Traveling Outside the U.S.
At this time our office has limited ability to sign and mail new I-20s/DS-2019s with travel signatures. Please be aware that you do not need a travel signature to leave the U.S., you only need one to re-enter the U.S.
- Should you decide to leave the U.S. submit the Travel Survey. If you have urgent plans to return to the U.S., please email isss@siue.edu. If not, please wait until after April 30 to contact us about a new travel signature.
- For life-safety emergencies or if a Customs and Border Protection officer needs to reach us, please contact the SIUE police 618-650-3324.
For the latest information about Travel Advisories, please review the links below:
- Traveling outside the U.S. webpage at the ISSS website
- S. Department of State
- Locations with Confirmed COVID-19 Cases - Global Map
Travel Advisory due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Presidential Proclamations related to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Travel Ban:
January 31, 2020 - Presidential Proclamation regarding China Travel. Suspends entry into the U.S. of all immigrants, nonimmigrants, and other non-U.S. citizens who were in China (excluding Hong Kong and Macau) during the 14-day period before their entry or attempted entry into the U.S. This coronavirus travel ban is effective starting 5 p.m. on Sunday, February 2, 2020.
Februry 29, 2020. Iran Travel Proclamation. Suspends entry into the United States of all aliens (immigrants, nonimmigrants, and other non U.S. citizens) who were physically present within the Islamic Republic of Iran during the 14-day period preceding their entry or attempted entry into the United States. This coronavirus travel ban is effective starting 5:00 p.m. eastern standard time on March 2, 2020. This proclamation does not apply to persons aboard a flight scheduled to arrive in the United States that departed prior to 5:00 p.m. eastern standard time on March 2, 2020.
March 11, 2020 - European Schengen Area Proclamation. Restricts travel to the United States from foreign nationals who have recently been in certain European countries. The restriction applies to foreign nationals who have been in the Schengen Area, 26 countries in Europe with open borders agreements, in the last 14 days. Those who are exempt from these restrictions, such as American citizens, will be directed to a limited number of airports where screening can take place.
March 14, 2020. Ireland and United Kingdom Proclamation. Suspends entry of " immigrants or nonimmigrants, of all aliens who were physically present within the United Kingdom, excluding overseas territories outside of Europe, or the Republic of Ireland during the 14-day period preceding their entry or attempted entry into the United States is hereby suspended and limited ... This proclamation is effective at 11:59 p.m. eastern daylight time on March 16, 2020. This proclamation does not apply to persons aboard a flight scheduled to arrive in the United States that departed prior to 11:59 p.m. eastern daylight time on March 16, 2020."
Resources below for up-to-date information
- SIUE Coronavirus (COVID-19) Announcements page
- U.S. Centers for Disease Control Travel Health Notices.
- U.S. Centers for Disease Control - Coronavirus (COVID-19) Frequently Asked Questions
- U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory
- World Health Organization - Coronavirus page
Required Documents for Travel
When you travel outside of the United States, you must request a travel signature from your international advisor and carry the following documents with you when you travel.
- Passport: valid for at least six months into the future at all times (especially important upon initial entry or re-entry to the U.S.)
- U.S. Entry Visa: valid on the date of your return to the U.S.
- I-20 (F-1 students): valid and currently active with travel signature from your immigration advisor
- DS-2019 (J-1 students): valid and currently active with travel signature from your immigration advisor
- Valid visa for your visit country: If you are not returning to your home country, you may need a visa to travel to or even through (transit visa) other countries. Check the foreign embassy/consulate website for every country on your itinerary.
- Contact information in case of a travel emergency and for a border officer to contact an international advisor: 618-650-3785 during office hours, SIUE police 618-650-3324 outside of office hours
Before departing the country, make sure you have a valid travel signature (within 6 months) from an international advisor on your I-20 (F-1 students) or DS-2019 (J-1 students). Plan a couple of weeks in advance of travel to obtain the signature. Please drop off your I-20 or DS-2019 at the Office of International Affairs to request a travel signature.
Traveling to Canada
To protect against the COVID-19 threat in Canada, the Government of Canada announced measures effective March 18, 2020 to close its borders to foreign nationals entering the country and to redirect international flight arrivals to predesignated airports
If you are from a country whose citizens are required to have an entry visa to Canada, you should apply for the visa well ahead of your departure date. You CANNOT apply for the entry visa at the border.
Find out if you need a visa: https://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/visas.asp
