Elliott School of International Affairs

ESIA travelers are required to follow the below guidelines in accordance with their traveler category (Undergraduate Students, Graduate Students, Faculty and Staff).

Note 1:  DoS Travel Advisory levels may vary for specific locations/areas within a country. For example, the DoS may advise travelers to “Exercise increased caution” (Level 2) in a country, but to “Reconsider travel” (Level 3) to a particular area within the country. Travelers are subject to the Planning GW Travel guidelines for the particular area(s) they are traveling to.

Note 2:  Travel to GeoBlue/Crisis24 Restricted Locations requires prior review/confirmation to provide Political and Natural Disaster Evacuation services.

Note 3:  Students enrolling in a semester abroad program through the Office for Study Abroad or in a short-term abroad program through their respective College/School do not need to complete this process. These programs have already been reviewed and approved by GW. 

Note 4: High Risk Travel Proposals to DoS Advisory Level 4 destinations are unlikely to be approved.  Students planning to travel to DoS Level 3 and 4 destinations should have a backup travel plan to a DoS Level 1 – 2 destination should travel guidance change.

Undergraduate Students

• Undergraduate students traveling to a US Department of State (DoS) Travel Advisory Level 1 - 2 and/or CDC Travel Health Notice Level 1 - 2 destinations must complete the International Travel Registration 30 days prior to their departure date.

• Undergraduate students traveling to or Faculty/Staff proposing travel with Undergraduate students to DoS Advisory Level 3 - 4 and/or CDC Travel Health Notice Level 3 - 4 destinations must apply for a high-risk travel exception.  Complete the:
  • High Risk Travel Proposal for Individual Travelers a minimum of 30 days prior to your departure date.
  • High Risk Travel Proposal for Groups (3+Travelers) a minimum of 30 days prior to your departure date.

Graduate Students

• Graduate students traveling to US Department of State (DoS) Travel Advisory Level 1 - 3* and/or CDC Travel Health Notice Level 1 - 2 destinations must complete the International Travel Registration 30 days prior to their departure date.
   
• Graduate students traveling to or Faculty/Staff proposing travel with Graduate students to DoS Advisory Level 4* and/or CDC Travel Health Notice Level 3 - 4 destinations must apply for a high-risk travel exception.  Complete the:
  • High Risk Travel Proposal for Individual Travelers a minimum of 30 days prior to your departure date.
  • High Risk Travel Proposal for Groups (3+Travelers) a minimum of 30 days prior to your departure date.

*Graduate student travel to all regions of Ukraine requires a High Risk Travel Proposal.

Faculty and Staff

• Faculty and Staff are expected to complete the International Travel Registration 30 days prior to their departure date. 

*For travel with Undergraduate and/or Graduate Students, see the above sections.

Questions?  Contact [email protected]
Last update: 12/4/24