Global Travel

We are closely monitoring the violence in Israel and Gaza. Anyone planning travel to the region is strongly encouraged to consult with Global Operations on the security environment for your destination. Global assistance (including evacuation) coverage may be limited. 

Students planning to travel to Israel, the West Bank, or Gaza must have their travel reviewed and approved by the International Travel Review Committee (ITRC). Please contact Maureen Handrahan for specific instructions. Students studying abroad: please monitor your email for important updates from Tufts Global Education and local programs.

Contact Information

• Tufts Global Operations: Derek Smallwood, Assistant Director, International Health and Safety, 617-627-3099 or Derek.Smallwood@tufts.edu
• On Call International (Tufts’ global assistance and medical benefits provider): +1 978-651-9216

Advice to Travelers

• Monitor local and international news. 
• Maintain strong situational awareness.
• Keep travel plans flexible.
• Avoid all demonstrations and protests. 
• Understand the immediate actions to take on hearing air-raid warnings, to include identifying secure locations to shelter in place.
• Anyone with a US passport is strongly advised to sign up in the Department of State Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) before their international travel. This is a free service that enrolls your trip with the nearest US Embassy or Consulate and allows you to receive important consular messages: step.state.gov 
• Register your university-related international travel in the Tufts Travel Registry: travelregistry.tufts.edu
• Anyone planning travel to the region is encouraged to consult with Global Operations on the safety and security environment for your destination.

Resources

Tufts partners with On Call International to provide global assistance and medical coverage to all Tufts travelers on university-related international travel. For more information on coverage, eligibility, and how to access, visit our dedicated webpage.

Key benefits include: 

• Pre-travel health, safety, and security consultations
• Medical, travel, and security assistance 
• International medical expenses coverage
• Coordination of emergent and non-emergent medical care
• Access to mental health support and counseling
• Travel monitoring app and critical event intelligence alerts (powered by OnSolve) 
  
  October 10, 2023

The University stands in solidarity with the people of Ukraine and is closely following the tragic impacts of the war unfolding there.  

In response to the invasion, the United States government has heightened restrictions on interactions with entities in Russia and Belarus, including bans or restrictions on financial transactions and physical shipments. This situation is fluid and the sanctions being imposed may change rapidly in response to events on the ground.  

If you have questions about how sanctions will impact your research collaborations with entities in Russia and Belarus, please reach out to the Office of the Vice Provost for Research (OVPR) at exportcontrol@tufts.edu.  It is especially important to consult with OVPR prior to sending shipments, electronic transfers, data or technology to individuals or entities located in Russia, Belarus, or the Crimea or non-Ukrainian government controlled parts of Donetsk and Luhansk regions, as sanctions may prohibit or limit such transfers.  If you intend to travel to Russia, Belarus or Ukraine on Tufts business, we also recommend reaching out to  Elisabeth Keegan in Tufts Global Operations for additional guidance.

The University is here to help support the important and ongoing work of our faculty, students and staff.  Please do not hesitate to reach out with your questions and concerns.