Jefferson provides health insurance and liability coverage for faculty and employees traveling internationally for Jefferson connected activities.  Contact the Office of International Affairs to obtain a copy of the international travel insurance cards.    

The U.S. Department of State issues Travel Advisories for each country.  Countries with a Department of State Travel Advisory of 3 or 4 require an “International Travel Health and Security Risk Assessment” to be completed and approved prior to travel. Contact the Office of International Affairs for more information

At least 6-8 weeks prior to departure, meet with Jefferson’s Travel Medicine Clinic to obtain appropriate vaccines and prophylactic medications.

Before departure, register your international travel with the U.S. Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program. By registering in the Smart Traveler Program, the Department of State will be better able to assist you in the event of an emergency.    

At least 3 months prior to departure, review country-specific passport and visa requirements and begin to complete necessary travel documentation arrangements. The most accurate information is available on the Embassy’s website for the country of destination. Passports should be valid at least six months into the future.

Each country has COVID-19 restrictions and requirements for arriving travelers. Review COVID-19 Country Specific Information prior to departure. Students should also become familiar with Jefferson Travel Guidance for international travelers during COVID-19.    

Before traveling, become familiar with the rules regarding transporting medications and other controlled substances for the country of destination.  Visit the International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) for information regarding these rules.

The internet is a wealth of information and you should leverage existing travel guidance from legitimate sources. The Department of State, Peace Corp, and other organizations have outstanding guidance for international travelers.  Depending on your travel destination or circumstances, you should search “international travel tips” for water safety, security, air quality, petty theft, women, LGTBQ, disabilities, solo travelers, road safety, public transportation, scooters, driving” among others. 

• Ensure that your mobile device will have cellular access.
• When traveling by car, sit in the back seat and wear your seat belt at all times.  If the car does not have a seat belt, find a different car. 
• Carry a photo and hard copy of your passport with you at all times.
• Carry the phone number and address of the closest U.S. Embassy or Consular Office.
• To aid with border crossings, consider obtaining an “Invitation Letter” form your host or “Letter of Support” from your department advisor. 
• Have access to your international travel insurance (policy number, contact information) at all times and download the mobile app. 
• Share your schedule, lodging, and emergency contacts with your family, department staff, and others.  
• Know who to contact in case of an emergency:
  • For medical emergencies, contact your international travel insurance provider. 
  • For emergencies including disappearance, kidnapping, criminal assault, or if you are involved in a police incident, contact the US Embassy/Consulate.   
  • For political crisis or national disaster, contact the US Embassy/Consulate and your international travel insurance provider. 

At least 8 weeks prior to departure, review Jefferson’s Export Control guidelines to begin necessary preparations.