have been arrested for purchasing
souvenirs that were, or looked like, antiques and which local customs
authorities believed were national treasures. Some of the countries
where this has happened were Turkey, Egypt, and Mexico. In countries
where antiques are important, document your purchases as reproductions
if that is the case, or if they are authentic, secure the necessary
export permit (usually from the national museum).

PROTECTION AGAINST TERRORISM

Terrorist acts occur at random and unpredictably, making it impossible
to protect oneself 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 -- no more than the random
possibility of being in the wrong place at the wrong time. In addition,
many terrorist groups, seeking publicity for political causes within
their own country or region, are not looking for American targets.

Nevertheless, the pointers below may help you avoid becoming a "target
of opportunity." They should be considered as adjuncts to the tips
listed in the previous sections on how to protect yourself against the
far greater likelihood of being a victim of ordinary crime. 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.

- As much as possible, avoid luggage tags, dress, and behavior which may
identify you as an American.

- 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.


TRAVEL TO HIGH-RISK AREAS

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 case of an emergency,
in addition to making sure your affairs are in order before leaving
home.

- Register with the U.S. 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 U.S. embassy or
consulate.

- Select your own taxi cabs at random -- don't take a cab 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.

HIJACKING/HOSTAGE SITUATIONS

While every hostage situation is different and the chance of becoming a
hostage is remote, some considerations are important.

The U.S. government's policy not to negotiate with terrorists is firm -
to do so would only increase the risk of further hostage-taking. When
Americans are abducted overseas, we 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. We work closely with these governments from the outset of a
hostage-taking incident to ensure that our citizens and other innocent
victims are released as quickly and safely as possible.

Normally, the most dangerous phases of a hijacking or hostage situation
are the beginning and, if there is a rescue attempt, the end. At the
outset, the terrorists typically are tense, high-strung and may behave
irrationally. It is extremely important that you remain calm and alert
and manage your own behavior.

- Avoid resistance, sudden or threatening movements. Do not struggle or
try to escape unless you are certain of being successful.

- Make a concerted effort to relax. Breathe deeply and prepare yourself
mentally, physically and emotionally for the possibility of a long
ordeal.

- Try to remain inconspicuous, avoid direct eye contact and the
appearance of observing your captors' actions.

- Avoid alcoholic beverages. Consume little food and drink.

- 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.

- Don't try to be a hero, endangering yourself and others.

- Maintain your sense of personal dignity, and gradually increase your
requests for personal comforts. Make these requests in a reasonable
low-key manner.

- 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. Don't be
afraid to ask for anything you need or want -- medicines, books,
pencils, papers.

- Eat what they give you, even if it does not look or taste appetizing.
A loss of appetite and weight is normal.

- Think positively; avoid a sense of despair. Rely on your inner
resources. Remember that you are a valuable commodity to your
captors. It is important to them to keep you alive and well.

ASSISTANCE ABROAD

If you plan to stay more than two weeks in one place, if you are in an
area experiencing civil unrest or a natural disaster, or if you are
planning travel to a remote area, it is advisable to register at the
Consular Section of the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. This will
make it easier if someone at home needs to locate you urgently or in the
unlikely event that you need to be evacuated in an emergency. It will
also facilitate the issuance of a new passport should yours be lost or
stolen.

Another reason to contact the Consular Section is to obtain updated
information on the security situation in a country.

If you are ill or injured, contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate
for a list of local physicians and medical facilities. If the illness
is serious, consular officers can help you find medical assistance from
this list and, at your request, will inform your family or friends. If
necessary, a consul can assist in the transfer of funds from the United
States. Payment of hospital and other medical expenses is your
responsibility.

If you become destitute overseas, consular officers can help you get in
touch with your family, friends, bank, or employer and inform them how
to wire funds to you.

Should you find yourself in legal difficulty, contact a consular officer
immediately. Consular officers cannot serve as attorneys, give legal
advice, or get you out of jail. What they can do is provide a list of
local attorneys who speak English and who may have had experience in
representing U.S. citizens. If you are arrested, consular officials
will visit you, advise you of your rights under local laws, and ensure
that you are held under humane conditions and are treated fairly under
local law. A consular officer will also contact your family or friends
if you desire. When necessary, consuls can transfer money from home for
you and will try to get relief for you, including food and clothing in
countries where this is a problem. If you are detained, remember that
under international agreements and practice, you have the right to talk
to the U.S. consul. If you are denied this right, be persistent; try to
have someone get in touch for you.

Thank you for taking the time to become an informed traveler. We wish
you a safe and wonderful journey.

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