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Staying Safe in Dangerous Places

Your travels may occasionally take you to developing or politically unstable areas. When this happens, there are things you can--and should--do to ensure your safety.

  • Avoid the temptation to get involved in political demonstrations or rallies. As romantic as it may seem to watch history in the making, the danger is just too great. In many cases, local police may be on the lookout for outside agitators, and simply being American puts you at risk of injury or arrest.

  • Don't go out of your way to risk antagonizing your hosts. Regardless of how you feel about your host country's policies, try to remember that you are a guest. Make an attempt to abide by local dress codes and Fit in With the Local Culture.

  • Read up on what the State Department has to say about the region you will be visiting. The United States State Department maintains a database on every country in the world. At this site, you can find information about any travel warnings that have been issued for the country you would like to visit, as well as any other information the State Department considers important for American visitors.

Related Links

Find out how to Protect Your Health in developing countries.
Read about how to Fit in With the Local Culture.
Review any Travel Warnings the State Department may have issued for the country you wish to visit.

   
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