International Travel Policy

Updates from CCAS Global

Effective August 2022, the new CCAS International Travel Policy supersedes the previous Interim Policy for International Travel, which only prioritizes essential international travel during COVID-19. Under the new CCAS International Travel Policy, any high-risk international travel taken by CCAS personnel is still subject to review and approval by the Dean. Please view the GW Interim Policy for International Travel for more information on high-risk international travel. CCAS personnel who plan to travel to high-risk destinations must submit their requests to CCAS Global before conducting travel.

International Travel Generally

This guidance applies to GW-related or GW-supported travel only. For purposes of this policy, international travel is GW-related when:

the travel is undertaken because an individual is acting in an academic or professional capacity relevant to the person’s areas of responsibility, activities (including co-curricular and extracurricular ones), course of research, teaching, or study at GW, or
the travel is undertaken with or organized by any GW organization, division, department, or office, even if not for an academic or professional purpose, and/or
the travel is funded to any degree by the university.

International travel under this policy does not include personal travel or travel by GW community members returning to their home country, even if some university-related activities might be carried out while there.

International Travel Registration

Before departing, all Undergraduate students, Graduate students and Faculty and Staff members are required to register GW-related or GW-supported international travel through the University’s International Travel Registration Portal, via GW Passport system (listed below). Travel registration provides the University with the information it needs to locate travelers and provide information or assistance in the event of a crisis or emergency. Available services may include emergency medical support, translation services, embassy information, repatriation and security, natural disaster and medical evacuation.

While we have exited the emergency phase of the pandemic, it is anticipated that international travel will remain unpredictable in the near term. Travelers are cautioned to understand the risks and local conditions, carefully plan for contingencies, and exercise caution while in transit and once they arrive at their destination. Determinations of travel approval under this policy will continue to be made by the relevant dean or vice president and will be recorded through the GW Passport online international travel registration database maintained by the Office of International Programs. When Undergraduate students are proposing to travel or Faculty/Staff are proposing travel with Undergraduate students to high-risk destinations, GW’s International Travel Risk Management Committee will review such proposals following the relevant Dean or Vice President’s initial approval. Additional details pertaining to this process are available in the “Requests for Approval” and “Required Procedure After Dean’s Approval” sections below. Vice Presidents or deans may also recommend exceptions (i.e., international travel that does not meet the criteria below) by requesting concurrent review by the International Travel Risk Management Committee to determine whether the travel can proceed with the University’s approval (“Exceptions Process”).

All travelers must be up-to-date with their COVID-19 vaccination or have an approved GW vaccination exemption to be considered for travel. Individuals with approved GW vaccination exemptions should consult with a physician in advance of planning international travel. Travelers with vaccination exemptions may face additional travel restrictions when out of the country and should investigate rules in place for the countries they visit.

If you have any questions about international travel, please contact Ms. Taoran Sun, Executive Director of Global Initiatives, at tsun@gwu.edu or the CCAS Global office at ccasglobal@gwu.edu. Questions about the interim policy as established for university-wide guidance can be directed to the Office of International Programs, via oip@gwu.edu. Thank you for your continued cooperation and understanding as we work together to promote the health and safety of our community.

For reference, below is the U.S. Department of State's Travel Advisory Levels.

Level 1	Exercise Normal Precautions
Level 2	Exercise Increased Caution
Level 3	Reconsider Travel
Level 4	Do Not Travel

**The following locations are restricted by GeoBlue Insurance therefore prior approval must be obtained from CCAS and the University Office(s).

Afghanistan
Burundi
Central African Republic
Chad
Democratic Republic of Congo
Ethiopia (Tigray Region only)
Haiti
Iran
Iraq
Lebanon
Libya
Mali
Myanmar
Niger
Nigeria (Borno, Yobe, Bauchi, Gombe, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Zamfara, and Northern Adamawa States only)
North Korea
Pakistan
Palestinian Territories (Gaza only)
Republic of South Sudan
Somalia
Syria
Yemen

Important Things to Consider Before International Travel

Any international travel by faculty and staff undertaken in connection with their GW responsibilities fall within the scope of this policy, regardless of funding source.
Additional costs that may occur as a result of preventative quarantines, travel restrictions and the like are the responsibility of the traveler. Please familiarize yourself with the Acknowledgement of Travel Responsibilities and Limitations of Support.
University assistance in the form of health, security, and legal support is not extended for unapproved trips by GW faculty, staff, or students.
For GW travelers returning to their “home” country or country of citizenship, please be aware that travel is not prohibited, but the traveler may not have access to GeoBlue or U.S. Department of State services.
Any CCAS travel approvals would be contingent on updates to the university policy and changing conditions worldwide. The Office for Study Abroad, the Office of International Programs, and the Office of CCAS Global will remain in communication with any travel organizers regarding updates to GW policy and next steps for proposed travel.

How to Request for High-Risk International Travel