For more detailed information about health and safety planning see this comprehensive resource developed for UW study abroad students or the online handbook developed for study abroad program directors.
Health
- Consider getting a pre-travel health consultation at Husky Health
- Review CDC notices about current health issues in your destination
- Download and activate International SOS per the instructions in your travel registration
Best practices:
- Make sure the water in your destination is potable
- Don’t eat raw or undercooked meat
- Travel with medication in their original containers
- Reach out to International SOS if you need physical or mental health support or appointments
Safety
- Review and understand UW’s international emergency assistance resources and procedures
- Know where the nearest consulate or embassy of your home country is for your itinerary
- Download the UW global support contact card on your phone
- Research additional travel risks you may face depending on the destination or personal identity
- Download the third-party vetting checklist for information on securing safe housing, transit, and excursions
Best practices:
- Keep a low profile and maintain situational awareness
- Do not take unmarked taxis
- Maintain awareness of personal belongings on public transit
- Lock all doors and windows after entering or when leaving
- In the event of a natural disaster or political unrest, confirm your safety with UW Global Travel Health and Safety as soon as possible
- Understand your accommodation’s plan for evacuation or sheltering in place
Security
- Review any travel alerts or advisories
- Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) for important information about local safety and security conditions
- Register your travel with UW Global
- Contact the Global Travel Health and Safety team to discuss concerns related to your planned travel or for an individual briefing
Best practices:
- Be aware of the financial situation and common scams of your destination
- If a passport or visa is stolen, contact the nearest US Embassy
- If medication is stolen, work with International SOS to refill the prescription
- If involved in legal matters or detained, request to speak to a US consular officer as per your international rights
- Understand your destination’s risks around data and cybersecurity
Contact Us
Ben Sommers (He/Him), Director
Maddie Macmath (She/Her), Senior Program Manager
travelemergency@uw.edu
Emergency: 206.632.0153
Non-emergency: 206.616.7927
Schedule a pre-travel consultation or reach out with health and safety questions.