As the UK heads into warmer weather, people are likely beginning to plan their holidays. However, experts are urging people to double check their dream destinations as some countries can carry serious risks to tourists.
A rise in ‘express kidnapping’, where travellers are taken by force to ATMs and made to take out money has security experts covered. Some places that Brits love are now included on the Foreign Office’s list of travel restricted countries, and it pays to know the warnings about where you’re travelling to.
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) warns that express kidnapping is an “increasing” threat in South Africa and is actively occurring in tourist areas of Mexico, including states with popular resorts.
Craig Morgan, specialist from insurance broker SJL, said: « Express kidnapping in particular is a fast-growing threat in destinations that Britons visit in their millions each year. The majority of incidents go unreported because victims are released within hours, which means the true scale is almost certainly higher than official figures suggest. »
If you are planning on travelling to one of these countries, it’s important to be careful and minimise your risk wherever possible. Never hail a taxi from the street, and use hotel arranged or licensed pick ups only.
If you are withdrawing cash, use a cash point inside a shopping centre or bank during the daylight hours only. Never wear flashy clothing or jewellery and do not display your expensive phones in public. It also helps to make sure someone at home has your full itinerary and accommodation details before you leave.
Craig added: « The good news is that a few simple precautions can significantly reduce your risk. Awareness is half the battle, most tourists simply don’t think about these things before they travel. »
If you are travelling to a higher risk region, it could pay to look into specialist kidnap and ransom insurance, separate from your standard travel insurance, to ensure you have access to crisis responses if things go wrong.
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