Health & Safety
Risk Ratings
Review the Department of State country information and travel advisory pages and the OnCall International risk rating(s) or Chubb Travel Intelligence Portal and travel advisories for the country(ies) you are visiting to ensure you understand the safety and security risks. Generally, travel is prohibited to countries or locations for which 1) the Department of State or OnCall International risk ratings are “Very High” or “Critical,” respectively, 2) the CSU Risk Management Authority (CSURMA) foreign traveler underwriter has listed as a high hazard or war risk country, or 3) there is reliable information of significant safety, security, or health risks.
Suggested Timelines
Review the information about how to access your international travel insurance and how to contact the associated international emergency assistance provider in case of emergencies.
Check your personal health insurance plan for international coverage.
If you have prescription medication, ensure you have enough medication to last the entirety of your travels and check that it’s legal to bring to your destination.
Schedule a medical consultation to ensure you are healthy to travel and obtain vaccines required for entry into the foreign country(ies).
Register your travels on the TerraDotta website. SDSU strongly recommends activation of the Alert Traveler smartphone app and enabling GPS and associated location searches to be “ALWAYS ON” in the event of an emergency.
Decide which electronic devices to bring and if necessary, request loaner devices (laptop, tablet, etc.) from the SDSU Information Technology Department. Depending on what you are taking and the country to which you are traveling, a license could be required from the U.S. Departments of Commerce, State, or Treasury.
Determine if your phone plan covers international calls, texts, and data and activate international phone and data service.
Identify specific challenges in the country you are visiting to prepare for your travels and develop a contingency plan to deal with identified safety and security risks.
Create a communication plan including key contacts.
Make backup copies of your important travel documents.
Register your travels with the U.S. Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).
Be cognizant of Clery Crimes and Title IX Violations reporting timeframes to timely report incidents.
Comply with any U.S. entry requirements regarding vaccinations, disease testing (and proof of negative results), etc.
Comply with SDSU health restrictions after travel.
Visit SDSU Counseling and Psychological Services if experiencing reverse culture shock.