Resources → Safety
Your Safety Comes First - Always
At Global Travel Holdings, nothing matters more than the safety and wellbeing of our students, educators, and parents abroad.
Every destination, partner school, and accommodation is carefully vetted to ensure peace of mind –  from your first inquiry to your return home.
We work closely with trusted international schools, licensed travel providers, and global safety networks to make sure every student has a safe, structured, and enriching experience.
24/7 Global Support & Emergency Response
We maintain round-the-clock safety coverage for every traveler, with local coordinators, on-site mentors, and our global response team available 24/7. If something unexpected happens –  a delayed flight, illness, or other concern –  support is just a phone call away.
Local Partnerships That Care
We partner with in-country schools, coordinators, and host organizations who live and work in their communities year-round. Their local knowledge ensures students are guided safely through daily life, excursions, and travel transitions.
Pre-Departure Orientation
Both students and parents attend a pre-departure orientation where we cover travel safety, local customs, communication procedures, and what to do in an emergency.
Health Coverage & Insurance
All participants are required to have comprehensive travel medical insurance before departure. This must include coverage for medical treatment, emergency evacuation, and 24-hour assistance throughout the duration of the program.
Insurance arrangements are made either by the traveling school, the student’s parents, or through our trusted insurance partners, depending on the destination and pre-travel arrangements in place.
Families will receive detailed information on coverage options, claims procedures, and any country-specific requirements during the pre-departure briefing.
At Global Travel Holdings, student safety and peace of mind remain our top priority.
On-Site Check-Ins
Students are checked in with regularly by local coordinators and program leaders. Parents are kept informed throughout the journey.
Thorough Partner Vetting
Before approving a new school, housing provider, or program partner, Global Travel Holdings performs detailed safety and quality checks, reviewing:
- Facility security and emergency procedures
- Local transportation safety standards
- Background checks for adult staff and host families
- Health and hygiene protocols
Housing Safety
Students stay in supervised dorms, hostels, or school residences that are vetted for cleanliness, access control, and proximity to trusted partners. We avoid isolated or unmonitored housing arrangements.
Health & Medical Support
In the rare event of illness or injury abroad:
- Students are escorted to nearby medical providers.
- Parents are contacted immediately.
- Insurance procedures are handled with local guidance.
Emergency Hotlines
We maintain a 24/7 emergency contact line for urgent matters (medical emergencies, lost passports, or urgent travel changes). This number is shared before departure and available to both students and parents.
Group & Individual Travel Options
Whether traveling as part of a school group or individually, all flights, airport transfers, and arrivals are organized with supervision and clear communication. Students are met at arrival points by authorized representatives.
Airport Coordination
Each arrival and departure includes coordination between our home office, local partner, and the student’s family. In case of travel delays, we stay in direct contact until the student is safely checked in.
Government Travel Guidance
We closely monitor the U.S. Department of State, UK Foreign Office, and relevant Ministries of Education and Health for travel advisories. Programs are never operated in regions marked “Do Not Travel.”
STEP Registration (U.S. Students)
U.S. citizens are encouraged to register in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) so the U.S. Embassy can provide alerts and assistance if needed. Similar registration options are recommended for students from other countries.
Daily Oversight & Communication
- Local staff and chaperones are present on campus and during excursions.
- Students have structured free time, always in safe, approved areas.
- Parents receive updates and emergency contacts prior to departure.
Supervision Ratios
Our group travel programs follow recommended supervision ratios for minors. For independent students, in-country coordinators maintain regular contact through check-ins and weekly reports.
Health & Hygiene Practices
Partner schools and dorms adhere to international standards for hygiene, meals, and sanitation. Handwashing facilities, safe drinking water, and access to medical care are ensured in every program destination.
If a student needs help abroad, we act immediately.
Our trained partners and coordinators follow a strict response chain:
- Local coordinator assists and notifies our regional office.
- Parents and the Global Travel Holdings safety team are contacted.
- Appropriate care or travel changes are arranged (medical, legal, or logistical).
- Continuous updates are shared until the issue is resolved.
We work only with certified emergency response providers, hospitals, and international assistance companies to ensure quality care and communication at all times.
All travelers –  students, educators, or parents –  must meet destination-specific entry and visa requirements.
These vary by nationality and destination, but typically include:
Passport Validity:
Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the return date.
Visa Requirements:
- U.S. to Europe: Most short-term programs (under 90 days) do not require a visa for U.S. citizens.
- Africa to Europe / Middle East to Europe / Southeast Asia to Europe: Most travelers require a Schengen Visa.
- U.S. or Europe to Africa: A tourist or student visa is often required depending on destination country.
- Africa to Africa: Visa rules vary by region; ECOWAS and SADC countries may allow visa-free movement.
- Middle East to Africa / Southeast Asia to Africa: Entry visas typically required; processing time varies by embassy.
For Teachers or Group Leaders:
If traveling with students, visas are usually processed as part of the group or “educational visit” application.
For Parents Visiting or Accompanying:
Parents joining orientation or return visits must apply for short-term visitor visas (if required) and carry proof of travel insurance.
Note: Immigration requirements are subject to change. The Global Travel Holdings team confirms the latest entry rules with consulates during the planning phase.
Our Safety Commitment
Global Travel Holdings will:
- Only operate in countries deemed safe by international travel authorities
- Maintain strict housing, supervision, and insurance standards
- Keep parents informed before, during, and after every program
- Act swiftly and transparently in any emergency situation
Ready to Learn More?
Your peace of mind matters as much as your student’s experience.
Let’s talk about how Global Travel Holdings ensures safety, care, and reliability on every journey.
