Pre-Departure Checklist
Thorough preparation is essential for safe and successful international travel. Global Support Services offers a range of pre-departure resources to help you feel informed, protected, and confident before you depart.
Step 1
Confirm that your trip is considered “Penn-Affiliated”. Access to International SOS membership, travel insurance and emergency resources applies to current faculty, staff and students while on Penn-affiliated travel abroad (outside of the United States).
Step 2
Complete this virtual training dedicated to helping you prepare for safe travel and will review a variety of resources available to all Penn-affiliated travelers including students, faculty, staff, and post-docs.
Step 3
Check visa requirements for your destination. Based on your nationality, destination, and purpose of travel, you may need to apply for a visa well in advance of your departure.
Step 4
All Penn-affiliated international travel must be registered in MyTrips. Trip registration ensures immediate access to:
- 24/7 medical security assistance
- Travel health insurance
- Emergency evacuation and repatriation services
- Real-time alerts and guidance
Step 5
Determine if your destination is classified as a Heightened Risk Region.
Additional approvals may be required for student travelers visiting regions with elevated safety or security concerns.
Step 6
Travel Insurance & Emergency Resources
Review your insurance coverage and emergency resources.
International SOS provides Penn travelers with:
- Global emergency support
- Travel medical coverage
- Security guidance
- Mental health counseling referrals abroad
Step 7
Ensure you’re fully prepared with Penn’s curated collection of travel tools. Find guidance on:
- Vaccination consultations
- Safe transportation planning
- Cybersecurity best practices
- Cultural and legal considerations
Step 8
Penn’s International Travel Policies, Protocols, and Guidelines
Familiarize yourself with Penn’s International Travel Policies.
These policies outline the University’s procedures to mitigate travel-related risks. All participants in Penn-affiliated travel are expected to review and follow these guidelines.
Contact Us
Contact the Global Safety team with any questions about your Penn-affiliated travel and resources while abroad.