Terrorist attacks

Quick overview

Are there destinations particularly at risk?

Travelers must be aware that a terrorist attack may occur at any time in any country of the world. However, several countries have an extensive record of terrorist attacks. Afghanistan, India, Iraq, Pakistan, and the Philippines are among them. In other countries, the threat of a terrorist attack remains especially high; it is the case in Western Europe (United Kingdom, Greece, Spain, France...), North Africa (Algeria, Egypt...), North America, Asia-Pacific (notably Indonesia, Thailand and Australia), and the Middle Easth (Saudi Arabia, Yemen...).

Are there any high-risk targets?

High-risk targets for acts of terrorism include military, civilian and government facilities (including police stations, polling stations and foreign embassies), international airports, public transportation (subway, buses...), places of worship, railway stations, hotels, restaurants, nightclubs and markets. Terrorists might also target large public gatherings, water and food supplies, utilities, and corporate centers.

What you can do before departing

Inform yourself

The threat of terrorism cannot be ruled out in any part of the world. Research the social and political situations of the place you'll be visiting by reading news stories about the area and checking for travel advisories issued by your Foreign Ministry or similar agencies. Follow their recommendations. If you're traveling abroad in an unstable country, call your embassy in order to let them know where you are. Give your family or friends a copy of your itinerary and of your passport.

If you are traveling in a high-risk country, be prepared

Once you are at your destination, you should look for the locations of police stations, hospitals, embassies and airports in the area. Be aware of your surroundings and maintain a low profile at all times. Trust your instincts: move or leave if you feel uncomfortable or if something does not seem right. Report any unusual behavior, suspicious packages and strange devices as soon as possible to the police or to a security officer. Do not accept any packages from strangers. Carry a small amount of cash with you in case you need to arrange transportation quickly, and 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.

How to react in case of a bombing

During the explosion

If you are inside a targeted building and if things are falling around you, stay away from the windows, try to take cover under a desk or a solid table, or if possible in the bathroom. After the blast, exit the building as soon as possible. Use extreme caution as terrorists may still be inside the building. Do not use elevators, look out obviously weakened floors and stairways. Leave the area as quickly as possible without running, as it would draw attention. Once outside, call emergency services, if they are already there, identify yourself.

If you are in the direct vicinity of the explosion, lie down, gather yourself up into a ball and protect your head and internal organs. Check yourself for any major wounds before trying to move.

After the explosion

Remain calm. Check yourself for any major wounds before trying to get up. Call emergency services, if they are already there, identify yourself. Follow all instructions and orders given by the authorities. As they can be targeted or overcrowded, and thus pose a threat to your safety, avoid public transportation.

Once in a secure place, monitor local media in order to get up-to-date information. If local authorities ask you to evacuate, do so immediately and use specified travel routes. If you need consular assistance, call your embassy.