GENERIC GUIDELINES FOR TRAVEL TO HIGH RISK COUNTRIES

The following blog pertains to reminders for travel to high risk countries or regions. These recommendations are superficial and situations will typically vary and differ from one location to another.


Overseas business travel has become routine due, in part, to modern technologies. Unfortunately these mundane tasks for many are almost never low risk, especially from a vulnerability perspective. The following is a list of due diligence and are not comprehensive or complete. Our objective is to highlight to our clients and followers certain precautions to be adhered to in order to stay safe abroad and to return home unharmed.


1.  Prior to travel to your destination, become familiar with local laws and customs. This is imperative.
2.  Being a citizen from a western country usually offers little to no immunity.
3.  Signs of affluence are highly likely to attract crime opportunities that could endanger the traveler's life.
4. Their culture is different from your culture. Be aware.
5. Business travelers are likely to be targeted at home, prior to travel. This is especially true when requesting a visa.
6.  Remember that extremists often perceive westerners - all races and religion - as the enemy.
7.  At your point of entry you may be questioned. Repeatedly for no apparent reason. Be aware that certain goods such as alcohol, bibles or pornographic material can land the traveler in serious trouble.
8.  Avoid advertising who you are, your position or the organization you represent. This includes no logos on your clothes, bags, etc. Google your name prior to travel; you'd be surprised. Never accept electronic goods such as USB as they may be bugged with surveillance software, etc.
9.  Be mindful that you may be the target of intelligence collection, especially if you represent a high tech firm with industrial secrets, etc. In addition, you are likely to come under surveillance or even to become a victim of sexual entrapment, an old trick. The traveler may also be subjected to multiple searches throughout his or her stay from security officials, elicitation is therefore common. The traveler may also observe that despite being discreet and by taking many precautions that easy, sudden friendship develop! You think that no one is interested in you? Think again.
10. Never leave anyone (policeman, customs agent, etc) remove your laptop for inspection away from your sight.
11.  Assume you are being monitored for your e-mails and phone calls. Do not be tempted for free WIFI, unless you feel safe that your conversation can be heard by all. As well, always leave the television or radio on in your hotel room. Leave a "Do Not Disturb" card on your door. Never state your name or title when answering the phone. A simple "hello" will do.
12.  Change your itineraries and timings when necessary and avoid being alone if practical.


We recommend that all travelers to high risk countries or regions become situationally aware. We offer accurate and specific vulnerability assessments for the business traveller, NGOs, organizations and their staff as well as for the adventurers and backpackers. Contact us today: parsec.consulting@gmail.com
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