Travel Safety at Major Events

• Avoid protests and other large gatherings.
• Keep credit cards, mobile phones and cash secure.
• Avoid sharing too much information with strangers.
• Report suspicious behavior or other incidents to authorities.

Only purchase tickets and travel-related services through reputable vendors.

Access any information on travel logistics, health, security and safety released by official event organizers. Be aware of scams that imitate official emails, websites and apps.

Understand the venue(s), including security issues in the surrounding areas, event security protocols and the general layout (including parking areas, transportation pick-up/drop-off zones, entry/exit points, your seat locations and emergency exit routes).

Make a communication plan with your fellow travelers and set meeting locations near your accommodations, at itinerary stops and both inside and outside event venues in case you are separated.

Know how to respond to incidents in large venues:

• Try to stay on the edges of the crowd. If this is not possible and you sense the crowd dynamics changing (agitation, decreased mobility, etc.), move to the edges as quickly and calmly as possible.
• In the event of an emergency, such as an attack or an outbreak of violence in the crowd, quickly assess your surroundings before acting. In many cases, it is better to choose an emergency exit/route that is further away from you but not as crowded.
• If you do get caught in a crowd crush, keep your arms folded in front of your chest to facilitate movement and breathing. Do not try to move in the opposite direction of the crowd; instead, try to maintain the same pace as others and avoid walls, railings and other barriers. If possible, take a diagonal path toward the edges of the crowd.

In a major security incident or disaster, it may be necessary to completely evacuate the venue grounds for safety and to avoid interfering with emergency responders. If you do not require medical assistance, leave the area, and connect with fellow travelers via phone or at a designated meeting point near your accommodations. Contact authorities with any eyewitness details once you have made it to safety.