Travel for Faculty & Staff
James Madison University faculty and staff who are participating in official university business internationally may find the following checklist helpful in planning their visit. If you or your department need guidance in planning a visit, please contact CGE.
International Traveler Insurance:
Effective July 1, 2026, international travel insurance coverage will be mandatory for all employees and their dependents traveling on university business (excluding study abroad programs). JMU will cover the full cost for employees; travelers are only responsible for payment if they choose to enroll their dependents. While the insurance is university-funded, travelers must still complete the mandatory CISI enrollment form below. Once the enrollment form is complete, please remember to print the confirmation, check the corresponding box on your travel Pre-Approval request and upload the confirmation.
Travel Pre-approval and Arrangements:
- Request travel pre-approval via Chrome River prior to starting your travel and accommodation arrangements.
- Follow the JMU travel guidelines and procedures as described in Policy 4215.
- Consult Travel Q&A: https://www.jmu.edu/financeoffice/faq-finance.shtml#Set-11-A .
- Consult the Accounts Payable: Travel Planner.
Steps Before You Travel:
Verify your passport
Make sure your passport is valid for 6 months beyond your travel. If you need to request a new or renew your passport, visit the U.S. Department of State website to find application details and forms.
Visa
Research visa requirements early by visiting your host country’s Embassy or Consulate website. You can locate the appropriate Embassy or Consulate at: http://www.embassy.org/ It may also be necessary to contact the Consulate by phone to confirm information.
Please be aware that you may be required to travel in person to the Consulate for your visa interview. This requirement varies by country.
Vaccinations
Be informed about which types of vaccinations may be needed for your travel; some vaccinations may be time sensitive.
Travel tips
Visit http://travel.state.gov to learn more about local laws, travel tips, and specific country information. Consider U.S. State Department Travel Advisory for the travel destination(s) and follow recommendations regarding travel safety.
State Department Smart Traveler Enrollment Program Registration
The U.S. Department of State has a free Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). We strongly encourage you to register as a traveler with STEP. By signing up, you will receive assistance in emergencies, such as a lost/stolen passport or natural disasters. You will also receive up-to-date information about the country to which you are traveling (including Travel Alerts and Warnings, if applicable).
Currency information
Research the best way to access money in your host country. Some countries run on a cash-based system, and you may not have easy access to ATM machines. Contact your bank and credit card companies to inform them of your travel so you do not have issues abroad.
Cultural Awareness
Learn about the destination you will be traveling to prior to departure; be informed about the location, cultural practices, dress codes, basic language phrases, and need for interpreting.