Travel Information

We highly recommend you allow plenty of time to obtain your passport because it can take approximately four to six weeks to process your application. You can check current processing times at the following link: The Bureau of Consular Affairs at the U.S. Department of State. For non-U.S. passport holders, please check with your consulate for current processing times. Some countries require that your passport be valid for six months after the date you enter the country. Each country has its own specific requirements. To find out what those requirements may be select your destination country and refer to the “Entry/ Exit Requirements” section on the Country Specific Information page. Link: US State Dept Country Information

When it comes to undergraduate students, Stanford-sponsored or Stanford-organized trips are prohibited to countries or regions and locations within a country where International SOS risk rating (either the medical risk or travel risk) is “High” or “Extreme,” or where there is other reliable information of significant health or safety risks  for either the country destination, or for the particular region or location of intended travel within the country destination, or where there is other reliable information of significant health or safety risks. No university funds may be used, or university sponsorship provided, in support of travel to these locations. See International Travel Policy Memo from the Provost Office. Link: International Travel Policy

The U.S. Department of State provides Country Specific Information for every country of the world. You will find the location of the U.S. embassy and any consular offices, information about whether you need a visa, crime and security information, health and medical considerations, drug penalties, localized hot spots and more. This is a good place to start learning about where you are going. Link: U.S. Department of State Link to Country Specific Information

In addition to a valid passport, some countries require a visa for entry. The country that issued your passport and the type of activity you will be engaged in overseas will determine the type of visa you need. Allow plenty of extra time for visa processing as delays can be longer than what the embassy website indicates. You can find basic details about visa requirements under “Entry/ Exit Requirements” section on the Country Specific Information page or by contacting the destination country’s embassy. If you are a passport holder from a country other than the U.S., you should consult the embassy website of the country you would like to visit to determine their entry requirements. You can find which U.S. embassy is closest to you at the following link: full list of foreign embassy websites. 

This self-paced Canvas course for Stanford students covers travel preparation, health, safety and security matters. Upon finishing the course, students will be able to complete important pre-departure tasks and plans in preparation for international travel, use a range of external resources to identify and evaluate health and safety concerns specific to their destination, practice safe travel behaviors, and identify services and resources available through Stanford in case they need help. Link: International Travel Preparation course

Stanford students may participate in the Stanford International Travel Assistance Program, managed by the Office of Risk Management. Services available through the program include medical referrals consultations, personal and security assistance while traveling abroad. The following link will enable you to identify which provider applies to you based on your role at Stanford, find more about the services available, and how to reach them while traveling: International Travel Assistance Program. Link: International Travel Assistance Program

Many types of health insurance do not cover care abroad. Out of pocket costs can be extremely expensive. Be sure you understand the terms of your insurance policy and the claim and reimbursement process. Your insurance should cover 1) international medical treatment, 2) medical evacuation (in an emergency), and 3) repatriation in the event of death. If you’re covered by Cardinal Care, all three categories are covered. Students with Cardinal Care should check with the Vaden Health Center. Students covered by another insurance company should check directly with them and purchase additional travel health insurance if they are not covered. Link: Cardinal Care

At least 6-8 weeks prior to departure or earlier, schedule a travel medicine consultation to discuss issues specific to your health history, destination, and planned activities. For travelers with self-identified risk factors and/or disease symptoms, a medical services evaluation might also be useful to ensure you stay safe and healthy during your trip. The Travel Clinic at Vaden Health Center and Travel Medicine Clinic at Stanford Hospital and Clinics are convenient on-campus options. Depending on your destination, you may also need an International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (also known as the Carte Jaune or Yellow Card) to document necessary vaccinations for traveling to and from certain countries. Link: CDC vaccination information for travelers, WHO 2020 Country List that require Yellow Card, Travel Clinic at Vaden Health Center, Travel Medicine Clinic at Stanford Hospital, International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis

If you have prescription medication, plan ahead and obtain prescriptions from your primary physician for the entire duration of your stay if possible. Some medications may not be readily available overseas. Some medications that are common in the U.S. may not have the same status in other countries and may even be illegal (e.g. it is illegal to bring into Japan some over-the-counter medicines commonly used in the United States). Link: Go to Country Specific Information page of the Department of State Website to check for restrictions

Gain comprehensive knowledge on a country you are traveling to at the U.S. Department of State’s Country Specific Information Page. On this page, you will find the location of the U.S. embassy and any consular offices, visa information, crime and security information, health and medical conditions, localized hot spots and other helpful tips. If you are a non-U.S. citizen, please contact the embassy or consulate of the country that issued your passport for more information on the country to which you plan to travel. Link: Country Specific Information

Please email globalinternships [at] stanford.edu (globalinternships[at]stanford[dot]edu)