Current Travel Guidance

Guidance on Measles During the Summer Travel Season

As the summer travel season begins, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is issued an official Health Advisory on June 21, 2023 and provided guidance for people planning international travel. Measles (rubeola) is extremely contagious; one person infected by measles can infect 9 out of 10 of their unvaccinated close contacts. As of June 8, 2023, CDC has been notified of 16 confirmed U.S. cases of measles across 11 jurisdictions, with 14 (88%) linked to international travel. To prevent measles infection and spread from importation, CDC recommends for all international travelers to be up to date on their MMR vaccinations, especially prior to international travel regardless of the destination. Other recommendations include:

• Plan to be fully vaccinated (two doses) at least 2 weeks before you depart.
• After international travel, watch for signs and symptoms of measles for 3 weeks after you return to the United States. If you or your child gets sick with a rash and a high fever, call your doctor. Tell them you traveled abroad and whether you or your child have received MMR vaccine.
• Before your next trip, check your destination and CDC’s Global Measles Travel Health Notice for more travel health advice, including where measles outbreaks have been reported.

Proof of Vaccination

As of May 12, 2023, noncitizen nonimmigrant air passengers no longer need to show proof of being fully vaccinated with an accepted COVID-19 vaccine to board a flight to the United States.

For additional details, refer to the Center for Disease Control (CDC)'s proclamation on safe resumption of global travel. 

Visa Appointment Availability & Visa Interview Waivers

Unless you are a Canadian citizen, you must have a valid visa to enter the U.S. While U.S. visa processing has improved significantly, you should should still apply well in advance, as some U.S. Embassy and Consulates have not still resumed normal operations. This is causing delays in visa processing in certain parts of the world.

The Department of State announced that U.S. embassy or consulates can waive the visa interview requirement for those who are applying for a nonimmigrant visa in the same classification and whose visa has expired within 48 months. This policy is in effect until 12/31/2023.

Chinese Institutions and Funding 

Presidential Proclamation 10043 (May 29, 2020) may affect visa issuance and/or entry to the United States for an individual from the People's Republic of China (PRC) seeking to enter the United Stateson a F or J visa . Proc 10043 may be applicable to an individual who “…receives funding from or who currently is employed by, studies at, or conducts research at or on behalf of… an entity in the PRC that implements or supports the PRC’s 'military-civil fusion strategy” or in the past “has been employed by, studied at, or conducted research at or on behalf of… an entity in the PRC that implements or supports the PRC’s 'military-civil fusion strategy.'” Please contact your OISS adviser if you have questions. You can read more about Proc10043 here.

Visa and Travel Considerations for Ukrainian Students and Scholars

Details about non-immigrant visa issuances for citizens of Ukraine, as well as other resources.

U.S. Consular Operations in Russia and Belarus

Details about F and J Visa Processing for Residents in Russia