International Travel Guidance

Content

We are sharing this message to provide important guidance for employees who are planning international travel. While international travel can be a common part of both personal and professional life, it can involve added risks and complexities — particularly in the current immigration and enforcement climate.

In anticipation of any planned international travel, please take time to review the guidance below. This information is intended to help you stay informed, prepared, and in compliance with university policies and federal regulations.

Carefully Consider Travel Plans

Given the shifting landscape around immigration enforcement and global travel policies, we encourage staff to evaluate the necessity of any non-essential international travel. Consider your personal situation, responsibilities while abroad, and any added risks that may arise before making final plans.

Follow University Travel Policies

All university-related international travel must be pre-approved and registered in accordance with the University’s Travel Policy and Business and Travel Expense Policy. This includes travel that involves university-owned devices or accessing university systems and data while abroad—even during personal travel.

Additional permissions may be required for travel to high-risk destinations or when traveling with research equipment, materials, or sensitive data. Staff should consult the Office of Global Affairs (andreadrake [at] umass [dot] edu (subject: ) (andreadrake[at]umass[dot]edu)) or the Office of Research Compliance (rescomp [at] umass [dot] edu (subject: ) (rescomp[at]umass[dot]edu)) if applicable.

Take Precautions with University-Owned Devices and Data

University protocols for protecting data and equipment apply during both business and personal travel. If you are traveling with university-owned devices or accessing university systems, please ensure you follow the university’s IT Security Travel Guidance.

Be Prepared for U.S. Border Screening

In general, all people arriving in the U.S. have basic rights at the ports of entry. However, all international travelers, including U.S. citizens, have diminished First and Fourth Amendment rights before admission into the U.S. All international travelers are subject to inspection by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) when arriving at both air and land ports of entry. CBP will screen travelers to determine whether they are “admissible.” 

• CBP officers may question you about your travel, inspect your personal belongings, and conduct warrantless searches of electronic devices.
• In some cases, they may request access to your social media accounts or copy data from your devices, including sensitive personal or work-related information.
• It is important to know that travelers—including U.S. citizens—have limited constitutional protections (e.g., privacy and due process) during these inspections.
• Refusal to cooperate may result in delays, seizure of devices, and for non-U.S. citizens, denial of entry.

Carry the Proper Documentation

To avoid issues during travel, make sure you have the appropriate identification and documentation with you at all times.

• U.S. citizens should carry a valid U.S. passport for all international travel and any required visas for the destination country.
• All non-U.S. citizens should carry with them documentation that verifies their identity and immigration status at all times during travel and while present in the U.S. Legal permanent residents should carry their Green Card. Non-immigrants or people on temporary statuses should travel with a photo ID, such as a valid passport or state-issued ID, and immigration documents specific to their status. 

If You Hold UMass-Sponsored Visa Status

If you are an employee on UMass-sponsored immigration status, please consult with an immigration advisor in the Office of Global Affairs before your departure. 

This guidance is provided to help you travel safely, protect your information, and comply with applicable policies. The university is committed to supporting our staff, faculty, and students and will continue to share updated information as needed.