Safety Updates and Alerts

Georgetown University Relaxes Travel Restrictions

1 July 2021

Georgetown University updated the COVID-19 Travel Policy for students, faculty and staff, and relaxed travel restrictions.

A limited number of international programs – including certain study abroad programs organized or sponsored by the Office of Global Education and other University departments – are permitted to proceed beginning in Fall 2021, after a program-specific risk assessment and approval by the relevant Senior Administrator. Students participating in such programs must be fully vaccinated.

Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) in China

4 February 2020

Georgetown University issued a temporary moratorium on all university-sponsored and university-related travel for students, faculty and staff to China, effective on 28 January 2020, in accordance to the guidance by the CDC and U.S. Department of State.

Georgetown University updates to the community on the Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) outbreak.

The updates include Frequently Asked Questions about 2019-nCoV, which are updated regularly.

Presently, the CDC and U.S. Department of State alerts for 2019-cNOV do not extend to additional countries and the Georgetown travel restriction is only for mainland China.

U.S. Department of State Issues Worldwide Caution

14 January 2020

The U.S. Department of State Worldwide Caution for U.S. citizens traveling abroad (issued on 19 January 2019) remains active. The latest advisory provides U.S. citizens with general information regarding terrorist activities, political violence and criminal activity that transpire abroad, as well as specific recommendations on how to prepare for possible contingencies, receive information on breaking security events and ensure that travelers can be contacted in an emergency.
 
Georgetown University and the Office of Global Education are closely monitoring the developments through the U.S. Department of State, our program partners, and the available security information from the Overseas Security Advisory Council and our private emergency assistance company (International SOS).  If there are any changes in the security environment, we will communicate accordingly and appropriately. 
 
Our standing advice for all study abroad participants is as follows:

  • Follow the safety and security advice and guidance from your host program/institution.
  • Register for International SOS and U.S. Department of State Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) security alerts online and heed recommendations.
  • Be aware of your surroundings and respect local sensitivities over recent developments.
  • Follow U.S. Embassy advice and stay tuned to media and local contacts.
  • Update personal travel plans in International SOS MyTrips travel registration system
  • Consider carefully any information relayed on social media and ensure appropriate corroboration through reliable sources.
  • Communicate proactively with your family and the Office of Global Education program advisor regarding your well-being. 

For additional information, please consult the U.S. Department of State Travel Advisories website.  You can also view security and safety information on the country information sheet for your current location by using the Country Information feature.  If OGE students need any security advice or referrals, please do not hesitate to take advantage of the International SOS (ISOS) resources at your disposal.  Additionally, if you are not enrolled to receive ISOS email alerts you should go to the ISOS website to enroll to receive notifications:
 
Telephone: +1-215-942-8478 (collect calls accepted)
ISOS Website: https://www.internationalsos.com
Georgetown Member #: 11BCPA000227 (use the member login on at the top of the page)