A Message Regarding Columbia International Travel & Pre-departure Requirements

May 09, 2023

Dear fellow members of the Columbia community:

As we approach summer recess, many of you will be serving Columbia’s global mission by traveling abroad for research, teaching, learning, and other activities. This message contains important information about the University’s international travel resources and policies. Please read it carefully if you plan to travel outside the United States over the summer.

All travelers on international Columbia-related travel are required to register their travel through the Register a Trip tool on the University’s Global Travel website. Registering trips ahead of time enables the University to mobilize more quickly and effectively in response to your needs and in the event of an emergency.

The University’s International Travel Planning Policy includes additional pre-departure requirements, so please review it closely as you plan your trip. Please note that the Policy also covers instances of travel to one’s home country if conducting Columbia-related activity while there.

We urge members of our community who plan to travel abroad to stay up to date on guidance issued by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services and U.S. Department of State, including guidance on countries’ entry and exit requirements. For more guidance on immigration and related issues, please contact Columbia's International Students and Scholars Office (ISSO) at [email protected].

We also encourage you to browse through other related topics, including travel tips for non-immigrant visa holders, at our Global Travel website. You will find information about travel alerts, logistics, and other resources for international travelers, including the many services available when traveling for University-related business as well as for leisure.

All travelers are strongly encouraged to review CDC guidance on travel to and from the U.S. Full-time students are also eligible for—and in fact encouraged to take advantage of—pre-travel health appointments at both the CUIMC and Morningside campuses.

We wish you all the best in your academic endeavors wherever your travels take you. 

Soulaymane Kachani
Senior Vice Provost

Carrie Marlin
Senior Associate Provost for Administration and Planning

Tristan Tafolla
Director, International Risk Management