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International Travel Guidance

The strength of UC San Diego lies not only in our campus but in the enduring connections we share across borders—with colleagues, partners, and collaborators who enrich our academic and research endeavors—connections that often lead to travel. 
 
Global Initiatives encourages all travelers to prioritize their safety and well-being, make informed decisions, and utilize available resources when considering travel.  In that spirit, the following is a general travel resource guide for the international community at UC San Diego.  
 
Prior to travel, it's advised to take the following steps:
  • Make sure your travel and identity documents are up-to-date and have at least 6 months remaining prior to the expiration of passports, a valid visa, etc. and that you are informed of travel guideline updates at the institutional, state and federal level.   
  • Make photocopies or digital images of your important documents including the photo page of your passport, related visa information, and any vaccinations required for your destination. Keep these copies in a safe and separate location from the originals. 
  • Register your trip through Concur/ConnexUC or UC Away so that you have the latest travel alerts through the University of California’s partnership with Crisis24 on their Horizon platform.   Registration at one site or the other is required for all university-related foreign travel. Failure to register your travel may compromise travel reimbursement, receiving academic credit for activities abroad, emergency support services, including suspension of travel insurance coverage, and may even violate federal regulations. Registering your travel also provides you with other pre-travel resources along with alerts. These include travel insurance (for Official Travel) and facilitation of emergency assistance.  U.S. citizens should also register with the Department of State's Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). 

Other Considerations

Official UC San Diego Travel Definition

Travel authorized by a Senior Level Official.  Examples include activities that contribute to any one of the University’s major functions of teaching, research, academic studies, patient care, or public service or to any other substantial and bona fide University business activity.  Official Travel may also include travel financed by UC San Diego via scholarship, sponsorship, financial aid, or other University Funding, or travel involving a UC San Diego vehicle. 
 
Travel or study abroad opportunities advertised or promoted but not sanctioned or approved by UC San Diego Senior Level Officials are not considered Official International Travel. 

Research Your Trip

Research your trip before going abroad for country-specific information, recent or current travel warnings and alerts, and passport and visa requirements.  The U.S. Department of State issues travel advisories to inform travels of potential dangers, categorizing countries into different levels of risk and U.S. Embassy sites in your host country or countries can prove useful.   
 
UC travel insurance may not support travel to certain destinations due to an inability to provide emergency support for a variety of factors including (but not limited to): conflict zones, U.S. sanctions and embargoes, and state of emergencies. Travel to these destinations may be suspended or prohibited.

Cybersecurity

International travel can present cybersecurity challenges. Please review the UC recommendations for traveling with electronic devices. Be aware that your electronic devices may be searched at borders. 

Disruption of Research Grant or Award Travel

If you anticipate disruption to travel that would interrupt your research award or grant, you may need to formally modify your award agreement. Contact The Office of Contracts and Grants Administration (OCGA) for consultation about or assistance with award modifications, if deemed necessary.  

UC San Diego International Community

Please visit the International Services and Engagement Office's travel guidance page iTravel.ucsd.edu for updated information, including the necessary documents and guidance for reentry, for those with F-1, J-1, H-1B, and other visas.

You may consider consulting with an attorney prior to travel:  

Additional Travel Resources and Departments

International Services and Engagement Office (ISEO)

Visit ISEO’s travel guidance page iTravel.ucsd.edu for updated information, including the necessary documents and guidance for reentry, for those with F-1, J-1, H-1B, and other non-immigrant visas. 

Study Abroad

Study Abroad UC San Diego has helpful resources oriented towards programs they facilitate and the broad UC San Diego community they serve. If you are a student with questions about study abroad-related travel, contact a Study Abroad advisor. 

Export Control

U.S. export regulations may require an export license or license exception for exports based on the item (including technical data or software), shipping destination, value or the traveler. For assistance with export control questions, including identifying restrictions in transporting technology and controlled information, international shipment reviews and to prepare appropriately for travel, please contact UC San Diego Export Control.  

Risk Management

Risk Management at UC San Diego can help those traveling with students outside of Education Abroad put together a field operational planner as well as assisting with resources related to safety and insurance while abroad.