Visas, Immigration & Other Travel Regulations
Many countries require an entry visa depending on your nationality and the purpose and duration of your travel (e.g., work, study, conference attendance, tourist, etc.). In the early stages of an abroad program or project, CCU’S Department of International Affairs & Global Strategies should validate the appropriate immigration entry route into the host country based on the nature of the intended on the ground activity. Be sure to provide the Department of International Affairs & Global Strategies with the five immigration factors below.
1. Location
2. Trip purpose
3. Length of time intended in host location(s)
4. Multiple entries needed
5. Citizenship(s) of travelers
Department of International Affairs & Global Strategies will assist faculty and administrators to obtain the approvals, clearances, work permits, visas, and other documentation that may be required to permit them to perform the services contemplated by their assignment. Faculty and administrators are responsible for providing the required information and completed forms as soon as possible as obtaining approvals can be a very lengthy process (three months). Faculty and administrators cannot relocate to their host countries and begin global assignments until the proper immigration approvals, clearances and documentation have been obtained.
Traveling to Sanctioned Countries
The US government and other countries in which CCU has missionary programs may maintain sanctions against a number of countries (currently, the strictest US sanctions are against Iran, Syria, Sudan, Cuba, and North Korea). See US Sanctions and Export Controls for more information.
Health Insurance and Travel Insurance
Information on travel insurance, including temporary health insurance, coverage for students, faculty and staff is available through the Department of International Affairs & Global Strategies. Insurance benefits (e.g. health and dental) may differ when traveling.
Technology
Traveling abroad requires particular attention to safety, security, and compliance considerations for your computer and all other electronic devices and for the data on those devices.
Student Travel
Leading Student Trips Abroad
In some cases, faculties have handbooks that contain instructions for the planning and implementation of these trips, including relevant policies. Please contact your Dean’s office for your school’s policies or handbook.
Obtaining Student Travel Releases
All students traveling abroad on CCU organized activities or for research related to CCU should sign a travel release.
Student Immigration
All students who are participating in CCU related student travel, should have their intended visa and/or entry requirements validated by the Department of International Affairs & Global Strategies to ensure appropriate immigration status.
Risks and Releases
Travel Releases
All students traveling abroad on CCU organized activities or for missionary work related to CCU should sign a travel release. Anyone traveling to any of the following high risk countries is required to sign a travel release prior to departure. This also is true if someone is engaging in high risk activities.
