Country-specific risk levels
Establishing risk levels
The risk level for a given country is determined using information and criteria provided by the organizations listed below (based on data availability).
In the interest of maximum traveler safety, for each country we select the highest risk level indicated by these organizations.
International SOS Medical assigns risk levels based on health-related factors and mitigants such as: morbidity rates for infectious diseases; environmental conditions; medical evacuation histories; road accidents; quality of emergency, day-patient and hospital care; access to reliable medication; and the extent of cultural, linguistic and administrative barriers.
A single risk level is assigned for each country even though health risks can vary widely within a country. For instance, it may be easier to obtain effective medical care in a large city than in a rural area with few healthcare facilities and limited capacity for specialized treatment.
International SOS Security assigns risk levels based on possible security-related threats arising from political violence (including politically motivated terrorism, uprisings, unrest and acts of war), social upheaval (including sectarian, communal and ethnic violence), violent crime and delinquency.
Other factors are also taken into account – such as how reliable a country’s transportation infrastructure is, how stable its labor relations are, how effective its emergency and safety services are and how vulnerable it is to natural disasters – if they are significant enough to affect the overall risks that travelers face.
The FDFA focuses essentially on criminal and political-related risks, and provides country-specific assessments of these risks as well as guidelines on what precautions to take. FDFA assessments do not simply follow the latest headlines.
The EPFL risk map takes into account only countries with travel warnings.
You can get more information directly on the FDFA website.
FOPH risk levels are based on updated assessments of the public-health situation in each country. They are reviewed regularly and updated when needed.
The FOPH assesses only countries with travel warnings.
You can get more information directly on the FOPH website.
The DSPS performs risk assessments based on specific events in a given country, such as riots, attacks and acts of political unrest. These events could lead to temporary travel restrictions.
The current travel warnings for EPFL staff and students are given at the bottom of this page.
In the context of your business travels, protecting your data and devices is crucial.
This document provides a comprehensive approach to secure your confidential information, regardless of your risk level.
This guide is designed to prepare you before, during, and after your travels, with specific recommendations based on the various levels of risk associated with your destination.
Traveling to a high-risk country
If you are traveling to a “high-risk” country according to our travel risk map (risk level 4 or 5), you can request a personalized assessment from us, so that you can learn what precautions you should take.
Travel warnings
You can find these informations at the bottom of the french version of this webpage.
Using our travel assistance program
Our travel assistance program is designed to help you stay healthy and safe while you’re on an EPFL business or educational trip.
International SOS
Our travel assistance program is provided in association with International SOS, a reputable company known for its expertise in helping organizations manage the risks associated with business and educational travel.
Download the International SOS app
The International SOS app for smartphones lets you plan your trip easily, receive customized travel alerts and contact an assistance center at any time of day or night.