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New travel policies help U-M travelers stay safe abroad

By Katie Kelton The University Record

• Campus News

With more university-related travel expected in the coming year, the University of Michigan has revised elements of its international travel policy that supports faculty, staff and students traveling abroad for university-related purposes.

The Office of the Provost and the Office of the General Counsel first began discussions about amending the Standard Practice Guide on International Travel — SPG 601.31 — in January 2020, but shortly thereafter the COVID-19 pandemic temporarily shut down university travel programs.

MORE INFORMATION

• Travel Resources

Many of these restrictions have been lifted recently with the development of safe and effective preventative measures such as COVID-19 vaccines, and more countries have reopened their borders, prompting U-M to resume its regular university travel programs.

While the international travel environment remains challenging with unpredictable risk fluctuations, U-M’s new policies will equip travelers with the information needed to stay safe.

The new travel policy incorporates specific health-related travel risk ratings that identify higher-risk destinations in a more precise and timely manner, in addition to previous policies regarding general safety and security.

The new designations add U-M Travel Health Medium Risk and U-M Health High Risk to the pre-existing U-M Travel Warning and U-M Travel Restriction designations for destinations considered a risk for university travelers.

Travel designations are reviewed monthly, and updates are provided in the Travel Resources section of the Global Michigan website.

The added “Travel Health Risk” designations account for countries with elevated health concerns, such as COVID-19, cholera, yellow fever and other infectious diseases of elevated concern.

Undergraduate students are prohibited from traveling to a U-M Travel Health High-Risk or a U-M Travel Restriction destination, although graduate students can travel with an approved Travel Health Plan or Safety Plan, respectively.

The Travel Health Plan and the Safety Plan are designed to ensure that students have good logistic plans, solid communication and emergency management plans, a realistic understanding of health, safety and security risks, and strong strategies to mitigate those risks.

While the general Safety Plan has been in place for 12 years, both the Safety Plan and the Travel Health Plan now call for students, and faculty and staff taking students abroad, to demonstrate their understanding of their destination country’s public health and entry requirements, as well as their quarantine or self-isolation plans.

 In the case of travel to a U-M Travel Health Medium-Risk, Travel Health High-Risk, Travel Warning, or Travel Restriction destination, the faculty or staff sponsor must submit a Safety Plan for Group Travel on behalf of the group and receive approval from the International Travel Oversight Committee.

Other revisions and updates in the revised SPG include:

• Adding definitions of “U-M Managed Programs” and “Dean’s Designee.”
• Revising definitions of “Travel Abroad,” “U-M Related Travel,” and “Group Travel Abroad.”
• Updating the section on Group Travel Abroad to outline group leader responsibilities.

As with previous versions of the international travel policy, faculty, staff and students on U-M related travel need to register their individual travel so the global travel and safety team within the Office of the Provost can send critical travel safety information to U-M travelers.

Recently, the Global Engagement Team sent timely health alerts and instructions to U-M travelers in Uganda concerning an Ebola outbreak. Alerts also have been issued to travelers with upcoming travel plans in Uganda to detail the health risks and safety measures in place.

• Office of the Provost
• Standard Practice Guide

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Safety Considerations for Independent Study & Field Research Abroad

In partnership with the Department of Anthropology, the Global Engagement Team has developed the Safety Considerations for Independent Study & Field Research Abroad Info Sheet to support faculty, staff, and students on independent study or field research abroad.

The goals of this resource include:

• To direct travelers to existing travel safety and travel health resources and benefit all U-M independent travelers / field researchers
• To organize international research and fieldwork safety considerations by travel phases of Early Logistical Planning (4-12 months pre-departure), Pre-Departure Preparations (final 4 months before departure), and While Abroad.
• To provide suggested protocols for various emergency situations that could arise while abroad
• Phase 1: Early Logistical Planning
• Phase 2: Pre-Departure Preparations
• Phase 3: While Abroad
• Suggested Protocols for Specific Emergency Situations
• Review relevant resources, including DoS country information page/s , the CDC Travelers’ Health page/s , or your destination’s official embassy websites for travel document or vaccination (e.g., yellow fever, COVID, etc.) entry requirements.
• International students may have different/additional requirements. The U-M International Center can provide additional information.
• Determine U-M Country Risk Rating and related requirements for your destination/s.
• Register any U-M Related Travel (UMRT) .
• All travelers on UMRT are required to enroll in U-M Travel Abroad Health Insurance .
• Determine any additional unit-level processes and requirements (refer to the Education Abroad Office Contact list to determine contact information).
• Determine if on-site partners can assist with organizing and/or managing in-country logistics such as housing, transportation, communications, etc.
• Determine whether they can provide emergency support services or help manage emergencies, and if so, how.
• See Partnering with an NGOs Overseas on Global Michigan for more info.
• Identify any required host country permit/s (for equipment, specific activities in-country, etc.) and begin the application process/es.
• Obtain official documentation of being a U-M student/faculty conducting research in the field. This may include contacting your department administrator to get a departmental letter of introduction and good standing.
• Identify necessary personal protective equipment or specialized training for participants in your specific field context (e.g., first aid training , equipment or procedural training, etc.).
• If your field site is remote (i.e., little or no connectivity, difficult ingress/egress, etc.), make special considerations for communications and medical access / evacuation.
• U-M’s General Emergency Protocols ;
• emergency support from local collaborators;
• local emergency services / first responders contact info;
• how to use your GeoBlue health insurance to access health care .
• Determine financial contingency plans, such as having access to departmental or other funds, in the event of unanticipated travel disruptions or travel health-related expenses not covered by insurance.
• Register your U-M Related Travel (for Group Travel, units or group leaders are encouraged to register the entire group by submitting a Request Form for Registering Student Group Travel Abroad ).
• UMRT travelers must have U-M’s GeoBlue Travel Abroad Health Insurance ( note: students must obtain the insurance, while faculty and staff are automatically covered under the “Business Travel” plan. Details are on the UHS Travel Abroad Health Insurance webpage ).
• Complete a Travel Health Plan or Safety Plan for review by the International Travel Oversight Committee at least 4 weeks pre- departure if required by your destination’s U-M Country Risk Rating .
• Using your health insurance benefits (including downloading the GeoBlue app and identifying, scheduling appointments with, and/or accessing local healthcare providers, etc.);
• In- and out-of-network payment models;
• Downloading and learning to use GeoBlue’s Global TeleMD 24/7 medical consultation app;
• Accessing the GeoBlue app’s Global Wellness Assist feature for non-clinical mental health consultation;
• Using the Post-Departure Trip Interruption benefit for transportation/lodging costs (for covered reasons);
• Using Political and Natural Disaster Evacuation Coverage for your destination/s, if applicable;
• Additional up-to-date resources on the UHS Travel Abroad Health Insurance webpage .
• Download the AlertTraveler info service app (free to those who register travel to U-M’s Travel Registry ).
• Register your travel dates with the U.S. State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) or your country of citizenship’s equivalent.
• Resilient Travel – Managing Stress and Enhancing your Experience Abroad .
• U-M Safety Abroad Orientation .
• Information & Technology Services’ Traveling with Technology and Data Security resources.
• Review Global Michigan’s Identities Abroad webpage.
• Review relevant lab safety rules, regulations, or protocols.
• Review relevant local laws of the host destination/s (you are subject to all local laws while abroad) and U-M’s Arrested or Detained While Abroad Emergency Protocols .
• Confirm local support with NGOs, government collaborators, other University collaborators, or personal contacts at your field site abroad.

In case of emergencies, access guidance and contact information in the U-M General Emergency Protocols pdf download (also available on the Global Michigan website ).

• Get somewhere you feel safe.
• Seek emergency medical treatment, if necessary.
• Contact local authorities, if necessary.
• Contact your U-M program leader or on-site partner.
• Reach out to local people you trust for assistance.
• Contact the U.S. Embassy/Consulate or that of your country of citizenship, if necessary.
• Contact your U-M Dept./emergency contact.
• For urgent emergencies, contact your campus DPSS to be transferred to a U-M emergency responder for international travelers.
• For non-urgent matters, you can contact Global Engagement at [email protected] .
• For urgent health matters, seek the nearest medical services immediately. When possible, obtain receipts for your reimbursement claim . GeoBlue will reimburse even if the provider is out of the GeoBlue network.
• For non-urgent matters, use the GeoBlue app or call +1 610 254 8771 to identify and schedule appropriate medical care, including arranging for a direct payment, so you do not have to pay out of pocket.
• Access mental telehealth services through the GeoBlue app’s Global Wellness Assist feature for non-clinical mental health consultation.
• Access telehealth consultation with a medical professional through GeoBlue’s Global TeleMD app.
• The Post-Departure Trip Interruption benefit can reimburse transportation and/or lodging & incidental expenses for particular covered injury or illness reasons.
• Visit the UHS GeoBlue Travel Abroad Health Insurance webpage for additional up-to-date insurance information and resources.
• Through the GeoBlue Mobile app
• By texting +44 790 934 1229 and include your name, location, phone number, and issue
• Toll-free numbers for several countries are listed on the back of the Global Wellness Assist flyer (linked above).
• If your country doesn’t have a toll-free number, dial +44 20 8987 6228.
• Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS) offers free, confidential services for U-M students, including 24-hour phone support at 734-764-8312.
• Get to a safe place as quickly as possible.
• Contact a trusted friend, family member, or colleague who can offer immediate support.
• Contact authorities, if necessary.
• U-M Sexual and Gender-based Misconduct Reporting and Resources
• SAPAC support services website
• DPSS Sexual Assault response and resources
• For support resources external to U-M , RAINN (Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network) has a 24/7 hotline number at: +1 800-656-HOPE (4673) or SASHAA (Sexual Assault Support and Help for Americans Abroad) at: +1 866-USWOMEN (879-6636).
• Ask the detaining authorities to notify the nearest U.S. Embassy/Consulate (for U.S. citizens) or Embassy/Consulate of your country of citizenship (for non-U.S. citizens).
• Understand what a U.S. Embassy or Consular official can and can’t do for you .
• Inform U-M through your department or your campus DPSS .
• For additional guidance, check out U-M’s What To Do: Arrest or Detention While Abroad
• Get somewhere safe, stay informed of the situation, and avoid all large gatherings, protests, demonstrations, or other unsafe areas.
• U.S. citizens can connect with the U.S. Department of State by calling 1 (888) 407-4747 (U.S. and Canada) or 1 (202) 501-4444 (overseas), or by contacting the nearest U.S. Embassy/ Consulate . Non-U.S. citizens should contact the Embassy/Consulate of their country of citizenship for assistance.
• For additional guidance, access U-M’s What To Do: Civil Unrest/Political Instability While Abroad
• Stay informed of the situation, get somewhere safe, and follow directions from local authorities or emergency responders.
• U.S. citizens can connect with the U.S. Department of State by calling 1 (888) 407-4747 (U.S. and Canada) or 1 (202) 501-4444 (overseas) or by contacting the nearest U.S. Embassy/Consulate . Non-U.S. citizens should contact the Embassy/Consulate of their country of citizenship for assistance.
• For additional guidance, access U-M’s What To Do: Natural Disasters/Severe Weather While Abroad
• File a report with local authorities, if necessary.
• Cancel missing credit/debit cards or other forms of electronic payment, remotely lock or data wipe your devices if able, and/or file insurance claims if your lost valuables are covered.
• For lost or stolen passports, or if you are the victim of a theft or other crime while abroad, U.S. citizens can contact the nearest U.S. Embassy/Consulate or the U.S. Department of State, Office of Overseas Citizens Services at (888) 407-4747 (from the U.S. or Canada) or (202) 501-4444 (from overseas). Consular officers are available for emergency assistance 24 hours/day, 7 days/week. Non-U.S. citizens should contact the Embassy/Consulate of their country of citizenship.
• For additional guidance, access U-M’s What To Do: Loss or Theft of Valuables While Abroad
• Follow unit-specific protocols and UHS incident response best practices .
• Follow U-M EHS Occupational Incident Reporting guidelines, if necessary.

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Travel Health Services

Planning to travel abroad? Here's how to get immunizations, prescriptions, and advice that are tailored to your destination.

Eligibility 

UHS Travel Health Services are available to the following:

• Enrolled students
• Faculty and staff 
• Individuals who have a UHS primary care physician (PCP) 

Costs for Travel Health Visits

• Enrolled students: free travel consultation
• Faculty, staff, alumni, and non-students:  $100 fee for travel consultation 
• Immunization costs will be billed to insurance.  If insurance does not cover the costs, patients will be responsible.
• Prescriptions for travel meds will be written if necessary.  Patients can provide their insurance information to their pharmacy to check for coverage.
• Over-the-counter medications will be recommended to purchase.
• Supplies will be recommended to bring on your trip.

Is your department paying for some or all travel costs? If so, you will need to bring documentation from your department including their shortcode for billing.  Any charges not covered by your department will be your responsibility.

Step 1. Learn recommendations/requirements and prepare

Plan ahead! You'll need to:

• Learn any visa and U-M program requirements.
• Locate your immunization records, because you will need to submit them with your Travel Health form before you can schedule an appointment (step 2 below). You may need to check with your parents, doctor, or State Health Department for your records. Also, it's recommended to bring your records to your Travel Health appointment. 
• There is considerable demand for appointments, especially before peak travel times (December, before Spring Break, April, and May) — See Step 2 below.
• All immunizations take two weeks to reach optimum effectiveness, and some are given in series.
• Check insurance coverage for vaccines by calling customer service on the back of your card, and ask them the questions on the How UHS Works with Insurance webpage  while referring to  Prices for Immunizations (PDF) .

Wondering what UHS nurses might recommend? For general recommendations, you could look up your destination(s) on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention travel website.

Step 2. Complete form and schedule an appointment

A. Download, complete, and submit our Travel Health Services Form before scheduling your appointment. Plan on submitting the form 6-8 weeks before you travel.  Please note that the Travel Health Form includes your immunization record. 

Download Travel Health Form (PDF)

B. After form submission, you will be contacted by phone or email to schedule. (If you do not hear from a scheduler within 3 business days, call 734-764-8320.)  Appointments will not be scheduled until the Travel Health Form with immunization records are received.  If you need a physical for travel, schedule it separately.

Step 3. Learn how to stay safe and healthy while traveling

We encourage you to learn about travel health through these two means: 

UHS Travel Health Education Program

CDC Travelers' Health

Step 4. At your visit

Bring to your visit:

• Any health forms that you need to have completed
• Your immunization records (recommended but not required)

If you need prescriptions or other products, allow time to visit the UHS Pharmacy . The Pharmacy sells the following non-prescription travel-related products:

• Imodium AD® caplets, generic, for diarrhea
• Pepto-Bismol® liquid and tablets, generic, for diarrhea, nausea, heartburn, indigestion, upset stomach
• Ultrathon™ insect repellant lotion, contains 34% DEET, repels mosquitos, biting flies, chiggers, fleas, deer and stable flies
• Permanone® spray, insect repellant against mosquitoes and ticks, for clothing and gear
• Sawyer® clothing treatment kit, soak to repel and kill mosquitoes, ticks, chiggers, mites
• Mobasa Defender™, a personal mosquito net pretreated with repellant
• Sunscreen - Solbar® 

Additional information

From UHS:

• Travel Health Checklist
• Travel Abroad Health Insurance
• For Travel Coordinators  for information about group clinics and more

Other local travel health providers:

• Passport Health , 248-851-5633, 2008 Hogback Drive Suite 1, Ann Arbor, MI 48105
• The CVS Minute Clinic  (866-389-2727, 209 S. State St, Ann Arbor) and Walgreens Pharmacy (734-352-3623, 317 S. State St, Ann Arbor) provide some immunizations, however, they don't have some such as yellow fever, and they cannot prescribe medications such as antimalarials. 

Main navigation

Standard practice guide policies, international travel policy, introduction.

In support of the University of Michigan’s mission, the U-M (1) recognizes that international endeavors are critical; (2) respects the academic freedom of all students, faculty, and staff to pursue international research, educational activities and service where appropriate; and (3) understands that important work may sometimes take place in international locations that pose health, safety, and security risks. The University recognizes that travelers have significant responsibility for their own health, safety, and security. The University also has an institutional interest in supporting the health, safety, and security of travelers while they are undertaking the University’s mission. This policy defines basic institutional requirements that will promote these joint interests.

Individual travelers are responsible for compliance with this international travel policy when undertaking University of Michigan Related Travel (as defined below). Units sponsoring University of Michigan Related Travel are responsible for informing travelers of this international travel policy and for facilitating compliance for individuals where appropriate. U-M units should not fund students who do not meet the requirements of this policy.

Definitions

International Travel Dean’s Designee : Within the Ann Arbor campus, an International Travel Dean’s Designee is appointed for each school and college by the respective dean or, for non-academic units, such as Athletics and Student Life, by the respective executive officer. Within the Dearborn and Flint campuses, one International Travel Dean’s Designee for the campus is appointed by the respective campus’ Provost. The International Travel Dean’s Designee serves as the U-M Ann Arbor Provost Office’s primary point of contact for verifying unit-level financial and academic approval for U-M related group travel abroad and determining “essential travel” if necessary. The Provost Office will verify an International Travel Dean’s Designee’s approval for group travel during the Safety Plan review process and will contact the International Travel Dean’s Designee when questions related to the essential nature of travel arise.

Travel Abroad : Travel Abroad refers to U-M Related Travel (UMRT) to destinations outside the Fifty States of the United States of America and the District of Columbia, including the high seas.

For the purposes of this policy, the definition of Travel Abroad has been expanded to include UMRT to U.S. territories (including American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the United States Minor Outlying Islands). U.S. territories are included in the Travel Abroad definition because travelers on UMRT in U.S. Territories are covered by the U-M Travel Abroad Health Insurance and its associated political and natural evacuation insurance.

U-M Travel Abroad can only occur when a traveler crosses an international border, or a U.S. Territory, for the primary purposes of conducting UMRT (see below).

U-M Managed Program : A U-M Managed Program refers to a program with a travel abroad component and participants who have applied to it through the U-M application management system that also serves as the U-M Travel Registry.

U-M Organized : An international experience is considered U-M Organized when a U-M unit, faculty, or staff member is involved in creating, funding, or approving the experience, or coordinating the application and selection of participants.

University of Michigan Related Travel (UMRT)  is defined in terms of two traveler roles:

U-M Faculty/Staff UMRT:

Faculty or Staff members who travel abroad within the context of their job responsibilities are considered to be on UMRT. If faculty or staff members receive U-M funds or U-M managed funds for travel, then they are on UMRT, but such funding is not necessary to identify a trip as UMRT (for example, a faculty member traveling to deliver an invited presentation in their field, supported by the international host, is considered to be on UMRT). While a trip might include personal activities outside of the traveler’s job responsibilities, if the primary purpose is work-related, the trip is UMRT.

Non-UM faculty and non-U-M staff collaborating with U-M Faculty and Staff abroad, who are working in the context of their non-UM responsibilities, are not considered U-M Faculty or Staff unless they have an appointment through U-M.

Student UMRT:

A person who travels abroad in a Student participant role who meets one or more of the following criteria is on UMRT:

• Receives U-M in-residence credit for the experience.
• Travels on a program or trip that is U-M Organized or is a U-M Managed Program.
• Participates in a travel abroad experience that is necessary to achieve a degree requirement. This could include experiences such as degree milestones, dissertation field research, presenting research at a conference or meeting, practica, internships, etc.
• Travels on a program or trip organized by a Sponsored Student Organization or a program or trip that is formally sanctioned by a U-M unit as a Sponsored Event.
• Receives funding from a U-M unit or receives funds managed by the U-M for their travel, which includes research and grant funds.

Note 1 : Student UMRT can include individuals enrolled as students at the U-M and also individuals not enrolled as U-M students but who participate in a U-M Managed Program or an experience that is U-M Organized; such persons are designated Students within this policy.

Note 2 : The signing of study abroad participation forms by a U-M academic advisor or other U-M staff alone (i.e., without more) does not make the travel UMRT.

Note 3 : Receiving transfer credit for the experience does not make the travel UMRT.

Group Travel Abroad: Group Travel Abroad refers to U-M Related Travel that meets all of the following criteria:

• The travel is UMRT.
• The group consists of a cohort of Student participants with similar program experience dates, itinerary, and related activities at the destination.
• A group leader is assuming some responsibility for the group, such as supporting students and serving as the point of contact in the event of an emergency. The group leader can be a U-M student or a faculty or staff member who is leading the group within the context of their job responsibilities.
• A U-M program organizer or a U-M group leader exercises some element of control by making travel logistic decisions on behalf of the participants, such as choosing accommodations and/or modes of transportation.

Group Travel Abroad may be for study, research, joint project work, fieldwork, athletic or other competitions, musical performances, Sponsored Student Organization travel that are formally sanctioned by a U-M unit as a Sponsored Event, or similar University activities.

For Group Travel Abroad, the sponsoring Unit or the leader of the group is responsible for completing requirements described in Section E, including completing a Safety Plan for Group on behalf of group participants if necessary.

Though faculty, staff, and students need to complete U-M requirements for conference travel that is UMRT, conference travel is not considered Group Travel Abroad since conference attendees have the ability to choose their day-to-day activities even if traveling with other U-M Students, Faculty, or Staff, and are staying at the same conference hotel.

University Travel Registry

All Faculty, Staff, and Students on UMRT must register their travel in the University Travel Registry before the expected departure date. Whenever possible, travelers are expected to update the registration, including travel dates, destinations, and on-site contact information, if updated information becomes available.

The University Travel Registry is a confidential and secure database for maintaining key travel information for Faculty, Staff, and Students traveling off-campus. The contents of the registry are kept in accordance with the University of Michigan’s privacy notice. The Vice Provost designated as the Senior International Officer, on behalf of the Office of the Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs, is responsible for the overall management of the University Travel Registry. The Registry supports domestic travel in addition to travel abroad, as well as registration for both UMRT and personal purposes.

The University Travel Registry is the official and authoritative source of traveler information gathered for the purpose of locating and communicating with travelers, responding to emergencies, and managing media and public relations during critical incidents abroad. Anonymous, aggregated data within the Travel Registry also serves as the central source of travel abroad data for institutional reporting.

Individual travelers are responsible for verifying their travel registration through either self-registration or coordination with their sponsoring units. Units sponsoring UMRT are responsible for informing travelers of this travel registration requirement and for facilitating compliance for individuals where appropriate.

The travel registry can be accessed at http://global.umich.edu/travel-resources/register-your-travel/ .

Travel Abroad Health Insurance

Faculty and Staff traveling abroad on UMRT are covered under the University’s blanket travel abroad health insurance policy. See the University Health Service Travel Abroad Health Insurance page for details.

All Students on UMRT are required to have travel abroad health insurance coverage from the University’s authorized vendor, regardless of whether the Student traveler has other health care coverage. Student travelers are responsible for verifying travel abroad health insurance coverage either through self-enrollment or coordination with their sponsoring units. Units sponsoring UMRT are responsible for informing travelers of this travel abroad health insurance requirement and for facilitating compliance for individuals where appropriate.

Find full information about the University’s authorized vendor and coverage at: https://www.uhs.umich.edu/tai/ .

Emergency Evacuation Insurance and Support

All Students, Faculty, and Staff traveling abroad for UMRT are covered under a blanket policy for emergency evacuation due to political unrest or natural disaster. The decision to activate this evacuation support is made by the evacuation insurance provider in coordination with the designated administrator/s within the Office of the Provost.

Evacuation support relies on U-M Faculty, Staff, and Students registering their travel. This support is limited or not available in some locations due to restrictions imposed by the insurance provider and international assistance providers. Such locations will be designated with University Travel Restrictions (see section D below) and the lack of evacuation capabilities will be noted within that country’s page on Global Michigan . Faculty, Staff, and Students traveling to a country with limited evacuation support will be required to complete a Safety Plan to be reviewed by the International Travel Oversight Committee (ITOC) and U-M’s international assistance provider.

Students who remain in-country after being advised to evacuate will not be eligible for University funding or academic credit related to the travel experience and may be subject to disciplinary action.

Higher Risk Travel Designations

The University will conduct ongoing reviews and designate locations that present particular risks as U-M Travel Warning, U-M Travel Restriction, U-M Travel Health Medium Risk, or U-M Travel Health High Risk designations.

The Vice Provost designated as the Senior International Officer, on behalf of the Office of the Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs, is responsible for determining which destinations are under a U-M Travel Warning or U-M Travel Restriction. This decision will be informed by recommendations from the ITOC. ITOC recommendations will consider health, security, and safety factors in that destination, as well as the availability of health and evacuation support under the University’s insurance policies.

The Chief International Safety Officer, on behalf of the Vice Provost designated as the Senior International Office, is responsible for determining which destinations are under a U-M Travel Health Medium Risk or U-M Travel Health High Risk designation. Travel health risk designations solely consider health factors in that destination.

The University may alert travelers and impose additional requirements for Faculty, Staff, or Students seeking to travel to destinations where health, safety, or security risks are determined to be significant and require unusual caution and risk mitigation strategies. For example, travel to destinations experiencing serious outbreaks of infectious disease, war or violent civil unrest may be temporarily prohibited.

U-M higher risk travel designations are published publicly on http://global.umich.edu/travel-resources/warnings-restrictions/ , along with instructions for country-specific travel requirements.

University Travel Warnings

These are destinations where there is an elevated level of health, safety, or security risk. The following guidelines apply to U-M Travel Warning locations:

• Students cannot be required to participate in any travel abroad experience in destinations subject to a U-M Travel Warning.
• All Student UMRT to these destinations must occur under an ITOC approved safety plan. Travelers will also sign a U-M Travel Warning/Restriction Destination Liability Waiver. These steps must be completed in M-Compass as described under each country’s Travel Designation page on Global Michigan: http://global.umich.edu/travel-resources/warnings-restrictions/ .
• Students, faculty, and staff may be evacuated from these destinations if deemed necessary.
• Faculty or staff managing or organizing Student Group Travel Abroad are responsible for developing and seeking ITOC approval of safety plans.
• Units funding Student travel to Travel Warning destinations are responsible for developing and seeking ITOC approval of safety plans.
• Units funding Student travel to Travel Warning destinations are encouraged to verify ITOC approval of plans before disbursing funds.

U-M Travel Restrictions

These are destinations where there are extreme health, safety or security risks. UMRT will generally be prohibited. The following guidelines apply to University Travel Restriction locations:

• Undergraduate students may not travel for UMRT to destinations that are under a University Travel Restriction.
• Graduate students cannot be required to participate in any travel abroad experience in destinations subject to a University Travel Restriction.
• All Student UMRT to these destinations must occur under an ITOC approved safety plan, either submitted individually or as a group. Travelers will also sign a University Travel Warning / Restriction Destination Liability Waiver. These steps must be completed in M-Compass as described under each country’s Warning & Restriction page on Global Michigan: http://global.umich.edu/travel-resources/warnings-restrictions/
• Students, Faculty, and Staff may be evacuated from these destinations if deemed necessary.
• Faculty or staff managing or organizing graduate Student Group Travel abroad are responsible for developing and seeking ITOC approval of safety plans.
• Units funding Student travel to Travel Restriction destinations are responsible for verifying ITOC approval of safety plans before disbursing funds.
• Due to severe security concerns, the evacuation insurance provider may have limited or no capability in some regions of Travel Restriction destinations. Though faculty and staff are not required to complete a Safety Plan, they are encouraged to complete a safety plan, which ITOC may forward to the insurance provider to ensure that evacuation capabilities are available for each exact destination on the travel itinerary.

Note: Travelers should not invest non-refundable resources in their travel until the Safety Plan is approved. For example, travelers should not purchase non-refundable flights before Safety Plan approval in the event that the Safety Plan is denied.

U-M Travel Health Medium Risk designation

• All Student UMRT to these destinations must occur under an approved Travel Health Plan. Travelers will also sign a U-M Travel Warning/Restriction Destination Liability Waiver. These steps must be completed in M-Compass as described under each country’s Travel Designation page on Global Michigan: http://global.umich.edu/travel-resources/warnings-restrictions/ .
• Faculty or Staff managing or organizing Student Group Travel Abroad are responsible for developing and seeking ITOC approval of Travel Health Plans.
• Units funding Student travel to U-M Travel Health Medium Risk destinations are encouraged to verify ITOC approval of Travel Health Plans before disbursing funds.

U-M Travel Health High Risk designation

• Undergraduate students may not travel for UMRT to destinations that are under a U-M Travel Health High Risk.
• Graduate students cannot be required to participate in any travel abroad experience in destinations subject to a U-M Travel Health High Risk.
• All Student UMRT to these destinations must occur under an approved Travel Health Plan. Travelers will also sign a U-M Travel Warning / Restriction Destination Liability Waiver. These steps must be completed in M-Compass as described under each country’s Travel Designation page on Global Michigan: http://global.umich.edu/travel-resources/warnings-restrictions/ .
• Faculty or Staff managing or organizing graduate Student Group Travel Abroad are responsible for developing and seeking ITOC approval of Travel Health Plans.
• Units funding Student Travel to U-M High Risk destinations are encouraged to verify ITOC approval of Travel Health Plans before disbursing funds.

Note :  Travelers should not invest non-refundable resources in their travel until the Safety Plan or Travel Health Plan is approved. For example, travelers should not purchase non-refundable flights before Safety Plan / Travel Health Plan approval in the event that the plan is denied.

Group Travel Abroad

For Group Travel Abroad, risk is magnified by the increasing numbers of participants and the organizer or leader is assuming some responsibility for others within the cohort.

Group Travel Abroad that is organized or managed by a U-M unit must be approved in advance by the International Travel Dean’s Designee of each academic or business unit in which the program is based. Sponsoring units or leaders are responsible for:

• For travel to a U-M Travel Warning or Restriction, or a U-M Travel Health Medium or High Risk destination, the sponsoring unit or the group leader must submit a Safety Plan for Group Travel and receive ITOC approval in order to travel. Individual group participants do not need to complete an individual safety plan or travel health plan for group travel.
• Obtaining approval from the International Travel Dean’s Designee as specified by the sponsoring School/College/Unit.
• Ensuring that all University guidance relative to travel abroad is followed, including meeting requirements relative to U-M Travel Warnings and U-M Travel Restrictions, U-M Travel Health Medium Risks and U-M Travel Health High Risk designations, and following the additional requirements for Group Travel Abroad as detailed on Global Michigan.
• Following best practices for: health, safety, and security planning; pre-departure orientation; on-site activities; crisis management, and post-trip review.
• Following any additional unit-level guidance or requirements for travel. Requirements may include signing and adhering to any documents detailing program leader responsibilities.
• Faculty and staff members leading a U-M Managed Program are required to attend a program leader workshop, organized by the sponsoring unit of the Provost Office, within three years prior to the intended travel date to stay informed of changing travel conditions, policies, and emergency response protocols.
• Program leaders who have contracted a third-party provider to provide 24/7 in-country emergency support and do not have any emergency support responsibilities are exempt from the program leader workshop requirement.
• Adhering to the sponsoring unit directions when performing duties in the official capacity as a program leader.

SPG 601.31 was revised to reflect current U-M's travel risk management practices and the evolving travel environment, including adding and updated definitions, adding new risk designations, and updating the section on group travel abroad.

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Travel Safely With Technology

• Guidelines for Domestic and International Travelers How to protect yourself and your data when traveling, including steps for international travel that you'll need to take when leaving the country or going to areas with technology restrictions.
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• Taking Tech Devices Across International Borders Be prepared for security scrutiny of tech devices when traveling across international borders.
• Video: Safe Computing When Traveling Watch a brief video on how to protect your personal privacy and the U-M data you work with when traveling.

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CGIS does not encourage extensive travel while program classes are in session, since being engaged intimately with one place is more beneficial to building cultural competencies than traveling to many places for a short time. For that reason, personal travel is best realized before or after a program.

Recommendations for Personal Travel:

• When traveling for personal reasons,  share your itinerary  with the onsite program staff, partners, and host family or roommates. We need to be able to reach you in case of an emergency  on site or at home. You can also ensure that we can reach you in an emergency by registering your personal travel in the University's Travel Registry .
• Familiarize yourself with applicable customs and reentry regulations for travel to countries outside of your host country. Be sure you  understand the terms of your visa .
• Avoid high-risk activities. 
• Make sure you select safe methods of transportation; read the  U.S. Department of State’s Road Safety  section on their website.
• Contact on-site partners, faculty, or program assistants about any health, safety, or security concerns related to your travel. CGIS’s Health and Safety Advisor is also a resource.

Registering Personal Travel  

Personal travel is defined as when a student participating on a UM global experience, such as a CGIS program, travels for personal reasons. It is recommended to register for a personal trip if the travel destination is around or greater than 40 miles (60 kilometers) from the program site and/or involves spending one or more nights away from the program's base city.

Using the  personal travel function within MCompass , students can  register travel dates and destinations . Registering these trips allows University of Michigan emergency responders to locate, contact, and support students in the event of an emergency.

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Health insurance abroad, university of michigan international travel policy.

Students, faculty and staff from all U-M campuses who travel abroad for University-related purposes must have U-M Travel Abroad Health Insurance and register with the U-M Travel Registry .

• U-M students must purchase U-M Travel Abroad Health Insurance unless they are going abroad as part of a U-M sponsored group and insurance will be purchased for them.
• U-M faculty and staff are covered by a blanket health insurance policy when on university-related business abroad, but must register with the Travel Registry.

U-M students, faculty and staff traveling abroad for personal/leisure reasons are strongly encouraged to register their trip in the Travel Registry and to purchase the Personal/Leisure health insurance plan.

See University Health Service Travel Insurance Information for coverage details and instructions for purchasing or signing into insurance.

Other University of Michigan Student Health Insurance Plans

Both the Domestic Student Health Insurance Plan and the International Student/Scholar Health Insurance Plan provide worldwide coverage, but students using those plans outside the United States usually must pay medical costs up front then file a claim with the insurance company to have those costs reimbursed. U-M students traveling abroad for University-related purposes cannot substitute those plans for the U-M Travel Abroad Health Insurance plan.

Health Insurance Coverage Abroad & In the US

• The Travel Abroad Health Insurance plan only provides coverage outside the United States.
• While you are abroad, you should also have coverage that is valid in the U.S. in addition to your travel abroad health insurance.
• If you get sick or have an accident while abroad, you will need insurance that is valid in the U.S. to pay for treatment you may need when you return to the United States. Otherwise, you might have to pay high out-of-pocket medical costs.

Additional Resources

For more listings of overseas insurance policies, see the U.S. Department of State’s Medical Information for Americans Traveling Abroad .

Michigan Alumni Travel

Whether you’re looking for an adventure close to home or a journey a world away, our travel collection has something for everyone.

We are working on finalizing our 2025 lineup, and these trips will be added to our website by the end of May. In the meantime, you may start receiving brochures in the mail from our operators for 2025 trips. If you are interested in a trip that isn't currently on the website, please fill out our trip interest form .

Find a Trip

The Michigan Alumni Travel program, an exclusive benefit for Alumni Association members, is ready to help you turn your travel dreams into reality with our diverse lineup of trips. The world is waiting for you…

Michigan Alumni Travel FAQ

Meet your dedicated Michigan Alumni Travel team and get answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about traveling with us.

Travel Insurance

While every effort is made to ensure your vacation is a safe and happy one, unexpected events can occur. Get extra peace of mind with travel insurance.

Michigan Alumni Travel Community

Talk all things travel with fellow Wolverines. Get tips on an upcoming trip, seek out and share recommendations, and participate in general travel discussions.