Traveling Outside the U.S.
International students in F-1 or J-1 status must get a travel signature on their I-20 or DS-2019 if returning to complete their studies after traveling outside the U.S. Signatures are valid for six months. If your signature has expired and you are planning to travel, you must get a new signature.
Please submit the Travel Signature Request if you are returning home.
- F-1 students: An ISSS advisor will email you an electronically signed I-20 for travel. As a result of COVID-19, SEVP and CBP have agreed to allow the use of the electronically signed I-20 to use for re-entry to the United States.
- J-1 students: The Department of State has not announced that electronic forms DS-2019 are acceptable for travel. An ISSS advisor will let you know when your signed DS-2019 is ready, and you will be instructed how request a shipment using EShipGlobal.
- 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 review the links below:
- U.S. Department of State
- Locations with Confirmed COVID-19 Cases - Global Map
- U.S. Centers for Disease Control Travel Health Notices
Consider the following before traveling to other parts of the U.S. or returning to your home country:
- In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Department of State has temporarily suspended routine visa services at all U.S. Embassies and Consulates.
- Internet access vary in each country or other parts of the U.S. You may not have the access you need to support your classroom needs for online courses. This can impact your receiving credit for classes. Please have your family test online systems, to understand any challenges, such as firewalls, connectivity, etc.
- You could be quarantined for a couple weeks which can impact your ability to complete your studies.
- International students’ insurance WILL NOT cover you if you are in your home country. You must be sure that you have insurance/coverage in your home country if you are returning there.
- Traveling is highly risky at this time. Make sure you take all the precautions to remain healthy.
- If you leave the U.S., you may not be able to return for a period of time. Immigration/Visa issues & travel bans are in place for several countries and there is no set deadline for them being lifted.
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.
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.
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.
March 24, 2020. Brazil Proclamation, effective at 11:59 p.m. eastern daylight time on May 26, 2020. Suspends entry of " all aliens (immigrants, nonimmigrants, and other non-U.S. citizens) who were physically present within the Federative Republic of Brazil during the 14-day period preceding their entry or attempted entry into the United States.”
Resources for up-to-date information about the pandemic
- SIUE Coronavirus (COVID-19) Announcements page
- 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
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). Please contact your immigration advisor at isss@siue.edu to request a travel signature a couple of weeks before you travel. Be sure to 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
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
