Travel Reminders
As we head towards the winter break, we understand that many scholars may wish to travel internationally. Please keep in mind that as the pandemic evolves, travel restrictions continue to change rapidly, and often without much advance notice. It's possible that restrictions or policies could change while you are traveling.
If you do decide to travel, please ensure that you have the proper documentation.
Review the travel information page for specifics depending on your immigration status, and keep in mind the following:
- There may be delays in obtaining a visa due to reduced services at US Embassies and Consulates abroad. If you need to obtain a new visa before returning to the US, please continue to review the website of the US consulate or embassy you intend to apply for your US visa for information about their services.
- All air passengers arriving to the US from a foreign country must be fully vaccinated. Only vaccines approved or authorized by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or listed for emergency use by the World Health Organization (WHO) will be accepted. There are limited exceptions to the vaccination requirement. Travelers eligible for exceptions to the vaccine requirement may be subject to stricter protocols. For further details and information, visit the CDC website.
- All travelers entering the US require a negative COVID-19 test. Air passengers are required to provide written documentation of their lab result to the airline or documentation of having recovered from COVID-19. More details can be found on the CDC website.
- President Biden issued a Presidential Proclamation of November 26, 2021 that prevents noncitizens of the US (including E-3, J-1, H-1B, O-1, and TN scholars and their dependents) who were physically present within any of the following countries during the 14-day period preceding their entry or attempted entry into the United States from entering the United States: Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Zimbabwe. Please review the Proclamation for exceptions (Section 2) and further details.
J-1 visa holders need a valid travel signature to re-enter the US. If you do not have a travel signature on your DS-2019, or it will expire before you return to the US, email
ogs.scholars@nyu.edu to request a signature.
H-1B and O-1 visa holders require their original approval notice, form I-797 to re-enter the US, even if you have a valid visa stamp in your passport.
E-3 and TN visa holders require original documentation to re-enter the US, which may include the original approval notice, form I-797 or original offer letter/reappointment letter and original letter of support.
If you do find yourself “stuck” outside of the US, you may face difficulties related to payroll or your appointment/employment status, which can then impact your eligibility for visa sponsorship. We would strongly encourage you to discuss travel plans with Human Resources and/or your NYU academic department.