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Executive travel security checklist
A pre-trip travel security checklist for executives, staff and the assistants who plan their trips abroad. Greg Schneider, CPP, uses these same steps to help clients lower the risk of kidnapping and crime when they travel: a lower profile, vetted local protection and clear rules for how to move around.
Greg Schneider, CPPFounder, Battle Tested Solutions. Certified Protection Professional since 2007
Tick what is done for this trip
Who this checklist is for
Executives, sales and field staff who travel abroad, and the executive assistants and travel managers who plan their trips. Use it for every trip to a country with a State Department travel advisory of Level 2 or higher. Check the current level on the State Department travel advisories page, and enroll travelers in STEP.
Where Greg has worked
Greg Schneider, CPP, is based in Santa Clara, California. He does on-site work anywhere in the United States and has worked in Israel, Europe, Mexico and Africa. For trips abroad he lowers the traveler's profile, connects them with vetted protectors in the host country and writes simple guidelines on local habits and customs. He taught anti-terrorism, kidnapping and hostage recovery to master's and bachelor's students for seven years.
Travel security questions
What are the State Department travel advisory levels?
There are four: Level 1, exercise normal precautions; Level 2, exercise increased caution; Level 3, reconsider travel; and Level 4, do not travel.
What is STEP?
The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program is a free State Department service. Travelers register their trip so the nearest U.S. embassy can send alerts and reach them in an emergency.
When does a trip need local protection?
When the destination, the traveler's profile or the itinerary raises the risk. Greg assesses each trip and, where needed, connects travelers with vetted protectors in the host country.
How do executives keep a low profile abroad?
Share the itinerary only with people who need it, skip social media posts until after the trip, and avoid clothing and luggage that signal wealth or rank. Learning local customs helps travelers blend in.
Free travel safety best practices guide
Greg's two page guide to a safe international trip, starting with researching the destination country and culture.
Get the printable trip checklist
Get a one-page copy to send to every traveler before each trip.
Where Greg comes in
For trips to higher-risk places, Greg writes the security guidelines for the trip and connects travelers with vetted protectors in the host country. He learned advance work protecting dignitaries in New York City. Read Greg's background, score your company with the workplace security self-assessment, ask Greg about a trip, or book a free 15-minute call. Nonprofits planning upgrades at home can start with the security grant checklist.
