International Travel Guidance
The 勛圖厙 is committed to supporting safe, responsible, and well-informed international travel. Whether you are participating in a study abroad program, leading a faculty-directed course, conducting research, attending a conference, or traveling abroad on other University-related business, all travelers are required to follow UM international travel policies and procedures.
This page outlines the essential steps for international travel, including risk management requirements, travel registration, insurance enrollment, and emergency preparedness. Completing these requirements helps ensure traveler safety, compliance with University policies, and access to important resources and support while abroad.
Step One: Review UM International Travel Policies and Procedures
All 勛圖厙 faculty, staff, and students participating in UM-related international travel must complete the following requirements before departure:
- Register their travel through the Global Engagement Office.
- Enroll in the University's approved international insurance plan through Blue Cross Blue Shield Global Solutions (or an approved equivalent when required by a specific program).
- Sign the appropriate Agreement and Acknowledgement of Risk.
- Comply with all applicable University travel policies and procedures.
In addition, all student travelers must complete a Risk Management Plan (RMP) as part of the travel approval process.
UM International Travel Policy
UM International Travel Procedures
High-Risk Travel
Faculty, staff, and students proposing travel to destinations with elevated health, safety, or security concerns may be required to obtain additional approval before traveling.
Travel to countries or regions designated as:
- Level 3 or Level 4, and/or
- Level 3 or Level 4
requires review by the 勛圖厙 International Travel Review Committee. Travelers must submit a Risk Management Plan (RMP) and receive final approval from the Provost before travel can be authorized.
Exemption for Travel to Canada Under Jay's Treaty
Native American faculty and staff who maintain reserves on both sides of the U.S.-Canada border and are covered under Jay's Treaty are exempt from the travel registry requirement when traveling to Canada.
Step Two: Determine Whether Your Destination(s) Requires High-Risk Travel Approval
Before registering your travel, review the University's High-Risk Travel Petition information to determine whether your destination is subject to additional review and approval requirements.
Travelers planning to visit destinations with elevated government travel advisories should begin this process as early as possible to allow sufficient time for review.
Learn More: High-Risk Travel Petition
Step Three: Register Your Travel
All UM-related international travel must be registered with the University prior to departure.
Travel registration allows the University to:
- Provide support during emergencies.
- Communicate important health, safety, and security updates.
- Ensure compliance with University policy.
- Maintain accurate records of University-sponsored international activities.
Faculty, staff, and students should complete the appropriate registration process based on their traveler category.
Step Four: Complete the Agreement and Acknowledgement of Risk
All travelers participating in UM-related international activities are required to review and sign the Agreement and Acknowledgement of Risk before departure.
This document confirms that travelers:
- Understand the risks associated with international travel.
- Accept responsibility for complying with University policies and local laws.
- Acknowledge health, safety, and security considerations related to their destination.
Completion of this requirement is mandatory for all UM-related international travel.
Step Five: Enroll in International Insurance Coverage
All faculty, staff, and students traveling internationally on University-related business must maintain international health and emergency coverage through the University's authorized provider, Blue Cross Blue Shield Global Solutions (formerly GeoBlue).
This insurance provides important support services while abroad, including:
- Emergency medical assistance
- Medical evacuation and repatriation services
- International healthcare support
- Travel assistance resources
Please note: Even if you are already covered by a Blue Cross Blue Shield health insurance plan in the United States, you are still required to enroll in BCBS Global Solutions for UM-related international travel. BCBS Global Solutions is specifically designed for international travel and provides significantly more comprehensive global coverage, including emergency assistance, medical evacuation, repatriation services, and other benefits that may not be included in a domestic health insurance policy.
In limited cases, travelers participating in programs that require enrollment in a specific insurance plan with coverage comparable to University requirements may be exempt from purchasing the BCBS Global Solutions plan.
Learn More: International Insurance Enrollment
Health, Safety, and Travel Preparedness
Travelers are encouraged to review destination-specific health and safety information well in advance of departure. This includes recommended vaccinations, local health conditions, public health advisories, and emergency preparedness guidance.
For the latest travel health information and resources, visit the Curry Health Center's Traveler Health page.
If you have questions about international travel requirements, registration, insurance, or risk management procedures, please contact the Global Engagement Office at educationabroad@mso.umt.edu or (406) 243-2278.