• As described in the SPG 601.31 for International Travel, Group Travel Abroad refers to a cohort of UMRT student participants on a trip abroad that meets each of the following criteria:
  • The group consists of a cohort of Student participants with similar program experience dates, itinerary, and related activities at the destination.
  • A group leader assumes some responsibility for the group, such as supporting students and serving as the point of contact in the event of an emergency. The group leader can be a U-M student or a faculty or staff member leading the group within the context of their job responsibilities.
  • A U-M program organizer or a U-M group leader exercises some element of control by making logistic travel decisions on behalf of the participants, such as choosing accommodations and/or mode of transportation.

• If your UMRT-related group travel abroad is going to a higher risk destination (e.g. COVID-19 Medium Risk, COVID-19 High Risk, Travel Warning, or Travel Restriction), the group program leader must complete a Group Safety Plan for ITOC approval.  
• Group safety plans should be submitted at least four weeks before making non-refundable purchases towards a trip if travel is not approved or must be postponed. Participants should also avoid making any financial commitments toward travel until after the Group Safety Plan and other participation requirements have been completed. 

• To begin the process for registering group travel, you must submit a Student Group Travel Request Form and list all student and affiliated participants. 
• The Global Engagement Team will review this request and assist with the travel registration process.

The Student Group Travel Request Form will open in a new tab.

Group Travel Request

• Receives U-M in-residence credit for the experience
• Receives funding from a U-M unit or receives funds managed by the U-M for their travel
• Participates in a travel abroad experience that is necessary to achieve a degree requirement. This could include experiences such as degree milestones, dissertation field research, practicum, internships, etc.
• Travels on a program or trip organized by a Sponsored Student Organization or a program or trip that is formally sanctioned by a U-M unit as a Sponsored Event
• Travels on a program or trip that is U-M Managed or Organized

*An international experience is considered U-M Managed or Organized when a U-M unit, faculty, or staff member is involved in creating, funding, approving the experience, coordinating the applications, and selecting participants.

If I am an international student taking Classes Remotely or Working Remotely from my home country, do I need to register my travel?  

• In general, working remotely and taking classes remotely from outside the United States are not considered UMRT. For example, a student living in their home country and taking U-M courses remotely is not considered to be on UMRT.

Resources for UMRT:

• For additional information and criteria about registering for travel, visit the International Travel Policy guide.
• PDF of guidelines for U-M-related travel can also be found here: UMRT

Step 1: Register your travel with the U-M Travel Registry. 

• You can register travel by clicking on the appropriate button at the top of this page, under the header “Select your registry.”

Step 2: Complete a Safety Plan for Individual Travel/ COVID-19 Travel Plan (if applicable). 

• Steps for completing the requirements for a plan are in this U-M COVID-19 Travel Plan and Safety Plan Process Flowchart. 
• For instructions on determining your destination/s travel safety designation, view the U-M Travel Designations page. 

Step 3: Purchase U-M’s Travel Abroad Health Insurance (GeoBlue).

If you would like to register for your trip, here are your next steps:

• Register your travel with the U-M Travel Registry. 
  • You can do so by clicking on the appropriate button at the top of this page, under the header “Select your registry.”
• Consider purchasing U-M’s Travel Abroad Health Insurance (GeoBlue).

U-M Travel Abroad Health Insurance: The travel registry provides access to U-M’s exclusive and extensive travel abroad insurance, GeoBlue. Beyond the many benefits of this coverage, it also includes emergency evacuation in the event of political instability or national disaster. To learn more about this option: GeoBlue

• Travel should be registered before departure. 

• Travelers should update their registrations as additional information becomes available or as changes occur during travel. 

• Faculty and Staff Travelers may list accompanying family or friends who are not directly associated with the University. 

Helpful information for groups traveling abroad:

• Review the “Additional Requirements for Group Travel Abroad” tab on Global Michigan for details. 
• See the group travel definitions and requirements are detailed in the U-M International Travel Policy
• Download the checklist for U-M Requirements for UMRT Group Travel Abroad.
• Read the FAQs for International Group Travel Involving Students or contact the global.engagement@umich.edu 
• Group safety plans should be submitted at least four weeks before making non-refundable purchases towards a trip if travel is not approved or must be postponed. Participants should also avoid making any financial commitments toward travel until after the Group Safety Plan and other participation requirements have been completed.