Contact your embassy or consulate and advise them of your situation and whereabouts.Do not leave the accommodation or go into the street.Here's what to do if a protest or riot has broken out while you are at your hotel, guesthouse, apartment or home stay If shooting breaks out, drop to the ground and cover your head and neck, and lie as flat as you can.Remember to keep calm – the crowd should sweep past in a short space of time.If pushed to the ground, try to get against a wall and roll yourself into a tight ball and cover your head with your hands until the crowd passes.If you are swept along in the crush, create a space for yourself by grasping your wrists and bracing your elbows away from your sides bend over slightly – this should allow you breathing room.If you are caught up in the crowd, stay clear of glass shop fronts, stay on your feet and move with the flow.( Worldwide 24 hour Emergency Assistance if your policy is with World Nomads) to help you resolve your predicament Go along peacefully and contact your embassy as well as your travel insurance provider In the event that you are arrested by the police/military, do not resist.When leaving the fringe of the demonstration just walk away – don't run as this will draw attention to you.At the first opportunity break away and seek refuge in a nearby building, or find a suitable doorway or alley and stay there until the crowd passes.Try not to be identified as one of the demonstrators by keeping well away from the leaders/agitators If you find yourself caught up in a protest or riot keep to the edge of the crowd where it is safest.Avoid any place where police or security force action is in progress.Where possible take someone with you and operate as a team looking out for each other.
Should you need to go to an area which experiences a lot of demonstrations, try not to go alone.If you come across a demonstration, don't become inquisitive, just leave the area and find another route to your intended destination.Take along and consult a map so that you will know where you are at all times Before you go out, establish where the demonstration has taken place, and if possible avoid the area.If you hear that a demonstration is taking place, avoid the area or stay in your accommodation until you are sure that it's safe to go out.Keep abreast of current news or contact your embassy and request regular updates if you are in a volatile area.Try to find out if there have been any recent violent demonstrations at your chosen destination, research what the demonstrations were about, and how the authorities handled them.
Whether you're planning to visit a potentially volatile region or traveling to a major city that's known for protests, it's always good to familiarize yourself with the political situation before you go. Shares Facebook Twitter Photo © Getty Images/Chris Fisher Please note that not all content is translated or available to residents of all countries. By telling us your country of residence we are able to provide you with the most relevant travel insurance information.