Prepare for Travel
Africa Travel Advisory:
Due to the ongoing Ebola outbreak in portions of Africa, University-related travel to the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) remains suspended until further notice. This suspension undergoes periodic review, and should the situation change will be updated accordingly. For individuals returning to campus or a University global location from affected regions, follow current U.S. Government and Centers for Disease Control (CDC ) guidance for travelers returning from Ebola-Affected Areas. If symptoms develop, seek medical guidance immediately and avoid coming to campus or a University location until medically evaluated.
Global Safety & Security (GS&S) assists university international travelers manage risk and prepare for their experiences abroad. All travelers, regardless of role with the University, must do the following in advance of departure.
Register Travel
Ensure your trip is in the travel registry system 2-4 weeks prior to departure, and 6-8 weeks if it is to a high-risk.
Review destination specific safety and security information
The U.S. Department of State publishes Travel Advisories and Country Security Reports including safety, security, and transportation information and advice for your destination. Other governments have similar information available. Destination Embassy and Consulates also publish health, weather, safety, and security updates and post them to their websites.
Additionally, the University maintains a relationship with Crisis24, the world’s leading travel risk management provider. All Notre Dame students, faculty, and staff with an active @nd.edu email address can access their Horizon Platform and review “Location Intelligence” for 200+ countries, 800+ provinces, and 400+ cities and threat and travel disruption “Alerts” worldwide.
Obtain required vaccinations
The CDC provides health advice to international travelers including medications and vaccines – some requiring action well in advance of travel. Advice should be discussed with a medical professional. Make an appointment with the University Health Services (students) or Wellness Center (faculty and staff) for a pre-travel health check. For more information, please visit the Health & Wellness website.
Ensure you have the proper travel documents
Every country has its own entry and exit requirements. Check with the U.S. embassy or your passport issuing country’s embassy at your destination for passport and visa requirements.
Crisis24 also provides a comprehensive entry/exit tool to assess requirements for travelers utilizing nationality, dates of travel, departure location, and destination.
If passport or visa assistance is needed, the University has partnered with Travel Document Systems (TDS) who may be able to provide Notre Dame travelers assisted and expedited processing at a reduced fee.
For International Students and Scholars in F-1 or J-1 status:
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Review the requirements outlined by ISSA
Confirm international health insurance coverage
Visit the Health Insurance Abroad website for specific guidelines regarding health insurance abroad.
Verify you are complaint with the Office of Information Technology (OIT)
Review the University’s IT Security for International Travel Standard, Using Okta with Two Step Login when Overseas or Traveling and Cybersecurity Best Practices When Traveling knowledge base articles, and follow their guidance for travel to high IT Risk or Export Control countries.
Get Notre Dame Research (NDR) approvals (if applicable)
Travelers conducting research – including human subject - should consult NDR Research Security for specific international travel guidance to ensure compliance.
Establish your communication plan
Ensure you understand University requirements for monitoring your @nd.edu email for communications pertaining to international travel application / registration from travelregistry@nd.edu, and health, safety, and security information from ND Global Safety & Security (NDGSS@crisis24horizon.com) or Global Safety (globalsafety@nd.edu).
Explore whether your mobile devices will work your destination – on Wi-Fi and / or cellular networks – and if it requires you to take action in advance of travel. Consider options for how to you will communicate in the event of an emergency if those services become unavailable. Ensure your device has “satellite SOS” or that your destination has access to a fixed-location / physical wire device. Prepare a routine and “no communication” plan with your emergency point of contact.
Use the links below to explore additional University requirements for:
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Athletic Teams (Team travel; not independent athletes)
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Trip Leaders (Group travel with students)
Questions?
Contact globalsafety@nd.edu.