Travel Advisories & Risk Ratings
- Faculty and Staff: Accessing GeoBlue Risk Ratings
Faculty and staff engaged in International Travel should review the security and medical risk ratings provided by the university’s insurer, GeoBlue. To review the risk ratings through GeoBlue, faculty, and staff must create a GeoBlue account. Instructions for faculty and staff are located on the Health Insurance Information Page. After creating an account and logging in, faculty and staff can access the risk information through the “Security Profiles” link located under the “Tools and Services” tab of the menu bar.
- Students: Accessing GeoBlue Risk Ratings
Prior to approval, students engaged in International Travel can review their destination’s risk ratings provided by GeoBlue under its former name, HTH Worldwide. Students must access the HTH Worldwide website and create an account. (To create an account, follow the instructions and code provided on the website; risk ratings are provided to registered users through the HTH website or app.) Approved students will be able to access risk ratings through GW’s member GeoBlue account after they have purchased or been enrolled in the GW GeoBlue insurance.
- U.S. Department of State Advisories
Before traveling abroad, consult the U.S. Department of State to review your destination's Travel Advisory, alerts, and destination-specific health and safety information. US Citizens Enroll in the State Department's Smart Traveler Program to receive email notifications and alerts while abroad.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Advisories
All travelers are advised to review the health advisories, travel planning resources, and other pertinent information provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s country-specific travel health page and COVID-19 Traveler’s Resources page for the host country.
What You Should Know When Reentering the United States
When returning to the U.S. following GW-related international travel, the Office of International Programs is here to help make your travel and reentry as smooth as possible.
Recent executive actions by the current federal administration have introduced changes that may affect international travelers entering the U.S. To support your travel, we've outlined below important information, linked to helpful resources, and provided practical tips to help you navigate the current travel landscape confidently and safely.
Travel light with your data – Consider removing social media or communications apps and/or carrying a dedicated travel device [such as a disposable or other basic phone] with only the essentials. The less data on your device, the easier it is to maintain your privacy.
Use strong passwords (instead of biometric logins)
Disable cloud sync and auto-login features; this may help to prevent automatic access to sensitive accounts if your device is reviewed.
Back up and temporarily remove personal photos. If your device is inspected, this may minimize exposure of your personal memories while keeping them safely stored elsewhere.
Turn your device(s) on airplane mode to prevent data syncing during customs checks.
Customs & Border Patrol has inspection powers and may request to examine your digital devices. All travelers, including US citizens, are obligated to provide their password(s) when requested. Failure to do so may result in confiscation of the device, detention, or refusal of entry into the country for non-US Citizens.
If you are selected for inspection, remain polite and respectful. If your device is taken, request a receipt and details of its return. While you are being questioned you may ask:
Can you please explain why I’m being selected for additional screening?
Am I free to leave once this is finished?
Am I being detained?
May I please have your name and identification number?
Complaints can be filed with:
While most travelers move through with no issues, being prepared helps you travel with ease and peace of mind.