Travel Guidance for PSOM Students, Trainees, Staff and Faculty
EBOLA:
We are closely monitoring the ongoing Ebola outbreak in Central and West Africa. At this time, per recommendations by the CDC, Penn will not permit travel or transit through either the Congo (DRC), Uganda, or South Sudan while on Penn-sanctioned activities.
There are currently no restrictions regarding travel to other countries in the region or continent. However, as this situation remains in flux, if you are traveling to or transiting elsewhere on the continent, please stay tuned to the CGH website for additional notifications as restrictions may change. Please reach out to CGH with any questions or advice especially if you are planning travel to a neighboring country in the region (e.g., Rwanda).
CONFLICT ZONES:
We are similarly monitoring regions/countries where the US State Department considers travel unsafe. While travel is not currently prohibited in these locations by Penn, please be advised that the following countries are excluded from ISOS (Penn’s international travel medical and security insurance provider) and that a signed waiver of coverage rights will be required in advance of travel.
- Afghanistan
- Belarus
- Iran
- Iraq
- Israel (including Gaza and West Bank)
- Lebanon
- Russia
- Somalia
- Syria
- Ukraine
- Yemen
Please reach out to CGH to discuss the risk and obtain relevant information about a potential travel waiver.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
As the situation in the Middle East remains unsettled Penn also strongly advises deferring travel to or transit from this region. Please find further guidance on this here: https://global.upenn.edu/penn-global-extended-traveler-guidance/.
Lastly, if traveling on any Penn-affiliated activity be sure to register in advance in MyTrips so that support and information can be provided where necessary. For personal travel we advise that all travelers enroll in STEP (the State Department's Smart Traveler Enrollment Program) to receive updates from the US Embassy at your destination.