Dear Faculty and Staff,
As you are making plans for international travel supported by or related to Georgetown for the 2025-26 academic year, please follow the University’s International Travel Policy. The policy requires faculty, staff and students to register their university-sponsored international travel with the university and may require additional steps depending on the traveler(s) and the destination.
All faculty and staff must register their university-sponsored international travel with the online Georgetown Travel Registration system managed by International SOS (ISOS) and have adequate health insurance. Travel registration enables the University to provide travelers with support in the event of an emergency, in-depth travel security information and subject-specific intelligence and assistance alerts.
Additionally:
- Faculty and staff planning university-related or sponsored international experiences that include students must complete the International Travel Authorization process. The International Travel Authorization process must be initiated at least four weeks before the intended departure date to ensure adequate time for any required review and approval. Please contact catey.williams@georgetown.edu with questions about this process.
- Law Center faculty and staff traveling with students should consult with the Law Center’s Office of Transnational Programs.
U.S. Immigration Considerations
The current immigration climate for our international community can be challenging to understand and navigate. Given the potential for changes in U.S. immigration policies, programs with international components may wish to consider offering alternate options to travel, such as providing alternative assignments or U.S.-based experiences.
Georgetown has students with various types of immigration statuses or no status at all. To best support all students with questions about travel and/or the impact of possible travel restrictions, please consult with the appropriate contact below or share this contact information directly with your students.
- Students with F-1 and J-1 visa status (immigration documents issued by Georgetown) should be directed to their International Student (IS) Advisor in the Office of Global Services (OGS).
- Students in DACA, TPS, Asylum, Refugee, PR pending and/or who are undocumented should reach out to undocuhoyas@georgetown.edu.
- Students with an immigration status derived from a parent or spouse should connect with the company or organization that sponsored their visa to the U.S.
OGS continues to track Executive Orders and federal agency directives that may affect individuals with an immigration document issued by Georgetown and individuals sponsored by Georgetown. As changes arise, OGS provides updates on its U.S. Immigration Policy & Regulatory Updates page. Additionally, OGS has listed legal resources to help students, faculty and staff familiarize themselves with the rights and the laws governing different individuals’ statuses in the United States.
If you are an international faculty or staff member, we encourage you to assess your personal risk and comfort level with traveling outside the U.S., while also preparing for the possibility of sudden immigration changes. If you are scheduled to travel internationally for a work-related experience or conference and you have concerns, we encourage you to reach out to your department to discuss potential alternatives.
Spring Break Travel Deadline
Given that spring break is peak travel time and to better manage the high number of travel requests, all university-related or sponsored spring break travel that includes students must be submitted to the director for international safety and security via the international travel authorization process six weeks before the intended departure date. If the travel information is not received by four weeks before departure, there may not be adequate time to conduct the required health and safety review, and your spring break travel may not be permitted.
Elevated Risk Regions
Faculty and staff undertaking university-related travel to Elevated Risk Regions should be aware that there may be additional university and insurance requirements.
Export Controls
Please contact exportcontrol@georgetown.edu for assistance with any of your export controls and international research collaboration questions or concerns.
Public Health Guidelines
All faculty and staff undertaking university-related international travel are expected to follow the university’s public health policies in place at the time of their travel, as well as any public health laws or regulations in the countries they are visiting.
It is recommended that you complete a pre-travel health assessment with your physician or a travel clinic, including completing any required vaccinations.
Contact
Additional information about travel services at Georgetown can be found at travel.georgetown.edu. Contact Catey Williams at catey.williams@georgetown.edu with any questions about the International Travel Policy or compliance process. Students will also receive a similar message about their requirements for university-related travel.
Best regards,
Catey Williams
Director for International Safety and Security