Risk Ratings and Petition Processes

What is “Heightened Risk” Travel?

Heightened security risk is defined as travel to a country designated “Level 4: Do Not Travel” by the U.S. Department of State and/or travel to a region rated “high” or “extreme” risk by International SOS. 

Heightened medical risk is defined as travel to a country designated “Level 4: Do Not Travel” by the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC). 

Click on the links below to find the risk rating for your destination country or region:

Please note: International SOS rates regions and cities within a country, not necessarily the country as a whole. One country may have several risk ratings. If you need assistance determining the risk rating of your destination, please contact travelsafety@pobox.upenn.edu.  

A list of recently updated travel advisories is available on our Travel Announcements page.

Committee on International Travel Risk Assessment (CITRA)

The Committee on International Travel Risk Assessment (CITRA) is charged by the Vice Provost for Global Initiatives and chaired by the Senior Director of Global Safety. The committee is dedicated to supporting Penn’s wide variety of research, professional development and academic opportunities abroad while ensuring the health and safety of Penn travelers. 

CITRA primary functions include the development of international travel guidelines and the review of undergraduate travel requests to locations on the Heightened Risk Regions List.  All decisions made by CITRA related to undergraduate student requests to travel to high-risk destinations include the input of both the staff and faculty members of the Committee, as well as appropriate faculty and staff representatives from the student’s school.  In addition, international experts from across the University may be called upon to provide regional expertise when needed.  

If you need to get in touch with CITRA, please e-mail travelsafety@pobox.upenn.edu.

Petition Process for Undergraduate Students

Undergraduate students* wishing to travel to a heightened risk location on a Penn-affiliated trip must complete the travel petition for approval. Please see the link below for the petition.

The petition process must be completed by the individual student traveler (if traveling alone) or, in the case of group travel, the trip leader who will be traveling with a group involving at least one undergraduate student.

Please submit your completed petition at least 4 weeks prior to the trip’s departure date. If you have a special circumstance and cannot adhere to this timeline, please contact us immediately. 

*Penn Abroad students applying to an approved semester program or petitioning to participate on a non-approved semester program do not need to complete this process since it is already embedded within your study abroad application.

If you have any questions or concerns about the petition process, please contact travelsafety@pobox.upenn.edu.

After You Submit Your Petition

CITRA will respond to your request within two weeks of receipt with either a final decision or a request for further information. When reviewing requests, CITRA considers a number of factors including, but not limited to, the academic value of the proposed travel, the student’s preparedness and understanding of the risks specific to the region, and whether the proposed trip complies with the applicable International SOS, CDC and/or U.S. Department of State guidance. Each travel request is evaluated on its own merit and risks are balanced with the academic value of the international experience. As needed, CITRA will call upon faculty and administrators with regional expertise to participate in the review process.

We strongly advise you not to confirm your participation on any trip prior to receiving CITRA approval.

Can CITRA Approval be Rescinded?

The safety of Penn students abroad is a priority. CITRA will continue to monitor locations where travel approval has been granted. In the event the risk rating changes and/or the security environment deteriorates, CITRA reserves the right to rescind approval or revise the conditions of travel. 

Guidance for All Travel to Heightened Risk Regions

While a petition is not required for Graduate Students, Postdocs, Faculty or Staff, we encourage all travelers to take the following steps before traveling to a heightened risk region. 

• Register your trip in MyTrips to activate your insurance benefits and access to emergency resources. This is mandatory for Penn-affiliated travel.
• Review your insurance benefits and emergency phone numbers here.
• Consult with the U.S. Department of State, CDC and International SOS for destination-specific guidance on health and safety abroad.
• Register with STEP to enroll your trip with the nearest U.S. Embassy abroad.
• Visit family physician or Travel Clinic prior to departure to assess any health issues that may impact your travel.
• Obtain necessary vaccinations and prescription medications.
• Keep all medications in their original container, with your name on it, in your carry-on bag.
• Send a copy of your passport, daily itinerary, hotel information, flight details and local contact number to trusted friend/family member.
• Contact bank/credit card companies to alert them you are traveling.
• Carry cell phone with international coverage in case of emergency.
• Clean out wallet.  Do not take valuables.  Take only necessary items. 
• Do not drive abroad.  Always wear a seatbelt.
• Contact International SOS if you have any questions or concerns before or during your trip.