Bermuda Bag

CRIME:  Although Ireland has historically had a low rate of violent crime, it is increasing, and there have been a limited number of incidents in which foreigners and tourists have been victims of assault, including instances of violence toward those who appear to be members of racial minority groups.  There is a high incidence of petty crime, mostly theft, burglary, and purse snatching in major tourist areas.  Thieves target rental cars and tourists, particularly in the vicinity of tourist attractions, and some purse and bag snatching incidents in these areas have turned violent, especially in Dublin.  Extra caution should be taken to safeguard passports and wallets from pickpockets and bag snatchers. ... [Read More]

Tips for Travelers With Disabilities

U.S. Department of State [Read More]

A Safe Trip Abroad

March 2002 Foreword When you travel abroad, the odds are in your favor that you will have a safe and incident-free trip. However, crime and violence, as well as unexpected difficulties, do happen to U.S. citizens in all parts of the world. No one is better able to tell you this than the U.S. consular officers who work in more than 250 U.S. embassies and consulates around the globe. Every day of the year, U.S. embassies and consulates receive calls from American citizens in ... [Read More]

Bolivia

Thefts of bags, wallets and backpacks are a problem throughout Bolivia, but especially in the tourist areas of downtown La Paz and the Altiplano. Most thefts involve two or three people who spot a likely victim and wait until the bag or backpack is placed on the ground, often at a restaurant, bus terminal, Internet café, etc. In other cases, the thief places a disagreeable substance on the clothes or backpack of the intended victim, and then offers to assist the victim with the removal of the substance. While the person is distracted, the thief or an accomplice grabs the bag or backpack and flees. In such a situation, the visitor should decline assistance and walk briskly from the area. To steal wallets and bags, thieves spray water on the victim's neck, and while the person is distracted, an accomplice take ... [Read More]

Netherlands, The

CRIME:  While the rate of violent crime in the Netherlands is low, tourists are often targeted for robbery.  Visitors frequently fall prey to pickpockets, bag snatchers and other petty thieves.  Never leave baggage or other valuables unattended. ...

While thieves may operate anywhere, the U.S. Consulate General in Amsterdam receives frequent reports of thefts from specific areas.  Within Amsterdam, thieves are very active in and around train and tram stations, the city center and public transport.  More specifically, trains to and from Schiphol Airport are considered to be high risk.  Thieves often work in pairs; one distracts the victim, often by asking for directions, while the accomplice moves in on the victim's momentarily unguarded handbag, backpack, laptop or briefcase.  The timing of these thefts usually coincides with train stops, enabling the thieves to escape. ... [Read More]

Namibia

REGISTRATION / EMBASSY LOCATION: Americans living or traveling in Namibia are encouraged to register with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate through the State Department's travel registration website, https://travelregistration.state.gov, and to obtain updated information on travel and security within Namibia. Americans without Internet access may register directly with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. By registering, American citizens make it easier for the Embassy or Consulate to contact them in case of emergency. The U.S. Embassy is located 14 Lossen Street, Ausspannplatz, Windhoek, telephone (264-61) 22-1061, fax (264-61) 22-9792. The mailing address is Private Bag 12029, Windhoek, Namibia. The U.S. Embassy Windhoek website is http://www.usembassy.namib.com. ... [Read More]

Kazakhstan

The "lost wallet" scam continues to be common in Kazakhstan. One version of this swindle involves the discovery of a lost wallet in your presence. A first person will discover the wallet and offer to divide its contents with you. A second person will then appear, claim to be the owner of the wallet, and demand compensation for the missing money. A second version involves a person looking for a lost wallet who will ask you if you have seen it. The person asks you to reveal the contents of your pockets, wallet, or bag to prove that you do not have the missing wallet. The wallet seeker will then surreptitiously remove your valuables. When initially approached by the finder or seeker of the lost wallet, simply walk away. Never hand over your wallet or belongings to someone who approaches you on the street. The perpetra ... [Read More]

Mongolia

CRIME:  Over the past few years there has been a significant rise in crime in Mongolia, particularly in Ulaanbaatar, the capital.  Violent crime is increasing, and it is not advisable to walk alone through the city after dark.  The most common crimes against foreigners are pick pocketing and bag snatching.  Travelers should be especially cautious when taking public transportation and in crowded public areas, such as open air markets, the State Department Store, the Central Post Office, and Gandan Monastery.  U.S. citizens who detect pick pocketing attempts should not confront the thieves, as they may become violent. ... [Read More]

Papua New Guinea

CRIME: Papua New Guinea has a high crime rate. Numerous U.S. citizen residents and visitors have been victims of violent crime in recent years, and they have sometimes suffered severe injuries. Carjackings, armed robberies, and stoning of vehicles are problems in Port Moresby, Lae and Mount Hagen. Pickpockets and bag-snatchers frequent crowded public areas. Hiking in rural areas and visiting isolated public sites such as parks, golf courses, beaches, or cemeteries can be dangerous. Individuals traveling alone are at greater risk for robbery or gang rape than are those who are part of an organized tour or under escort. Visitors to Papua New Guinea should avoid using taxis or buses, known as Public Motor Vehicles (PMV's), and should instead rely on their sponsor or hotel to arrange for taxi service o ... [Read More]

France and Monaco

Reports of stolen purses, briefcases and carry-on bags at Charles de Gaulle Airport have been on the rise.  Travelers should monitor their bags at all times and never leave them unattended.  As thieves commonly target laptop bags, travelers should avoid carrying passports and other valuables in computer bags.  Unattended bags are subject to destruction by airport security. ... [Read More]