GET READY FOR DEPARTURE

Regulatory Requirements to Know
  • Fly America Requirements: Except under specific circumstances, U.S. flag air carriers must be used to transport personnel and property when the costs of transportation are charged to federal grants, contracts, or cooperative agreements. This requirement applies to transportation to, from, between, or within a country other than the U.S., when U.S. carriers are available without regard to cost or convenience. Specific exceptions and definitions are available at U.S. General Services Administration's Fly America Act website and in the Research Foundation Travel Handbook.
  • European Union Commission Entry/Exit System (EES): The EU Commission has confirmed that the new Entry/Exit System (EES) will commence operations on November 10, 2024. EES will remove physical passport stamping for short stay visa and visa exempt travelers into the 29 European countries that are participating in the system. Read more on the European Union website.
  • United Kingdom Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA): The UK has just announced that it is expanding its digital travel system to include travelers from various nations who were previously exempt from visa requirements. From November 27, 2024, citizens from countries like the United States, Canada, Australia, and other non-European visa exempt countries will need to apply for an ETA before entering the UK. This requirement will gradually extend to all visitors who do not require a visa for short stays, including visitors from Europe. Apply for an electronic travel authorization on the gov.uk website
  • European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS): Starting in mid-2025, travel authorizations will be required to enter most European countries. View the most up-to-date information (including specifics on the exact launch date, accessing the online application, etc.) from the EU's official website.

Outbound travel insurance is strongly encouraged for individuals traveling abroad on University related business. SUNY provides international travel and health benefits for faculty, staff and students who are approved to travel. The RF provides coverage as well. Please see resources below for more information:

ERM strongly recommends enrolling in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive important information from the Embassy about safety conditions at your travel destination, and to help the Embassy contact you in an emergency (natural disaster, civil unrest, etc.). This can be done on the STEP website.

In the case of an emergency the University needs to know who to contact on your behalf. Add or edit your Emergency Contact in SOLAR

Prior to your departure, faculty/staff will receive a Pre-Travel Safety Briefing via email. This contains essential information on what to know about your specific destination before traveling to assist with minimizing risks and contribute to a productive and safe experience. 

Accessibility Abroad
LGBTQI+ Resources
Race, Religion and Ethnicity Minority Travelers
Women Travelers

At this time, the CDC provides a set of recommendations regarding vaccines and immunizations. For additional information, please visit the CDC Travelers Health webpage.

TimelyCare Services Abroad (students only)
TalkNow is a service available in most countries outside of the United States. Students can connect with either a US-based phone number or VPN while abroad. If they have any issues connecting, they can call the support line at 833-4-TIMELY, and they could have a TalkNow provider call them directly.