Due to the heightened risk of international travel, the University of Michigan is requring students traveling to certain countries to complete a safety plan to travel. Many countries are now considered "COVID Low-Risk" and do not require a safety plan. Please check to see if your country requires you to compelte a safety and/or travel plan. 

The University of Michigan uses GeoBlue Health Insurance for all international travel. GeoBlue insurance will cover treatment for COVID-19 and testing for symptomatic individuals or those who have had close contact with someone who had COVID-19. However, the following are not covered under UM’s insurance:

• Precautionary COVID tests

• Evacuation due to pandemic worsening in country (medical evacuation is covered)

For more information on GeoBlue pandemic coverage, check out their COVID-19 FAQ page.

Because GeoBlue does not cover precautionary testing, students should anticipate the potential for paying out of pocket for COVID-19 testing prior to departure or upon arrival in their host country.

In addition to testing funds, students should plan to purchase these PPE items prior to departure, if not already on hand:

• Multiple cloth masks (3 minimum recommended)

• Hand sanitizer

• Sanitizing wipes

• Thermometer

All students, faculty and staff at the University of Michigan are required to be vaccinated against COVID-19 and must submit their vaccination information. Thus, all students traveling internationally on a U-M managed program are required to have an authorized COVID-19 vaccination and complete the “Student COVID-19 Vaccination Self-Report Form” in Wolverine Access before traveling abroad unless they have an approved exemption. Students with questions should visit the Global Michigan page for more information on this University policy.

All students, faculty, and staff on all three U-M campuses are required to get a COVID-19 booster shot. This policy extends to all students receving funding from an LSA office. 

We understand that there are a variety of Covid-19 vaccines available all around the world. As a result, if you did not receive your vaccination here in the United States (i.e.. Sinovac, Astrezenaca, etc.), it is your responsibility to verify that your COVID-19 vaccine meets the entry requirements of your host country. In addition, it is imperative to check the eligibility requirements of any vaccine passport or other documentation that is needed to access public spaces in your host country such as the Green Pass in Italy.

Will travel abroad look different this year in comparison to years past? Undoubtedly yes. Here are some ways in which things might be different:

• Difficulty in traveling cross-country or between countries

• Quarantines required on arrival 

• Public transit could be altered or not running

• Restaurants/bars/museums/libraries/etc. may be closed

• Stricter local laws on social distancing than in the U.S.

  LSA Travel Staff encourages students to research their host countries and surrounding areas they may travel to to understand entry/exit requirments and how COVID-19 restrictions may vary between countries. 

Due to the uncertain nature of the COVID-19 pandemic, students should consult with their academic advisors about alternative academic plans should their international travel plans fall through or are delayed.

• U.S. Department of State COVID-19 Country Specific Information

• Travel and Social Impact Tracker (Deloitte)

• Global COVID-19 Trends from Johns Hopkins University

• European Center for Disease Control and Prevention

• World Health Organization

• International Air Transport Association

• DTW COVID-19 Updates

• Transportation Security Authority Updates on Covid-19

• Conlin Travel: Blue Skies Ahead

• Flying Was Once Routine. During the Pandemic, It’s a Feat.

• Where Can US Citizens Travel to During the Coronavirus Pandemic

• The Future of Travel

• UK Foreign Travel Advice

• GeoBlue COVID-19 FAQ