Assistance when Traveling Internationally

United States Passport.

Assistance is available for employees and students who experience sexual violence while traveling abroad.

Emergency Assistance

If you need emergency assistance while in travel status, please call the local police in that area and the UB Police Department, 1.716.645.2222.

24/7 Crisis Support

Call the Crisis Services of Erie County 24-Hour Rape & Sexual Assault Crisis Hotline at 1.716.834.3131 for support and information.

International Services

Assistance is available in the country where you are working or studying. 

Consular Services

The State Department assists U.S. citizens who become victims of crime while abroad. If you are the victim of a sexual violence crime, contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate or the U.S. Department of State, Office of Overseas Citizens Services, at 1.888.407.4747 (from the U.S. or Canada) or 1.202.501.4444 (from overseas) for assistance. Consular offices are available for emergency assistance 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. Assistance includes:

  • Replacing a lost or stolen passport
  • Contacting family, friends, or employers with written permission, in accordance with the Privacy Act of 1974
  • Providing information to facilitate access to appropriate medical care
  • Addressing emergency needs that arise as a result of the crime
  • Explaining financial assistance options, such as assistance available to return to the United States
  • Providing information about local points of contact or organizations who discuss relevant host country laws and implementation of those laws
  • Sharing information about the status of your case in the local criminal justice process when applicable
  • Connecting you to overseas and U.S.-based resources for victims of crime, if available
  • Providing a list of local lawyers who speak English.

Local Crisis Services Agencies

Consult the International List of Sexual & Domestic Violence Agencies for a list of 10,000 abuse hotlines, shelters, refuges, crisis centers and women's organizations in 110 languages in nearly 200 countries.

Additional Assistance for Employees

International Health Insurance

Faculty and staff traveling abroad for University purposes or on University business are required to carry University-approved international health insurance. Please contact the Student Health Insurance Office at 1.716.645.3044 or askshi@buffalo.edu.

For assistance with claims, you may contact the Student Health Insurance Office or United Healthcare Global at 1.410.453.6330.

International Travel Insurance

  • For travel with state funds: CHUBB International Advantage is available for SUNY faculty and staff.
  • For travel with RF funds: GeoBlue is available to individuals (other than independent contractors) traveling on official RF business.
  • Contact Meg Mitchell (Phone: 716-645-4535, Email: memcdole@buffalo.edu) or more information on these programs.

Employee Services and Accommodations

You can obtain 24-7 assistance through the following:

  • UB Campus Police (24/7): 1.716.645.2222
  • Crisis Services of Erie County (24/7): 1.716.834.3131

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (1.716.645.2266) can assist you with connecting to UB offices and services that can help you following an assault. These include:

  • Travel Services for reimbursement options if you have had to change your travel plans, including returning home
  • Obtaining accommodations as a result of the impact of the incident, from securing leave time to extending your tenure clock

Additional Assistance for Students

International Health Insurance

Students are required to carry adequate insurance when participating in study abroad or an exchange program affiliated with SUNY. Coverage includes emergency and non-emergency services for the duration of the program. 

Please contact the Student Health Insurance Office at 1.716.645.3044 or askshi@buffalo.edu. For assistance with claims, you may contact the Student Health Insurance Office or United Healthcare Global at 1.410.453.6330.

Student Services and Accommodations

You can obtain 24-7 assistance through the following:

  • UB Campus Police (24/7): 1.716.645.2222
  • Crisis Services of Erie County (24/7): 1.716.834.3131

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (1.716.645.2266) can assist with support and accommodations, including:

  • A confidential advocate who can work with you to identify options, advocate for you and help to coordinate services and support
  • Referrals for counseling
  • Referrals for medical treatment
  • Assistance with housing relocation
  • Assistance with academic accommodations

For Study Abroad Participants

In addition to the resources listed above, your Program Director can provide immediate assistance and support, including connecting you with campus and local resources. For campus support, contact Adam Rubin, Assistant Vice Provost and Director of Education Abroad at 1.716.645.1785 (for emergency situations) or the US Office of Education Abroad at 1.716.645.3912 (phone) or studyabroad@buffalo.edu (email).   

For Students Participating In Exchange Programs

In addition to the UB resources listed above, you may contact the staff in your host university's international student office for local support.