What to Do in the Event of an Emergency Abroad
This guidance is intended to support Duke faculty, staff, and students who experience an emergency while traveling internationally on behalf of or supported by the University.
Who to Call
After ensuring your immediate safety, call:
- International SOS (accepts international collect calls)
- Duke University Police Department: +1 919-684-2444 (accepts international collect calls)
Faculty and staff managing an incident abroad who need guidance should also contact us by emailing globaltravel@duke.edu.
An emergency is any situation that poses a serious risk to – or has already disrupted – the safety, health, or well-being of a Duke traveler abroad.
A “Duke traveler” is anyone traveling outside the United States with Duke support. Emergencies may include, but are not limited to:
- Arrest, detainment, or questioning by police or security forces
- Legal actions (e.g., lawsuits, depositions, trials)
- Disappearance or kidnapping
- Hospitalization for any reason
- Political or civil unrest affecting personal safety
- Physical or sexual assault
- Robbery
- Serious physical or emotional illness
- Significant accidents or injuries
- Terrorist threats or attacks
- Travel-related accidents
- Natural disasters (e.g., earthquake, flood, hurricane, tsunami)
Preparation is the ultimate risk mitigation strategy. Before traveling:
- Carry emergency contact information for International SOS, Duke University Police, and your sponsoring unit.
- Register your trip and emergency contacts in the Duke Travel Registry to ensure rapid assistance if an incident occurs.
- Program leaders and faculty should brief students on local risks, cultural norms, and preventable safety concerns (e.g., travel at night, appropriate dress and behavior).
- Program leaders can request a pre-departure orientation for group travel through the Office of Global Health and Safety.
Before traveling internationally, it is important to understand your medical coverage and plan accordingly:
- International SOS provides assistance – not health insurance. Certain services may involve out-of-pocket costs.
- Confirm international coverage with your current health insurance provider prior to departure. In some cases, purchasing short-term travel health insurance is recommended. Benefits-eligible Duke employees and accompanying dependents are covered by the CIGNA Medical Benefits Abroad plan.
- Carry both your health insurance card and your International SOS membership card with you at all times while abroad. You can also download the ISOS app to access this information (Apple App or Android App available with ISOS membership number).
Additional coverage details:
- Students enrolled in Duke’s Student Medical Insurance Plan (SIMP) should review international benefits before departure.
- Travelers needing short-term insurance should consult the Travel Partners page for provider options.
Your safety comes first. Seek immediate medical care or police assistance as needed. Once you are safe, contact International SOS or Duke University Police.
During political unrest or situations where foreign nationals may be at risk:
- Keep a low profile
- Avoid demonstrations and large gatherings
- Steer clear of areas frequented by tourists
- Avoid clothing or behavior that identifies you as a visitor
In many cases, sheltering in place is the safest option until International SOS can assist with evacuation or relocation.