Travel Essentials

For Students
The Student Health Service (SHS) offers Travel Health appointments to individuals and groups for pre-trip consultations, immunizations, completion of study abroad forms, and post-travel health evaluations. SHS encourages you to make your appointment at least 4-6 weeks before your trip. 

To make an appointment visit: Student Health Service.

For Faculty and Staff
Penn Travel Medicine provides destination-specific medical consultation, including immunizations, prescription recommendations and the latest medical alerts and advisories.

To make and appointment, call 610-902-5618.

Visit CDC website for more details. 

Environmental Health & Radiation Safety (EHRS) provides training and guidance to chemical, biological, radiation or physical hazards.

International SOS provides medical and security assistance to Penn travelers. On the International SOS Penn Portal and click on “current medical alerts” (left column) for the latest medical updates by country. 

Contact International SOS at 215-942-8478 (Penn Member ID 11BSGC000012) to speak directly with a travel medical professional. 

The US Department of State provides country specific guidance to help you prepare for and understand any travel risks associated with your destination.

International SOS provides medical and security assistance to Penn travelers.  On the International SOS Penn Portal and click on “current security alerts” (left column) for the latest security updates by country. 

Contact International SOS at 215-942-8478 (Penn Member ID 11BSGC000012) to speak directly with a security professional. 

Open in new tab

Open in new tab

Travel Arrangements

Penn Travel and Expense Management (PennTEM) is the central travel department for University faculty, staff, students and guests. The office offers services and programs to arrange individual or group domestic and international travel.

Penn’s preferred agency provides travel arrangements and assistance for missed flights. The expenses can be charged directly to your funding source so make sure to have your 26 digit billing code.

• World Travel                        +1-888-641-9112      

For more information please contact:
Sarah Bandos
Manager, Travel Services
Phone: +1-215-746-1404

Embassy Registration

GSS suggests enrolling in the Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). STEP is a free service for U.S. citizens/nationals traveling abroad to register with a local U.S. Embassy or Consulate. STEP allows you to enter information about upcoming trips abroad so that U.S. embassies and consulates can better assist you in an emergency. You can also subscribe to receive email updates with travel advisories and other information for a particular country or destination. Enrolling in the program only takes a few minutes. 

Penn’s preferred visa processing vendor, CIBTvisas, will register your trip with STEP for a fee of $25 per traveler.

If you have been invited to participate at an event or activity at the PWCC, you will need an invitation and an introductory letter for the visa application. Please consult the following documents for assistance with the letters. For detailed visa requirements, please refer to the following resources:

CIBT China Re-opening

US Department of State China Travel Advisory

Request Visa Invitation Letter  

Sample Introductory Letter

When traveling abroad on behalf of Penn it is important to safeguard your data. Penn has tools and support to help prepare you and your data for your destination. 

Technology