Jump Start

Preparing to travel safely

Here’s an overview of steps to take to ensure that your travel is as safe as possible. The information and links below will guide you to relevant resources and further details. You can also watch a travel safety video, refer to our travel & safety abroad section, and consult with International Safety and Security Program Manager Todd Holmes.

International scholars should consult with an advisor from the International Scholar’s Office at least 30 days prior to international travel and review travel advisories and Immigration updates.

Utilize International ISOS

Familiarize yourself with the support services provided by International SOS (ISOS), a global medical and security assistance company.
Download the International SOS (ISOS) Assistance App and subscribe to ISOS country alerts to receive safety messages before and during travel.
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.

Learn about your destination

Review MIT’s international travel risk policy and high-risk travel destinations, based on the U.S. State Department (DoS) advisories and advice.
Read the DoS’s international travel page for country information and other tips and resources.

Check out the Centers for Disease Control’s Travel Health Notices.

Educate yourself about local culture and customs with GlobeSmart Guides.

Share trip information

Register your trip using the MIT Travel Registry. Contact the Travel Registry administrators if you have questions.
Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive U.S. Embassy Alerts. Non-U.S. citizens may register emails to receive alerts, but it’s recommended you check for a similar registration tool from your embassy in the country of your intended travel.
Share your itinerary with your office, family, and/or friends.

Secure data and devices

Get loaner computing equipment for international travel from MIT Information Systems and Technology (IS&T).
Learn about other ways to secure your data, computer and mobile devices.
Review MIT Office of the General Counsel (OGC)’s Guidance Regarding International Travel Preparation 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. Download their pocket reference card(s) — one for US citizens and permanent residents and one for all others (MIT login required).

Plan health and insurance

Schedule an appointment with MIT Health’s Travel Health Clinic (617-253-4481, option 1) at least eight weeks prior to your departure to obtain advice, immunizations, and specialized medication necessary for your destination(s).
Students: Review the MIT Student Study Abroad Health Insurance program.
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.

Review documents

Acquire essential travel documents (i.e., a valid passport and all necessary entry visas).
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.

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

Learn about how MIT is engaged globally in addressing the world’s great challenges at:
GLOBAL MIT