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A country or region designated by the government of Canada as either "Avoid Non-Essential Travel" or "Avoid All Travel" are high risk locations.

In countries designated as moderate risk (Exercise a High Degree of Caution), specific regions may be designated as high risk. Travel to such regions will require special permission.

Travel to high risk locations is not encouraged by SFU. If you would like to request special permission to travel to a high risk location, you must complete the following steps: 

• Complete a risk assesment and send it to srs_ts@sfu.ca
• Fill out this form

* SFU personnel may not move ahead with travel to high risk locations until special permission has been granted.

• Watch the pre-departure orientation video to review information on the SFU Travel Safety Program and the resources available to help you prepare for your international trip. A transcript is also available for your reference. 
  • Groups that would like a more personalized pre-departure orientation can request one by filling out this form.
• Visit the ISOS member portal and follow these steps to access a country specific reports:
  •  Type the country into the search bar.
  • Click on "View Full Description Guide" at the bottom left side of the screen.
  • Click on "Get Guide" at the top right corner of the screen and choose "Download PDF."
• Downlod the ISOS Assistance App to access personalized pre-trip checklists.
  • Call ISOS (+1 215-942-8342) any time to speak with a security analyst for more information. 

Review the following health, safety and security resources when planning for your international travel.

International SOS:

SFU has partnered with International SOS (ISOS), to provide SFU travelers with 24/7 medical, security, and logistical expertise before, during and after international trips. Travelers can access ISOS services by using SFU’s Membership Number (27ACAS593560).

• Review the destination-specific medical and security information to help you prepare for your trip by visiting the ISOS Member Portal.
• Contact ISOS, 24/7, for any health, travel security or personal safety concerns, for routine advice, emotional support or emergency assistance at +1-215-942-8478.

Government resources:

• *NEW* Review the latest International Safety - Travel Brief: United States
• Visit Global Affairs Canada (GAC) Travel Advice and Advisories to obtain essential information for Canadians abroad, including country specific reports.
• Register with the Registration of Canadians Abroad or your country’s equivalent prior to departure.

Technology and research resources:

• Review the Travel Security Guide for University Researchers and Staff to learn about the nature of economic and geopolitically motivated threats to your or your research. This document provides basic steps that you can take to mitigate risks and suggests actions that you can take in the event of an incident.
• Review Mitigating Economic and/or Geopolitical Risks in Sensitive Research Projects to learn about best practices to undertake an economic and geopolitical risk assessment and mitigate key risks.
• Learn about key recommendations when Traveling with Technology. 

Emotional Support Resources:

• Students, faculty, and staff: ISOS provides Emotional Support services to assist travelers in dealing with any psychological issues while abroad. Travelers can access these services by contacting ISOS at +1-215-942-8478 and providing SFU’s Membership Number (27ACAS593560).
• Students: My Student Support Program (My SSP) provides free access to immediate or ongoing confidential counselling and support, accessible from anywhere in the world by phone at 001-416-380-6578 or through the downloadable app.
• Faculty and staff: Employee Family Assistance Program (EFAP) provides confidential counselling and support available 24/7 by phone or e-Counselling. To access these services, contact Homewood Health, SFU’s EFAP provider, at 1-800-663-1142.

SFU related business refers to university-related international activity undertaken by SFU personnel where certain tasks (e.g. communications, pre-departure activities) are delegated to an SFU Department. Examples include: International Exchanges or Field Schools (through ISS), Dual or Double Degrees, Athletics Travel, Case Competitions, Department led short term group travel, etc. Examples of activities not included in this category are: conferences, research travel, Field Schools run independently from ISS, etc. Those who are traveling as part of an SFU program are required to complete the pre-departure requirements set by the program.