The U.S. Department of State recently launched a new version of the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). STEP is a free service for U.S. citizens living or traveling abroad to receive safety and security alerts and other local updates by email from the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. Enrolling in… read more
Safety Advice
Passport Requirements and Emergency Assistance
Passport Requirements and Recommendations Are you planning to travel abroad in the near future? If so, you will need a passport that is valid for a minimum of six months after your anticipated date of return to the United States. We also highly recommend confirming that your emergency contact person… read more
Negative COVID-19 Test Now Required to Enter U.S.
Beginning Jan. 26, 2021, all air passengers entering the U.S. must provide a negative COVID-19 test before boarding their flight, as required by the CDC. Passengers are required to get a test within three days of their departure. Written documentation of the negative test result must be provided to the… read more
Travel Safety Tips During the COVID-19 Pandemic (Repost)
Written by Libby Ennenga Traveling during the COVID-19 crisis creates a new set of challenges for travelers than previously experienced. While traveling may seem highly desirable or academically important, your health and safety are the most important factors to care for at this time. However, there will be instances where… read more
Overseas Insurance, COVID-19, and Education Abroad
Written by Isaac McQuistion Insurance is one of those topics few people want to think about, as the language around it is often inscrutable, and at its root it entails having to wrestle with some unpleasant scenarios. So, what do you need to know about insurance and studying abroad? Overseas… read more
After Traveling
Due to the risk of being exposed to COVID-19 during your travels, whether traveling domestically or internationally, it is important to follow the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)’s guidance on what to do after you travel. The CDC has published useful guidance on exactly what to do after… read more
Health and Safety Resources
Global Risk and Safety has several resources available for travelers that can be found on our website. We recently added a COVID-19 Advice and Resources page which includes multiple external resources as well as the following sections: How to prepare for your trip before you leave Travel advice for getting… read more
Mask Basics
Written by Isaac McQuistion Masks seem simple—a bit of cloth, some ties or stretchy material to fasten it, and instructions to wear them over your nose and mouth when around other people. They are one of the most basic yet effective tools we have to contain the spread of the… read more
Navigating Travel Restrictions Under COVID-19
Written by Isaac McQuistion Figuring out visas and navigating entry restrictions was challenging even before the COVID-19 pandemic. It is even more so now, as travelers try to plan trips while keeping track of a multitude of shifting variables and criteria, not to mention all the attendant health and safety… read more
UT Restricted Regions List Update
On August 6, 2020, the U.S. Department of State (USDOS) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) rescinded their blanket global health advisories for COVID-19 that included all countries worldwide. Now, both the USDOS and CDC rate each country individually. Most countries are classified as “Level 3: Reconsider… read more
