The following is guidance used and provided by NETS
member companies regarding safety and security when
traveling in foreign countries. You may use as is or adapt
to fit the guidelines or policies of your organization.
Trip Preparation
• Be sure your luggage tags contain your name,
phone number, and full street address. Be sure this
information is concealed from casual observation;
and that company logos are not displayed on
luggage.
• Make sure to have name(s), address(es), and
telephone numbers of the office you are visiting.
• Plan to obtain a small amount of local currency.
• If you do not speak the local language, have the
name and address of each place you may want to
go placed on a 3x5 card in that language. Show it
to the taxi drivers if they do not understand English.
In Transit
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Include in your carry-on luggage a
supply of any regularly taken
prescription medicines (in original
containers labeled with the pharmacy
name and prescribing physician), an
extra pair of eyeglasses and passport.
Dress inconspicuously to blend into the
international environment.
Consider wearing no jewelry.
Memorize your passport number so you
do not have to reveal your passport
when filling out customs and immigration
forms.
Local Transportation
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In high risk locations, use transportation arranged
by the local affiliate. (Travelers who make their
reservations through a travel management
company will most likely be notified that they have
booked travel to a designated high-risk location.)
If you have been assigned a driver, verify the
driver’s identification.
Hotels
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Use hotels recommended by the local
affiliate. These will normally be the most
modern with better security and safety
measures.
Upon check-in, be discreet as possible
when disclosing information about
yourself. Be aware of those around you
that might overhear.
Request a new room if the clerk
announces your room number and then
have them write the number down on
your room key envelope.
Street Smarts
• Trust your instincts, if it does not feel right, act.
• Do not carry any political, religious or other materials
that may be offensive or even illegal in the country you
are visiting.
• Know the “dress codes” of the country or region you
are visiting.
• Do not photograph anything that appears to be
associated with military or internal security of the
country, including airports, ports, or military
installations or government buildings.
• Invest in a good map of the area. Note significant
points such as your hotel, embassies, and police
stations. Make mental notes of alternative routes to
your hotel or facility.
Street Smarts
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Be alert for persons watching your movements.
Purse snatchers frequent hotel bars and
restaurants waiting for unknowing persons to
drape items on chairs or under tables. Keep items
in view or “in touch.”
Be alert to scams involving an unknown person
spilling a drink or food on your clothing. An
accomplice may be preparing to steal your purse,
wallet, or briefcase.
Never resist an armed robbery. Carry some cash
to appease muggers who may resort to violence
upon finding no reward for their efforts.
Considerations for High-Risk Locations
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Consult with security beforehand.
Register with your Embassy or Consulate upon
arrival, even if your stay is short.
Travel with others when possible.
Avoid utilizing well-known British and U.S. hotels
Group Travel
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Arrange for 2 assembly points in the event
of emergency. All parties in the group
should know where these locations are and
how to get there.
Create a list of contact telephone numbers –
everyone should carry it with them at all
times.
Know the group’s schedules. When
separated, check in regularly.
Civil Unrest
• If you encounter a protest:
• Do not become involved
• Do not stay and watch
• Do not take sides or attempt to gather
information.
• Exit the area
Lost or Stolen Passport
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Contact your embassy or consulate for assistance.
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If stolen, be sure to notify the local police department and security.
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You will need to speak to the American Citizens Services unit of the
Consular Section.
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Having a photo copy of your passport will make getting a new
passport easier since your citizenship and identity information would
be more readily available.
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U.S. passports are not routinely issued by U.S. embassies and
consulates abroad on weekends and holidays when the
embassy/consulate is closed.
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All U.S. embassies and consulates have an after hours duty officer
available to assist with life or death emergencies of U.S. citizens
abroad. Contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate after hours
duty officer for assistance if you have an emergency need to travel.