Although Safety & Risk Services is not leading travel safety for UBC, we understand some students, faculty and staff may be feeling uncertain about travelling to some international destinations for conferences or research activities.
As a service to the community, we are sharing these resources developed by UBC, U15, Universities Canada, and CSIS related to travel safety and research security:
- Government of Canada’s travel advisories
We encourage everyone to regularly review the Government of Canada’s travel advisories for any location they may be heading
Visit the site - Student Safety Abroad
Students traveling outside of Canada for university activity need to complete UBC’s travel authorization requirements.
Visit the site - Emergency Assistance: International SOS
Guidance for when to contact International SOS (ISOS), a firm under contract to UBC to provide health and security assistance to UBC students, faculty and staff.
Visit the site - UBC Research Security: Travel Security Guidance
Practical tips and considerations for secure travel with research materials and devices.
Visit the site - Safety & Risk Services: Field Work Safety Plans and Resources
Guidance for supervisors requiring field work safety plans and additional resources on field work safety.
Visit the site - Privacy Matters @ UBC: Travelling with Electronics
Information on how to safeguard your personal and institutional data when travelling with digital devices.
Read more - U15 and Universities Canada Travel Security Guide for University Researchers and Staff
A foundational guide to securing your travel, published by U15 and Universities Canada.
Download the guide - CSIS: Far From Home Travel Security Booklet
A resource for navigating security risks when travelling internationally. (Note: Do not travel with a physical copy of this booklet, as it contains the CSIS logo.)
Access the booklet - Public Safety Canada Webinar: Safeguarding Science – Module 6: Travelling Safely
An upcoming webinar taking place May 16, 2025, focused on protecting your research while abroad.
Register for the webinar
Questions
Everyone’s travel needs and documentation are unique. To help the university community, UBC’s travel procurement program is partnered with Direct Travel. Their travel agents are available to help answer travel booking and the associated questions for any destination.