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Cornell University

International Travel Pre-Departure Checklist for Cornell Students

This checklist supports your preparation for Cornell-related international travel. Students must complete both this checklist AND the mandatory online pre-departure course. While you are responsible for meeting all requirements in a timely manner, this guide will help ensure thorough preparation.

⚠️ Important: Start your preparation 12 weeks before departure to allow adequate time for approvals, especially for elevated-risk destinations. Cornell travel to elevated or war-/conflict-risk destinations is restricted, and where permissible, requires additional precautions and preparations. Accordingly, it is recommended that you consult with IHSS, RMI, and Export Controls as early as possible in your travel planning to obtain any necessary clearances. If, after review, it is determined that the travel would be imprudent based on the particular facts and circumstances, the University may withhold sponsorship of the proposed travel.

✅ STEP 1: Research Your Destination and Requirements

Timeline: 10-12 weeks before departure

Travel Documents 

  • Research and obtain required travel documents
    • Passport: Apply/renew with plenty of validity remaining
    • Visa/permits: Research requirements and apply early
    • For insurance certificates: Forward your trip registration receipt to global@gallagherstudent.com and risk_mgmt@cornell.edu with your legal name, travel dates, destinations, and needed-by date

Safety 

Cultural & Practical

  • Learn about local customs, laws, and cultural norms
  • Identify safe accommodations and transportation
  • Pack appropriately for climate and cultural expectations
  • Download useful apps (translation, transportation, etc.)

Cornell Policies and Approvals

Additional Approvals May Be Needed 

✅ STEP 2: Understand Insurance Coverage

Timeline: 6-12 weeks before departure

Cornell-Provided Emergency Coverage

Personal Health Insurance Coverage

  • Cornell's emergency coverage is limited. Ensure you have personal coverage for:
    • International treatment
    • Routine and preventative care (e.g., wellness visits, physical exams, gynecological care)
    • Non-emergency medical expenses
    • Mental health and substance abuse treatment
  • If you have pre-existing conditions:
    • Research treatment availability at your destination
  • Understand pre-payment requirements and out-of-pocket costs

Special Considerations

  • International students traveling home: Consult RMI about Cornell-provided coverage limitations
  • Travel to certain war-/conflict-risk countries (e.g., Israel, Haiti, Cuba, Ukraine, Russia) may have reduced or no insurance coverage, even with a premium surcharge per traveler (if travel is approved)
  • Purchase supplemental insurance if needed 

✅ STEP 3: Register Your Travel

Timeline: 4-6 weeks before departure (elevated-risk); recommend 30-days minimum (standard destinations)

Required for All Destinations

For Elevated-Risk Destinations

Cornell travel to elevated risk destinations requires additional precautions, preparation, and approvals. 

  • Submit ITART petition 4-6 weeks before departure. The Travel Registry will prompt you to complete an ITART petition.
  • Provide all required supporting documentation
  • Consult with IHSS, RMI, and IRB, and Export Controls as recommended

For War-/Conflict-Risk Destinations

If you are traveling to a war-/conflict-risk destination (as noted in the “Petition or Special Approvals Required” column of the elevated risk destination list), the university’s insurer requires additional reviews, and if travel can be supported, there will be additional premium surcharges. 

  • Submit additional information 45+ days before travel
  • Visit the Risk Management website for additional information on travel to restricted countries. 

Additional Requirements

  • Complete Export Controls questionnaire if prompted when completing the Travel Registry
    • Early consultation with the Export Controls office can facilitate compliance and smooth travel
  • Register with U.S. STEP Program (if you hold a U.S. passport)

✅ STEP 4: Complete Mandatory Training

Timeline: 4-6 weeks before departure 

✅ STEP 5: Complete Health Requirements and Medical Preparations

Timeline: 4-10 weeks before departure (some vaccinations require multiple doses over several weeks)

Health Consultation

  • Schedule travel health consultation with Cornell Health Travel Services or your physician
    • Bring your travel itinerary, accommodation details, and planned activities to your appointment

Documentation

  • Complete Health Self-Assessment for International Travel
  • Obtain any additional health clearances required by your program or destination country

Vaccinations & Medications

  • Get required and recommended vaccinations for your destination
  • Obtain prescription medications and preventive treatments
  • Request extra prescription medications in case of travel delays
  • Get vaccination records/certificates if required for entry

Additional Considerations

  • Consult your doctor about managing pre-existing conditions abroad
  • Research medication availability and legality in your destination country

✅ STEP 7: Communication and Technology

Timeline: 4-6 weeks before departure

✅ STEP 8: Vehicle Use (Graduate Students Only)

Timeline: 30+ days before departure

Note: Undergraduates may NOT drive abroad on Cornell trips

Requirements for Graduate Students

  • Request pre-approval from RMI 30+ days in advance
  • Meet driver requirements: Age 25+, 1+ year experience
  • Complete Cornell defensive driving course
  • Pass Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) check
  • Verify driving is essential to trip (personal use not covered)
    • Students may not drive commercial vehicles (e.g., trucks, mopeds, motorcycles)
  • For more information: See the Office of Risk Management and Insurance, Driving Abroad

✅ STEP 9: Final Preparations

Timeline: 1-2 weeks before departure

  • Plan first check-in schedule with family/supervisor
  • Share complete itinerary with emergency contacts
  • Review all Cornell travel resources
  • Schedule IHSS consultation if traveling to elevated-risk areas (or anytime you have questions)
  • Inform banks and credit card companies of travel dates and locations
  • Carry multiple payment methods (cards, cash); have an emergency fund access plan
  • Travel with Digital & Physical Copies:
    • Passport and visa(s)
    • Flight itinerary
    • Program/admission letters
    • Vaccination records (including COVID-19, if required)
    • Emergency contact information

📞 Need Help?

Questions or Assistance