Dear Students,
Georgetown University has an International Travel Policy that applies to students engaging in international travel associated with research, internships or other university-related activities.
Travel Registration and Authorization
As you make travel plans for international research, internships or other university-related travel, please review all the requirements of the policy, including registering your travel with the university and, if required, taking additional steps based on the traveler(s) and the destination.
- Undergraduate Students: Undergraduate students who intend to travel overseas for university-related or sponsored international experiences that are not a study abroad program through the Office of Global Education should complete the International Travel Authorization process.
- Law Center: Law Center students should work with the Law Center’s Office of Transnational Programs.
- Graduate and Other Professional Students: Graduate and professional students should complete the International Travel Authorization process for any international travel supported by or related to the university.
- Groups: Students participating in university-sponsored group travel led by Georgetown faculty, staff or students should not complete the International Travel Authorization process individually. The process will be completed by the group leader. Students must follow all instructions provided by the group leader.
By completing the international travel authorization process, students will confirm that they have adequate health insurance and will be registered with the online Georgetown Travel Registration system managed by International SOS (ISOS). Travel registration enables the university to provide travelers with support in the event of an emergency.
The International Travel Authorization process must be initiated at least four weeks prior to the intended departure date in order to ensure adequate time for any required review and approval.
U.S. Immigration Considerations
The current immigration climate for our international community, including travel restrictions and enhanced vetting for international individuals leaving and entering the country, can be challenging to understand and navigate.
We encourage you to carefully 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 course-related experience or mandatory academic requirement and you have concerns, we encourage you to reach out to your program to discuss potential options.
If you have visa or immigration-related questions pertaining to your status, please contact the appropriate office below:
- Students and scholars with F-1 and J-1 visa status (immigration documents issued by Georgetown) should contact their International Student (IS) Advisor in the Office of Global Services (OGS).
- Students in DACA, TPS, Asylum, Refugee, PR pending and/or 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 closely 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 that could impact our international community, OGS provides updates on its U.S. Immigration Policy & Regulatory Updates webpage.
OGS has also posted information about legal resources to help students, faculty and staff familiarize themselves with the rights and the laws governing different individuals’ statuses in the United States.
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 must be submitted to the director for international safety and security via the international travel authorization process six weeks prior to the intended departure date. If the travel information is not received by four weeks prior to departure, there may not be adequate time to conduct the required health and safety review, and your spring break travel may not be permitted.
Public Health Guidelines
All students 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 the Student Health Center, including completing any required vaccinations.
Contact
Contact Catey Williams with any questions about the university’s international travel policy and compliance process at catey.williams@georgetown.edu. Additional information about travel services at Georgetown can be found at travel.georgetown.edu.
Best regards,
Catey Williams
Director for International Safety and Security
*Please note: This travel policy is separate from the travel signature provided by the Office of Global Services for F-1 and J-1 international students.