Travel Health and Safety Petitions to Elevated Risk Destinations
International travel inherently carries some level of risk. Certain destinations, however, require additional precautions and preparation to safeguard travelers’ health, safety, and security.
Cornell maintains a list of elevated risk destinations, which takes into account risks identified by International SOS (ISOS) and the U.S. Department of State.
Cornell maintains a list of elevated-risk destinations, informed by assessments from ISOS and the U.S. Department of State. In addition, Cornell may issue specific guidance, requirements, or restrictions for travel to certain countries, including those subject to comprehensive U.S. sanctions.
Mandatory Travel Registration
All Cornell students, staff, and faculty must register their Cornell-related international travel plans before departure.
Effective November 1, 2024: International travel that is not preregistered will be classified as non-authorized, and business-related travel expenses will not be reimbursed.
By registering your itinerary, emergency contacts, and travel purpose, Cornell can provide critical resources and timely assistance during an incident, crisis, or emergency abroad. Register as soon as your travel plans are confirmed.
Elevated-Risk Destinations and Petition Process
When travel involves an elevated-risk destination, the Cornell International Travel Registry automatically triggers an International Travel Advisory and Response Team (ITART) petition process. If a petition is required, you will be prompted to provide detailed information and justification for your travel.
Who Must Petition?
- Cornell students traveling to elevated-risk destinations
- Faculty or staff accompanying students to elevated-risk destinations
Information Required
- Evidence of risk research and understanding
- Purpose and objectives of travel
- Local support network details
- Safety and contingency plans
- Additional details specific to traveler type
Timeline
- Submit petition 4–6 weeks before departure
- Final approval based on current conditions
- Conditions may change rapidly; approvals can be reassessed
How to Petition
- Register travel in the Cornell International Travel Registry
- System identifies if a petition is required
- Complete additional prompts for elevated-risk destinations
- Provide detailed rationale and supporting documentation
After Approval
- Approval allows booking within specified contingencies
- ITART may revoke approval at any time due to changes in health, security, or other risk factors
- Cornell is not responsible for financial losses resulting from revoked approvals
ITART Considerations
ITART assesses a variety of factors associated with the proposed travel. The following presents key factors to consider before submitting a petition. This list should not be considered comprehensive, as every proposed itinerary is unique and additional information may be requested.
Elements considered for ITART approval | |
|---|---|
Travel Considerations | Notes on ITART Evaluation |
ISOS Advisories
| ITART's risk assessment combines ISOS travel advisories and U.S. Department of State Advisories. |
Department of State Advisories
| ITART's risk assessment combines ISOS travel advisories and U.S. Department of State Advisories. |
Cornell-Imposed Restrictions/Regulations
| To fulfill its duty of care, Cornell may implement additional travel restrictions and requirements through ITART. |
| Predeparture Orientation Completion | Completion of the predeparture orientation course is required for all students. Course completion is optional for faculty. |
Travel is Registered
| All students, faculty, and staff engaging in international travel on Cornell business must register in the Cornell International Travel Registry. The ITART petition is incorporated into the registry and approved travel can be considered registered. Travel that is not approved will be removed from the travel registry. |
Planned Itinerary
| ITART will consider factors such as transportation, accommodation, and detailed itinerary in its recommendations or decision. |
Traveler Considerations | |
| Risk Awareness and Mitigation Measures | Using the information provided in the petition, ITART will evaluate if the traveler is aware of all risks associated with the specific travel as proposed. ITART will then evaluate the traveler's plan to mitigate those risks. If there is a perceived gap in either of these factors, ITART may require additional research to be done or provide additional resources as appropriate. |
Familiarity with Destination
| ITART will consider the frequency of previous visits, duration of past stays, level of language preparation, understanding of local customs, local support network, and emergency response capability in its recommendations or decision. |
Short-Term Study Abroad and Field Study with Students
Petitions are required for new or current short-term faculty-led programming traveling to elevated risk destinations, and ITART will need to review and approve petitions.