Last Updated: Friday, April 11, 2025
Due to uncertainty with evolving federal policies, CMC strongly encourages faculty, staff, and students to carefully assess the necessity of international travel at this time based on their personal circumstances. The decision to travel outside the United States is personal, but immigration policies, practices, and travel bans are shifting daily and often cannot be fully assessed or projected in advance.
Before undertaking international travel for any work, study, personal, or leisure purpose, including to conduct research, attend conferences, teach abroad, participate in learning programs or community service projects, students, faculty, and staff are urged to carefully consider and assess the variables outlined below, all of which may impact travel plans, personal safety while abroad, and the ability to reenter the United States.
In addition to the information below, students should review the International Travel Policy.
If you have any questions, students can contact Jimmy Doan or DT Graves; faculty may contact Heather Antecol; staff may contact Nyree Gray.
| Concerns | Explanations |
|---|---|
| Visas | Individuals holding visas (H-1B, F-1, J-1, O-1, etc.) may face increased scrutiny or delays when re-entering the U.S., particularly if they traveled to or transited through countries under heightened security or diplomatic strain with the U.S. Travelers seeking visa renewals are likely to experience longer processing times, resulting in delays in reentering the U.S. It is also important to note that visas are frequently tied to specific institutions or programs of study. Thus, any disruption in travel, employment or study can inadvertently impact legal status. |
| Immigration Policies | Immigration policies, including recent executive orders or Department of Homeland Security memos, could affect visa eligibility or re-entry requirements mid-trip, leaving travelers vulnerable to unexpected barriers. |
| Citizenship Status and Border Control | Recently, there has been greater emphasis on stricter border control, which could lead to longer screening processes, device searches, or interviews. |
| Country-Specific Bans and Restrictions | Travelers from certain countries could be affected by current or proposed travel bans or enhanced screening procedures, depending on national origin or prior travel history. |
| Legal and Diplomatic Issues | Foreign laws often differ significantly from those in the United States, particularly regarding freedom of speech and expression, religious or political dissent, and data privacy. Violation(s) of these laws, intentional or not, may impact the ability to re- enter the United States. |
| Geopolitics | Tensions in some areas of the world, such as the Middle East, Eastern Europe, and parts of Asia or Africa, may increase risks of conflict, detainment, or restricted movement by foreign nationals, especially from Western countries. |
| Security Risks | Some destinations may have increased threats of terrorism, civil unrest, or targeted violence, which can pose direct dangers to travelers. CMC does not authorize student travel to destinations with a current U.S. DOS Travel Advisory Level 3 or 4. |
| Cybersecurity and Research Scrutiny Concerns | Traveling with research data or devices may make students and faculty vulnerable to surveillance or cyber espionage, especially in countries with aggressive data policies. Faculty and students involved in sensitive research areas such as artificial intelligence, biotechnology, or defense-related fields may face additional questions at the border. |
To assess these risks, consult the following external resources:
- U.S. Department of State – Travel Advisories
- Provides country-specific travel advisories (Levels 1–4), alerts, and safety information. Includes details on entry/exit requirements, health risks, crime, and civil unrest. Check the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive real-time alerts and embassy assistance.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – Travelers’ Health
- Offers country-specific health notices, required vaccinations, and COVID-19 guidance. Great for understanding current outbreaks or public health precautions abroad.
- U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
- Guidance for travelers with immigration or visa concerns (especially re-entry policies) as well as digital privacy and what CBP can inspect (e.g., electronic devices).
- U.S. Embassy or Consulate Website for the Destination Country
- Provides contact information and security updates for a specific country. Helpful in case of emergency or a lost passport. Often includes information on local law or customs that might affect travelers.
- Airline and Destination Country’s Official Immigration Website
- For entry/exit requirements, visa status checks, COVID-19 restrictions, and transit rules. Some countries require health declarations or online registration in advance
Know Before You Go
- The CMC-sponsoring organization must ensure that each student is entered in CMC’s online Travel Registration System at prior to departure. The sponsoring organization should also ensure that all students have registered their travel with the U.S. Department of State (or with the student’s home country embassy, for international students): https://step.state.gov/step/.
- It is highly recommended that all CMC faculty and staff travel, whether domestic or international, for college purposes or for independent reasons, register in the CMC Travel Registration System. Doing so will speed CMC and Zurich Travel Assistance or evacuation in the event of an emergency. Additionally, The College highly encourages faculty and staff to register their foreign travel with the U.S. Department of State Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) at https://step.state.gov/step/.
- International students, faculty, and staff are encouraged to register with the home country embassy.
- Employees should consult with IT services to understand secure devices or data protection best practices for international research.
For International Students, Faculty, and Staff
International students, faculty, or staff who decide to travel either internationally or within the U.S. should consider carrying:
- Updated I-94 Record. You must carry your most recent I-94 record with you at all times as this will serve as an alien registration. The form can be accessed online at https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov
- Valid passport
- Valid F or J visa (Required)
- Valid travel signatures on your Form I-20/DS-2019 (Required)
- (For F-1 students) I-20 travel signature on page two that is less than 1 year old
- (For J -1 students) DS-2019 travel signature on page 1, bottom right corner, that is less than 6 months old
- Proof of connection to Claremont McKenna College (In the other instruction field, request the future enrollment verification for the Fall 2025)
- Evidence of funding
- Proof of SEVIS fee payment (I-901 receipt)
- I-901 SEVIS Confirmation Page (especially for first-time entries or visa renewals)
- Copy of your entire immigration document set (I-20/DS-2019, visa, passport ID page) in both digital and printed form
- Letter from your Designated School Official (DSO) or Responsible Officer (RO) verifying your status and purpose of travel (Optional but helpful, especially after lengthy travel or for visa renewal)
- U.S. address and school/employer contact information
- Any correspondence from USCIS or CBP relevant to your immigration status
- COVID-related documents (if required) — While many restrictions have eased, certain countries or airlines might still require proof of vaccination or testing
- Proof of U.S. Address (copy of lease, utility bill, or letter from school/employer confirming residence)
- Emergency Contact Information for Designated School Official (DSO) or Responsible Officer (RO)
- Travel Itinerary & Return Ticket (if available, to show intent to return)