Travel

Recommendations for
Students Traveling

Traveling to conduct research or present at conferences can be an important part of your graduate school experience. To better ensure your safety, the Graduate Division would like you to be aware of a number of precautions you should consider and preparations you should make before you travel. We strongly recommend that you review the following list of useful URLs and information they provide before you travel.  Many of the links are pertinent only for students traveling internationally, but even students traveling within the U.S. may find them helpful.

Students should sign up for the FREE UC travel insurance. Click here for more information.

We also recommend that you contact your department’s Faculty Graduate Advisor, Graduate Program Assistant, and the Office of International Students and Scholars (international students only) to alert them of your travel plans.

Travel Information Provided
by the US Government

• International Student ID Card (ISIC)
• U.S. Department of State on International Travel
• Dept. of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)
• Center for Disease Control and Prevention Travelers’ Health
• International Association for Medical Assistance to Travelers

• General Travel Information and Consular Information Sheets 
• Passport Information 
• U.S. Embassies and Consulates 
• Fly America Regulations
• U.S. State Department Travel Alerts and Warnings

Medical Health and Safety Related

• ASPE Medical Benefits Administration
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• The International Traveler’s Website at the CDC
• International Association for Medical Assistance for Travelers
• Help for U.S. Citizen Victims of Crime Overseas

Export Control and Travel to Sanctioned Countries
 

The Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) administers a number of different sanction and embargo programs. The sanction programs can be either comprehensive or selective, using the blocking of assets and trade restrictions to accomplish foreign policy and national security objectives.

OFAC administered sanctions not only cover the export of goods, they also cover the export of services and travel. For example, distance learning services may not be provided or available. The countries covered under these sanctions are Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Russia, Syria, certain regions of Ukraine, and Venezuela.. Any activities with one of these countries will likely require a license (including travel). A license application from OFAC can take 3-12 months or longer for processing by the federal government, and approval is not guaranteed..

If you are planning to travel to China, Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Russia, Syria, Ukraine, or Venezuela please contact the Export Control Officer at exportcontrol@research.ucsb.edu to discuss your plans immediately. The Export Control Officer must approve Leave of Absence and In Absentia petitions involving the countries listed above.