Travel Alert and Security Concerns Deter Many Sochi Olympic Travelers

A recent CNN article reported many travelers are reconsidering attending the upcoming Sochi Olympics due to growing security concerns surrounding the games. A U.S. State Department travel alert warns U.S. citizens planning to attend the Olympic games to remain attentive regarding their personal security at all times.

“Travelers to Sochi should expect increased police presence and enhanced security measures in and around the Olympic venues.  There is no indication of a specific threat to U.S. institutions or citizens, but U.S. citizens should be aware of their personal surroundings and follow good security practices.  U.S. citizens are urged to remain vigilant and exercise good judgment and discretion when using any form of public transportation.  When traveling, U.S. citizens may wish to provide a friend, family member, or coworker a copy of their itinerary,” the alert states.

Bombings, hostage takings and acts of terrorism have continued to take place in Russia. “Between October 15 and December 30, 2013, there were three suicide bombings targeting public transportation in the city of Volgograd. . . In early January 2014, media reports emerged about the possible presence of so-called “black widow” suicide bombers in Sochi.  These reports have not been corroborated, and the U.S. government continues to seek further information,” the alert reads.

Often, huge public events such as the Olympics give terrorists an easy target. “The U.S. government continues to monitor reported threats of potential terrorist attacks in Sochi or in Russia in general,” the alert reports.

Spectators, competitors and security analysts all have serious concerns about the safety of spectators who choose to attend the Olympics, the CNN article reported. The article reported 30% of available tickets for the games still haven’t been purchased. The games will bring close to 6,000 athletes from 85 different countries with nearly 40,000 security officers to stand guard, the article reported.

If you or loved ones are planning to attend the Sochi Winter Olympics this month, stay safe. Be aware of your surroundings at all times and use extreme caution in traveling. Full information about the Olympic and Paralympic games for U.S. citizen visitors is available on the Sochi Fact Sheet and the Country Specific Information for the Russian Federation on the U.S. State Department website, travel.state.gov.  The U.S. State Department strongly recommends that U.S. citizens residing or traveling abroad enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) in order to receive pertinent safety and security information.

New Travel Alert for Ukraine Due to Political Unrest

A new travel alert from the U.S. Department of State has been issued for U.S. citizens traveling to Ukraine, due to ongoing political unrest and violence between protestors and police. Violence has been increasing since January 19, the alert reports. Several have died and there have been hundreds of injuries.

Protests in Kyiv began on November 21, 2013, after the Government of Ukraine’s announced it was “suspending preparations to sign an association agreement with the European Union,” the alert reports. Police seriously injured a few demonstrators in attempts to remove them on November 30. There have been clashes between police and protesters since.

“Groups of young men, popularly called “titushky,” have attacked journalists and protesters and committed other random acts of violence in Kyiv and other cities.  U.S. citizens are advised to avoid all protests, demonstrations, and large gatherings.  U.S. citizens whose residences or hotels are located in the vicinity of the protests are cautioned to leave those areas or prepare to remain indoors, possibly for several days, should clashes occur,” the alert reports. 

This situation in Ukraine is unpredictable. The political unrest in Kyiv may increase violence in other cities. As police and protesters continue to clash, protest sites have drawn large crowds. Protesters have blocked roads in Kyiv and other cities, and may do so again, the alert warns. 

The alert recommends U.S. citizens traveling or residing in Ukraine enroll in the State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), either by Internet or with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. This makes it easier for the U.S. embassy or consulate to contact you in case of emergency. The U.S. Embassy in Kyiv is currently open for all routine American Citizens Services by appointment. 

American Citizens Services Unit of the U.S. Embassy is located at 4 A.I. Sikorsky St. (formerly Tankova) in Kyiv, and can be reached by calling +380-44-521-5000 or by e-mailing kyivacs@state.gov.  The Embassy’s after-hours emergency telephone number is +380-44-521-5000.  

Current information on safety and security can also be found on the Department of State’s website or by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States or a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444 for callers from other countries.  U.S. citizens should also consult the Department of State’s Country Specific Information for Ukraine and stay up-to-date by bookmarking our Bureau of Consular Affairs website, which contains the current Travel Warnings and Travel Alerts, as well as the Worldwide Caution.

Strategies to Stay Safe Abroad - Women's Safety in India

In light of another female tourist being raped in India, author Gill Charlton discusses strategies for women to use to avoid being raped or taken advantage of in a recent travel article.

Charlton makes it clear greater safety measures must be taken to protect women living in Delhi, but so far authorities have done very little to make the streets safer for women.

“What is needed is for the police, the courts and Indian society to take the issue a lot more seriously. In a male-dominated society like India, this is going to be a hard task. Only last autumn, a high court judge in Madras, announcing a fast-track legal process for rapists, suggested that it would help if women stayed at home to avoid putting themselves in danger,” Charlton writes.

How can women avoid the crime and danger awaiting them on the streets of Delhi? Charlton suggests female visitors to Delhi take extra precautions as they make their way around the city by doing the following things.

• She recommends phoning for a radio cab instead of hailing taxi cabs on the street, as these radio cabs are safer as they screen their drivers.
• It’s much safer to go into a shop or cafe to read a map or ask for directions instead of asking for help or reading a map on the street.
• Women should avoid using public transit or taxis after dark.
• If it’s necessary to travel after dark, ordering a taxi through the hotel or using the radio taxi counter at the airport is much safer than taking public transit.
• All women should be aware of their surroundings and exercise caution when traveling in India, even when in groups.

Mahatma Gandhi's words ring true: "India cannot claim to have attained true independence until all women can walk on the streets be it at midnight without fear of being molested or raped".

ClearCause can help you stay safe as you travel with these amazing safety tools. Download the free ASAAP checklist, get our new ASAAP S.O.S app available on iTunes and Google Play and check out helpful safety gadgets.  You won’t be sorry for taking the time to look into these safety tools before going abroad!

Study Abroad Safety Gadgets You Need

We at ClearCause have compiled another list of our favorite and most useful safety gadgets that are a MUST for students studying abroad! From device locks to portable flares, these gadgets could save your life. Check out our favorites below!

Addalock is an extra safety lock that can be installed and removed from almost any hinged door in seconds! Addalock can be installed almost anywhere to give you additional privacy and security. Addalock is especially useful for traveling, as you can use it on your hotel/motel, dorm room or residence door to keep you safe as you study abroad. This lock is made out of chrome plated carbon steel and can be adjusted to fit varying door thicknesses. The locks also come with their own travel pouches! Purchase online here at Addalock.com.

Laptop locks are essential in keeping your computer and personal information safe. Kensington offers a ClickSafe Portable Combination Laptop Lock, featuring a keyless 4-wheel combination with 10,000 possible combinations. The ClickSafe Security Anchors attaches to the industry standard Kensington Security Slot found on 99% of laptops, the website reads. The lock has a cable that stretches to 6’ and shrinks to 3” for easy packing. Purchase a laptop lock on the Kensington website here!

FlareSafe is one of the best things to bring with you as you travel. Weighing only 200 grams, FlareSafe is both a powerful flashlight and a specially-designed optical system used to detect smoke. The LED bulbs in this device typically last around 100,000 hours. The torch has three working settings - full beam, half beam (reading light)  and a strobe. To use the device as a smoke detector, twist the plastic cap at the back of the unit, exposing the detector underneath the cap. A piercing siren on the FlareSafe will sound if smoke is detected, and the torch light will automatically switch on. This allows you to see the unit, grab it and use the light to find your way out of the building to safety. FlareSafe is one of the most reliable personal safety devices found and comes with a one-year guarantee. Purchase FlareSafe online to stay safe!

Backpack steel mesh locks can help stop thieves from stealing your stuff as you travel. This Pacsafe 55L Backpack and Bag Protector from Amazon is 10 centimeters wide and locks your bag closed. The locking device is high-tensile stainless steel and comes with a padlock and carrying pouch. The lock is designed to cover and protect bags and packs from theft,  tampering and pilfering, the website reads. The lock weighs only 1.2 pounds and can be bought online on Amazon.  

The American Red Cross online store features a number of amazing First Aid kits necessary for anyone studying abroad. The pocket-sized American Red Cross Pocket First Aid kit is only $3.00 for a 19-piece kit ready to treat small scratches, blisters and cuts. The Be Red Cross Ready First Aid Kit is a 73-piece kit with latex-free first aid supplies to treat cuts, scrapes, pain swelling and more. The First Aid Kit PLUS includes first aid necessities to treat burns, scrapes, cuts and other unexpected emergencies. This kit comes with a removal pouch so that you are able to gather essential first aid items for a  smaller and more portable kit on the go. Check out American Red Cross online for even more First Aid kit options - it could save your life!

What are some of the travel safety gadgets you use?

Travel Alert Issued for Thailand Due to Political Unrest

The U.S. Department of State has issued a travel alert to U.S. citizens who are or will be traveling in Thailand. This alert is due to ongoing political and social unrest, primarily in Bangkok, as Thai parliamentary elections are scheduled to take place nationwide on February 2, 2014.

“U.S. citizens are advised to avoid all protests, demonstrations, and large gatherings.  Some protest sites are located near tourist attractions and popular shopping malls, which at times have closed or shortened hours unexpectedly.  Protests may occur in other areas with little or no prior notice. You should allow extra time when travelling throughout the city or to/from airports.  Consider using public transportation.  Although many protest activities have been peaceful, increasingly violent incidents have occurred at or near protest sites,” the U.S. Department of State website states.

According to the U.S. Department of State, political demonstrations have been common in Thailand since November 2013. Most of the larger demonstrations have been in Bangkok. Since January 13, 2014, protesters have taken control of major intersections within Thailand, blocking both vehicle traffic and redirecting pedestrian traffic. These protests have drawn large crowds and there is a significant lack of police control at protest sites. Some of these demonstrations have resulted in injuries and deaths.

How can U.S. travelers and tourists avoid the danger surrounding these political demonstrations? U.S. citizens are recommended to avoid protest sites, demonstrations, and large gatherings.  All should be alert and aware of surroundings at all times. Pay attention to local news media reports. “U.S. citizens are cautioned that even demonstrations that are meant to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate into violence,” the Travel Alert states.

The Travel Alert strongly advises U.S. citizens who travel to or reside in Thailand to enroll in the State Department's Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).  “U.S. citizens without Internet access may enroll directly with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.  By enrolling, you make it easier for the U.S. embassy or consulate to contact you in case of an emergency,” the alert reads.

This Travel Alert expires on February 14, 2014.

Avoid Being Scammed As You Study Abroad

A student travel article written by Lauren Juliff gives great tips on how to avoid being scammed in traveling. Con artists, frauds and thieves work hard to swindle travelers out of any amount of money. Here are some great tips to avoid being scammed as you study abroad!

1. Don’t Look Like a Tourist

Scammers target people who don’t know the area they’re traveling through, aren’t aware of the country’s culture and want to meet and talk with the local people - tourists. Tourists are easy targets for scammers, Lauren writes.

“Do your best to try and blend in with the locals while you're traveling. . .If you can't effectively blend in as a local, you can still make yourself less noticeable. Don't wear tourist-style souvenir clothing, like hippie pants and souvenir t-shirts. Wear plain clothing and remove your flashy jewelry -- you don't want would-be scammers to think that you have a lot of money,” Lauren says.

Finally, when traveling, walk down the street as if you know exactly where you’re going, even if you’re not sure. A lack of confidence can draw scammers right to you.

2. Do Your Research

Lauren suggests doing online searches for common scams in your destinated country. Reading through other people’s stories and warnings in forums can help prepare you to avoid potential scams awaiting you abroad.

“Doing this helped me to avoid being scammed in Istanbul -- I recognized I was being scammed and immediately walked away,” Lauren writes. “I probably would have been scammed if I hadn't researched before arriving.”

3. Be Cautious

The article warns in some cases, locals with excellent English who want to befriend you may be trying to scam you.

“You'll often be approached by several locals with extremely good English, who will chat to you and get to know you for as long as it takes for you to drop your guard. Once they can tell that you trust them, they'll then try and scam you -- they'll offer to take you to a bar, or a cafe, or a tea ceremony, and upon finishing up will present you with a bill of many hundreds of dollars,” Lauren explains in the article.

You shouldn’t assume every local who wants to talk with you has intentions of scamming you, but be cautious. You should always be on your guard to make sure you stay safe and don’t get scammed.

For more safety tips while studying abroad, download the free ASAPP Checklist from ClearCause! 

U.S. State Department Issues Travel Warning For Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics

The U.S. State Department has issued a travel warning for anyone traveling to Russia for the Sochi Winter Olympics. Russia has an anti-gay law.

In June 2013, Russia's State Duma passed a law banning the ‘propaganda of nontraditional sexual relations’ to minors. The U.S. government understands this law applies to both Russian citizens and foreigners in Russia. Russian citizens found guilty of violating the law could face a fine of up to 100,000 rubles ($3,100). Foreign citizens face similar fines, up to 14 days in jail, and deportation. The law makes it a crime to promote LGBT equality in public, but lacks concrete legal definitions for key terms. Russian authorities have indicated a broad interpretation of what constitutes ‘LGBT propaganda,’ and provided vague guidance as to which actions will be interpreted by authorities as ‘LGBT propaganda,’ part of the travel warning reads.

A NBC news article reported gay rights marches in Russia are usually broken up and it’s common to see police detaining activists even before demonstrations begin.

International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach announced in December “special protest zones would be set up” in order to combat the heavy criticism of Russia’s anti-gay law, a Pink News article reported.

However, Russian President Vladimir Putin later signed a decree banning protests, demonstrations and rallies during the Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics between January 7 and March 21, another Pink News article reported.

ClearCause urges everyone who plans to travel to Russia for the Sochi Winter Olympics practice extreme caution while they are there. It is essential to educate yourself on a country’s laws and culture before traveling abroad to make sure you stay as safe as possible.