Preparing for Upcoming International Travel – December 9, 2022

Dear U-M Community Member, 

As the Fall 2022 semester comes to a close, we wish everyone all the best in completing your courses and exams, submitting grades (on time), and wrapping up all other university and academic activities of this eventful and successful semester. We wish for all of you to stay healthy and safe during the break: if you are among those planning to travel internationally during this time, we have specific reminders and guidance that we recommend you take into consideration in your plans.

1. Register your international travel with the U-M: 
   • Travel registration is used to quickly and accurately locate U-M travelers abroad in case of an emergency. 
   • Travel registration is required for faculty, staff, and students on U-M Related Travel and is optional for those traveling for personal reasons.
2. Ensure you are covered by GeoBlue, U-M’s Travel Abroad Health Insurance
   • Students, faculty, and staff traveling internationally for personal reasons can purchase GeoBlue (Leisure Plan) for ~$1.50 a day.
   • Students on international U-M Related Travel are required to have GeoBlue while abroad. For details, see UHS Travel Abroad Health Insurance.
   • Faculty and staff on international U-M Related Travel are automatically covered under the GeoBlue (Business Plan) and can access an insurance card in the Travel Registry. For details, see UHS Travel Abroad Health Insurance.
3. Review the Additional Considerations for International Travel document:
   • Verify entry and exit requirements for travel destination/s and for returning to the U.S. (Requirements may vary for U.S. citizens / permanent residents and non-U.S. citizens).
   • Plan for travel logistics and contingencies.
4. Before leaving campus, stop at one of our Community Sampling and Tracking Program sites for free, fast, and convenient asymptomatic COVID-19 PCR tests, N-95 and KN-95 masks, and rapid antigen tests. You do not need an appointment to pick up free masks or antigen tests.

Staying Healthy While Abroad and Returning to Campus

In addition, please also consider the recommendations below in striving to stay healthy while traveling and upon your return to campus:

• Protect yourself from getting sick from illnesses such as seasonal influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), adenovirus, COVID-19, etc. 
  • Get vaccinated. Be up to date on all vaccinations recommended by the CDC for your specific travel destination. Also see the UHS Flu and Vaccination page.
  • Consider wearing a mask when around others.
  • Assess your risk before attending large gatherings.
  • Maintain healthy habits, including frequent handwashing. 
  • Follow health guidelines of the host destination/s while traveling.
• Protect others when you are sick
  • Stay home when sick and use your GeoBlue Travel Abroad Health Insurance if medical attention is necessary. Anyone who does not feel well or has new symptoms, including a cough, sore throat, nasal congestion, fever, or fatigue, should avoid gatherings and stay home.
  •  Wear a mask if you have had a known exposure or if you are experiencing symptoms and you must go out. Choose an N-95 or other medical grade mask to help limit the spread of respiratory droplets.
  • If you have symptoms for COVID-19, get tested and follow local guidelines.
• Returning to Campus: Travelers should plan to test for COVID-19 before traveling to campus in Winter 2023. Anyone who tests positive should delay their arrival until they have completed their isolation.  

We wish you a safe and healthy journey wherever your travels may take you.

Sincerely,

Valeria Bertacco, Vice Provost for Engaged Learning, Office of the Provost

Dr. Robert Ernst, Chief Health Officer, Associate Vice President for Student Life, Executive Director of University Health Service

Patrick Morgan, Chief International Travel Safety Office, Office of the Provost