Pre-Departure Checklist
Help prepare yourself for upcoming travel abroad by completing the following 8 steps prior to your trip.
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).
2. Check if your destination is considered a heightened risk region.
Additional approval may be required for students traveling to a high-risk region. Follow the link below for more information on determining risk.
3. Complete the TravelSmart safety training.
This virtual training is dedicated to helping you prepare for safe travel abroad and will review a variety of resources available to all Penn-affiliated travelers including students, faculty, staff, and post-docs.
4. Apply for necessary visas.
Depending on your destination and additional factors, you may require a visa. Learn more at our Outbound Travel Visas page by clicking the link below.
5. Ensure vaccinations are up to date.
Review our Planning Tools & Resources page at the link below for information on scheduling immunizations and how to receive pre-trip consultations.
6. Register your trip.
All Penn-affiliated international travel must be registered in MyTrips. Registration in MyTrips provides immediate access to Penn’s comprehensive travel assistance program, including 24/7 medical and security advice, travel medical insurance, evacuation and repatriation insurance, and more. Follow the link below to learn more.
7. Review insurance and emergency resources.
Learn more about Penn travelers’ insurance coverage through International ISOS and access to 24/7 assistance abroad.
8. Read Penn’s International Travel Policies, Protocols, and Guidelines.
The document linked below outlines Penn’s policies, procedures and overall approach to mitigate the risks of global travel. All participants on Penn-affiliated international travel are expected to review and comply with these guidelines.