Travel

Important Reminders for International Students in Advance of Summer Travel

May 11, 2026

Dear International Students,
 
Congratulations on finishing your spring semester! 

As the summer travel season approaches, we are writing to share important information about international travel. Travel outside the U.S. may involve increased scrutiny and enhanced vetting at U.S. ports of entry and at visa appointments (if a new visa is needed), and we encourage students to give added consideration to planning international travel given the recent issues some have encountered when re-entering the U.S. 

If traveling internationally, the following documents must be carried when returning to the U.S.:

  1. A passport valid for at least 6 months into the future.
  2. Unexpired F-1 or J-1 visa (Canadians and Bermudians are exempt from this visa requirement). If the visa has expired, learn how to renew your visa, and check visa appointment wait times.
  3. I-20 or DS-2019 with a valid travel signature. The signature (on page 2 of the I-20 or page 1 of the DS-2019) must be less than 12 months old on the date you return. Learn how to obtain a travel signature, if needed.
     

NOTE: Students from countries listed in the Presidential Proclamations 10998 and 10949 face travel restrictions. Exercise caution and consider avoiding or deferring non-essential international travel while these travel bans are in place. Contact ISSO for advice before making any travel arrangements. 

Travel Tips:

  • For Columbia-related travel: A reminder that all Columbia-related international travel must comply with the International Travel Planning Policy, including trip registration in ISOS MyTrips. Please also visit globaltravel.columbia.edu to review important information on travel advisories.
  • Make flexible travel plans. Consider purchasing travel insurance or flexible fares when booking travel so that you can change your itinerary if needed.
  • Plan in advance. To prepare for any processing delays, secure visa appointments as early as possible and plan well in advance for any visa changes.
  • Rely only on official information. Make decisions based only on credible sources such as the ISSO website. Avoid relying on speculative guidance found on social media.
  • Listen to a brief ISSO Byte Podcast (Episode 6) about travel.
  • Even when not traveling, please remember that it is a best practice to always carry a copy of your travel documents with you. These copies can be printed or saved on your phone. You should always have a copy of the following documents that you can easily access:
    • A copy of the identification page of your passport.
    • Your most recent I-94 admission record.
    • Your unexpired Form I-20 or DS-2019 (with a valid travel signature, if you are planning to travel).
    • Your Columbia ID.


As always, ISSO closely monitors immigration policy and shares relevant updates as they become available. We urge our international students to stay up to date with guidance on the ISSO website, and don’t hesitate to contact ISSO with any questions. Although classes will not be in session, ISSO and other University offices are open throughout the summer.
 

Sincerely,

International Students and Scholars Office