In order to promote your own health and safety, the following tips are recommended:

• Maintain higher vigilance when in crowded areas or using public transportation.
• Keep your mobile phone charged and with you and be responsive to messages from your program/UofSC.
• Memorize on-site emergency contact information and local emergency numbers.
• Check in with your program staff if you are planning to travel away from your program location and follow any guidelines or regulations they have.
• Monitor media and local information sources and factor updated information into your travel plans and activities.
• Follow the instructions of local authorities, especially in an emergency.
• Enroll in the U.S. Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).

Higher Risk Travel

If you are traveling abroad for University-related purposes to a country subject to a University Travel Warning, you must complete a Higher Risk Travel petition in order to gain UofSC approval to do so. This is to ensure that you are made aware of the heightened health and/or safety risks associated with travel to such areas, that you are able to adequately prepare for travel to such areas, and that you fully understand that you do so voluntarily. This process also allows the University to better manage higher risks and prepare for emergencies. If you are unsure of whether or not your chosen location requires a Destination of Higher Risk petition, or if you have any other questions related to health and safety, contact Morgan Inabinet, Assistant Director of Global Health, Safety, and Security.