GET READY FOR DEPARTURE

- Fly America Requirements: Except under specific circumstances, U.S. flag air carriers must be used to transport personnel and property when the costs of transportation are charged to federal grants, contracts, or cooperative agreements. This requirement applies to transportation to, from, between, or within a country other than the U.S., when U.S. carriers are available without regard to cost or convenience. Specific exceptions and definitions are available at U.S. General Services Administration's Fly America Act website and in the Research Foundation Travel Handbook.
- European Union Commission Entry/Exit System (EES): The EU Commission has confirmed that the new Entry/Exit System (EES) will commence operations on November 10, 2024. EES will remove physical passport stamping for short stay visa and visa exempt travelers into the 29 European countries that are participating in the system. Read more on the European Union website.
- United Kingdom Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA): The UK has just announced that it is expanding its digital travel system to include travelers from various nations who were previously exempt from visa requirements. From November 27, 2024, citizens from countries like the United States, Canada, Australia, and other non-European visa exempt countries will need to apply for an ETA before entering the UK. This requirement will gradually extend to all visitors who do not require a visa for short stays, including visitors from Europe. Apply for an electronic travel authorization on the gov.uk website.
- European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS): Starting in mid-2025, travel authorizations will be required to enter most European countries. View the most up-to-date information (including specifics on the exact launch date, accessing the online application, etc.) from the EU's official website.
Outbound travel insurance is strongly encouraged for individuals traveling abroad on University related business. SUNY provides international travel and health benefits for faculty, staff and students who are approved to travel. The RF provides coverage as well. Please see resources below for more information:
- Insurance (RF): If traveling on research foundation funding, travelers should enroll in RF International Travel Insurance. Insurance is free; there is no out of pocket cost. To enroll, visit the SUNY RF website.
- Insurance (State): If traveling on state funds, travelers should enroll in SUNY's outbound insurance. To enroll, please complete this form and submit it to FSA.
ERM strongly recommends enrolling in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive important information from the Embassy about safety conditions at your travel destination, and to help the Embassy contact you in an emergency (natural disaster, civil unrest, etc.). This can be done on the STEP website.
Prior to your departure, faculty/staff will receive a Pre-Travel Safety Briefing via email. This contains essential information on what to know about your specific destination before traveling to assist with minimizing risks and contribute to a productive and safe experience.
Accessibility Abroad
- Traveling with Disabilities (U.S. Department of State)
- Travelers with Disabilities and Medical Conditions (Transportation Security Administration - TSA)
- Travelers with Disabilities (CDC)
- Americans Going Abroad (Mobility International USA)
- Disability Travel Abroad (Transitions Abroad)
LGBTQI+ Resources
- LGBTQI+ Travelers (U.S. Department of State)
Race, Religion and Ethnicity Minority Travelers
- Travel Safety - Race and Ethnicity (U.S. Department of State)
- Race, Ethnicity and Cultural Considerations
Women Travelers
- Women Traveler (U.S. Department of State)
- Personal Safety (Suzy Lamplugh Trust)
TimelyCare Services Abroad (students only)
TalkNow is a service available in most countries outside of the United States. Students can connect with either a US-based phone number or VPN while abroad. If they have any issues connecting, they can call the support line at 833-4-TIMELY, and they could have a TalkNow provider call them directly.