As you consider participating in official university business internationally, determine reasons and need for travel. Common purposes for international travel include:

• Engaging in educational or research collaboration, scholarly presentations, conference attendance.
• Visiting an existing or potential new partner institution for the purpose of creating new teaching and learning opportunities, international student recruitment, collaborative research, or exchanging knowledge and ideas around topics of mutual interest.

The following questions can help you determine the purpose and necessity for the travel:

• What are the intended outcomes of the international travel?
• Prior to committing to travel, consider what outcomes are possible to accomplish via videoconference.
• If visiting a potential or existing partner institution, check with CGE to see if JMU has an existing partnership with the institution you intend to work with.
• What are the goals of the international travel? How do interests and goals of your department, college and/or JMU align with the goals of the intended travel?  What are the benefits of the travel to your department, college, or the broader JMU community?
• Who will you be meeting with? What prior knowledge should you have to engage in meaningful conversation with professionals you will be meeting?

• 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. 

James Madison University faculty/staff who are participating in official university business independently from the Center for Global Engagement (CGE) programming may purchase the discounted JMU group emergency medical insurance directly through Cultural Insurance Services International (CISI). Please follow the self-enrollment instructions:

CISI Self-Enrollment Form

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.