International Travel

University Travel & COVID-19: please see current CDC Travel Guidelines.

Traveling Internationally?

Please take a moment to review a few important items:

  • International Visa Requirements
  • Carefully review Travel Advisories before traveling and comply with them.
  • Register online with the State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) in order for the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate to better assist you in an emergency.
  • Strongly recommended: add your trip to Western’s optional Travel Registry so we can contact you in an emergency.
  • Travelers are required to report to the institution when arriving from a travel health warning area or a pandemic influenza affected area. See Western's Health Policies for more information.
  • If you are traveling on a Western faculty‐led study abroad program, please consult the Global Learning Programs Safety Toolkit. Contact EdAbroad@wwu.edu for more information.
  • Foreign travelers must review and comply with the WWU Travel Policy: Traveling Outside of the US before traveling for the purposes of:
    • Faculty‐led study abroad programs
    • Study abroad programs ‐ foreign institutions, study centers, outside contractors or affiliates
    • Student exchange programs with a foreign institution
    • Students doing independent study abroad, including internships

See also: University employee travel abroad to State Department Level 3 or 4 countries due to COVID-19

Fly America Act Information

The Fly America Act mandates the use of U.S. certificated air carriers for federally funded international travel.

Learn More on the GSA site here.

Flying Internationally: What's allowed?

  • Coach airfare
  • Visa fees
  • Foreign transaction fees
  • Required Immunizations and Medical Expenses, including COVID testing, may only be reimbursed with documented claim denied from primary insurance.
  • Travel insurance is not a covered expense. Consult your personal health insurance policy for details.
  • iNext international health insurance covers medical and accidental expenses in Level 3 or 4 countries, including emergency quarantine coverage. Contact the Ed Abroad Office for details. This is not a reimbursable expense, but the costs are relatively low.

International Meals and Lodging