Monitor Your Travel Risk
While all international travel involves inherent risks, it’s important to stay informed about conditions that could pose a threat to your safety and security. Search by destination, region, or rating to view the current risk status so you can prepare accordingly.
Most recent update: October 15, 2024
About the Harvard GSS Risk Ratings
Our International Safety & Security team maintains the risk ratings list for Harvard travelers. The Harvard GSS risk ratings are based on guidance from several sources, including the U.S. State Department, other government agencies, foreign ministries, our worldwide security consultants, and regional experts among Harvard’s faculty and staff. The Harvard GSS travel risk ratings correlate with the University's student travel policies.
When setting risk ratings, we take several factors into account, including but not limited to: crime, terrorism, political/civil unrest, infrastructure, medical/health, natural disasters/weather, identity-based risks, and other risks not categorized elsewhere. Examples of risk factors include protests, violent crime against foreigners, civil war, and epidemics. In creating risk mitigation strategies, it’s important to consider the following: logistics, transportation, emergency services, and communication plans; evacuation strategies; and the identification of safe havens.
Changes to Risk Ratings
We review and update the ratings twice annually (typically in August and February). We also actively monitor global developments and increase or decrease the ratings as needed to reflect changes in the risk environment. Although infrequent, risk ratings may change before your departure or while you’re in your destination. You’ll need to be prepared for adverse events and prepared to modify your departure, location, or return.
Most recent update: October 15, 2024