Updated International Travel Guidance

Dear Members of the UMBC Community,

Given the improving health situation in the U.S. and many other countries, we are providing this update to prior communications regarding international travel. A new International Travel Process is now available to faculty, staff, and students. Requests can be submitted beginning August 1, 2021. Requests are subject to general out-of-state travel approval policies and UMBC’s existing International Travel Policy. 

Failure to obtain formal approval prior to making international travel arrangements will result in denial of reimbursement regardless of the funding source and unauthorized travelers will not be covered by UMBC’s international travel insurance plan.Student organizations should await guidance from the Division of Student Affairs for international travel during the fall 2021 semester. 

As outlined in the policy, all requests for international travel must be submitted via UMBC’s International Travel Registry. In addition to enabling the University to assess the risks associated with the proposed international travel, the system provides the traveler with access to risk intelligence information and enables them to request assistance while abroad. 

The University will evaluate the known risks of international travel based on levels established by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the U.S. Department of State. These include:

• CDC COVID-19 Notices 

• CDC Travel Health Notices 

• U.S. Department of State Travel Advisories 

Requests to travel through or to international destinations subject to an elevated risk level will require additional screening by UMBC’s International Travel Review Committee. If the request is approved, then the traveler will receive location-specific guidance for mitigating risks. 

If you choose to travel abroad, understand that you may experience difficulty departing from the U.S., and you may be subjected to mandatory testing, quarantine, and other requirements upon arrival at your international destination. When seeking to return to the U.S., you may experience travel disruptions or travel bans impeding your ability to return. Additionally, the ability of U.S. Embassies and Consulates to provide services to travelers remains severely limited in many countries. 

All travelers on University-related international business travel are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 by the start date of their travel unless approved vaccine exemption documentation is on file with the University. Travelers with approved exemptions should understand that some foreign governments will deny visa applications and/or prohibit entry into their country if the traveler is not able to provide proof of vaccination. All travelers are responsible for determining if they are able to meet the visa and/or entry requirements of destination and transit countries prior to initiating the process for obtaining approval for international travel.

In addition to university travel, The Center for Global Engagement is also working closely with international and campus partners to offer a limited and carefully reviewed portfolio of education abroad programs starting with Winter 2022 and Spring 2022. More information is available here.

If you have questions about international travel, please contact David Di Maria, Associate Vice Provost for International Education, at dimaria@umbc.edu.

Provost Philip Rous

Vice President for Administration and Finance Lynne Schaefer

COVID-19 Planning Coordinating Committee Co-Chairs