Traveling outside the U.S. this summer? What you need to know.
Dear students,
The information below (with complete details in the FAQ) will help you travel smart, stay safe, and make the most of wherever your summer takes you.
Register your travel. All MIT-related international travel by students must be registered in the MIT Travel Registry.
Know your destination’s risk level. MIT-related travel to high-risk destinations requires a high-risk travel waiver.
Take advantage of MISTI’s health and safety training. These trainings are open to ALL MIT students — not just those on a MISTI program. Students can sign up here.
Paid MIT work outside of the U.S. generally cannot exceed 29 consecutive days. Limited exceptions are available on a case-by-case basis; review these guidelines for more information.
UROPing abroad this summer? Visit the UROP website for details on conducting a UROP outside the U.S., or email urop@mit.edu with questions.
For international students. Seriously consider postponing international travel and/or travel outside of the continental U.S. If you want to rethink your summer plans, CAPD can help. For specific questions, contact your ISO Advisor.
A few hours of preparation before you leave can make an enormous difference. Please take the time to review what applies to your situation and reach out to the offices listed with any questions.
Sincerely,
Dave
David L. Darmofal
Vice Chancellor for Graduate and Undergraduate Education
Jerome B. Wiesner Professor
Interim Faculty Director, Undergraduate Advising Center
FAQ
When must I register my travel?
All MIT-related international travel by students must be registered in the MIT Travel Registry. Students traveling through MISTI, PKG, D-Lab, and most Sloan programs will be registered by those programs. (If you’re unsure if your program has registered your travel, check with the program staff.) Registering personal or domestic travel is optional but encouraged.
Is my destination high-risk?
Check MIT’s list of high-risk destinations before you book your trip. MIT-related travel to high-risk destinations requires a high-risk travel waiver.
What are some useful resources to consult before I go?
MISTI health and safety training. Open to all MIT students — not just those on a MISTI program. Available as a Canvas course with location-specific sessions. Sign up here.
Global Support Resources — travel policy, device security, health insurance coverage, and more.
Field Safety website and Field Research Plan (Environmental Health and Safety).
International travel and law enforcement — what to know about searches and interviews when entering or leaving the U.S. (Office of the General Counsel).
Printable pocket reference cards from the Office of the General Counsel: one for U.S. citizens and permanent residents, one for all others.
MIT's travel health clinic for the necessary vaccinations and health advice for your destination. (Spots fill up fast, so plan ahead!)
How do I get paid MIT work while abroad this summer?
MIT expects enrolled students to carry out U.S.-based employment from inside the U.S. Exceptions apply for roles requiring remote work or field research, students on approved leave, or absences of fewer than 30 days.
Paid MIT work outside of the U.S. generally cannot exceed 29 consecutive days. If you face circumstances that require you to remain abroad for more than 30 days, limited flexibility is available on a case-by-case basis.
Please review these guidelines, and contact the MIT program or office providing payment to discuss your situation.
I’m an international student considering travel. What do I need to do and know?
Seriously consider postponing international travel and/or travel outside of the continental U.S., whether personal, academic, or professional, if you are a student on a temporary visa or a U.S. permanent resident (green card holders). Students who do not have valid U.S. entry visas to return to the U.S., and would therefore need to apply for/obtain new entry visas at the U.S. Embassy/Consulate while abroad, face greater risks and are recommended not to travel outside the U.S. at this time. If you want to rethink your summer plans, CAPD can help.
Update your residential address in MITSIS if you travel abroad this summer.
If your work abroad is with an organization other than MIT, contact MIT's International Students Office (ISO) in advance to determine whether employment authorization is required.
Additional travel resources and guidance is available on the ISO “Visas and Travel” webpage. ISO will continue to monitor policy developments and provide immigration updates. Students with questions or concerns should contact their ISO Advisor.