Indiana University prioritizes the safety and security of its students above all else, especially when it comes to international travel. To uphold this commitment, the university diligently monitors global events and information that could impact student safety. This policy statement outlines Indiana University’s approach to travel warnings, primarily relying on resources from the U.S. Department of State (DoS) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Indiana University’s Travel Policy Framework
Indiana University’s travel policies are structured around the Travel Advisories issued by the U.S. Department of State and Travel Health Notices from the CDC. These guidelines are designed to ensure that university-sponsored travel programs and individual student travel adhere to safety standards.
Key Guidelines for IU Students:
Indiana University’s policy differentiates between university-sponsored programs and individual student travel. Here’s a breakdown of the guidelines:
University-Sponsored or Organized Instructional Programs
This category includes faculty-led programs, sponsored coursework, and other organized academic travel for both undergraduate and graduate students.
- Level 3 and 4 Travel Advisories: Indiana University prohibits travel to countries or regions under a U.S. Department of State Level 3 or Level 4 Travel Advisory. Specifically, travel is not permitted to countries with a Level 4 advisory or any region within a country designated as “do not travel” (Level 4). No exemptions are considered for Level 4 advisories.
- Level 3 Travel Advisory Exemptions: For countries or regions with a Level 3 Advisory, program-based exemptions may be granted under “special circumstances.” These exemptions are reviewed by the Safety and Responsibility Committee of the Overseas Study Advisory Council (OSAC). Detailed information on exemption requests can be found at: https://overseas.iu.edu/policies/safety-responsibility/ta-exemptions.html. Exemption requests must be submitted at least two months before the intended departure date.
- CDC Level 3 Travel Health Notices: Travel to destinations experiencing severe infectious disease outbreaks may be restricted. The Office for Overseas Study (OVST) consults with the Office of the Chief Health Officer (OCHO) for programs traveling to locations with a CDC Level 3 Travel Health Notice.
- Waiver Requirement for Level 3 Travel: Both undergraduate and graduate students participating in programs granted a Level 3 exemption must sign a waiver. Waivers should be submitted to the department administering the program.
Individual Student Travel
These guidelines apply to individual undergraduate and graduate/professional students using Indiana University funding for research, study, or other university-related activities.
- Level 4 Travel Advisory Funding Prohibition: Indiana University does not provide funding for student travel to countries or regions under a U.S. Department of State Level 4 Travel Advisory (“do not travel”).
- Level 3 Travel Advisory Waiver: Students traveling to Level 3 locations must sign a waiver, submitted to their department head for their student file.
- CDC Level 3 Travel Health Notices: Similar to university-sponsored programs, individual student travel to countries with serious infectious disease outbreaks may be restricted. OVST will consult with OCHO regarding travel to destinations with a CDC Level 3 Travel Health Notice.
Quick Guide to Travel Warnings and Student Travel Rules
For a clearer understanding, this table summarizes the rules based on advisory levels:
| Advisory Level | IU Administered, Unit-Based and Co-sponsored Overseas Study programs | Non-IU Overseas Study Programs (typically undergraduate student) | Individual Student Travel (typically graduate student) |
|---|---|---|---|
| DoS 1: Exercise Normal Precaution | Travel supported subject to normal safety/security preparations | Travel supported | IU funds may be used |
| DoS 2: Exercise Increased Caution | Travel supported subject to safety/security preparations | Travel supported | IU funds may be used |
| DoS 3: Reconsider Travel (and/or CDC Level 3 Notice) | Travel not supported, unless an OSAC exemption is obtained | Travel not supported | IU funds may be used, but student must sign waiver |
| Dos 4: Do not Travel | Travel not supported, no exemption available | Travel not supported | No IU funds may be used, no exemption available |
NOTE: For specific requirements regarding student travel to Cuba, please refer to: Cuba Travel Policy
Accessing Travel Warnings Information
It is crucial for sponsoring units (departments, centers, institutes, or schools) at Indiana University to enforce this policy. Up-to-date travel warning information is readily available from these official sources:
- U.S. Department of State Travel Advisories: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html/
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/
Units regularly sending graduate students abroad can also subscribe to automatic email updates from the U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory system by registering at: https://step.state.gov/
Providing Contact Information While Overseas
For all university-sponsored or funded travel, Indiana University strongly advises graduate/professional students to share their detailed travel itinerary and contact information in their destination country with their sponsoring IU unit. This includes addresses, phone numbers, email addresses, and emergency contacts within the host country or institution. This information is vital for emergency communication, both for family matters in the U.S. and for events in the destination country.
Additionally, students are encouraged to register with the U.S. Embassy upon arrival in their destination country via the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP): https://step.state.gov/. Embassy registration is particularly important for travel to Level 3 advisory countries. In unforeseen safety situations, the U.S. Embassy relies on up-to-date contact information to disseminate safety alerts, evacuation instructions, or updated travel warnings.
By adhering to these guidelines and staying informed about travel warnings, Indiana University aims to create a safe and enriching international experience for all its students.
