All travelers must complete the following steps in compliance with the UNCG Travel Policy:
- Review the International Travel Checklist.
- Consult the list of Approved/Unapproved Destinations below to determine whether your travel plans require a petition to the University-Affiliated International Travel Committee.
- If traveling with students, a Group Travel Application must be submitted 120 days prior to departure.
- For all destinations, you must register your travel using the Travel Registry button below no later than four weeks prior to departure. Email ipc@uncg.edu with any questions.
Approved/Unapproved Destinations List
This list is updated once per semester or as circumstances warrant. Local conditions may also make travel nonviable in certain instances. These designations are subject to change without notice. Click here to view the list of approved/unapproved destinations. Please note this list is not exhaustive. Contact IPC for travel to any countries not listed. The list of Approved/Unapproved Destinations is informed by the U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory Levels, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Travel Health Notice Levels, and other risk rating sources, including, but not limited to, Drum-Cussac Country Security Profiles (available through GeoBlue, the UNC System’s international health insurance provider).Level Definitions
- High Risk Destinations do not fall within an acceptable level of risk for University-affiliated travel. Travel to these locations requires approval of a petition to the University-Affiliated International Travel Committee.
- Moderate Risk Destinations may pose health and safety risks that require closer consideration of the travel particulars. Travel with UNCG students to Moderate Risk Destinations requires approval from the Travel Committee. Faculty travel to Moderate Risk Destinations that does not involve students does not require additional approvals beyond the steps required for all international travel.
- Lower Risk Destinations do not require additional approvals beyond the steps required for all international travel.
Any faculty/staff travel that bears credit, involves UNCG students, or uses University financial resources must comply with UNCG policies on international travel.
Please see below to determine what procedures you should follow as you prepare to travel abroad.
Individual Travel
- Please review the UNCG International Travel Checklist. This checklist is intended to guide you through the process and provide you with resources as you plan your travel, as well as keep you informed of any UNCG requirements you will need to fulfill.
- All travelers must register through the UNCG International Travel Registry no later than four weeks in advance of travel for risk management and emergency support services.
- Review the list of Approved/Unapproved Destinations for your intended travel to determine whether additional approvals are required. If you are traveling to an unapproved program location, you will need to submit an Application for Exception to Policy on University-Affiliated International Travel.
- UNCG requires that all faculty, staff, and students participating on University-affiliated international travel be enrolled in the University’s international health insurance plan, GeoBlue. Faculty and staff insurance coverage will be paid on their behalf by the International Programs Center (IPC) for the duration of their University-affiliated travel. Individuals looking to extend their coverage at their own cost to incorporate personal travel can find more information on the Insurance portion of this page.
Travel with Students
Not for Credit
- If you are interested in leading a group of students abroad on a non-credit-bearing opportunity, you must complete and submit the Application for University-Affiliated Group Travel Abroad at least 120 days prior to intended travel. IPC will assist you in creating a program within our client management system to collect health and safety information from all participants and assist with insurance enrollment.
- As you prepare, please review the UNCG International Travel Checklist. This checklist is intended to guide you through the process and provide you with resources as you plan your travel, as well as keep you informed of any UNCG requirements you will need to fulfill.
- Review the list of Approved/Unapproved Destinations for your intended travel to determine whether additional approvals are required. If you are traveling to an unapproved program location, you will need to submit an Application for Exception to Policy on University-Affiliated International Travel.
- UNCG requires that all faculty, staff, and students participating on University-affiliated international travel be enrolled in the University’s international health insurance plan, GeoBlue. Faculty and staff insurance coverage will be paid on their behalf by the International Programs Center (IPC) for the duration of their University-affiliated travel. Students traveling on University-affiliated international group programs will either have their insurance covered by the sponsoring department or billed to their student accounts individually for the duration of the program. Individuals looking to extend their coverage at their own cost to incorporate personal travel find more information on the Insurance portion of this page.
For Credit
Faculty-Led Group Program
- If you are planning to lead a group of students abroad on a credit-bearing program, you will need to follow the guidelines for developing a UNCG Faculty-Led Program. Please be mindful that these programs require significant lead time to plan, recruit, and deliver (typically 15 -18 months in advance of travel).
In Case of an Emergency Abroad
Call +1-336-334-5404 to reach the UNCG International Programs Center during normal business hours (8:00 am - 5:00 pm EST). After hours, call +1-336-334-4444 to reach University Police. Mention that you are traveling abroad and they will get in touch with the IPC staff member on call.Preparing for Travel
As you begin your preparations for travel, there are a range of resources out there that can help you prepare for emergencies should they happen:- UNCG International Travel Checklist
- UNCG Individual or Group International Travel Emergency Plans
- US State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP): By enrolling in STEP (link), the US State department can track where US citizens are around the world. This way if there is a situation, event, or potential crisis, the State Department can contact you directly with alters and guidance.
- PCR Testing: Your travel destination may require PCR testing in advance of departure. Students seeking PCR testing can contact the Student Health Services at UNCG to inquire about appointments and costs. Faculty and staff are advised to contact the nearest Walgreens or Cone Health to determine appointment availability and cost.
- US State Department Country Profiles: Be sure to review the country profile for the country or countries you will be travelling to. These profiles provide updated information about the country including many topics related to health and safety.
- US State Department Traveler’s Checklist: This Department of State resource lists crucial steps you should take in planning your trip abroad.
- Centers for Disease Control and Protection (CDC): The CDC provides valuable information about staying healthy and safe while abroad as well as specific country ratings and public health profiles that includes health notices and information about any required vaccinations.
- UNCG Office of Research and Engagement Export Control: This office provides information and assistance regarding export of material and intellectual property that may be subject to federal and international export controls.
When you register your UNCG-affiliated travel, you will be enrolled in GeoBlue International Health Insurance. The policy is managed by the University of North Carolina System and enrollment is coordinated by UNCG's International Programs Center.
In an emergency:
- Seek medical care first.
- Contact GeoBlue at the soonest available opportunity to help with care management.
- Alert the International Programs Center about the traveler's emergency.
For immediate assistance:
Inside the US, call 1.800.268.2686
Outside the US, call +1.610.263.2847
Website: www.geobluestudents.com
For non-emergency medical care:
Contact GeoBlue first for access to vetted medical providers in your area. GeoBlue can coordinate an appointment and typically prevent any need for out of pocket expense. If a GeoBlue contracted doctor is not available, they can provide information about other doctors available.
The insurance coverage and benefits are described in the brochure GeoBlue Student Member Guide. Customer service and claim support is available through the GeoBlue app, online, or by email at customerservice@geo-blue.com.
Billing
UNCG requires that all faculty, staff, and students participating on University-affiliated international travel be enrolled in the University’s international health insurance plan, GeoBlue. Faculty and staff insurance coverage will be paid on their behalf by the International Programs Center (IPC) for the duration of their University-affiliated travel.
Students traveling on University-affiliated international group programs will either have their insurance covered by the sponsoring department or billed to their student accounts individually for the duration of their University-affiliated travel.
Insurance Extension
Individuals looking to extend their coverage at their own cost to incorporate personal travel before or after their University-affiliated travel should review the GeoBlue Enrollment Extension Instructions.