Global Health, Safety, and Security (GHSS) has developed Country Risk Profiles to provide clear guidance on when Temple travelers can proceed with international travel or when additional review by the High and Extreme Risk Committee (HERC) or GHSS is required prior to travel.

• The TU Risk Rating scale (1-5): understand security risk by country, regions with elevated risk, and the medical risk during travel.
• TU Risk Rating Characteristics: recognize the attributes of the security and medical risk ratings

All faculty, staff, and students traveling abroad for Temple-affiliated travel are covered by TU's Global Assistance Provider, Healix International. Healix’s comprehensive and integrated health and safety services provide Temple University travelers a single point of contact to access care globally 24/7/365.

• Travel Oracle website: access country profiles with guidance and ratings on crime, civil unrest, forms of public transportation, and standards of healthcare facilities. Sign in using your TU AccessNet and password.
• Global Security Operations Center (GSOC): obtain custom safety and security guidance for travel to areas of high security or medical risk.
• Medical resources: identify local facilities and medical professionals in advance of travel, and where possible, pre-schedule appointments and arrange guarantee of payment.
• Travel Oracle app (Apple/iOS or Google/Android): register and download to phone for real time security updates and emergency communications.

Temple has contracted with Starr Insurance, administered by Healix International, to provide international health and security insurance for students, faculty and staff for the duration of their time outside of the U.S. on university-affiliated travel.

• Summary of Benefits: understand the policy coverage and exclusions prior to travel.

Export Control provides guidance on Temple travel and Federal laws and regulations that govern how physical items, technology, information and data may be exported from the United States or shared with foreign persons within the United States.

Temple Emergencies Abroad Card is downloadable through a QR code that creates and stores relevant numbers as a contact in their phone.

• Customize card by adding local emergency numbers (911), local U.S. Embassy or Consulate, and personal emergency contacts.

Depending on the type of experience you are organizing, it may be recommended that you establish an agreement or Memorandum of Understanding between Temple University and the host organization. Generally, memorandums of understanding outline the services provided to Temple University as well as the terms and conditions around financial commitments, refunds, and cancellations. The Office of Global Engagement has developed an outline of things to consider when establishing an international collaboration. It is strongly recommended to consult with Global Engagement and university counsel to determine if an agreement may already be in place or is needed.  

The U.S. Department of State (USDOS)* provides information to help you assess the risks of international travel and what steps to take to enhance your safety while abroad. 

• International Travel Country Information Pages
• Travel Advisory scale (1-4) – provides a country-wide security rating for each country (ratings are factored into TU Risk Profiles)
• Risk Indicators – give specific, localized advice for distinct, identified risks.
  • C – Crime
  • T – Terrorism
  • U – Civil Unrest
  • H – Health
  • N - Natural Disaster
  • E - Time-limited Event
  • K – Kidnapping or Hostage Taking:
  • D – Wrongful Detention
  • O – Other
• Locations and emergency contact information for U.S. Embassies and Consulates.
• Local Laws and Special Circumstances guidance on personal identity concerns for “Accessibility Assistance,” “Dual Citizens,” “Faith-Based Travelers,” “LGBTI Travelers,” “Women Travelers,” and laws restricting photography, public demonstrations, technology (e.g. drones) and other unique local ordinances.
• Travel and Transportation advice including common forms of transit or routes that are restricted for government personnel.
• U.S. DOS Smart Traveler Enrollment Program – enroll to receive Embassy updates during emergency situations.

*U.S. DOS services are limited to U.S. residents and legal permanent residents (LPRs). Temple travelers who are non-U.S. nationals or dual citizens traveling on a non-U.S. passport should know the contact information for the nearest Embassy or Consulate.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides health information on existing or imminent global health risks and destination specific guidance on vaccinations and pre-travel medications.

• Travel Health Notices scale (1-4) – information on global health risks during outbreaks, special events or gatherings, and natural disasters, and advice about protective actions travelers can take to prevent infection or adverse health effects (ratings are factored into TU Risk Profiles)
• Traveler’s Health Destinations – recommendations on vaccines and pre-travel medications. CDC does not list a vaccination as “required” unless the host country requires on arrival or when securing a visa. In all others instances “Recommended” is their strongest guidance.