Let’s Start with the Basics: What is ISO 31030?

ISO 31030 is an international standard that helps organizations keep their people safe when they travel for work. It’s not just about insurance or checking off a compliance box. It’s about making sure no one gets left behind in a crisis; or worse, caught off guard in a foreign country.

In plain terms:
It’s a guide for businesses to plan smarter, travel safer, and respond faster when things go sideways.

Why It Exists (And Why It Matters More Than Ever)

Back in early 2020, I had a friend, let’s call him Dan, who was on a business trip to Southeast Asia. COVID hit hard, borders closed overnight, and Dan had no support. His company didn’t even know where he was.

That kind of chaos is exactly why ISO 31030 was created. It gives organizations a framework to prevent these scenarios—or at the very least, to manage them better.

Today, political unrest, natural disasters, and health risks are more common than ever. If your company sends employees abroad without a plan, you’re rolling the dice.

Who’s It For?

ISO 31030 applies to:

• Companies that send employees on international trips
• NGOs and humanitarian groups
• Schools and universities with student travel programs
• Government agencies
• Contractors operating in high-risk areas

Even if you’re just sending someone to a conference in another city, ISO 31030 has something to offer.

The Core of ISO 31030: What It Actually Covers

So, what’s in the standard? Here’s the simple version:

1. Risk Assessment

Think of it like a pre-trip gut check. Where are we sending people? What risks are there? Who’s going, and what are their vulnerabilities?

You don’t treat a trip to London the same way you treat one to Lagos or Caracas. ISO 31030 helps you evaluate those risks clearly.

2. Pre-Trip Planning

This is where you map out everything: where to stay, how to move around safely, what vaccinations are needed, what to do if something goes wrong.

It’s not just about making an itinerary; it’s about making sure it’s smart, flexible, and safe.

3. Communication and Training

Before your team even books a flight, they should know what to expect. ISO 31030 emphasizes giving travelers the tools to make good decisions in real time. That includes:

• Destination briefings
• Cultural awareness
• Emergency contacts
• What to do if Wi-Fi goes out or they lose their phone

4. Response and Support

If something happens: say, a political protest turns violent, then what’s the plan? How will you track your team? Who do they call?

Imagine being stuck in Paris during a transit strike that turns violent. No cabs. No trains. Your company has no idea where you are. ISO 31030 can help your organization identify and prevent that kind of disconnect.

5. Monitoring and Improvement

This part is all about feedback. After every trip, learn from what went right and what didn’t. That way, your travel safety plan keeps evolving.

What’s the Difference Between ISO 31030 and ISO 31000?

It’s a fair question.

• ISO 31000 = Big-picture risk management. It covers the whole organization from cybersecurity, and finances all the way through operations.
• ISO 31030 = Focused squarely on travel risk: where your people go, what can happen, and how to keep them safe.

Think of ISO 31030 as a specific GPS for travel, while ISO 31000 is more like a topographical map for your entire business.

Is ISO 31030 Mandatory?

No. But here’s the thing: if something goes wrong and you haven’t followed its guidance, good luck in court.

Increasingly, duty of care laws and corporate liability rules are leaning on ISO 31030 as the benchmark for what a “reasonable” company should be doing.

So, while it’s technically optional, it’s becoming the unspoken rule.

The Real Question: Are You Doing Enough?

A checklist is easy to create. A real risk strategy? That’s harder.

Implementing ISO 31030 shows your team, your board, and your customers that you take safety seriously. It can also help reduce insurance costs, win new business, and avoid major legal headaches.

Here’s how to get started:

1. Audit your current travel policies.
2. Identify the gaps.
3. Create a repeatable process.
4. Use tech to automate safety: like real-time alerts, check-ins, or virtual telehealth.
5. Keep improving every time someone comes back from a trip.

Need help? Tools like Sitata’s Radar are built specifically with ISO 31030 in mind; covering everything from alerts to tracking to emergency medical response.

Quick FAQ

What is ISO 31030?

A travel risk management standard that helps organizations protect their people while they’re away from home.

What does it include?

Risk assessment, planning, traveler training, emergency response, and review.

Is it legally required?

Not yet, but it’s fast becoming the gold standard for duty of care.

What’s the benefit?

Fewer risks, stronger protection, better employee trust—and less liability.

Final Thoughts

You don’t need a crisis to realize your travel safety plan isn’t enough.

ISO 31030 gives you a path forward – structured but flexible, practical but powerful. Whether your people are heading to Paris, São Paulo, or somewhere off the grid, this standard helps you protect them.

And in 2025, that’s no longer optional. It’s just smart business.

Ready to bring your travel risk management up to standard? Book a call.