As the holidays approach, we want to share our warm greetings and appreciation to all of you this past year. As the world continues to face challenges brought on by the pandemic, we appreciate your continued enthusiasm for global engagement and support of international students and scholars on our campus.
Today we would like to share resources for international travel. Due to the emergence of the Omicron variant, changes to testing and entry restrictions are occurring quickly and often with little notice. Below you'll find resources to assist you should you travel internationally this winter.
We are also pleased to open our Hotty Toddy Host application for the spring semester. Hotty Toddy Hosts are UM community members paired with international students or scholars in order to connect the international community with the LOU community on a deeper level. We hope you consider joining the program.
Thank you for your support of our efforts and as always please contact us with any questions.
Blair McElroy
Senior International Officer
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International Travel
If you are planning to travel outside of the United States during the winter break, please make sure to keep abreast of the most up to date travel requirements for your destination and for your return to the United States.
Applicable Guidance
*NEW AS OF DECEMBER 2, 2021* President Biden announced today as part of his COVID-19 Winter Action Plan that the United States will tighten pre-departure testing protocols by requiring all inbound international travelers to test within one day of departure globally, regardless of nationality or vaccination status. We await the effective dates of this requirement, but we recommend, as always, that you investigate testing requirements for your dates of travel, and also identify clinics and turnaround times that meet this requirement in destination countries if you travel internationally.
Testing Requirement to Board a Flight to the United States
Remember that all travelers, regardless of citizenship, must present a negative viral test result (or proof of recovery from COVID-19) before boarding a flight to the United States. This requirement, including the time periods, could change with little notice (see above!). Please consult the CDC and your airline for the most up to date testing requirements.
Vaccination Requirement for Non-US-Citizens to enter the United States by Air
Traveling outside the US over the winter break? Non-US-Citizens need to show proof of being fully vaccinated with an accepted vaccine to enter the United States, unless they fall under one of the very limited exceptions. Recovery from a previous COVID-19 infection or quarantine after arrival DOES NOT replace this requirement.
Travelers Prohibited from Entry into the United States
With the emergence of the Omicron variant, entry into the United States has been suspended for some travelers as of November 29, 2021.
Booster Shots Recommended before International Travel
The Office of Global Engagement recommends getting a booster shot prior to international travel, when eligible. Travelers should not rely on being able to get booster shots abroad as this is far from certain in most cases. Vaccination, and a booster shot depending on the timing, has become a requirement in Italy and France for a valid health pass, which is needed to enter restaurants, cafes, and museums, and other public venues. Other countries are likely to follow suit; the European Union has proposed that all vaccine certificates, including the CDC or other similar vaccination document from the United States, have a maximum validity of 270 days for a fully vaccinated individual, from the date of their last dose.
Resources
The CDC has a helpful interactive travel assessment resource to find out what is needed to board a flight to the United States. Requirements vary by citizenship, age, and possible exceptions, and the travel assessment tool is helpful for your specific situation!
There is also a helpful flowchart (subject to change as requirements change) from the CDC on how and if you can enter the United States.
If you are traveling internationally, we encourage you to contact the Office of Global Engagement at global@olemiss.edu for resources and guidance on your travels. OGE also keeps a travel page updated as information becomes available.
Please note that travel requirements may change quickly and with little notice, so always consult the CDC, local embassy resources, the US Department of State, and your airline for the most up-to-date information.
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Hotty Toddy Hosts
We are delighted to open the application for Spring 2022 Hotty Toddy Hosts! The Hotty Toddy Host program partners international students and scholars with members of the LOU community. Hosts serve as a community connection for one or more international students and scholars. Hosts are encouraged to invite their partners for meals, cultural activities, sporting events, family activities, or engage in any other shared interests.
Activities and commitments at this time are dependent on the host's and the student or scholar's comfort level with in-person activities. We encourage you to apply, but if you would like to express your interest for a future term, please submit an application and note your interest for a future semester.
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Last Flight Out- UM's stellar Arabic Flagship students, who started their Arabic classes online this fall, have been waiting patiently to travel to Morocco to begin their Capstone Year in Meknes, Morocco. They were finally approved to travel on November 29... the day Morocco announced that all inbound flights were suspended. Undeterred, our students were on the last plane from JFK to Casablanca and have started their Capstone Year in person!
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