In response to ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, the Stanford Travel and the Global Risk teams are actively monitoring safety and financial implications for the university's travelers. With global fuel supply constraints creating operational challenges for airlines, particularly on routes to and from Europe, the Middle East, and parts of Asia, there are rising concerns about escalating fuel prices.
Tensions around the Strait of Hormuz could lead to airfare increases of 15-35%, adding to the complexity of the current travel landscape. To navigate these challenges, the Stanford Travel team and the Global Risk team are dedicated to ensuring the safety and well-being of travelers.
Book through Stanford Travel for added support
To facilitate smooth travel, Stanford highly encourages travelers and travel arrangers to book flights, hotels, and rental cars through the Stanford Travel booking options. These bookings are automatically registered with the university’s Travel Registry and offer additional perks, such as discounts and dedicated support. When travelers utilize Stanford Travel, the team can provide specialized assistance, including advocacy for those facing unexpected circumstances, and help determine the best options for maximizing use of unused ticket credits before they expire. For more details and resources, check out the Managing Expenses Related to Travel Cancellations resource on Fingate.
Why travel registration is critical
This situation underscores the requirement that all university-sponsored international travel must be registered with the Travel Registry. Registration links reservations to Stanford’s provider of medical, personal, travel, and security assistance. In case of an emergency, the Travel Registry allows Global Risk to assist travelers who might need safety and security support. Registered travelers also receive:
- Location-specific safety and security alerts
- Tailored assistance for travel to higher-risk destinations
- Rapid assistance during natural disasters, political unrest, terrorism, or conflict
Travelers booking outside of the Stanford Travel program can learn more about registering their travel on the International Affairs site.
Where to find travel updates and help
To stay informed, follow the Stanford Travel Slack channel for the latest promotions, program enhancements, and travel alerts. For those who don’t use Slack, bookmark the Stanford Travel Updates and Hot Topics page for important updates. For assistance with the Stanford Travel Program, submit a support request to connect with an experienced team member.
For support with travel preparation, risk assessment, mitigation, and response, reach out to Global Risk at @email, visit the International Travel Assistance Program site for more information, and the Elevated Risk & Travel Advisory for the latest university travel advisories/guidance. To keep up to date on international travel information, including policy updates and general global risk offerings, join the Stanford-Global listserv.