If you have international travel plans over the summer, please make sure you have all of your documents and they are valid for travel (F-1 /J-1 student travel, or J-1 scholar travel).
This includes making sure you have a valid travel signature on the second page of your I-20 or the first page of your DS-2019. Travel signatures are valid for one year and good for multiple entries. Since November 2021, we have been able to sign and send I-20s electronically. Thanks to an announcement in March 2023 from the Department of State, we will now be able to sign and send DS-2019s electronically as well starting on Friday, April 28th. So, whether you are in F-1 or J-1 status (student & scholar), if you need a travel signature, please contact your designated OISS adviser and they will electronically send you a new I-20 or DS-2019 with a travel signature.
Below are some additional precautions you should take before traveling this summer:
- Review the email from the Office of International Affairs that was sent on May 3rd with travel planning resources.
- Register your travel with Yale. In the event of a major emergency, Yale will be able to contact you.
- In an emergency, contact International SOS travel assistance. All members of the Yale community are automatically enrolled with International SOS (ISOS), which provides pre-travel consultations and 24/7/365 domestic and international emergency medical, security and travel assistance for Yale travelers and accompanying family while more than 100 miles from home.
- Check your medical insurance. Check with your medical insurance provider before you travel to verify coverage of routine medical needs and coverage limitations while you are outside the U.S. For students enrolled in Yale Health Basic and Hospitalization/Specialty Coverage, your Yale Health insurance coverage is good worldwide in the event of a health emergency.
- Read the International Travel Toolkit for other recommendations and tips for safe and healthy travel this summer.
