Important Information: International Travel Support and Emergency Assistance

Monday, March 24, 2025

Dear Colleagues:

Syracuse University is a global institution, home to faculty, scholars and staff from across the world whose unique contributions and perspectives help define our community’s excellence. This strength has become a source of concern among some of our international faculty and staff contemplating travel in the upcoming months.

Recently, some of you have reached out requesting guidance regarding international travel. While I understand the desire for direction, the complexity of the current environment makes it essential to provide more individualized support rather than broad advice. To get started, I encourage you to approach your preparations carefully and take advantage of the resources available to you through the University.

Review the University’s Travel Safety Policy and Register

The University’s travel safety policy offers guidance on steps to take before traveling. It’s essential that you register with the University’s Travel Registry to help us support your travel and assist in case of emergencies.  Consider downloading the Alert Traveler app from the app store for your device and activating it in tandem with the travel registry. Alert Traveler will provide you real-time alerts for safety issues specific to your itinerary.

Familiarize Yourself With International SOS (ISOS)

We strongly encourage you to become familiar with International SOS (ISOS) in addition to the University’s Travel Registry. ISOS offers a range of services to help you plan your trip and provide emergency support while abroad, including the following:

  • Pre-trip medical and security reports
  • Referrals to pre-screened medical professionals, clinics and hospitals
  • Emergency travel assistance and advice
  • Support with lost travel documents or medications
  • Multilingual translation services
  • Easy access to ISOS services via their smartphone app

Visit the ISOS website and enter the University’s member # 11BCPA000177 to create your own profile and learn more.

Do Your Due Diligence

In addition to registering with the University’s Travel Registry and learning about ISOS, we recommend taking the following actions before leaving the U.S. to ensure your travel plans are aligned with federal guidelines and your documentation is in order:

  • Review Travel Bans and State Department Guidance: Given the dynamic nature of international travel, consult travel bans and State Department advisories to confirm your destination aligns with current recommendations and regulations.
  • Check Your Travel Documents: Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your planned return date. If you’re entering the U.S. on a visa, verify that it is valid for your return. If your visa is expired or will expire soon, schedule a renewal appointment at a U.S. consulate or embassy as early as possible, as visa processing times can vary.
  • Obtain a Travel Signature (for J1 Status Holders): If you hold a J1 visa, ensure your DS-2019 form has a valid travel signature that is less than 12 months old at the time of your return.
  • Prepare for Immigration Inspections: When re-entering the U.S., carry all necessary documents, including your passport, visa and DS-2019 form. Be prepared to explain your academic role and responsibilities at Syracuse University.

Ongoing Support

I want to assure you that the safety and well-being of all community members remain our top priority. University leaders continue to monitor the situation closely and will offer additional guidance as appropriate.

If you have any questions or if your specific circumstances require additional assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Seth Tucker, director of global safety and support, at satucker@syr.edu or 315.443.1968.

Sincerely,
Lois Agnew
Interim Vice Chancellor, Provost and Chief Academic Officer