For most people, overseas travel is “occasional” rather than “usual”. For some it is a very new experience. Security issues should not be forgotten.
Death during travel isn’t a rarity. Most deaths are due to natural causes but a small percentage, perhaps less than one percent, is due to homicide. Many of these deaths and those attributed to accidents could be prevented by better planning and an understanding of risk.
To take an unofficial taxi service from an airport in a high-risk destination might not be a sensible idea, particularly if you are unfamiliar with your destination and you are travelling alone.
Security and safety are often poorly covered during a pre-travel medical consultation. Much more emphasis is placed on vaccines and infectious disease. Yet less than 2% of deaths overseas are caused by infectious diseases.
All travellers should assess their own degree of risk.
Most homicides occur in situations where something else is going on – robbery, inappropriate dress, alcohol use or drugs. There are many ways to reduce your personal risk.
These include:
- Carry minimal amount of cash (but always some to get out of a difficult situation)
- Have a secure place on your person for a passport/ other identification
- Dress in line with local culture
- Don’t display wealth with jewelry or an expensive watch
- Do not engage in use of illicit drugs
- Do not leave drinks unattended
- Make sure you have copies of important documents in a secure place which is easily accessible
- Travel in groups
- Consider arrival times in areas where security might be an issue. Late night arrivals can increase the risk. Have a reasonable idea of where you are staying.
- Avoid areas of conflict
The Australian government website, Smartraveller offers very useful information. See Smartraveller
Smartraveller provides general travel advisories for 178 destinations globally. Safety is featured in the advisory. It also includes information on health, local laws, travel and local contacts.
Safety is then broken down into different categories. Even if most of the categories do not relate to your specific trip it is always better to be aware of the many aspects of “safety”.
These include:
- Demonstrations
- Armed conflict
- Partying safely
- Kidnapping
- Natural disasters
- Piracy
- Scams
- Sexual assault
- Terrorism
- Theft, robbery, and muggings
The advisories are updated on a regular basis.
Particular attention should be given to the “advice level” provided for the destination. These include:
Level 1 - Exercise normal safety precautions
Level 2 – Exercise a high degree of caution
Level 3 – Reconsider your need to travel
Level 4 – Do not travel
It is very important to consider the advice carefully, particularly Level 4, as your travel insurance may not cover your trip and consular services may not be available.
Similar services are available to both American and British travellers. It may be useful to check their information as well as they cover more destinations than Smartraveller.
See American advisories and British travel advice
