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View Rice Global's most recent international travel advisory reminder here.

Safety & Security Abroad

Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)

All U.S. citizens should register with STEP before traveling!
STEP travelers receive emails with important health, safety, security, and weather updates from the local U.S. embassy or consulate in their destination(s).

Additionally, the U.S. State Department can use this information to contact you and provide assistance in event of emergency.

Sign up for STEP

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Safety & Security Resources

Destination Information

Crisis24 Horizon:

https://crisis24horizon.com/riceuniversity/login (requires Rice SSO)

U.S. Government Resources:

OSAC – Country Reports: link
OSAC – U.S. Embassy & Consulate Alerts: link
State Department – Travel Advisories: link
State Department – Studying Abroad: link

Resources from Other Countries:

Australian Smartraveller – Destinations: link
British FCDO – Foreign Travel Advice: link
Canadian Government – Travel Advice and Advisories by Destination: link
France Diplomatie – Conseils aux Voyageurs: link
Mexican SRE – Guía de Viaje: link
New Zealand SafeTravel – Destinations: link

Travel Guides

Lonely Planet: link
Travel Safe Abroad: link
World Travel Guide: link

Cybersecurity Abroad

Australian Cyber Security Centre – Security Tips for Travelling: link
National Cybersecurity Alliance – Your Guide to Online Safety: link
Rice Information Security Office – Newsletter: link
Rice Information Security Office – Travel with Technology: link
U.S. FCC – Cybersecurity Tips for International Travel: link
U.S. DNI – Travel Tips: link

Travel Safety for Women

British FCDO – Advice for Women Travelling Abroad: link
Canadian Government – Advice for Women Travellers: link
Solo Female Travelers – Travel Safety Index: link
Travel Ladies – Travel Safety Index: link
U.S. State Department – Women Travelers: link

LGBTQ+ Travel Safety

A4TE – Travel & Airport Security for Transgender Travelers: link
Australian Smartraveller – Advice for LGBTQIA+ Travellers: link
British FCDO – LGBT+ Foreign Travel Advice: link
Canadian Government – 2SLGBTQI+ Travel Safety: link
Equaldex – Equality Index: link
Human Dignity Trust – Map of Jurisdictions that Criminalise LGBT People: link
IGLTA – LGBTQ+ Travel Guides: link
Stonewall – Global Resources & Reports: link
WYSE Travel Confederation – Travel Safety for LGBTQ+ Travellers: link

Travelers with Accessibility Needs

SmarterTravel – Tips & Advice for Travelers with Disabilities: link
U.S. DOT – Traveling with a Disability: link
U.S. State Department – Accessibility Needs for Travelers: link
U.S. TSA – Passenger Support: link

Local Laws & Customs

Australian Smartraveller – Being Respectful Overseas: link
EveryCulture – World Culture Encyclopedia: link

Find your embassy abroad!

Take note of your embassy/consulate's contact info before you leave. Embassies can provide assistance with:

Emergencies: Embassies often facilitate evacuations during emergency events, such as political unrest, terror attacks, and the outbreak of conflict.
Lost/Stolen Passports: They can issue you a temporary travel document so you can return home.
Legal & Immigration Issues: Embassies can help coordinate legal assistance, translation services, and communicate with local officials on your behalf.