! Penn State will use International SOS as the University's travel risk management partner as of August 15, 2023. For information about the change and how it affects university-affiliated travelers, visit the International Insurance for University-affiliated Travel webpage .

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TSN User Guides

Here you can find a step-by-step guide to assist you in completing your travel record. If you need additional information or individualized assistance please contact the Global Safety Office at 814-863-8788 or [email protected] .

Individual Travel:

Creating an individual TSN Record (Faculty/Staff)  

Creating an individual TSN Record (Students) - Coming soon.

Group Travel:

Coming soon

It doesn't matter which facet of university life you have—research, teaching, service—it is enriched by international experience.

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Global Programs Resources and Information

COVID-19 Information

Information about COVID-19 related to education abroad programming

Updated December 2, 2021

As we navigate the COVID-19 pandemic together, Penn State Global is here to support students and remains steadfast in our mission of providing Penn State students with access to a variety of programs abroad to promote academic, personal, and professional growth in a safe environment.  We are committed to providing students, their families, and our partners with information and transparency as we continue to navigate the challenges facing international travel due to the pandemic.  Conditions around the world are changing daily and we are reviewing information from many sources and consulting with our peers as we adapt to this new normal.  We are continuing to develop innovative ways in which Penn State students can have an international experience and become global leaders in a culturally diverse world.

Updates and Recent Policies

The staff in Penn State Global are working diligently to offer education abroad programming that is responsible and carefully managed, with the health and safety of our students, program leaders, and host communities as top priorities. 

Vaccine Attestation and International Travel

October 6, 2021

Effective August 2021, Penn State students approved for international travel are required to attest that they are or will be fully vaccinated against the virus that causes COVID-19 by their date of departure, or that they have or are pursuing a medical or religious exemption via the appropriate Penn State office(s):   

Exemptions approved by Penn State offices hold no influence with foreign governments or international educational institutions, many of which have enacted strict vaccination protocols. Therefore, students who are not vaccinated, even those who have been approved for an exemption by Penn State, may face limitations or restrictions in their participation in education abroad programs, including cancellation of their admission, due to regulations by foreign governments or international educational institutions. The Penn State Education Abroad Office will work to identify reasonable accommodations which can be made for students who have been approved for a medical or religious exemption from the University’s vaccination requirement. If reasonable accommodations cannot be identified without fundamentally altering the nature of the educational program or activity, including if significant health and/or safety concerns remain, Penn State reserves the right to rescind the offer of admission to study abroad, regardless of any academic unit’s approval. 

For students planning university-affiliated international travel that is not part of a Penn State Education Abroad program, in the case of an approved medical or religious exemption from vaccination, the University will explore whether reasonable accommodations can be identified for student participation without fundamentally altering the nature of the educational program or activity.  If reasonable accommodations cannot be identified, or if significant health and safety concerns remain, Penn State reserves the right to deny or rescind approval as a university-affiliated international trip.   Students planning university-affiliated international travel, including applicants who have been approved for Penn State Education Abroad programs, will be required to meet this policy by completing a vaccination attestation form through either the Travel Safety Network or the Penn State Education Abroad application portal.  Failure to submit the form by the stated deadline will result in denial of approval for travel and/or removal from the Education Abroad program (if applicable).  Students who have concerns about compliance with the policy should contact  the Global Safety Office  (for non-Education Abroad travel) or  their education abroad adviser  (for Penn State Education Abroad programs) to discuss their international travel prospects.    

Updated Penn State International Travel Policy

August 6, 2021

As announced in  Penn State News  on July 30, 2021, all students on University-affiliated international travel that begins August 1 or later must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 before departure. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  recommends that individuals not travel internationally until they are fully vaccinated , as getting vaccinated lowers the risk for severe illness and hospitalization from COVID-19.

In addition, as described in the   article , the University-wide restriction on international travel for faculty, staff, and students will be lifted in August 2021. Health and safety reviews of program destinations are ongoing within Penn State Global, pursuant to the   updated restricted destination list   for students. Students applying to a program in a country on the Penn State restricted travel list will receive instructions on the petition process and next steps from their Education Abroad adviser. We strongly recommend that students hold off on making travel arrangements until closer to their program start date. If students must purchase a ticket, we strongly advise them to purchase a refundable ticket.

Please refer to the  Penn State coronavirus website  for up-to-date information on the University’s response to COVID-19. Students with questions or concerns should contact their education abroad adviser or   [email protected] .

Student Responsibilities and Guidelines

The following guidelines and protocol will be in place for all Penn State students participating in education abroad programs. If students or families have any questions, they can contact [email protected]

Introduction

Participating in an education abroad program is an exciting opportunity, and one that comes with tremendous responsibility to represent Penn State well, and to do your best to protect the health and wellbeing of your fellow students and the local community – as well as your own!

We are confident that Penn State students will uphold these requirements and have a transformative education abroad experience!

Community Responsibility

  • It will take the cooperation of all students and program leaders to mitigate the risk of COVID-19 infection and spread during the education abroad program.  You are responsible for your own actions, but your actions impact all the other students on your program!
  • Failure to adhere to the education abroad responsibilities and protocol can result in student conduct procedures, removal from the program without refund, and the possible cancellation of the program in its entirety if the violation has placed the program group or local community at significant risk.
  • If you have concerns about the actions of another student on the program, you can safely and confidentially discuss those concerns with your program leadership.
  • Remember that you are a guest in your local community, and your presence can be simultaneously enriching to the educational and economic welfare of the community as well as a risk to the health of the community.  Respect your host community by following all Penn State protocol as well as local laws and regulations.

Travel and Logistics

  • Follow airline and government protocol for any testing or immunization requirements prior to travel.
  • No group flight is required, however you may consider communicating with the other students on the program to arrange to be on the same flight.
  • Flights should not be purchased until notified by Penn State Global.
  • Check cancellation policies of airlines and travel insurance policies. Reimbursement from Penn State may not be available for COVID-19 related cancellations.  

Personal Travel

  • Personal day trips may be permissible, depending on travel restrictions in your local area and the travel protocol established by your program.

Masks, Physical Distancing, and PPE

  • Students are required to follow all local laws and regulations, as well as any instructions from your program.

Cultural Experiences

One aspect of education abroad that students always look forward to is engaging in the local culture.  It is difficult to predict which types of cultural sites and activities will be available for you to enjoy, so we encourage you to develop realistic expectations for your free time activities.

  • Students may be required to wear a face mask in all public settings and limit social interactions
  • There may be curfews or quiet hours for your municipality or residence
  • Local restaurant and to-go food options may be limited
  • Nightlife venues (bars, pubs, clubs, etc.) may have restrictions in place or may be closed temporarily or indefinitely
  • Shops and attractions may have varying and limited operating hours
  • Mobility (international and domestic) may be restricted

Cleaning and Hygiene

  • Keep your living accommodations and classroom space clean!
  • Follow any rules in place by your host location or residence.
  • Wash your hands with soap and water regularly.
  • Use hand sanitizer as needed.
  • If using cloth masks, launder them regularly.

Testing, Quarantine, and COVID-19 Mitigation

  • If you are awaiting the results of a COVID-19 test due to possible exposure or symptoms, isolate yourself in your designated housing until the result is available.
  • If you are advised to be under quarantine or isolation and you break that protocol, you may endanger the entire education abroad program and the local community. Additionally, you could be removed from your program without refund.  
  • Follow airline and government protocol for any testing or immunization requirements prior to travel to and from the education abroad location.

Concluding Guidance

  • Follow the guidance and direction from Penn State Global and your host program.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the current status of education abroad at penn state.

We are currently accepting applications for our summer 2022, fall 2022, and academic year 2022-23 application cycles.

Am I required to be vaccinated against COVID-19 to participate in an education abroad program?

Yes. As announced in  Penn State News  on July 30, 2021, all students on University-affiliated international travel that begins August 1 or later must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 before departure. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  recommends that individuals not travel internationally until they are fully vaccinated , as getting vaccinated lowers the risk for severe illness and hospitalization from COVID-19.

Therefore, Penn State students approved to participate in an education abroad program will be required to attest that they are or will be fully vaccinated against the virus that causes COVID-19 by their date of departure, or that they have or are pursuing a medical or religious exception via the appropriate offices at Penn State.  Exemptions by personal choice require approval from academic unit leadership and review by the Assistant Vice Provost for Global Learning.  Details on medical, religious, or other exemption requests are available within the education abroad application portal and by contacting [email protected] .

Students planning to study abroad on embedded courses will be required to meet this new policy effective with fall 2021 embedded course travel.  The vaccination attestation will be available through the education abroad application and registration portal.  Questions about the policy and the process for embedded course students and leaders can be directed to [email protected] .

What is Penn State’s current international travel policy?

As announced in a Penn State News article on July 30, 2021, the University-wide restriction on international travel for faculty, staff, and students will be lifted in August 2021. Health and safety reviews of program destinations are ongoing within Penn State Global, pursuant to the updated restricted destination list  for students. Students applying to a program in a country on the Penn State restricted travel list will receive instructions on the petition process and next steps from their Education Abroad adviser. Education abroad program changes or cancellations are still possible for spring 2022, and updates to the status of a program will be communicated to students through their Penn State email. We strongly recommend that students hold off on making travel arrangements until closer to their program start date. If students must purchase a ticket, we strongly advise them to purchase a refundable ticket.

How does Penn State make decisions about its Education Abroad programs?

Penn State consults a number of sources for guidance on the safety of international travel, including: governmental agencies (U.S. Department of State, U.S. Centers for Disease Control, foreign governmental sources), the World Health Organization, the Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC), Penn State’s international insurance provider, professional health and security organizations, public health data providers (Harvard Global Health Institute, Our World in Data), assessments by university partners abroad, U.S. Embassy country COVID-19 information, and more.

Penn State Global is also assessing COVID-19 standards on each program, and the program’s COVID-19 measures must meet or exceed the standards in place for Penn State programs at home.

What if my program gets cancelled?

If your education abroad program is cancelled, you will be notified by the Penn State Education Abroad Office via your Penn State email address. If there are other program options accepting applications at the time of the cancellation, your education abroad adviser will give you the opportunity to move your application to be considered for another program.

If Penn State or your host organization cancels your study abroad program, you will be held harmless from any billable financial penalties associated with the program cancellation (i.e., tuition and program fee as published on your Penn State Education Abroad program brochure). However, costs paid to third parties such as airlines and program providers are subject to the third-party providers refund policies and will not be refunded by Penn State. We encourage students to carefully read through refund policies when purchasing airline tickets, or paying deposits.

Who should I contact if I have questions or concerns?

Please refer to the  Penn State coronavirus website  for up-to-date information on the University’s response to COVID-19, along with the  Education Abroad coronavirus website with information specific to education abroad programming. Students with questions or concerns should contact their Education Abroad adviser or  [email protected] .

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Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Graduate School Updates>

The latest COVID-19 news and information is available at  Penn State's Coronavirus Information website . 

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Update

On March 11 th  the University announced that beginning March 16 th  instruction for all students will be moving to a remote delivery format. Graduate students enrolled in resident courses should plan on participating remotely, and not coming to campus specifically for face-to-face instruction. Learn more at gradschool.psu.edu/covid19 .

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GSAD-920 Graduate Student Policy for International Travel

Graduate student policy for international travel.

To define the requirements for graduate students traveling internationally in keeping with University Travel Policy TR01 International Travel Requirements .

Academic Goal

To ensure that risks for graduate students traveling abroad have been fully and carefully considered by the student and the relevant faculty and administrators.

All graduate students.

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Definitions keyboard_arrow_down, policy statement.

  • Registration with the TSN is required prior to departure for all university-affiliated international travel (see the University’s international travel policy TR01 International Travel Requirements ). Failure to do so may result in travelers being denied reimbursement for travel expenses.
  • A new travel record for each university-affiliated international trip must be completed at least 30 days before departure. Once the TSN record has been reviewed, the traveler will receive a confirmation email confirming they have met the requirements to record their travel.
  • Given the risks associated with travel to countries restricted by the University for student travel, failure to complete timely registration with the TSN and obtain approval for travel before departure will result in non-compliance with the University’s international travel policy TR01 International Travel Requirements and such travel may not be eligible for reimbursement. Additional consequences may apply based on the Graduate School’s and department’s discretion.

Graduate students wishing to travel internationally should complete the steps below to secure approval for their travel before departure. More detailed information can be found in the Procedure section.

  • Consult the Restricted Country List on the Global Programs website to determine if the travel is to a restricted country.
  • If the destination is not to a restricted country, register for travel in the TSN database at least 30 days prior to departure.
  • If the destination is on the restricted country list, register for travel in the TSN database and provide all information requested, including a restricted travel petition, 2-3 months before departure.

Graduate students traveling to countries not on the Restricted Country List

  • A graduate student wishing to travel to another country for university research purposes and/or with university funding must first consult the Restricted Country List on the Global Programs website. Students traveling to countries NOT on the list must then register for travel in the Travel Safety Network (TSN) database at least 30 days prior to departure.

Graduate students traveling to countries on the Restricted Country List

  • Graduate students traveling to countries on the Restricted Country List on the Global Programs website must register their travel in the TSN database AND file a restricted travel petition. Petitions should be submitted about 2-3 months in advance, but no later than 30 days prior to departure.
  • A student wishing to travel to a country restricted by the University for student travel should research potential risks of traveling to that country and formulate an emergency action plan to address those risks. This information is necessary for the restricted travel petition . The Global Programs’ website and other resources such as websites for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or the U.S. Department of State , provide information concerning the specific risks for these countries.
  • Information provided through the TSN will be reviewed by the International Restricted Travel Committee (IRTC), which consists of the Associate Dean for Graduate Student Affairs of the Graduate School, the University’s Risk Officer, the Director of Student Engagement and Operations for Global Programs, the Director of Education Abroad, and the Global Safety Manager. The IRTC will make a recommendation to approve the request, to deny the request, or to ask that the student provide clarification or additional information.
  • If additional information is requested, the student will be contacted by the Global Safety Manager. Upon reviewing the additional information presented, the IRTC will determine their recommendation.
  • The IRTC’s recommendation will be forwarded to the Vice Provost for Global Programs (or designee) for their review and recommendations, and then to the Provost, who will make the final decision regarding approval. The student will receive an email from the Graduate School confirming whether the request has been approved or denied. If the Provost denies the request, the decision is considered final and the graduate student may not undertake the proposed trip.
  • All graduate students traveling to any international locale will automatically receive international emergency medical insurance coverage for their travel upon registration with the TSN. Additionally, graduate students must complete emergency preparedness training at the appropriate intervals prior to travel.
  • Global Programs has responsibility to monitor changing worldwide conditions. Global Programs will inform the Provost and the Graduate School’s Associate Dean for Graduate Student Affairs should conditions in the proposed country of travel change significantly between the time a request has been approved and the date on which travel is to be undertaken. Based upon new information, the Provost may reverse the decision and deny the request. If the request is subsequently denied based on this new information, Global Programs will inform the Graduate School’s Associate Dean for Graduate Student Affairs, who will notify the student, faculty adviser, and college/school administrator for graduate education.
  • All students are required to maintain regular contact with their adviser via email, Skype, etc., during the length of the trip and should monitor their Penn State email for any updates from Global Programs. The student and adviser should determine the frequency and type of contact depending on the destination and student’s itinerary prior to the trip (e.g., daily, weekly).
  • The Office of the Vice Provost for Graduate Education and Dean of the Graduate School will keep a record of all requests for travel.

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Further Information

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Global Programs

TR01 International Travel Requirements

Travel Safety Network

University Restricted Travel

U.S. Department of State

Cross-References

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Revision History

Approved by the Vice Provost for Graduate Education and Dean of the Graduate School, May 3, 2019. Effective immediately.

  • May 3, 2019 – Policy revised.

Penn State College of Medicine

Six Global Health Scholars Medical Students stand in front of a sign for the Macha Research Trust in Zambia.

Study Abroad

Many students are interested in travel abroad for a variety of reasons. In general, there are two periods of time during medical school during which students may travel abroad. These include during the summer between first and second years, and during fourth year for elective credit.

Selecting a Site

Selecting a site to travel to can be very challenging. It is prudent to consider what you hope to achieve through the experience.

Recommendations, based on student’s previous international travel experience:

  • None : Seek a structured educational and cultural experience in a general practice (medicine, surgery) setting. Look for a broad range of clinical and cultural exposures; pay attention to the needs of the poor, and look for their strengths (assets).
  • Some:  Look for a semi-structured experience; consider MSR. Pay specific attention to health care system and the logistical challenges of providing care.
  • A lot:  Consider MSR; or a self-tailored experience (in a safe, well-supervised setting). Consider narrowing your clinical focus (e.g., Public Health, Women’s Health, Children’s Health, HIV/TB)

You should ensure your country of interest does not have a travel advisory on the US State Department’s website .  Students/Faculty may also use this service by World Watch to learn about safety issues for individual countries (requires Penn State Access ID to log in). 

University Resources

Important PSU policies related to international travel include:

  • Students should read the official Penn State Policy on student travel abroad on the Global Penn State site .
  • Student Group Travel Policy (FN20)

The Global Penn State website has a number of good travel tips, recommendations and requirements.

The Travel Safety Network is a collection of offices, departments, colleges, and campuses working to assist with your safety and security before and during your time abroad.

Medical students interested in studying or doing research abroad will need to complete the Global Health Center’s Travel Application through  Penn State’s Travel Safety Network .

When preparing to travel abroad, make sure to check:

  • Documents required by the College of Medicine for international travel
  • Passport/visa
  • Immunizations
  • Travel insurance (offered by PSU Education Abroad , as well as other, private companies)

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Is Moscow Safe? Crime Rates & Safety Report

Moscow, Russia

On Feb. 24, 2022, Russia invaded its neighbor country Ukraine, starting a war between these two countries.

This act of invasion caused many Ukrainians to flee their country and seek shelter in places like Poland, Hungary, Slovakia, etc…

At this time, we recommend no travel to Russia or Ukraine, or any neighboring countries for your own safety.

Russia : Safety by City

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  • Novosibirsk
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Moscow, the capital of Russia, is a political, scientific, historical, architectural and business center of this huge country.

It’s one of the most visited places in Russia, and for good reason.

The best-known parts of Russia are concentrated precisely in the urban areas and cities like Moscow and Saint Petersburg.

Moscow’s history attracts the most tourists, as they are fascinated by it is a surreal and sometimes brutal but nevertheless thrilling and jaw-dropping national story.

In this city, visited by 17 million tourists annually, the history, told in its numerous museums, some of which are the world’s greatest, interacts with modernity.

For example, in the Garden of Fallen Monuments (Fallen Monument Park), you can see entire clusters of modern art contrasting with the very non-conceptual Communist monuments.

  • Warnings & Dangers in Moscow

OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM

Generally speaking, Moscow today is safe as much as other cities in Europe, despite its problematic history with criminal activity in the 90s. However, if you’re planning on traveling to Moscow, keep in mind that you should always keep your guard up and remain aware of your surroundings, just in case.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW

Generally speaking, transportation in Moscow is safe, but you should bear in mind that kidnappings have been known to happen, mostly in unlicensed taxis, so be careful when hailing one on the streets. Keep in mind that the most dangerous areas where small crime tends to occur are the underground walkways, called “perekhods”. Only use official services like Yandex Taxi, Uber or Gett taxi.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: HIGH

Pickpocketing is very common in Moscow, and surprisingly it is mostly performed by groups of children. Pay attention to your belongings, don’t leave them in plain sight and be especially careful in crowded places like stations or near tourist attractions.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: LOW

Moscow isn’t particularly susceptible to natural disasters. Some blizzards and snowstorms are possible during winter which can affect the traffic and delay your flights. During winter, be prepared to face the below-freezing temperatures.

MUGGING RISK: MEDIUM

The situation improved drastically when it comes to kidnappings and muggings. Generally, never accept free drinks or food when you’re in a club or a bar. Drink spiking and then attacking and robbing the victim have been reported on numerous occasions.

TERRORISM RISK: HIGH

After the recent terrorist attack in the subway in St. Petersburg the probability of this situation happening again in Moscow is very high.

SCAMS RISK: HIGH

There are many scams in Moscow, usually performed by children trying to distract you and then steal some money from you. Never talk to strange kids on the street. Also, you should avoid playing street gambling games.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW

Women are generally safe in Moscow, though you should avoid finding yourself alone in clubs or bars, and of course, apply all normal precaution measures like avoiding remote and poorly lit streets and areas.

  • So... How Safe Is Moscow Really?

Moscow experienced a rise when it came to crime rates during the 1990s.

Violent crime, as well as petty crime and scams,  had increased, but the biggest part of the violence was within the criminal groups themselves, and it didn’t affect foreigners that much.

However, it decreased since the 90s, so right now, for tourists, Moscow isn’t more dangerous than any other European city, it’s even less so.

The crime rate in Moscow is fairly lower than one in New York, London or Paris, so you should feel safe here.

Also, you can count on the officials to be uncorrupted – don’t ever try to bribe them: you will be charged with bribery.

Bear in mind that if you are a member of the LGBT community, there is no reason to avoid Moscow altogether but you should refrain from any public displays of affection.

As of June 2013, “homosexual propaganda to minors” is prohibited, which means that any discussion of gay rights or homosexuality issues in the presence of minors is punishable by law.

While you walk around Moscow, you might encounter police officials that may demand to see your papers to check if you have been registered within 7 business days of your arrival into Moscow.

You shouldn’t have any problems with this, because if you stay in a hotel then you are automatically registered and will be handed a confirmation paper.

  • How Does Moscow Compare?
  • Useful Information

Most countries do need a visa to enter Russia, and if you’re a U.S. citizen you must possess both a valid U.S. passport and a bona fide visa issued by a Russian Embassy or Consulate. None of the nationals that do need a visa can acquire one upon arrival, so make sure you apply for your visa in advance. If you are not sure about your visa status, visit www.doyouneedvisa.com which will let you know whether or not you need visa based on your nationality and the country you want to visit.

The Russian ruble is the official currency in Moscow. ATMs are widespread throughout the country and credit cards are accepted everywhere.

Moscow has a highly continental influenced climate characterized by warm to hot and dry summers and extremely cold, freezing winters with temperatures as low as -30°C – sometimes even lower, with heavy snowfall.

Sheremetyevo International Airport is the Russian busiest international airport. It is located in Molzhaninovsky District, Northern Administrative Okrug, in Moscow, about 29 km northwest of central Moscow.

Travel Insurance

Just like anywhere else, we advise getting travel insurance when traveling to Moscow, because it would cover not only medical problems but also theft and loss of valuables.

Moscow Weather Averages (Temperatures)

  • Average High/Low Temperature

Russia - Safety by City

  • Where to Next?

Russia

9 Reviews on Moscow

That's just not true.

The person who wrote the text obviously have never been in Moscow and in Russia at all. This is ridiculous. Even about pickpocketing, the risk at most is medium, mugging is zero in historical places but is pretty high in sleeping quarters

Your rating is only two stars for safety though? So I am confused. Are you rating the article to be in poor taste?

I went to Moscow in 2021. I enjoyed the trip. I felt there were “unsafe areas” so I avoided them. So long as you know where you are going and don’t insult the locals, you should be fine.

51% safe?! Is this out of date?

Moscow and Russia in general are MUCH SAFER than Paris or London, yet those latter are more than 15 points ahead?!

Hell, it’s even admitted in the above text: “Moscow isn’t more dangerous than any other European city, IT’S EVEN LESS SO.” Yeah, you bet! And then: “the crime rate in Moscow is fairly lower than one in New York, London or Paris, so you should feel safe here.” So why the low rating? I don’t get it.

Also, the latest terrorist attack in Moscow happened in 2010… so how can you honestly say that the risk is still “high”? Especially for the fact Russia is very much on the edge when it comes to fighting terrorism domestically and over the world.

Sure, it might not be ideal everywhere in Moscow, but it’s WAY SAFER than in Paris, especially at night. You just can’t go out in Paris after the evening anymore, in most areas (I got assaulted for no reason at Châtelet-les-Halles and taking the RER train at dark is becoming more and more risky)… while in Moscow, chances are that you’ll see girls in miniskirts walking home while quietly singing. Or maybe you’ll stumble upon some gorgeous lady asking you for a lighter and then giving you her number for a coffee the next day. So very dangerous!

I sense a serious bias, here. Is it because of that LGBT thing? Could you pick a more extreme case? Yeah, you can totally be gay in Russia, just be so in private. There even are transsexuals, but this is a traditional and respectable country, so you should respect their choice of not publicizing various sexual lifestyles.

Moscow and Saint Petersburg are safe

Moscow and Saint Petersburg are very safe in my opinion! I’ve been to both cities visiting family! There are so many people out on the streets and on public transportation- I felt very safe! You need to change your ratings!!

Any update on Covid-19 to visit Moscow

I visited 118 country and Moscow one of the safest city I have been, st Petersburg as well, I read this article hoping to find any update on covid-19 restrictions upon arrival, so if anyone can update I’m planning to visit Moscow again but I need to know if quarentain is required or mandatory, anyone can share, cheers.

In Russia nobody cares, masks off. I dont know if fiew thousands of infected per day are high for you though. I was never arrested for not wearing mask, but you have to have it on you. Sometimes cops ask to put mask, you just do that and everything ok, some shops can refuse to do service if you dont have mask. I assume they pressured by boss, so just put on mask, they can give you gloves and dont cause any problems.

Written by someone who never visited Russia

A veer biased review. Moscow or St. Petersburg for being such brilliant truly cosmopolitan cities are extremely safe. Pickpocketing in Russia?! By children?! Who wrote this? Clearly by someone who has never been to the great country of Russia.

Have never been there. But wish me well

Bias review, Moscow is much safer than that!

This review is so bias and just wrong! First of all apart from being a political, scientific and etc center, it is an absolutely beautiful city and a very culturally rich city. For tourists there’s a huge range of delicious food, amazing shopping, a lot of cultural activities, and all sorts of entertainment. I’ve travelled there in December 2019, and most of the time I spent walking around and exploring by myself, be it during day time or night, nothing happened to me once. I mostly used subways and sometimes taxi, both safe. Just have a common sense when it comes to safety and you’ll be fine. You need to travel there at least once in a lifetime, it’s a completely different experience and it’s a beautiful one, NOT a communistic terrorist epicenter as some describe it to be.

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Article Contents

  • Moscow : Safety by City
  • Overall Risk
  • Transport & Taxis Risk
  • Pickpockets Risk
  • Natural Disasters Risk
  • Mugging Risk
  • Terrorism Risk
  • Women Travelers Risk
  • Weather Averages (Temperatures)
  • User Reviews
  • Share Your Experience

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  1. Travel Safety Network

    Travel Safety Network (TSN) is a service provided by Penn State to support and protect its international travelers. TSN allows you to register your travel plans, access resources and guidance, and receive alerts and updates. Visit gsn.psu.edu to learn more and log in with your Penn State Access ID.

  2. Travel Safety Network

    Life at Penn State; Alumni; Travel Safety Network; About; News; Alerts; Site; Penn State; People; Departments; Global Support. Travel Safety Network; Operations Abroad; Safety and Security; ... Travel Safety Network. It doesn't matter which facet of university life you have—research, teaching, service—it is enriched by international ...

  3. International Travel and Travel Safety Network

    Once you have completed all the web-based forms in the TSN system for your travel record, your record will be reviewed for completeness by university experts and you will receive a TSN confirmation email once reviewed. If you have questions about TSN or international travel, please contact the Global Safety Office at 814-863-8788 or [email protected].

  4. Global Support

    Global Programs offers a variety of resources and support services for faculty, students, and staff engaged globally. The health and safety of our Penn State family is our first priority. International Alumni. Travel Safety Network. Sponsor Relations.

  5. TSN User Guides

    Here you can find a step-by-step guide to assist you in completing your travel record. If you need additional information or individualized assistance please contact the Global Safety Office at 814-863-8788 or [email protected]. Individual Travel: Creating an individual TSN Record (Faculty/Staff) Creating an individual TSN Record (Students) - Coming ...

  6. PDF International Travel Safety Network (TSN) Current Process FAQs

    The Penn State t ravel registry or Travel Safety Network (TSN) is now active. Faculty, staff, and students traveling internationally for non-education abroad activities should fill out the TSN. Non -education abroad activities can include international travel for: -any group travel not for credit -club or organization travel

  7. Penn State's Global Safety Office assesses safety for Penn State

    Over the past few years, the Global Safety Office within Global Programs has been working on ways to be more proactive in providing resources and information to the Penn State community. In addition to the Travel Safety Network, which gathers information on Penn Staters traveling abroad to better support them in an emergency, the team also trains students, faculty and staff on international ...

  8. Travelers encouraged to register with streamlined Travel Safety Network

    The Office Global Programs, the Office of Ethics and Compliance and the Office of Risk Management are hosting panel discussions to focus on the implementation, procedure and support services available through Penn State's Travel Safety Network.

  9. COVID-19 Info

    Students planning university-affiliated international travel, including applicants who have been approved for Penn State Education Abroad programs, will be required to meet this policy by completing a vaccination attestation form through either the Travel Safety Network or the Penn State Education Abroad application portal.

  10. International travelers reminded to record trip with Travel Safety

    In the wake of airspace restrictions on Russian airlines and some changes to flight routes or itineraries due to the war in Ukraine, Penn State Global reminds the Penn State community of the Travel Safety Network. Penn State employees wishing to travel to a non-U.S. destination on University business must first record their University-affiliated international travel in the TSN database.

  11. University clarifies international travel rules in new policy

    All faculty and staff members embarking on Penn State-affiliated international travel after June 30 will be required to enroll their trip in the Travel Safety Network (TSN), according to a new international travel policy adopted by the University. The new policy went into effect upon its publication on May 16 and serves to codify and formalize existing international travel guidelines for ...

  12. Travel Safety Network aims to give peace of mind to students

    Penn State sends faculty, staff and students abroad each year on more than 10,000 trips to all corners of the world. When unforeseen events occur -- illness, theft, political unrest -- the Travel Safety Network streamlines Penn State's ability to assist in emergency situations.

  13. GSAD-920 Graduate Student Policy for International Travel

    All graduate students traveling either individually or in a group for university purposes, or with University funding, must record all international travel in the Travel Safety Network (TSN) database prior to departure. This includes travel for international conferences, research, and internships. Registration with the TSN is required prior to ...

  14. Study Abroad

    The Travel Safety Network is a collection of offices, departments, colleges, and campuses working to assist with your safety and security before and during your time abroad. Medical students interested in studying or doing research abroad will need to complete the Global Health Center's Travel Application through Penn State's Travel Safety ...

  15. Is Moscow Safe to Visit in 2024?

    Right now, Moscow is not safe to visit due to the ongoing war with Ukraine. The political situation is tenuous, and there have been situations of the government targeting foreign citizens. Although Moscow has a low crime rate, that doesn't mean the city is safe as long as the political situation is the way that it is.

  16. Is Moscow safe for tourists? 5 safety rules in Russia

    1.1 5 safety rules in Moscow and in Russia. 1.1.1 Use various taxi apps instead of catching a taxi on the street. 1.1.2 Stay at the properties around the city centre or within the Sadovoe Koltso ( Garden Ring Road) 1.1.3 Don't let suspicious people buy you drinks. 1.1.4 Always carry your passport (or a copy with you)

  17. Is Moscow Safe for Travel RIGHT NOW? (2024 Safety Rating)

    However, it decreased since the 90s, so right now, for tourists, Moscow isn't more dangerous than any other European city, it's even less so. The crime rate in Moscow is fairly lower than one in New York, London or Paris, so you should feel safe here. Also, you can count on the officials to be uncorrupted - don't ever try to bribe them ...

  18. 21 Things to Know Before You Go to Moscow

    1: Off-kilter genius at Delicatessen: Brain pâté with kefir butter and young radishes served mezze-style, and the caviar and tartare pizza. Head for Food City. You might think that calling Food City (Фуд Сити), an agriculture depot on the outskirts of Moscow, a "city" would be some kind of hyperbole. It is not.