On Road Travel Protocol Safety and Security tips

1. MSH South Sudan Travel Protocol
Safety and Security Tips
Road Trip Safety
Before you go
• Research basic information about your destination,
• Determine destination, talk to fellow travelers, if you know people who have been to
the place you plan to travel to, ask them about what they liked about their trip and what
they do differently next time
• Leave a copy of your travel authorization or itinerary in the office with the security focal
point, your supervisor, COMU office and with your family member.
• The driver should make sure the vehicle is in good working order
• Get copies of maps of your destination to locate safety routes, attractions and essential
services
• Considering joining another travel convoy to the same destination such as NGOs or UN
Agency
• Review route to destination and return, establish alternative routes as necessary
• Set communication check in times, every 15-20 minutes call back the office to confirm
your location
• All MSH staff travel outside Juba or from their duty station to the field location for
project activities implementation, they need to travel with their MSH work ID and any
other Identification such as Nationality certificate and Passport.
• Drivers to carry along their valid driving permit and driver license while traveling outside
Juba for field activities, make photocopies of your ID, car one set of copies in a safe
place and leave another set of copies in the office or at home.
Getting Packed
• Make a list and check it twice, make a list of essentials that you need to pack. Also make
a list of things you want to see and do on your trip
• Assure medical kits, repair kits, and sufficient water is available on your vehicle while
traveling

2. • If you need any prescription medication, please do so before you travel,
• Keep the first aid medicines in the original containers. You may also need a letter from
MSH office or MSH doctor explaining why you carry first aid medicines for field work.
• Don’t pack or bring any prohibited items, such as weapons, sharp objects, or dangerous
substances
• Don’t pack what you can get at your destination
• Don’t take or carry a lot of cash at hand while traveling for field work, only a small
amount of cash
• Don’t pack or carry valuables, such as jot of jewelry
• Here are few essential travel health supplies that you may need to pack and travel with:
Sunscreen
Insect repellant
Antibiotic ointment
Diarrhea/upset stomach medication
Pain relievers, such as aspirin, acetaminophen, or ibuprofen
Hand sanitizer
Allergy medication
Cold/flu remedies
Antacids
Motion sickness medication
On the Road
• The designated trip leader can be a COMU staff member or Technical person traveling
together with the team. She/he has the authority to control the movement of vehicle
on the road.
• The designated trip leader together with the driver should call back the base, MSH
security focal point in every 20 minutes to confirm their locations, distance cover,
security situation on the road and any threats encounter on the road.
• The mode of communication is through cellphone call, staff are require to fully charge
their phone, with extra batteries prior to travel, keep phones on phone while traveling
on road.
• The detailed authorization letter from Donor and MSH COMU office for travel, copy
should be provide and keep in the vehicle while travelling
• If security situation deteriorate on the road while travelling, the safe havens can be the
alternative route identify by other travelers and in case of an accident or any medical
emergency for the staff an option for the driver and designated leader would be nearby
health facilities,

3. • Wear your seat belt, the driver to make sure that everyone on the board put on seat
belt
• Don’t drink and drive, and don’t ride with anyone who has been drinking
• Make sure everyone on the vehicle are MSH Staff only and approved to travel
• Don’t drive if you feel drowsy
• Don’t use cell phones or other electronic devices while driving
• Don’t hitch hike, and don’t pick up hitch hikers
• Be aware of road conditions and your surroundings
• Park in well-lit and well-traveled areas
• Keep your car’s doors locked
• Don’t place your baggage or other valuables in a place where criminals can easily see
them
• If you are having car trouble, only accept help from police or other authorize personnel
• Make sure you cell phone works, fully charge at all the time with extra pair battery
In your Hotel Accommodation
• Book and stay in a well secure hotel accommodation
• Find the nearest fire exists, fire alarm, fire extinguisher/hose to your room
• Keep your hotel room door locked at all times
• Ask visitors to meet you in the lobby or other public spaces in your hotel
• Use the hotel to store valuables
• Don’t get into an elevator alone with suspicious strangers
• Ask hotel staff about safety and security policies if you are unsure
Out and Abut
• Pay attention to your surroundings
• Are you covered? Make sure that your health and accident insurance is covered
• Don’t take more cash, traveler’s checks or credit cards than you need
• Don’t accept rides from strangers
• Avoid large crowds, demonstrations, or public confrontations
• Keep a low profile
• Don’t have too much alcohol to drink
• Stay in well-lit and well-traveled places
• Don’t flash your cash or other valuables
• Don’t discuss travel plans with strangers
• Find the location of the nearest police stations, hospital and other safe places

4. • Report any suspicious activities to the police
• If you are robbed, don’t resist
Budget Travel Tips
• Make your travel budget and stick to it. Decide how much you want to spend overall
and how much you want to spend for each component of your trip such as hotel
accommodations, entertainment and meals
• Don’t forget about those unexpected expenses. Set aside money in your travel budget
to cover those costs you might not anticipate
• Pick a hotel with free extras choosing a hotel with many free amenities such as Internet
access, car parking
• Ask hotel staff about special deals. The staff and management at the hotel often has
the inside track on economical attractions and activities in your destinations, where to
find cheap eats, and other deals you may not otherwise know about.
Flight travel (domestics) at the airport and in the air
• Remember the rules for what you can carry on and what needs to be checked when
flying
• Follow up safety and security rules and instructions
• Make sure your baggage should not exceed the require limits/kg and is labeled with
your name and phone number
• Don’t let anyone other than airport staff members handle your luggage
• Don’t accept any packages from strangers
• Report any suspicious activities