International Travel Policy

The International Travel Policy University Standard Practice Guide #601.31 applies to faculty, staff, and all students traveling outside of the United States for University-related purposes, which may include but are not limited to study, research, internships, service, conferences/presentations, teaching, performances, or athletic competitions. The University reserves the right to prohibit or suspend travel for University-related purposes to any destination by faculty, staff, or students if significant health, safety, or security concerns pose extreme risks that warrant such a decision.

Common Examples of University of Michigan Related Travel include:

• A faculty member traveling to a professional conference is on UMRT. She is traveling within the context of her job responsibilities.
• A faculty member led a group of students to Kenya. The faculty member is on UMRT in a Faculty/Staff role, and the students are on UMRT in a participant role.
• A history faculty member is participating in an archeological dig. She is traveling within the context of her job responsibilities and is on UMRT.
• A UM doctoral student in African studies doing research at the Paris library. This student is traveling in a Participant role on UMRT.
• A U-M student participates in an internship arranged by the LSA international internship coordinator. The U-M organizes and manages this program and selects participants. This is UMRT.
• An LSA student on an intensive language program in Japan provided thru MSU but coordinated at the U-M by CGIS and found in M-Compass. The U-M manages this program, accepts and reviews applications, and selects participants. This is UMRT.
• A Law School alumnus on a post-graduate experience abroad with financial support from the Law School. This is UMRT.
• A recent graduate on a Bonderman scholarship. This is UMRT.

Note about working remotely and taking classes remotely:

In general, working remotely or taking classes remotely from outside the United States is not considered University of Michigan Related Travel (UMRT). For example, suppose a faculty or staff member opts to work from another country for personal or other reasons (e.g., visa delays, travel constraints, etc.). In that case, they are not considered to be on University of Michigan Related Travel and are not subject to SPG 601.31 for international travel. Similarly, a student living in their home country and taking U-M courses remotely is not considered to be on UMRT.

Suppose faculty, staff, or students travel to a country outside the United States to engage in location-specific work, research, or study. In that case, that travel is considered to be UMRT. In these cases, travel is an essential component of completing their U-M activity, and they are subject to SPG 601.31 for international travel.

Notes: 

Updated by Office of the Provost – February 24, 2015

Please refer to the full International Travel Policy SPG 601.31 for full University of Michigan Related Travel (UMRT) definitions.

U-M travel guidelines do not apply to personal travelers, such as students, faculty, and staff traveling back to their homes to live, visit family members, etc. This page will be updated with any changes to the U-M Travel Designations list.

Please see the “Travel FAQs” section for Frequently Asked Questions. For additional questions, please contact global.safety@umich.edu.