A SAFE TRIP ABROAD

Foreword

Millions of U.S. citizens travel abroad each year and use their U.S.
passports. When you travel abroad, the odds are in your favor that you
will have a safe and incident-free trip. However, 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 globe. 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 with consular officers
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 most secure 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 all 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. One of the safest places to carry valuables is in a
pouch or money belt worn under your clothing.

If you wear glasses, pack an extra pair. Bring 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
the event 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 and if possible, lock your luggage.

Consider getting a telephone calling card. It is a convenient way of
keeping in touch. If you have one, verify that you can use it from your
overseas location(s). Access numbers to U.S. operators are published in
many international newspapers. Find out your access number before you
go.

What To Leave Behind

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

 -- valuable 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 two photocopies of your passport identification page, airline
tickets, driver's license and the credit cards that you plan to bring
with you. Leave one photocopy of this data 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 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.

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,
currency regulations or unusual health conditions, the crime and
security situation, political disturbances, areas of instability,
special information about driving and road conditions 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.

Public Announcements are a means to disseminate information about
terrorist threats and other relatively short-term and/or trans-national
conditions posing significant risks to the security of American
travelers. They are issued when there is a perceived threat usually
involving Americans as a particular target group. In the past, Public
Announcements have been issued to deal with short-term coups,
pre-election disturbances, violence by terrorists and anniversary dates
of specific terrorist events.

Consular Information Sheets, Travel Warnings and Public Announcements
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, Travel Warnings
and Public Announcements 24-hours a day in several ways.

Telephone

To listen to them, call (202) 647-5225 from a touchtone phone.

Fax

From your fax machine, dial (202) 647-3000, using the handset as you
would a regular telephone. The system prompts you on how to proceed.

Internet

Information about travel and consular services is available on the
Bureau of Consular Affairs' World Wide Web home page. The address is
http://travel.state.gov. It includes Consular Information Sheets, Travel
Warnings and Public Announcements, passport and visa information, travel
publications, background on international adoption and international
child abduction services and international legal assistance. It also
links to the State Department's main Internet site at
http://www.state.gov which contains current foreign affairs information.

Consular Affairs Bulletin Board

If you have a personal computer, modem and communication software, you
can access the Consular Affairs Bulletin Board (CABB). To view or
download the documents from a computer and modem, dial the CABB on (301)
946-4400. The login is travel; the password is info. 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. Safety experts recommend booking a room
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.

Legal Documents. Have your affairs at home in order. If you leave a
current will, insurance documents, and power of attorney with your
family or a friend, you can feel secure about traveling and will be
prepared for any emergency that may arise 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 should have a number that you can call while you are overseas.

Insurance. Find out if your personal property insurance covers you for
loss or theft abroad. More importantly, check if your health insurance
covers you abroad. Medicare and Medicaid do 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. Also, make sure that the plan you purchase 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.

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 who create a distraction while picking your
pocket.

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 a note of emergency telephone
numbers you may need: police, fire, your hotel, and the nearest U.S.
embassy or consulate.

If you are confronted, don't fight back. Give up your valuables. Your
money and passport can be replaced, but you cannot.

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 if you are 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 alternate exits
are located. 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 Transportation

If a country has a pattern of tourists being targeted by criminals on
public transport, that information is mentioned in the Consular
Information Sheets under the "Crime Information" section.

Taxis. Only take taxis clearly identified with official markings. Beware
of unmarked 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 being blocked by a stranger and another person is
very close to 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 food or drink offered to passengers. Criminals may also spray
sleeping gas in train compartments.

Where possible, lock your compartment. If it cannot be locked securely,
take turns sleeping in shifts with your traveling companions. 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 locked 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 looking 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. You may also wish to ask your
rental car agency for advice on avoiding robbery while visiting tourist
destinations.

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. Countersign 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 missing items to
the police, report the loss or theft 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 jurisdiction 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 when appropriate.

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 countries have mandatory sentences -
even for possession of a small amount of marijuana or cocaine. A number
of Americans have been arrested for possessing prescription drugs,
particularly tranquilizers and amphetamines, that they purchased legally
in certain Asian countries and then brought 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 and the firearm is registered with foreign authorities on
arrival. (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 you
are 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. This is especially true in
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. 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. 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 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 the event of an
    emergency. Make 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 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.

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 and 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 family or
friends in the United States. Payment of hospital and other medical
expenses is your responsibility.

If you run out of money overseas and have no other options, 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.

Planning Another Trip?

For general travel information, the following pamphlets may be ordered
from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office,
Washington, D.C. 20420, tel. 202-512-1800:

Your Trip Abroad ($1.25)
A Safe Trip Abroad
Tips for Americans Residing Abroad
Travel Tips for Older Americans
Tips for Travelers to Canada
Tips for Travelers to the Caribbean
Tips for Travelers to Central and South America
Tips for Travelers to Mexico
Tips for Travelers to the Middle East and North Africa ($1.50)
Tips for Travelers to the People's Republic of China
Tips for Travelers to Russia and the Newly Independent States
Tips for Travelers to South Asia
Tips for Travelers to Sub-Saharan Africa ($1.50)

The price of each publication is about $1.00, except where noted. Prices
and availability are subject to change without notice. Please check with
the Government Printing Office for more information.

General visa information for these and other countries are available in
Foreign Entry Requirements. Information on how, when and where to apply
for your U.S. passport is provided in Passports: Applying for Them the
Easy Way. Both publications may be ordered for 50 cents each from the
Consumer Information Center, Pueblo, Colorado 81009.

DEPARTMENT OF STATE PUBLICATION 10399 Bureau of Consular
Affairs Revised August 1996

The information in this publication is in the public domain and may be
reproduced without permission. When this material is reproduced, the
Department of State would appreciate receiving a copy at: CA/P - Room
6831, Department of State, Washington, D.C. 20520.