Aid workers often face heightened risks while travelling. This makes effective travel risk management crucial, not only for maintaining access to critical areas but also for ensuring the safety, security and confidence of travellers. Managing these risks is a shared responsibility between the organisation and its staff, and requires comprehensive policies, thorough training and robust contingency plans. This chapter discusses general travel security considerations and outlines good practices for various modes of travel.
A travel risk management policy can cover:
Decisions on the mode of travel should be guided by a comprehensive risk analysis. For instance, while a short one-hour flight on an airline with a questionable maintenance record may present certain risks, it may still be a safer option than a 10-hour cross-country journey by road.
Air travel involves a range of health, safety and logistical risks that humanitarian organisations must manage. Key considerations include airline safety and selection, when and where it might be appropriate to use humanitarian airlines, and providing support to travellers through briefings, contingency planning and services such as alerts and tracking via commercial agencies.
Road travel remains the most common form of travel for humanitarian organisations – and it is also one of the most hazardous. The risks associated with road travel range from vehicle accidents and blockades to armed ambushes and poor road infrastructure. Travel by road can involve long journeys through difficult terrain, unpredictable weather conditions and regions with high levels of insecurity. Managing these risks requires careful planning, robust systems and a strong focus on the safety and security of both personnel and resources. Key considerations include:
While often necessary in humanitarian contexts, such as during flooding or in the rainy season, travelling by water can also be fraught with risks. Managing these risks requires planning and can include careful selection of watercraft, assessing crew qualifications and competence, availability of safety equipment, risk of piracy, and coordination with local authorities.
In challenging terrain and remote regions, conventional transportation may be impractical or impossible and staff may need to travel on foot or rely on animals. Key considerations include route mapping and assessing risks, preparing travellers, establishing communication protocols for travellers, and coordinating with local communities.
Airports, ports and bus and train stations can present significant security risks. These locations are frequently targeted for criminal activities, and travellers may be vulnerable due to unfamiliarity with the local environment and security conditions. Pre-travel briefings can cover the security situation at the destination and any known risks, emergency contact information, safe transport options, personal security measures, and guidance on how to navigate security checks and dealing with authorities.
Overnight accommodation in hotels or temporary lodging can also present risks. These locations should be carefully chosen in advance. However, where no advance planning has been possible, staff should know how to assess the security of the accommodation and request changes as needed. Key aspects to consider include the hotel’s security infrastructure, emergency preparedness (e.g. emergency exits) and room selection.
When planning staff travel, particularly in complex environments, the following general considerations should be taken into account:
Bickley, S. (2017) Security risk management: A basic guide for smaller NGOs. EISF.
GISF (n.d.) Travel and movement. NGO Security Toolbox.
IASC (2013) IASC non-binding guidelines on the use of armed escorts for humanitarian convoys.
