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Preparing to travel safely

Here’s a quick overview of the steps you should take to ensure that your MIT-related travel is as safe as possible. The information and links below will connect you with applicable resources and additional details. You can also watch a video on travel safety provided by MISTI which applies to all travelers, and review an international travel safety presentation (PDF).

Learn

Familiarize yourself with the support services provided by International SOS (ISOS), a global medical and security assistance company.
Review MIT’s international travel risk policy.
Read the U.S. Department of State (DoS)’s country information, including what to do if you’re the victim of a crime overseas.
Check out the Travelers’ Health resources from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), paying particular attention to the Travel Health Notices.
Review the Office of the General Counsel’s Guidance Regarding International Travel Preparation (MIT login required) for key points to remember if you are subject to a stop and search of electronic devices and other belongings at the U.S. border.
Check the list of U.S. embassies in foreign countries for the contact information at locations nearest to your destination(s).
Educate yourself about local culture and customs with GlobeSmart Guides.
Students: Review the MIT Student Study Abroad Health Insurance program.

Act

Acquire essential travel documents (i.e., a valid passport and all necessary entry visas).
Schedule an appointment with MIT Health’s Travel Health Clinic (617-253-4488) at least eight weeks prior to your departure to obtain advice, immunizations, and specialized medication necessary for your destination(s).
Borrow secure devices for international travel from Information Systems and Technology (IS&T). Learn about other ways to secure your computer and mobile devices.
Photocopy your passport, visa(s), insurance card, credit card(s), tickets, and other personal documents, and give copies to someone you trust at home. Keep a copy for yourself, separate from the originals.
Carry an extra photo ID, if available.
Share your itinerary with your office, family, and/or friends.
Ask your bank and credit card providers whether your cards will work at your destination. Inquire about fees and partner banks.
Register your trip using the MIT Travel Registry. Contact the Travel Registry administrators as soon as possible if you have questions.
Subscribe to U.S. Embassy Alerts abroad using the U.S. Department of State Smart Traveler app (Apple or Google Play) or the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) website. Non-U.S. citizens may register emails to receive alerts. MIT recommends you check for a similar registration tool from your embassy in the country of your intended travel.
Download the International SOS (ISOS) Assistance App for medical and security assistance abroad and subscribe to ISOS country alerts to receive safety messages.
Save the ISOS Global Assistance Number to your phone (+1 215 942 8478) and record MIT’s membership number: 11BSGC000066. Download the ISOS wallet card as a back-up resource.
If you booked your travel outside of Concur (MIT’s online expense reporting and travel booking tool), forward the email of your airline e-ticket to MITTravel@itinerary.internationalsos.com.

Monitor

While abroad, follow real-time safety alerts for the country or countries where you are traveling using the ISOS Assistance App.
Be aware of your surroundings and any neighborhoods or areas known to be unsafe.
If renting a vehicle abroad (strongly discouraged due to significant safety and security risks), review insurance and driver’s license requirements for each country and purchase insurance when you rent the vehicle. MIT’s auto insurance does not cover you while abroad.

Need more help?

Todd Holmes

International Safety & Security Program Manager

617-324-7696

tholmes@mit.edu

MISTI

Contact MISTI Program Managers

<br />Study Abroad Health Insurance<br /><br />Sarah Brown

Study Abroad Health Insurance

Sarah Brown

Risk and Insurance Analyst

617-324-5031

se_brown@mit.edu

Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Office of the Vice Provost for International Activities
77 Massachusetts Avenue
Cambridge, MA 02139-4307
internationalhelp@mit.edu

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