Inclement weather closes airports. Protests or strikes can shut down otherwise peaceful city centers. A sudden illness can upend a well-planned trip. When you’re traveling abroad and far from your usual resources, the best preparation is to make sure you are able to receive the right information in an unplanned situation.

For those venturing abroad on Syracuse University travel, the University’s travel registry is that resource. As required by the University’s Travel Safety Policy, faculty, staff, students and volunteers traveling internationally for anything other than personal reasons must register their trip before departure. Registration takes just a few minutes, and provides two key benefits:

• Delivers safety information directly to you: Once your trip is registered, you will receive automated alerts about developing threats and conditions at your destination, such as severe weather, civil unrest or health advisories, allowing you to make informed decisions.
• Allows the University to follow up with you: If a situation develops in the area where you’re traveling, the Office of Global Safety and Support knows you’re there and can reach out, share guidance and help connect you with resources.

The registry is administered by the Office of Global Safety and Support, which works to enhance the safety of University travelers and to support community members who experience difficulty while away from campus.

“Registration is one of the simplest things you can do to look out for yourself when you travel,” said Seth Tucker, director of Global Safety and Support. “You’ll get timely safety updates for where you are, and if something happens in your region, we’ll know to check in and help you find the right resources.”

Who Needs to Register

If you’re traveling internationally and the trip is anything other than a personal vacation, use the University’s travel registry and register your trip.

“Many people assume registration only applies to large University-funded programs,” said Joseph Hernon, associate vice president for emergency and environmental risk services. “In practice, a conference invitation or a research visit places you in the same position as anyone else abroad. Registering only takes a few minutes and gives you access to information and support you’d otherwise have to track down yourself.”

Travel to High-Risk Destinations

Destinations with a U.S. State Department Level 3 or 4 advisory or a CDC Level 3 notice are considered high-risk. Student travel to these destinations must be reviewed by the University before departure. Requests are submitted to Global Safety and Support and must be received at least 60 days prior to the planned travel.

Faculty and staff are not required to obtain approval for high-risk travel, but they are encouraged to take advantage of the voluntary safety review offered by Global Safety and Support. The review provides a chance to plan ahead and talk through conditions at their destination(s).

“Our goal is to make registering as routine as booking the flight,” says Tucker.

To register, visit travelregistry.syr.edu before you depart. Questions about the Travel Safety Policy? Contact Global Safety and Support at 315.443.1968 or satucker@syr.edu.