Emergencies While Traveling

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As part of the comprehensive support services offered to University travelers, the Princeton Global Safety & Security (GS&S) office works 24/7 with other University offices, local, state and national government authorities, and International SOS, Princeton's international medical and security assistance provider, to respond to emergencies that might affect you.

An emergency while traveling involves one or more of the following:

  • Health issues, including mental health, requiring urgent or emergency care
  • The arrest, detention, or kidnapping of a Princeton traveler or international-program participant
  • The death of a Princeton traveler or international-program participant
  • An incident in which a Princeton traveler is the victim of a violent or other serious crime, including sexual assault of any type
  • A Princeton traveler who has been missing or otherwise out of expected contact for more than 12 hours
  • A security or other crisis in a location, requiring or likely to require the evacuation of one or more Princeton travelers or international program participants to a safer location

It is critically important that all Princeton travelers are aware of the contacts and resources available to them in an emergency situation. Please refer to the reporting instructions below for emergencies while traveling abroad and inside the United States. 

  1. Ensure you are in a safe place where you have access to a telephone.
  2. As appropriate to the situation and location, contact local emergency services (local 911-equivalent).
  3. Contact International SOS at +1-215-942-8478. Inform them you are a Princeton University traveler in need of emergency assistance. International SOS will notify and engage Princeton GS&S for additional support, when necessary. 
  4. You can also contact the Princeton Department of Public Safety at +1-609-258-3333. Identify yourself as an international traveler and request to speak with the Global Safety & Security duty officer.
  1. Ensure you are in a safe place where you have access to a telephone.
  2. As appropriate to the situation, call 911.
  3. Contact the Princeton Department of Public Safety at +1-609-258-3333. Identify yourself as a domestic traveler and request to speak with the Global Safety & Security duty officer.

Regardless of your location, if you are impacted by sexual discrimination, harassment or misconduct, you can always reach out for help to Princeton's resources and report incidents to the University.

For those experiencing an issue abroad, you may contact International SOS at +1-215-942-8478 for assistance in identifying and accessing local medical care, counseling services, and for advice regarding interactions with local law enforcement authorities.

Wherever you are, you may contact the following confidential University resources:

You may also submit a complaint directly online or by contacting the Department of Public Safety at +1-609-258-1000.

Even the best planned travel or international program may encounter unexpected issues, and the Global Safety & Security office, along with other campus partners and our external service providers, are ready to assist.

Routine issues while traveling include:

  • Lost or stolen passports
  • Health issues not requiring urgent or emergency care
  • Missed flights or other booking issues
  • An incident in which a Princeton traveler is the victim of a nonviolent or minor crime, such as pickpocketing or theft
  • Issuance of fines or other minor citations for civil violations to a Princeton traveler or international-program participant

Travelers who have booked through the Princeton travel program (or would like to) may contact a World Travel agent for assistance at +1-888-530-4087. Collect calls will be accepted at +1-484-722-6215. For more Princeton Travel & Expense contacts, please visit their Contact Us page. 

If you are abroad, you may wish first to contact the U.S. embassy (or embassy of your primary citizenship) responsible for your location. The embassy may be able to resolve your problem or offer guidance and resources to assist you. In any case, you may always contact the University's contracted international service provider, International SOS, at +1-215-942-8478. 

If you are traveling within the United States, you may also contact Global Safety & Security for assistance.