Stanford statement on Korean Peninsula and avian flu

Stanford University is aware that some of its travelers to China, Japan and South Korea have questions about the current state of affairs on the Korean Peninsula. Stanford University relies upon the U. S. Department of State for its on-going travel security information and guidance, and the current travel and security advice for South Korea indicates there is no specific information to suggest an imminent threat to travelers, despite current political tensions with North Korea.

We encourage our faculty, students, employees and their families to review the travel information available here. Travelers to South Korea, China and Japan are encouraged to enroll in the Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program to receive the latest travel updates and information regarding travel and security issues.

In addition, we recommend that any travel to North Korea by Stanford-affiliated personnel and/or students be deferred at this time, including travel to the DMZ, the Northern Limit Line (the Yellow Sea), border areas and crossings and special economic zones, as well as to the disputed northwestern islands.

Stanford also is monitoring a recent outbreak of avian flu (H7N9) in China. The Centers for Disease Control have established a website specifically for this threat, which can be found here. The university recommends that all travelers to China follow the simple recommendations provided by the CDC.

Stanford recommends that all travelers print and keep a copy of their International SOS member card within easy access should the conditions in either of the three countries change.