The spring semester break is coming up, and if you are planning to travel out of the U.S., we want to provide you with some important travel information.
COVID-19 test requirements
As a reminder, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention requires all travelers flying into the U.S. from abroad to submit a negative COVID-19 test prior to being permitted to enter the U.S. The viral test will need to be taken within 24 hours prior to your flight departure date to the U.S. If you do not provide proof of a negative test or documentation of recovery, you will be denied boarding onto your flight.
Refer to the CDC website for more detailed information about this requirement.
COVID-19 vaccination requirements
Students planning to re-enter the U.S. must be fully vaccinated in order to enter the U.S. Any ASU student not yet vaccinated can receive vaccines for free on campus at any ASU Health Services location. ASU Health Services has locations on all four campuses, and you can make an appointment through the patient health portal or walk in.
Review the CDC’s website for a list of acceptable vaccines and other important information.
Travel assistance
ASU wants to ensure that when you are ready to travel to the U.S., you have a smooth experience. Before you travel, download, print and read the following letter carefully. Remember to bring it in your carry-on luggage during your travels.
- Airport recommendations: Recommendations for travel in the U.S.
- Follow these instructions when you arrive at your port of entry into the U.S. and enter through U.S. Customs.
Need a travel signature?
If you are a student with a Continued Attendance I-20 and are planning to travel back to the U.S., remember to check page 2 of your I‐20 or page 1 of your DS‐2019 for a valid travel signature. You can review our website for additional documentation required when re-entering the U.S.
Travel signatures are required to re-enter the U.S., and are valid for one year from the date last signed for current students.
Post-OPT or STEM-OPT
Travel signatures are required to re-enter the U.S. for students on Post-OPT or STEM-OPT, and are valid for six months from the date last signed.
If you are traveling within the U.S., you do not need a travel signature, but you must carry identification documents with you, including your I‐20 or DS‐2019, a printout of your I‐94, and a valid passport.
How to get a travel signature
Submit your travel signature request for your I-20 or DS-2019 document using the ISSC self-service portal. Remember that a travel signature is NOT required to depart the U.S. It is only required when re-entering.
Contact us
As always, the ISSC is here for you, no matter where you are or what time zone you are studying from. If you have questions or need assistance, please contact us at issc@asu.edu or use the live chat feature on all pages of the ISSC website, Monday through Friday from 9 to 11 a.m. and 1 to 3 p.m. (Arizona time). You can also make an appointment with an ISSC staff member or join us for express advising via Zoom every Wednesday from 2 to 3:30 p.m. and every Tuesday and Thursday from 3 to 5 p.m. (Arizona time).