A Division of the International Studies Office
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Student International Travel Considerations
- U.S. Department of State: Revised Worldwide Caution.
- Student University Related Travel to Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza is restricted until further notice.
- For questions about international travel and risk of exposure to Mpox, read the guidance on Mpox from UVA Student Health and Wellness and consult with your medical provider as appropriate.
New Entry Requirement for Travel To and Transit Through the United Kingdom:
Starting January 8, 2025, visitors from the U.S. and many other countries will be required to have a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) to enter or transit through the UK. The ETA costs £10 and is valid for two years or until the passport used to obtain the ETA expires. Travelers from the US and many other countries can begin to apply for the ETA online or through the UK ETA app starting November 27, 2024. While approvals are predicted to be within three days or faster, students are advised to apply at least three weeks in advance of planned travel in case of processing delays. To learn more, visit the links above or watch videos on what an ETA is and how to apply for a UK ETA.
Insurance
Health and Emergency Assistance Insurance
The University of Virginia Policy on Student International Travel requires students who travel outside the U.S. for University-related purposes to enroll in the UVA international health and emergency assistance insurance plan through CISI. The insurance plan covers health care costs incurred during international travel for university related purposes and provides emergency assistance, including medical evacuation, security evacuation, and repatriation of remains.
Student international travel for university related purposes includes: enrollment in a credit-bearing study abroad program; research or service abroad for which UVA has provided funding, which yields academic credit and/or which contributes to a student's academic progress; internships abroad organized by UVA; and travel tied to course work, research, or University related activities.
The 2024-2025 cost for participants is $13.12/week up to 3 weeks, or $44.44/month (22 days or longer) during the current coverage period, effective July 1, 2024 - June 30, 2025.
Enrollment in Health and Emergency Assistance Insurance
Students who participate in a UVA administered travel program, e.g., UVA in Valencia, a Darden Worldwide Course, or a McIntire GIE program, are automatically enrolled in the University’s international health and emergency assistance insurance plan through CISI.
Students who are not enrolled for international health and emergency assistance insurance through a UVA administered travel program will be prompted to self-enroll in the CISI insurance plan when completing their application or registration. Students on credit-bearing education abroad programs will complete an education abroad application. Students traveling for other University-related purposes will complete a University Travel Registration.
Once enrolled, students should familiarize themselves both with the resources available to them through CISI and the instructions on how to use the insurance and overseas services. ISO recommends that you download the CISI phone app and carry a paper copy of your insurance card with you.
NOTE: The only exceptions to CISI enrollment for outside (non-UVA) programs are listed here. Participants in study abroad programs offered by the following providers are exempt from purchasing UVA's CISI insurance policy.
- DIS
- IES
- IFSA
- ISI Abroad
- Kent State: Geneva
- Semester at Sea
- SIT
- University of Minnesota - Learning Abroad Center
Trip Insurance
The ISO recommends that travelers consider trip insurance that can be tapped in the event that travel to or from the education abroad destination is interrupted or in the event that cancellation or a change in itinerary is required. Travelers are also encouraged to:
- Book a refundable ticket if possible
- Understand the terms of their ticket
UVA is not responsible for and will not reimburse any non-billable costs (including flights) incurred if a program is cancelled or a student withdraws.