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International Travel Security

compiled by Susan Friedenberg and Jeff Beck

In the tragic aftermath of the terrorist attack on hotels and restaurants in Mumbai, perhaps this is a good time to review, or initiate procedures for International travel security. These procedures are good for the crew as well as the passengers, though until now I was not specifically thinking terrorists attacks like we see these days. I think now is a good time to have this thread discussed, and I look forward to additional input.

Airport Arrival Transporation

• Have advance information of the type vehicle and license plate number of the Limo/Van that picks up the passengers, to ensure they are, in fact, getting on the right one.
• Crew transport should be arranged/provided by the handler.  For those times when the handler uses a taxi out front of the terminal, ensure he is using one of their trusted taxis.
• Avoid public transportation of any kind.  (NOTE - I know some will object to this, but I was in Tokyo when their subway was gas attacked, and again in London when their subways were blown up).
• Keep Alert !!!!

Hotel and Layover Security

• At check in, get two business cards or matchbooks with the hotel name and address on them. Place one by the phone in the room so you know where you are and keep the other on your person when you leave so you know where to come back to. Or if you are in a country where you don't speak the language, you can simply show a taxi driver the matchbook, and you're on your way back to the hotel.
• Keep your Passport with you at all times, and keep extra color, scanned copies of the face page and any Visa pages. The only time that you should relinquish it is in some countries that require, by law, you to leave your Passport at the desk when registering. But don't transfer control if you can avoid it. Frequently the color copies will suffice. If you need to leave the Passport, then get it back as soon as you can.
• Note where the nearest fire stairwells are located. Make a mental note which direction you must turn and approximately how many steps there are to the closest fire stairwell. In the event of a fire, there is frequently dense smoke and no lighting (similar to the environment we experience during aircraft evac training).
• It is not such a bad idea to invest in a disposal smoke hood to keep in your luggage at the hotel.  Google "ASE30 Smoke Hood" to find where to get them - Amazon has them for $69 USD as of this writing.
• At night, make sure to lay out your clothes, jacket, and have your Passport and wallet in or near your shoes, so in the event of an emergency evacuation, you can be up, dressed, have your valuables, and on the way out in just a few moments.
• Keep Alert !!!!

Other Considerations

• Don't drop your guard or assume that a hotel is going to provide the level of security you think it should. Be responsible for yourself and your crew mates.
• Stay alert and aware of your surroundings; keep an eye on belongings and your hand on your valuables. (NOTE - I have actually traveled with crew members who walk about with their Ipods plugged in their ears, which is about the dumbest thing I have ever seen.)
• Keep a low profile.
• Learn at least a few phrases in the local language (Please & Thank you).
• Dress to blend in with the foreign environment – don't wear logo clothing identifying you as a westerner. And for goodness sake, don't have American flags pasted on your luggage or flight bags (I've seen lots of airline folks do this).
• Leave behind expensive jewelry, watches, and clothes that mark you as a wealthy foreigner. Not only does this mark you, it makes it harder to get good deals when shopping.
• Keep Alert !!!!
• Do not pay with large bills or count currency in public.
• Stay away from crowds and don't investigate a disturbance; just leave. Even peaceful gatherings can turn ugly.
• Carry the phone numbers of emergency contacts - e.g. your handler, the hotel, and diplomatic representation in that city/country.
• Keep Alert !!!!
• Always carry an ID card, Passport, or a copy of it - a legal requirement in many countries.  Remember, your Passport is your most valuable possession when out on the road.
• Guard against pickpockets.
• Keep your distance from the curb (also keep reminding yourself which side traffic drives).
• If you are followed, change direction and enter a well-lighted business establishment.
• If a car follows you, turn and walk the opposite way.
• Go through your luggage to remove items not needed or which pose a security risk, such as: 
  • Excess credit cards, Membership- or ID- cards for any group that may be targeted.
  • Business cards with provocative information or revealing national, ethnic or religious affiliation.
  • Political, religious or sexually explicit literature.
  • Expensive or religious jewelry.

Leaving your hotel room

• Use taxi service arranged by hotel, handler, or restaurant, avoid flagging one off the street.
• Take a minimum of cash, enough for that outing. Keep credit cards and money in different pockets. (NOTE – If you use your front pockets, it is harder for pickpockets to hit you, as opposed to your back pockets)
• Carry "bait money" for potential thieves.
• Keep Alert !!!!
• Wear minimum jewelry, especially women. Women, wear only a simple wedding band in lieu of a diamond ring. Remember in some foreign cities and even some area within the United States, a diamond ring might be worth what a criminal might earn in a year. Remove the temptation!
• In restaurants and clubs try not to sit real close to the entry, and if possible face the entry when seated.

Crime

• In a criminal attack, give up your belongings willingly, without argument.
• Report the crime immediately to local police authorities. In certain countries check your embassy before contacting the police.
• If someone with a weapon approaches and corners you, remember your life is at stake and one wrong move could be your last. Plan ahead how you will react and remember to think rationally.
• Report passport theft to your embassy immediately, and initiate the procedure to obtain a new passport.

Kidnap / Hostage Situations

• Do not behave in any way to make yourself stand out; avoid threatening movements and do not stare.
• Do exactly as you are told, and do nothing without asking permission first.
• Remain alert and prepared in the event of rescue attempt or escalation of violence.
• If you are singled out for questioning, your answers must be consistent with documentation you are carrying. Volunteer no additional information.
• Remain courteous, but dignified.
• If there is a rescue attempt, stay as close to the ground as possible.
• Do not try to be a hero.

State Emergency (coup d'état, revolution, social unrest, etc.)

• If trouble starts, contact your local embassy.
• Call or have someone contact the embassy with your location to facilitate your evacuation if needed.
• Stay off the streets, remain in your hotel, and if necessary move only in daylight in groups.
• Avoid main squares and boulevards, government buildings, radio/TV stations, military installations, the airport, harbors, banks and shopping centers. All are key targets during take-overs or coups.
• Do not discuss opinions about the political situation.
• Have the hotel management or embassy update you on any developments.

Natural Disaster

• Have a pre-established plan with your colleagues and passengers for where to go in the event of a disaster; that plan should include going immediately to your local diplomatic representation or the Red Cross to report yourself alive. (Note: the symbol for the Red Cross in some Islamic countries is a red crescent in place of the Red Cross.)
• Contact your home to save your family worry. Also stay in touch with your handler for information on current events. Make sure your handler knows which hotels the passengers are staying.