What should you do if there’s a military strike while you’re traveling abroad?
The military strikes in Venezuela and subsequent provocative comments from the U.S .administration have left many wondering whether further military action in the Americas is forthcoming. While the threat of future strikes outside Venezuela is unlikely, given that the United States maintains diplomatic relations with the remaining countries in the Americas and has more diplomatic channels to address relations.
But what should travelers do if they’re planning to travel to Greenland, Mexico, Colombia, Panama, Cuba, or any other country where the President has either hinted or threatened military action? If a military strike ultimately comes to pass while they’re in the country, how should American travelers plan to respond?
Plan Ahead
Prior to travel, monitor the situation in your destination—read local news, scan news stories from global press about relations between the US and that country, and check travel advisories on the State Department Travel and local embassy websites. A deteriorating political situation, often indicated by bellicose rhetoric, sanctions, or trade embargoes, can be a prelude to hostilities.
Prior to travel, create a “go bag” to grab in the event of an emergency. Collect useful information, such as the address and telephone number of the nearest U.S. Embassy or consulate, nearest medical provider, documents such as passports, visas, travel insurance, necessary medications, a bottle of water and snacks, and a battery pack. Keep these items together so they can be grabbed quickly.
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In high-risk areas, it can be worthwhile to review a membership in a security service like MedJet Horizon, which can provide security response and evacuation services.
It’s also worthwhile to download an encrypted messaging app like WhatsApp for communications during an emergency. These services can be more reliable than the telephone when lines are busy or down.
Enroll in the U.S. State Department’s STEP program to help local embassies keep tabs on how many American citizens are in the country. STEP enrollment also collects contact information so that consular officials can send alerts directly to e-mail inboxes or phones in the event of a local emergency in-country.
It’s also helpful to create a communication plan, like a phone tree, group chat, or contact person at home so only one call needs to be made to inform friends and family of your whereabouts and status.
Finally, it can be helpful to learn some emergency phrases in the local language, such as asking for help finding a doctor or for directions to the U.S. Embassy if you become separated from your documents.
In the Event of Emergency
If a violent strike occurs, follow instructions from lodging operators and local authorities. Instructions ranging from sheltering in place to finding alternate shelter could be issued. When sheltering in place assess possible exits and alternative shelters if necessary.
If you are injured, seek medical attention on-site or from a medical facility if it’s safe to move.
Contact the embassy or consulate immediately if injured or in the hospital. In the event of a military strike, the embassy will typically issue advisories to leave the country and how to do so. On January 6, the US Embassy in Bogotá issued a security alert advising Americans in Venezuela to leave immediately. The embassy has been charged with servicing Americans in Venezuela since the State Department closed the embassy in Caracas in 2019.
Depending on the situation, embassies may advise Americans whether to shelter in place, evacuate overland, via commercial flights, or sometimes on board evacuation flights organized by the U.S. government.
Travelers should also be careful what sources to trust for information, keeping in mind that social media feeds may not have accurate information. Instead, stick with local news sources, particularly instructions from local or national government authorities.
The Embassy’s Role
The U.S. embassy coordinates the U.S. government response for American interests during an emergency. This can include arranging travel documents, emergency visas, providing advice on where to find an English-speaking doctor or lawyer, or coordinating evacuation plans. Embassies and consular offices are generally not equipped to provide emergency shelter, pay medical bills or other local responsibilities, or directly provide legal assistance.
It remains unlikely that there will be military action in a country with which the United States maintains diplomatic relations, but it’s always helpful to fully research the potential risks—both before and during travel.
