berkeley international travel

Study Abroad and International Group Student Travel Protocol

• Regardless of CDC or State Department Advisory Level, all study abroad and international group student travel for Berkeley coursework or credit involving Berkeley faculty, students, or staff (including advance travel for program planning and site evaluations, faculty-led programs, MBA exchanges, etc., both undergraduate and graduate) must complete a 2-step Study Abroad Travel Protocol. This involves approval first at the decanal level and then from Berkeley Study Abroad. In addition, according to  campus guidelines , all international travel to State Department Level 4 (Do Not Travel) destinations for any reasons other than COVID-19, will require approval from the vice provost for academic planning/senior international officer. Berkeley Study Abroad will facilitate the third level of approval if necessary.
• Anyone engaged in planning for university-related study abroad and international group student travel is encouraged to contact Berkeley Study Abroad ( [email protected] ) early in the planning process to maintain a comprehensive and effective program that includes risk assessment and mitigation, emergency preparedness and response, and business recovery. Berkeley Study Abroad will also assist in identifying and navigating local resources to support a strong academic and student experience.
• Travel by UC Berkeley faculty, staff, or students must also comply with local, national and international travel restrictions. Self-quarantine may be required on arrival and return.
• Students considering independent study abroad or planned leave for study abroad should reach out to the Berkeley Study Abroad office for advising ( [email protected] .
• UCEAP programs  authorized to operate are reviewed and approved by  UCOP  and do not require additional approval from the Berkeley Study Abroad office nor the Berkeley campus.
• Students, staff, or faculty considering other types of university-related international travel, including research, international business, executive education, etc. do not require approval from the Berkeley Study Abroad office, but should refer to the campus guidelines and approval processes for International Travel . Any international travel to State Department Level 4 locations for any reasons other than solely COVID-19 is subject to further review.

Faculty, staff or students who wish to travel for university-related study abroad or student group travel, must first request in writing, approval from their dean.

• At least 90 days in advance of departure, submit the respective Dean’s written approval along with the  Travel Safety Evaluation Form  to  [email protected] .
• Berkeley Study Abroad will assess the health and safety risks of the proposed travel for the given location(s) and work with Risk Services, faculty director(s) and program staff to develop safety plans, coordinate resources and minimize risk to participants and the host community.

Step 3 (for State Department Level 4 destinations)

• Per campus guidelines, international travel to countries rated State Department Level 4 (do not travel) for reasons other than COVID-19 will require additional approval from the vice provost for academic planning. Berkeley Study Abroad will facilitate the approval on behalf of the travelers via the campus  International Travel Protocol .

Please contact  [email protected]  with questions regarding travel for study abroad.

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Now that you'll be studying in Berkeley, what's next? Use this checklist to make sure you complete these important steps before you arrive.

Pre-Arrival Checklist

Apply for your certificate of eligibility (f-1 i-20 or j-1 ds-2019).

A few days after you are admitted, you will receive an invitation to your ISS Portal to apply for your visa documents. The deadline is about 1 month before your program begins, but we encourage you to apply as soon as possible! We will ask you to provide your passport, your admission letter, and proof of funding for your tuition and living expenses. For more information, see Visa Information.

Pay the SEVIS I-901 Fee

After you receive your F-1 I-20 or J-1 DS-2019, all new students must pay the SEVIS I-901 fee at least 3 days before their visa appointment or arrival, whichever comes first. Enter the information from your Certificate of Eligibility (F-1 I-20 or J-1 DS-2019) and pay your fee at fmjfee.com . *Students who are transferring their SEVIS record directly from another U.S. school are not required to pay again .

Apply for Your Student Visa

Most students will need a valid student (F-1 or J-1) visa to enter the U.S. Visa applications can take a few weeks to a few months, so book your appointment at your local U.S. Embassy or Consulate as soon as possible. For more information about applying for your student visa, see the Visa Information page and select F-1 or J-1 as applicable.

Research and Finalize Housing Options

UC Berkeley Extension recommends several area housing providers, including private or shared apartments, dormitories and homestays. You are required to make housing arrangements directly with the recommended providers. Please do not send any housing payments to UC Berkeley Extension. We strongly suggest you apply early and arrange housing in advance of your arrival. For more details, visit our housing information page.

Review Student Visa Rules

International students must follow specific regulations while in the U.S. regarding travel, course enrollment, employment, etc. Make sure you read and understand the international student rules and requirements before you arrive. For more information, see the Visa Information page and select F-1 or J-1 as applicable.

Upload Proof of Required Vaccinations and Immunizations

Students must comply with the requirements listed on the UC Berkeley University Health Services page , and must meet all deadlines.

COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement

The University of California requires students who are accessing campus facilities at any UC location to be immunized against SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. You may read the full policy here .

Immunization Requirements

Students are required to have the following immunizations:

• COVID-19 Vaccination
• Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis) : a booster vaccine every 10 years for adults
• MMR (measles, mumps, rubella)
• Varicella (chicken pox)
• Meningococcal Conjugate (MCV4)
• The first step for TB clearance is submitting the TB Screening Questions on the “Medical Clearances” page on eTang . Once you have submitted the TB Screening Questions, you will get a notification if there are additional steps you need to take (such as submitting TB test results, etc).

Please review the Mandatory TB & Immunizations Program website for the steps you need to complete and deadline information.

Upload your immunization records and enter your immunization dates on the "Medical Clearances" page on eTang .

We encourage you to start this process early as you may be required to complete additional steps prior to arrival on campus.

Getting immunizations in your country before you come to Berkeley is best, but you can also arrange a medical appointment for these after you arrive here. Your student medical insurance covers the cost of the above immunizations.

Provide Your Photo for Your Student ID Card

At least one month before your program start date, you will be asked to provide your photo for your Student ID Card. Details vary per program and will be shared via email.

Pay Program Tuition and Fees

Deadlines will vary by program. For most programs, full or partial payment is required about one month before the program start date. Check your invoice and refer to our Paying my Program Fees section for payment options.

Review Course Enrollment Policies and Processes

Course enrollment policies and timing will vary by program. Your Academic Program Adviser will send you course enrollment information via email.

Arriving in Berkeley

When to arrive in berkeley.

Students should plan to arrive in the U.S. before the program start date listed on their F-1 I-20 or J-1 DS-2019. We recommend that you arrive in Berkeley 5 to 7 days before your orientation date. Note: Your I-20 program start date may not reflect your exact orientation date(s).

Students entering the US on an Initial Attendance Form I-20 may enter the country up to 30 days before their program start date. This date is listed on your I-20 as the Earliest Admission Date. For students transferring from another school, this 30-day entry rule does not apply.

Documents Needed for Arrival to the U.S.

To enter the U.S., international students must bring the following:

• Valid passport and F-1/J-1 visa
• Signed Form F-1 I-20 or J-1 DS-2019 (printed, not electronic)
• SEVIS I-901 fee receipt
• Proof of financial support
• Proof of admission

Make sure to keep these documents with your carry-on luggage as you will need to show them at the Port of Entry. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will inspect your documents, ask you to provide your fingerprints, and ask you questions about the purpose of your visit (to study), where you will live, etc. Just remain calm and answer the questions honestly. Be prepared to provide this information on entry:

Your Housing Accommodations

Have the name, address, and phone number of where you will be staying (temporary or permanent).

School Official Information

Vanina Granell, Director, International Student Services

1995 University Ave, Berkeley, CA 94704 | 510-642-2564

Also save our ISS Emergency number , 510-409-6156, in your phone. Please only use this number outside of normal business hours and only for very urgent matters. For medical or safety emergencies, please call 9-1-1. For non-urgent matters, please call our office during business hours at 510-642-2564.

Getting to Berkeley From the Airport

The closest airports to Berkeley are San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and Oakland International Airport (OAK) . ISS does not provide transportation for students to and from local airports, however we suggest you consider the following transportation services. All prices are estimates and vary based on time, route and number of passengers.

Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART): BART is the local metro/subway public transportation system and has stations at both SFO and OAK. You will need to plan additional transportation to get from the BART station to your housing. Tickets are available for purchase at any BART station.

Airport Shuttle: Van pick-up services leave from major airports and will take you from the airport directly to your housing. There are many different companies and you can shop around for the best price. Reserve via their website ahead of time.

Ride-sharing Apps (such as Lyft or Uber): Mobile phone applications require you to download their app to access services. You need Wifi or cell service to use them and payment is processed directly from your phone.

Follow Campus Arrival Guidelines

Depending on your vaccination status, you will need to follow different campus arrival guidelines. Please refer to the "International Students,*** regardless of housing" section of the University Health Services (UHS) Fall 2021 COVID Guidelines for specific information.

All students will need to do the following:

• Get the COVID-19 vaccine if they have not done so already.
• Upload their COVID-19 vaccination record to eTang .
• Get a COVID-19 test with University Health Services . Students must receive this test from the UHS facility in order to receive a "green badge" in the Berkeley Mobile App.
• Download the Berkeley Mobile App . This app provides easy access to pandemic tools students will need, such as the Daily Symptom Screener, COVID-19 testing options and other information to help them navigate the physical campus safely. Students should also sign up for the California COVID Notify app , California's exposure notification system.

More information can be found in the COVID-19 Resource Guide for Students .

Report Your Arrival and Update Your U.S. Address

Required! You must update your U.S. local address and report your arrival to ISS as soon as you enter the U.S. After your arrival in the United States, you must do the following:

• Copy/Screenshot of your I-94 Arrival Record . Contact [email protected] right away if you are unable to find your I-94.
• Copy/Scan of your U.S. F-1 or J-1 visa
• Emergency contact person in the U.S. or one in your home country.

Deadline: Students should complete this process before the first day of class and no later than 10 days after arrival.

Attend Orientation

Orientation is your chance to meet your classmates and advisers, learn about program requirements, receive important information to help you succeed and start making friendships with your fellow students.

Your attendance at orientation is mandatory. The date and time for your orientation will be sent to you via email. If you are unable to attend orientation, please contact your program adviser as soon as possible.

Sample topics covered are:

• Maintaining Your Visa Status
• Health & Safety
• Cultural Adjustment
• Course Enrollment
• Academic Success

Pick Up Your Cal 1 Card and Clipper Card (EasyPass)

In the Fall and Spring semesters, students who are eligible* will receive a Cal 1 Card and Clipper Card . Generally, you will be able to pick up your Cal 1 Card from the International Student Services office the week before your Orientation. More details will be shared via email.

*Only Fall and Spring students who are eligible to take Concurrent Enrollment classes on campus are eligible for a Cal 1 Card.

Download/Print Your Health Insurance Card and Save Our After-Hours Emergency Phone Number

Health insurance is required for the entire duration of your studies. We recommend that you carry your health insurance ID card with you at all times while in the U.S. For students with the UC Berkeley Extension health insurance plan , your ID card will be available for download about 1-2 weeks after you have reported your arrival (see above). You will be notified via email when it is available.

We also recommend that you save our After-Hours Emergency phone number (510) 409-6156 to your phone. Please only use this number outside of normal business hours and only for very urgent matters. For medical or safety emergencies, please call 9-1-1.

We are excited to welcome you into our global community and looking forward to your arrival! For any questions or concerns, please contact International Student Services at [email protected] .

Your privacy is important to us.

Email Privacy Policy

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We do not share your information with other organizations for commercial purposes.

We only collect your information if you have subscribed online to receive emails from us.

We do not partner with or have special relationships with any ad server companies.

If you want to unsubscribe, there is a link to do so at the bottom of every email.

Read the full Privacy Policy

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Privacy policy, cookie policy.

This statement explains how we use cookies on our website. For information about what types of personal information will be gathered when you visit the website, and how this information will be used, please see our Privacy Policy .

How we use cookies

All of our web pages use "cookies". A cookie is a small file of letters and numbers that we place on your computer or mobile device if you agree. These cookies allow us to distinguish you from other users of our website, which helps us to provide you with a good experience when you browse our website and enables us to improve our website.

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Changes to our Cookie Statement

Any changes we may make to our Cookie Policy in the future will be posted on this page.

International Travel Clinic

Serving students, faculty, staff, and campus affiliates.

The UHS International Travel Clinic guides members of the campus community in protecting their health while traveling throughout the world.

The Travel Clinic uses the most current information available from the Centers for Disease Control, the World Health Organization, and Shoreland’s computerized Travel Health Information Services. Your personalized travel package for a healthful, safe trip includes the following:

• Travel consultation with medical professionals
• Required and recommended immunizations based on your itinerary, personal history of immunizations, and planned activities during your trip
• Official International Certificate of Vaccination (upon request)
• Prescriptions to prevent malaria, and altitude illness and treat travelers’ diarrhea, as appropriate
• General travel advice on precautionary measures for food, drink, climate, and recreational activities 

Travel Consultations

Travel Consultations are required in order to receive travel vaccines such as Typhoid, Yellow Fever, and Japanese Encephalitis.  Travel consultations are ideally scheduled for 6 to 8 weeks before traveling, and no more than 6 months in advance as information may not be current by the time travel occurs. Travel consultations are by appointment only (see right column for details). There is a charge for the consultation, in addition to charges for immunizations and medications. See sample fees .

Travel consultations are available in person or by phone (students only). If traveling within 2 weeks, an in-person appointment is preferred so that necessary vaccines can be started as soon as possible. Please complete the Travel Intake Questionnaire (see below) and upload all available immunization records at least 1 day before your appointment.

Travel Intake Questionnaire

After you schedule your appointment, please complete the Travel Intake Questionnaire at least 1 day before your appointment. You will be asked to provide your medical history, immunization history, and details about your upcoming travel. Please be as accurate as possible when providing the travel dates and countries (in the order you will be traveling). If there are any changes to your itinerary, please call the Travel Clinic as we may need to adjust the recommendations that will be provided.  

Students/Faculty/Staff: Complete the questionnaire online via eTang . Click on the Appointments tab -> Scroll down to Currently Scheduled Appointments -> Click ‘Complete Questionnaire’ for your Travel Consult Appointment. Upload your immunization records by clicking on the Medical Clearances tab -> click on ‘Update’ next to Immunization Record

If you do not have access to eTang:  Print and complete the questionnaire. Bring it along with your immunization records to your appointment.

Meet the Medical Staff

Learn more about the UHS care team

Scheduling Travel Appointments

• Schedule your travel consultation six to eight weeks before departure when possible.

Schedule online via eTang (students only), call (510) 643-7177, or stop by the Travel and Immunization reception desk on the first floor of the Tang Center.  

Complete the Travel Intake Questionnaire and upload immunization records at least 1 day before your appointment.

Phone: (510) 643-7177

Latest schedule is available on our Hours of Operation webpage.

The Travel Clinic is closed for University holidays.

Location: The Travel Clinic is located on the first floor of University Health Services, Tang Center, 2222 Bancroft Way. 

Students seeking services can see our current  student services page , which includes virtual and in-person options. For J scholar and Employment-based services, please see our Contact Us page .

Travel and Visas

International Risk

Useful links.

• Register UC Travel
• Global Engagement Office
• Berkeley Travel
• Information Security Office
• Export Control
• Study Abroad
• Field Research
• WorldCue Travel Planner

Travel News

Don't play games with Customs and Immigration officials - or even their paperwork

Will volcanoes interfere with access to Iceland and air travel across Europe?  

Your passport might stop working before it expires - be on the lookout for pre-expiration passport restrictions

Earth's newest island is not yet ready for visitors

Think ahead about passports  -  Passport bottleneck is holding up international travel by Americans eager to see the world as  COVID-19  eases.

Visualizing world tourism  - On this page, you can find data and visualizations on the history and current state of tourism across the world.

Security Tips

For members of the campus community, a trip to a foreign country presents unique data security challenges.  The nature of international travel requires you to use your device  (laptop, tablet or smartphone) in various unfamiliar places that may expose your data and device to malicious people and software. Explore the Information Security Office  and Export Control pages for tips on how to protect your devices and data while abroad. 

Travel Insurance

Employees, faculty, and students traveling more than 100 miles from their home campus on official University business or for activities sponsored and supervised by the University are covered 24 hours a day, worldwide, for a variety of perils. 

International Travel Protocols

It is the responsibility of the traveler and approving department to ensure the financial and health/safety risks associated with international travel are assessed before authorizing travel.

Trip registration is required for all foreign travel

Travel registration is an important risk management tool for university-related travel. If an emergency occurs in your travel destination, this is how your campus Risk Management office will know you are there. Travel registration also enrolls you to receive travel alerts from UC’s security provider, Crisis24. Trip registration is required for all university-related foreign travel, regardless of State Department Travel Advisory Level or travel purpose. Travel booked via Connexxus is automatically registered, or register manually via  UCAway . 

Use the  Worldcue Planner®  travel intelligence portal to research any location and obtain global travel trips.

Travelers are also urged to enroll in the State Department Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security messages and to make it easier for the US government to locate you in an emergency.

Campus pre-approval is required for the following types of foreign travel:

• Study abroad and group student travel for credit:  Regardless of CDC or State Department Advisory Level,  all study abroad and international group student travel for Berkeley coursework or credit  involving Berkeley faculty, students, or staff (including advance travel for program planning and site evaluations, faculty-led programs, MBA exchanges, etc., both undergraduate and graduate) must complete a 2-step Study Abroad Travel Protocol, at least  90 days  in advance of departure. This involves approval first at the decanal level and then from Berkeley Study Abroad.  For further details on Study Abroad or International Group Student Travel, see  guidelines  or c ontact  [email protected]  with questions. 
• Travel to State Department Level 4 "Do Not Travel" destinations:  All university-related international travel (by faculty, students, staff) to countries rated  State Department Level 4 - Do not travel  requires a 2-step approval process , first from their Dean and then from the Vice Provost for Academic Planning. Level 4 is the highest advisory level due to greater likelihood of life-threatening risks.  Contact  [email protected]  with questions.

Please refer to the  UC Berkeley Travel Protocol  for more information.

General Safety Recommendations

Confirm that your Emergency Contact Information is correct in UCPath

Share with your family/guardians/friends:

Your arrival instructions and travel itinerary so they can track your flight and know if it is delayed or canceled. Communicate flight changes and confirm your arrival.

Develop a communication plan with your close contacts:

How frequently should they expect to hear from you?

When and how is the best way and time to connect (Zoom, Whatsapp, FaceTime, text, email)?

After arrival, let them know how they can reach a local contact in case they need to reach you urgently.

Field research safety is a top priority at Berkeley. The Office of Environmental Health and Safety  and the University of California  both offer field research safety resources. EHS also provides resources to help researchers meet the National Science Foundation's safety and inclusivity requirements for off-campus and off-site research .

Review your travel ininerary against the US State Department Travel Advisory website. I f your travel will take you into a ‘do not travel’ or “reconsider travel” area and you have not already done so, please contact Berkeley Risk Services (see below) to receive a special travel briefing.

Follow the U.S. State Department guidelines to prepare for unexpected events abroad:

Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive important safety and security messages and make it easier for the US Government to locate and assist you in an emergency. 

Keep the contact details for the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate with you. 

See the Traveler’s Checklist for more information.

Policy and Guidelines

It is the policy of the University of California, Berkeley to reimburse the traveler for reasonable and necessary expenses incurred during approved work-related travel.

Travelers seeking reimbursement should incur the lowest reasonable travel expenses and exercise care to avoid impropriety or the appearance of impropriety. Reimbursement is allowed only when reimbursement has not been, and will not be, received from other sources. If a circumstance arises that is not covered under the UC Travel Regulations (G-28) , then the traveler should make the choice that demonstrates the most prudent stewardship of university resources.

Key Points of the Travel Policy

Guidelines and requirements for international travel, dependent travel and dependent care travel guidelines.

UC Policies

UC Travel Regulations (G-28)

UC Expenditures for Business Meetings, Entertainment, and Other Occasions (BUS-79)

UC Policy and Regulations Governing Moving and Relocation (G-13)

International Travel Information

Dear Campus Community, 

We understand that many faculty, staff, and students have questions regarding University-related travel, particularly in view of the COVID-19 situation during summer and fall 2020. We also acknowledge the desire to make international travel plans in the near future and the significant difficulty imposed by this uncertain period. This message includes the most updated information available pertaining to the campus’ travel protocol, travel insurance, travel reimbursement, and international agreements.  

UCOP Directives and Campus Travel Protocol  According to the directives issued by UCOP , all UC community members should temporarily avoid non-essential travel to countries with a CDC Level 2 Travel Health Notice and greater. In addition to the UCOP directive, and local to the UC Berkeley campus, University travel to U.S. State Department ‘Do Not Travel’ level 4 locations requires a two-step approval process , first at the decanal level and then from the Vice Provost for Academic Planning. For details related to how essential travel is defined, and to learn about the approval process, please refer to the Global Engagement Office .  

Travel Insurance  As a reminder, faculty, students, and staff who do not book their travel using Connexxus are encouraged to register all travel whether funded by UC Berkeley or another entity. Travel booked through Connexxus is automatically registered with the UC Travel Insurance program. Registering has many benefits, including travel advisories for the locations that you travel to/through, and the ability for the UC to rapidly assist you in case of emerging incidents, medical emergencies, etc. For those intending to travel using UC Berkeley resources or for campus-approved research or educational purposes, please review the campus’ travel protocol and seek essential travel approval beforehand.  

Please keep in mind that travel insurance does not cover foreseeable risk; therefore, any travel to areas with a U.S. State Department ‘Do Not Travel’ level 4 advisory will invalidate travel insurance benefits. UC personnel traveling to regions against this advisory do so potentially at their own physical and financial risk. For more information about travel insurance, please visit Risk Services

Travel Reimbursement If your business travel has been canceled as a result of COVID-19 and you were not able to obtain a full refund of some or all of your expenses, you have options for requesting reimbursement, which can vary depending on how you booked your travel. These options are outlined on the travel website as well as on a recorded webinar from April 21st provided by UC Berkeley Travel. A wide range of issues associated with travel impacted by COVID-19 are addressed, including an extended question and answer session.

International Contracts   International agreements committing members of the UC community to travel, or foreign cohorts to visit campus, should include terms that allow for no penalty cancellation of in-person deliverables. Depending on the specific language, force majeure clauses may not cover epidemics (e.g. COVID-19), especially where the cancellation or non-performance due to the incident was foreseeable or predictable at the time of contract execution. Senior administration is coordinating with Business Contracts and Brand Protection (BCBP) and Risk Services to revise the language in international agreements to allow for remote alternatives in lieu of in- or outbound travel, or cancellation without penalty. 

For further questions or concerns related to any topic in this message, please contact [email protected]

We thank you for your resilience amidst this crisis. We are committed to providing our entire campus community with the best experience possible. As such, we will continue to inform you of the latest developments regarding travel and COVID-19’s impact on international activity. 

Sincerely, 

Lisa Alvarez-Cohen  Vice Provost for Academic Planning and Senior International Officer

If you are a manager who supervises UC Berkeley employees without email access, please circulate this information to all.