Security Advice BASIC TRAVEL TIPS – What You Should Do Every Time You Travel
Total Page:16
File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb
India Security Advice BASIC TRAVEL TIPS – what you should do every time you travel • Don't stand out: dress inconspicuously and avoid displaying jewellery or valuables such as laptop computers or cameras. • Do not carry large sums of cash. • Familiarise yourself with your destination - the layout of the city and important routes – and be vigilant. • Always carry a charged phone programmed with useful numbers - your hotel, local colleagues, police, or embassy - and the International SOS Assistance app. • When out and about, keep a safe distance from large, unpredictable crowds – demonstrations or political rallies - and avoid commotions on the street. • Don't give out personal information and don't discuss your plans with strangers. • Memorise useful local phrases (please, thank you, yes, no, how much, stop here, etc.). • Don't drink to excess: it is likely to reduce your level of awareness and judgment. • Do not accept food or drinks from strangers: keep your food and drink in sight when socialising. • Carry cash in more than one pocket, and keep a small amount in a top pocket to hand over to a criminal who confronts you. A dummy wallet – with a small amount of local currency, an expired credit card and some useless receipts – can be useful to satisfy a mugger. • If walking in public, carry small denominations of currency and keep the bulk of cash and cards in a money belt, which should only be accessed in private places. • If you suspect that you are being followed, enter any busy public place and call for help. TIPS FOR USING SHARING ECONOMY SERVICES • Check your company policy allows the use of sharing economy transport and accommodation services. • Confirm the services are legal at your destination. • Use ‘for business' versions of the services. • Safe use of sharing economy services varies significantly according to your profile and destination: if in doubt, or for profile-specific advice, contact our Assistance Centres. ADDITIONAL TIPS FOR WOMEN TRAVELLERS - Female travellers face additional risks in some destinations • Observe and respect local clothing customs. Dress modestly to avoid drawing attention. • In some countries, a lone female traveller is a source of curiosity: you may be stared at if travelling alone. As a precaution, avoid eye contact with strangers, especially on the street and on public transport. • A wedding ring – even a fake one – can reduce levels of unwanted male attention. • Decline politely but firmly any invitations which make you feel uncomfortable, even if faced by amicable pressure to accept. • Ignore suggestive comments. • A door wedge and/or portable alarm are useful items for extra security in some destinations. • In some destinations, women-only floors are available and provide additional reassurance; ask about them when you book your room. • If travelling alone, restrict evening entertainment to business-class hotels or membership clubs. • Check the transport options at your destination. • Check additional precautions advised for women travellers: call for advice if you have any concerns about the risks you might face in a given destination. Risk Ratings HIGH MEDICAL RISK for India MEDIUM TRAVEL RISK for India LOW TRAVEL RISK for Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep, Sikkim, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Leh district (Ladakh region) HIGH TRAVEL RISK for Asom (Assam), Manipur, Nagaland, Tripura, Bihar, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, non- coastal districts of Odisha (Orissa), eastern areas of Maharashtra and parts of the Kashmir valley Risk Summary Normal travel is possible to most parts of India. However, the security environment varies considerably across the country. Travel risks are higher in the north-eastern states of Asom (Assam), Manipur, Nagaland and Tripura, as well as in the states affected by extreme-leftist Naxalite (also known as Maoist) violence, including parts of Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, the Gadchiroli and Gondiya districts of Maharashtra, and inland districts of Odisha (Orissa). Travel risks are also higher in the Kashmir valley and the Kishtwar, Poonch and Ramban districts of Jammu region due to separatist unrest and militancy. While a series of co-ordinated terrorist attacks in Mumbai (Maharashtra state) in November 2008 caused widespread alarm, the risk posed by terrorism to business travellers and expatriates in India remains largely incidental. There continues to be a steady stream of official terrorism warnings and reported militant threats nationwide. However, these alerts have not been followed by attacks. Local media outlets tend to be alarmist and regularly report rumours as fact, which heightens fears of attack. Nevertheless, terrorist attacks, mostly of a low- level nature, are expected to recur in major urban centres. Petty crime, such as pickpocketing, chain- and bag-snatching, is common in crowded cities and tourist areas, but the risk of physical attack is minimal. Kidnaps-for-ransom primarily target the local population. Gang crimes are also common, though these have tended not to directly affect foreigners. Crime against women, including sexual assault, occurs with some regularity and requires the adoption of extra security precautions. Political rallies have the potential to become violent, particularly during election cycles. Demonstrations are common and can escalate without warning in areas where tensions are heightened, though foreigners are unlikely to be targeted. This information is intended as a summary of the travel security environment; however, the risks can change at short notice during a crisis or evolving situation. Please check our travel security alerts to ensure you are informed of the most recent developments. STANDING TRAVEL ADVICE Alerts Western coastal states: Expect heavy rainfall, associated disruption until at least 14 June during passage of Cyclone Vayu Heat related health risks West Bengal state: Avoid protests on 10, 12 June by political party; shutdown strike called in Basirhat View All Alerts Alerts Western coastal states: Expect heavy rainfall, associated disruption until at least 14 June during passage of Cyclone Vayu Created and/or Modified: Tuesday, June 11, 2019 05:50:03 GMT Level: Advisory Location: India Category: Cyclone, Transport disruption Members in western coastal states until at least 14 June should anticipate heavy rainfall, possible flooding and associated disruption. According to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), Cyclone Vayu is currently over the Arabian Sea and Lakshadweep union territory and is expected to intensify into a Severe Cyclonic Storm over the next 12 hours. It is forecast to move northward and make landfall over Gujarat state overnight on 12-13 June. Members should anticipate short-notice disruption and maintain flexible itineraries. Advice • Monitor the IMD website to remain apprised of prevailing weather conditions; be prepared to adjust itineraries at short notice. • Liaise with local contacts and local authorities to ascertain the status of roads and the feasibility of overland travel before setting out. Plan journeys avoiding areas affected by heavy rainfall, and allow additional travel time. • Travel to affected areas requires robust journey management planning; take note of emergency response measures and remain flexible in the event of disruption. Do not drive through floodwaters, as they may be electrically charged due to underground or fallen power lines. If you encounter a flooded road, turn around and find another route to your destination. • We do not hold information on specific flights or other modes of transport. Contact the relevant transport provider to reconfirm schedules. In the event of cancellations, your travel agency will be able to assist with alternative arrangements. • Monitor our alerts on India for further updates. More detail The IMD has issued the following associated weather warnings for the coming days: 11 June • Red warning (Take Action, highest): Madhya Pradesh, coastal areas of Rajasthan • Orange warning (Be Prepared, second-highest): Rajasthan • Yellow warning (Be Updated, second-lowest on a four-tier scale): Coastal states except Gujarat 12 June • Orange warning: Madhya Pradesh, west Uttar Pradesh, coastal areas of Rajasthan • Yellow warning: Punjab, Gujarat, Haryana and the capital New Delhi, coastal areas of Karnataka and Maharashtra, Goa, east Rajasthan 13 June • Yellow warning: Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, coastal areas of Kerala, Goa, Karnataka and Maharashtra. 14 June • Yellow warning: Coastal areas of Gujarat Heat related health risks Created and/or Modified: Monday, June 10, 2019 09:58:48 GMT Level: Advisory Location: India Category: Heatwave Latest update: slight drop in temperature in some locations. Very hot weather conditions have been reported in most parts of the country with unusually high temperatures being recorded in some locations. Exposure to excessive temperatures for a sustained period can pose health risks ranging from relatively mild rashes and sunburn up to heat stroke, a medical emergency. To prevent heat-related illnesses, keep yourself hydrated and avoid exposure to heat. Advice • Minimise time in the sun, especially when the sun is at its strongest (between 10 am and 4pm). • Drink plenty of fluids. Avoid alcohol, caffeinated and sugary drinks. • Avoid excess physical activity, or defer until the temperature lessens. • Use air conditioning and fans to reduce exposure to sustained high temperatures. • Wear loose, cool clothing that covers the body. Natural fibers are often cooler than synthetics. •