Whether you are traveling for business or leisure, you want to be equipped with the resources and know-how to better protect yourself while you travel abroad. Given today's ever-changing geopolitical climate, natural disasters, and emerging threats, it is important to be prepared should the worst occur.
Know Before You Go
Being prepared is your best defense against the worst-case scenario. Knowing your resources available prior to departure can help answer some frequently asked questions and offer guidance on protecting yourself while abroad.
Know Your Resources
- Schedule a Foreign Travel Briefing with the Research Security Office. Briefings are given the first Wednesday of every month or via special request. You may register for your preferred travel briefing here or reach out to rsohelp@iu.edu to reserve another date or format for presentation.
- Did you know that everything you take outside the country is considered an export and may require a valid U.S. government exception/exemption, or even a license, to take it with you on your trip? Review the Export Control website for more information or contact Export Control Office at export@iu.edu to ensure there are no export restrictions related to your travel.
- Employees, residents, and family members enrolled in an IU-sponsored Anthem medical plan have access to the Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) Global Core network of physicians, overseas hospitals, and out-of-network benefits. Visit the BCBS website to download the BCBS Global Core mobile app.
- Your IU-provided Basic Group Life Insurance includes 24/7 access to Assist America, a program designed to help you prepare for trips and respond to emergencies. You must register with Assist America as soon as possible and before you leave.
- Enroll in the SMART Traveler Program through the U.S. State Department to learn more about the country you are visiting, travel advisories, security notifications, and specific requirements related to that country.
Arrange Your Records and Belongings
- Do not publicize your travel on social media. Only those who need to know should be aware of your trip and travel arrangements. This reduces risk of you being targeting by nefarious actors. Wait until you return home to share stories, pictures, and videos.
- Make copies of all pertinent documentation (Passports, Visas, IDs, Insurance Cards, etc.). Take one copy with you and leave one copy with someone you trust. If you are taking medications, then check to make sure they are legal in visiting countries. It's a good idea to have a translated copy of your prescriptions available.
- If traveling for business, then be sure your department has your emergency contact information on record.
- Do you really need a cell phone, tablet, and laptop when you travel? Limit the devices you take with you. If you wish to acquire a burner laptop or phone to reduce risk of personal data being stolen, then reach out to rsohelp@iu.edu. Be sure to run a virus scan on all devices prior to departure and talk to UITS about VPN and how to use it while abroad.
- Leave all material wealth at home. Bracelets, rings, personal valuables, anything you would not want stolen while at home should not be taken overseas.
Know Your Destination
- Learn about the laws and customs of the host country. If you’d like to know more about your destination, then visit the U.S. State Department site for International Travel to learn more about a particular country as well as view any travel advisories related to the countries you are visiting.
- In accordance with IU Policy INT-03, any university unit, administrator, faculty and staff member proposing any type of program through with an IU student or pre-college student would study abroad, an approval must be obtained by the Overseas Study Advisory Council (OSAC). Indiana University will not offer or support study abroad programs in, nor approve transit through, countries given Level 4 Travel Advisories, countries given Level 3 Travel Advisories (unless exempted), nor any section of a country given a Do Not Travel Advisory under Level 1, 2 or 3 by the U.S. State Department. Level 3 exemptions are approved by OSAC.
- Are there any adverse weather events or season occurring during your stay? Knowing the weather will not only help you dress appropriately, but prepare for cases of evacuation should conditions worsen.
- Have an exit strategy from that country. The U.S. State Department will do their best to coordinate evacuation efforts, but they recommend knowing the risks ahead to avoid danger and commercial transportation as your best option for evacuation. Evacuation costs can be upward of $100k, even if you are using government provided transportation. Travel insurance should be sought through your personal insurance agency.
While You Are Abroad
Knowing where you are at, who you are around, and how to get out of a situation is all part of having situational awareness and can help you get out of dangerous events whether they be a crisis, natural disaster, or a crime.
Maintain A Low Profile
- Know the dress code and blend in with the public. Any material wealth like jewelry and ostentatious attire should be left behind at home or concealed while abroad.
- Convert your money into the local currency upon arrival.
- Know what is considered controversial in the host country. Unless it is related to purpose of visit, avoid discussing controversial topics.
- Avoid excessive drinking, drugs, and activities that would impair your discretion.
Travel Smart
- Remain aware of your surroundings. When possible, avoid large crowds, isolated roads, protests, and traveling at night. When possible, always travel in groups.
- If you notice any suspicious activity, then alert local law enforcement as soon as possible.
- Do not let anyone choose a taxi for you. This could lead to being taken advantage of. Know the transportation services available and pick your own.
- Learn the local language enough to communicate greetings, directions, and emergency phrases.
- Be respectful to everyone and acknowledge their laws and customs. Know the 911 equivalent for that country.
- Know where the closest U.S. Embassy is and how to contact it in case of emergency.
Upon Return
We want to know how your trip went! Did you encounter any unusual activity? Did you have any issues with customs? Were there any problems with locals? Did you have any belongings stolen? Knowing this information helps us tailor our briefings and information we relay to any future travelers to that destination so we can better protect them.
Report Suspicious Activity
- If you encounter suspicious contacts or events while abroad, then let RSO know to better prepare future IU travelers to that destination. Report these via rsohelp@iu.edu.
- Run a virus scan on all devices. If you acquired a burner phone and/or laptop, then return with all accessories.
Resources
Be sure to check out the available resources below for more information prior to your departure. Should you have any additional questions or concerns, then please contact rsohelp@iu.edu for further information.