• Determine Requirements for Travel During COVID-19: Students should determine U-M requirements as well as the entry requirements of the travel destination.
  • To determine U-M travel requirements, follow this U-M COVID-19 Travel Plan and Safety Plan Process Flowchart and read the country- specific requirements for international travel for  your destination country on Global Michigan.
  • To determine travel regulations and COVID-19 specific entry requirements for international locations, visit the COVID-19 Country Specific Information page on the U.S. Embassy site of the destination country. This site provides an overview of requirements and typically provides direct links to the host destination’s entry requirement page. Meeting entry requirements is the responsibility of the student traveler. Note that:
    1. Entry requirements are subject to change, so students need to stay up-to-date to verify they are able to enter that country before making any non-refundable purchases towards travel. 
    2. Before departure, students need to make sure that they understand and have a plan to meet all of the steps for entering that country. This often involves having the proof of vaccination that that country requires, completing any forms or on-line health portal of that country, and having the type of negative COVID-19 test results that that country requires. 
    3. Without having everything in order, the host country will not let that person in the country.
• Considerations for International Travel During COVID-19: Download the Considerations for International Travel During COVID-19 to learn about requirements and travel considerations, including determining if the destination is a U-M Travel Restriction or Travel Warning, or a U-M COVID-19 Medium or High Risk destination, and learn more about the possibility of unexpected travel disruptions, such as being unable to leave a country as planned because of testing positive for COVID-19 before boarding your flight. Students should review the COVID-19 & Travel FAQ to learn more about travel during the pandemic.
• U-M Travel Health Preparation Guide: This tool helps students identify and plan for health care needs during international travel. Travelers are encouraged to answer the questions in this guide and consult with a health care provider, University Health Services (UHS), and/or Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) where appropriate.
• The U-M Safety Abroad Orientation: This program walks you through important travel strategies, including risk assessment, situational awareness, and handling emergency situations.
• Selecting Safe Housing Abroad: Some overseas programs provide housing, and in other cases students are responsible for finding their own accommodations. These resources can help students select safe housing abroad:
  • Follow a housing checklist;
  • Determine housing priorities
  • View the US Department of State Overseas Security Advisory Council’s COVID-19 Prevention Measures Housing Checklist. 
• Partnering with an NGO Overseas: Many U-M students choose to create independent or group travel experiences abroad by working with a non-governmental organization (NGO).  These resources will assist students with self-assessment regarding their interest in partnering with an NGO; guide them in ranking their priorities; provide strategies for developing an NGO profile; and understand how to evaluate a potential NGO partnership.
• Community Engagement – Collaborating for Change Online Minicourse (MOOC): Developed by an interdisciplinary team of content experts from U-M, the Collaborating for Change MOOC is designed to help both novices and seasoned practitioners of community engagement work more effectively with communities and organizations, both domestically and abroad.

• Entry Requirements: Verify your ability to enter your travel destination/s by visiting the COVID-19 Country Specific Information page on the U.S. Embassy site of the destination country. Make sure that you have met all requirements, which may include having the proof of vaccination that that country requires, completing any forms or on-line health portal of that country, having the type of negative COVID-19 test results that that country requires, and others. 
• Trip Preparation: Travel Tips, Packing Tips, and Plan for the Land worksheets to ensure that your travel logistics are covered. 
• General Emergency Protocols for U-M International Travelers: Before departure, ensure that you are equipped with vital emergency information by downloading the complete General Emergency Protocols for U-M International Travelers. Additionally, visit the Emergency Contacts page and program important numbers into your phone prior to departure.
• International Center: Travel Abroad Basics
• Departure Testing and Protocols: Students departing campus should follow the steps listed on the Campusblueprint website.

• Update your emergency contact information. For students, update the Trip Emergency Contact & How to Find Me questionnaire in M-Compass.
• Utilize the General Emergency Protocols for U-M International Travelers and contact the University in case of emergency.
• Review CDC’s After you Travel resources learn ways to maintain your health while abroad.
• Review Resilient Travel – Managing Stress and Enhancing your Experience Abroad, a U-M web resource that helps travelers think proactively about personal challenges and build skills to successfully cope with difficult situations.

Featured Resource

• American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) Guidance: Know Your Rights When Encountering Law Enforcement at Airports and Other Ports of Entry into the U.S.
• Department of Homeland Security: Fact Sheets regarding Change to International Travel Carry-On Items for Select Last Point of Departure Airports with Commercial Flights to the U.S. and updated Q&A on this topic.
• U.S. Customs and Border Protection: Information about search authority for persons, baggage and merchandise arriving in the Customs territory of the United States and information about the inspection of electronic devices.
• Guidelines for returning to campus during COVID-19 (coming soon)