Whether you’re traveling abroad for the first time or you’re a seasoned traveler, we want to make sure you are well-prepared for the experience. The checklist below provides important reminders, tips, and resources for graduate students traveling abroad on University-sponsored trips.
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Submit Travel Request in Concur
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Concur is the service used to request student travel (for both individuals and groups) and is a required step for University-sponsored trips.
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Make sure you understand and agree to the Terms and Conditions for University-Sponsored International Travel.
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Questions about submitting a travel request? Step-by-step instructions and video tutorials are available.
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Review Passport and Visa Requirements
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Apply for or renew your passport well in advance of your trip.
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Travel.State.Gov and Visa Central are great resources for visa guidance.
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Make sure your passport is current and valid for 6-months from the date of your return.
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International students should consult with the Davis International Center regarding US student visas.
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Learn About Your Destination
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Review US State Department and International SOS (drop-down on left side) for quick facts about your host country, information on local laws, entry and exit requirements, travel advisories, etc.
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Schedule a UHS Appointment
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Consult with UHS Travel Medicine Services prior to departure to discuss immunizations, vaccinations, and strategies for meeting any medical needs during your trip.
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Be sure to make an appointment 4-6 weeks prior to departure.
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Make sure you understand your health insurance coverage abroad. For more details about Princeton health insurance and how it works, see Overseas Health Insurance.
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Register with US State Department STEP
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The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) is a free US State Department service that allows US citizens and nationals traveling abroad to enroll their trip with the nearest US Embassy or Consulate.
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Enrolling in STEP has multiple benefits:
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Receive important updates from the US Embassy about safety conditions in your destination country, helping you make informed decisions about your travel plans.
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Help the US Embassy to reach you in an emergency, whether natural disaster, civil unrest, or family emergency.
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Help family and friends get in touch with you in an emergency.
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Non-US citizens are encouraged to register travel with their nearest Embassy or Consulate.
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Print an International SOS Card
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International SOS is Princeton’s emergency assistance provider and support service for international travelers.
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Be sure to print an International SOS card and carry with you on your trip.
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Create a Communication Plan
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Be sure to plan how you will communicate regular updates to advisors, parents, and friends. It’s a good idea to double-check with your local contacts about whether you’ll have internet access abroad.
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In the event of an emergency abroad, call International SOS 24/7 at +1-215-942-8226 or +1-215-942-8478 (collect calls accepted) or Princeton University Public Safety 24/7 at +1-609-258-3000. Save these numbers to the mobile phone you’ll be traveling with.
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For more details on Princeton resources available in an emergency, see Emergencies Abroad on the left side bar.
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Forward Travel Itineraries to Concur or TripIt
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Forward official confirmation emails from booking vendors (i.e., airline, hotel, Expedia, etc.) to plans@concur.com.
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Alternatively, you may forward your confirmation emails to plans@tripit.com to link with a TripIt account. Keep in mind that your TripIt account must be associated with the same email address used in Concur.
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If there are any changes to your mobile phone number (for text messaging while traveling) or other details before your travel begins, be sure to update your Concur profile.
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