International Travel: Before You Go

Register your trip with the Tufts Travel Registry

The Registry provides several features to keep you safe and secure while traveling:

• Free Travel Medical Coverage: Through International SOS, you can receive medical care abroad, with costs covered in-country, rather than having to seek reimbursement once you return.
• Emergency Support: By providing a local address, emergency contact and phone number, the university has more options for reaching you in the event of an emergency.
• Alerts and Emergency Message: You will receive alerts about current events that may affect your travel. 
• Secure Passport Data Storage: The Registry provides a secure option for you to store passport data in the event that you lose yours or require emergency evacuation to the U.S.

For U.S. citizens: Register with the State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)

• STEP informs the U.S. embassy in the destination country of your arrival. The embassy can provide support for lost passports and will use STEP registrations for reference during evacuations in high-risk locations. 

Technology on the go

• Need a laptop while traveling? TTS offers loaner laptops for faculty, staff, postdocs, and graduate students traveling for Tufts University programs or business. Request a loaner laptop at least 5 business days before traveling. Complete the request form or email TTS at it@tufts.edu for more information.

Research medical & security risks

• Visit the Tufts ISOS portal and search for your destination. You will be able to view any current medical and security risks and mitigation best practices.
• For travel to high-risk locations, call the security team at ISOS to get itinerary–specific advice, including recommended hotels and hotel features, transportation options, and advice for day-to-day activities. 
• Other available ISOS resources include:
  • U.S. Department of State and State Department Travel Warnings that indicate risks of travel to certain countries
  • Consular Information Sheets containing international travel information by country
  • World Health Organization International Travel and Health provides information about health risks for travelers, travel requirements, and recommendations
  • Center for Disease Control and Prevention publishes travel health information and tips, including vaccines, medications, trip preparation, etc. See also: CDC Destination Guide and CDC Vaccination Information

Make a doctor’s appointment

• Make an appointment at a travel clinic at least 4 weeks prior to departure to ensure that you have all required (and recommended) vaccinations. The clinic staff will also be able to advise you on risk in the location with regards to your health profile, including allergies, on-going medications, and the legal status of OTC and prescription medications in the destination country. For example, something as common as Benadryl might not be legal.

Contact your bank

• Call your bank to let them know that you are travelling and will be using your debit and/or credit card abroad. Indicate ALL countries you will be in (including any airport you will use to transfer) and the travel dates.
• To limit your exposure in case your credit card is stolen or lost:
  • Agree on a daily limit for withdrawals/expenditures on your credit card
  • Discuss a way to contact your bank and how you can get cash quickly, if needed
  • Check with your credit card provider whether you can withdraw money at banks or ATMs

Set up your support network

• Make copies of your most valuable travel documents and bring one set with you (NOT in your carry-on luggage!) Leave one set with your family/friends:
• Include copies of your:
  • passport
  • visa(s)
  • major credit cards
  • insurance information
  • itinerary and contact information  
  • emergency contacts