Undergraduate Student
Undergraduate Student Travel Policies
Travel Guidelines
International travel during the pandemic requires careful planning and flexibility to adjust plans as conditions change. As a first step, students, faculty and staff should review Northwestern’s COVID-19 Travel Guidelines for the latest University-wide advice and possible restrictions. After reviewing the guidelines, refer to the COVID-19 Considerations for trip checklists and additional resources.
Office of Global Safety and Security
Contact UsOur Mission
Supporting the health, safety and security of students, faculty and staff who travel abroad.
COVID-19 Travel GuidelinesStart your Travel Plan
What Type of Traveler Are You?
See below for more information on specific travel policies.
Resources
Quick Links
International Travel Registry
All students on university-related travel abroad must register their trip with Northwestern's International Travel Registry so the Office of Global Safety and Security has information about your trip and can respond to a health or safety emergency. Complete the travel registry at least two weeks before your departure. Registration confirmation may be needed to obtain funding. One exception: Undergraduate study abroad students do not need to complete the travel registry; instead go to Application Steps to apply for a credit-bearing study abroad program.
Emergency Contacts
- Find the 911 equivalent for your destination abroad documented by the U.S. Department of State.
- Go to Emergencies Abroad to determine next steps.
International Health Insurance
The 2022 GeoBlue student enrollment portal is now open! Northwestern works with GeoBlue to provide access to routine and emergency health care worldwide. In a medical emergency, you should go immediately to the nearest physician or hospital and then call the Medical Assistance phone number for 24/7 care located on the back of your ID card. For more information on how to access GeoBlue, plan benefits and exclusions, go to GeoBlue for Students or GeoBlue for Employees. For a quick summary of COVID-19 benefits and exclusions when traveling abroad, review either the Student COVID-19 flyer or the Employee COVID-19 flyer.
Announcements
In light of the new COVID variant, Omicron, community members who have international travel planned in the next two-three weeks should weigh the necessity of the trip against the potential disruption to one’s personal, professional and academic life given the possibility for sudden border closures, onerous / expensive testing requirements, or mandatory quarantine. Before you travel, review resources for planning trips abroad .
If you're thinking about a group trip abroad during the pandemic, see the new COVID group trip planning guide .
Vaccine guidance: In accordance with University guidance, Northwestern students, faculty and staff are required to be vaccinated (with limited exceptions) prior to university-affiliated international travel
