General advice
Once you are at your destination, you should look for the locations of police stations, hospitals, embassies
and airports in the area. Avoid sensitive areas. Keep your personal information secret: do not give your hotel address to
strangers and do not mention the details of your itinerary. Carry a small amount of cash with you in case you need to
arrange transportation quickly. Always carry your passport and visa (or copies) with you as well as the address and
telephone number of your embassy. You may also keep an emergency credit card with you.
Maintain a low profile and exercise caution at all times. Monitor local media in order to get up-to-date
information.
Remain alert
Maintain awareness at all times and look out for suspicious people, but always remain calm. Trust your
instincts; if you feel something is wrong, leave the area as quickly as possible without running, as it would draw attention
to you.
Seek shelter in large and safe places.
Vary the routes, habits and times of your activities in order to make it difficult for potential
followers to know where you are
going. Avoid dark streets, empty alleys and large parking lots. Avoid being outside at nighttime. Most violent crimes
take place at night. When you are in your hotel room, lock the door and close the windows. If you are driving a car,
close all the windows and lock yourself in the car.
How to react if you are kidnapped
Remain calm. If your attacker is carrying weapons, do not panic. If there are multiple armed attackers, do not
try to escape, you will put yourself in greater danger. Do not resist. Do not try to be a hero. If your attackers are seeking a
ransom, be aware that usually, in this kind of kidnapping, hostages are released unharmed. If your attacker is alone,
unarmed and if his attempt is sexually motivated, you can try to escape, fight, or scream in order to draw attention to the
situation.
Be observant but discreet; try to memorize as much information on your attackers as you can. How
many of them are there? Are they wearing masks? What do they look like? Sound like? How are they dressed? What kind of vehicle do
they have (shape, color, type, brand, model, license plate number)? Can you describe their state of mind - are they nervous,
do they seem organized?
Try to keep a positive attitude, cooperate (within reason), be patient, and prepare yourself
mentally to be isolated and lonely. Try to relax, avoid screaming, crying or threatening your abductors. Refrain from
discussing political or religious matters. Take care of yourself, stay mentally and physically active. If your abductor
offers you something to drink or to eat, accept it.
In case of a rescue attempt, lie on the floor and follow all recommendations given by the rapid
deployment force, and do not make sudden moves.
