Heightened Risk Travel
Basic Page Sidebar Menu Travel Guidance
What is considered 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:
| Source | Heightened Risk Category | Undergraduate Students | Graduate Students, Postdocs, Faculty, or Staff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Department of State | Level 4 | Petition required | Travel with caution |
| International SOS | High or Extreme | Petition required | Travel with caution |
| CDC | Level 4 | Petition required | Travel with caution |
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.
Choose Type of Traveler
If you are traveling to a heightened risk region, please select your affiliation below to review related policy and procedures:
Undergraduate Students
Or a group trip with at least one undergraduate student.
Graduates, Postdocs, Faculty, & Staff
While a petition is not required for this population, we encourage all travelers to take the following steps before traveling to a heightened risk region.
Undergraduate Students
Or a group trip with at least one undergraduate student.
Graduates, Postdocs, Faculty, & Staff
While a petition is not required for this population, we encourage all travelers to take the following steps before traveling to a heightened risk region.
If you have questions about inbound travel to Penn, visit for further guidance:
