Spring break officially begins on Saturday, when scores of students, faculty, and staff will pick up and travel to far-flung corners of the world. With that in mind, and in response to President Donald Trump’s executive orders on immigration, which have created some confusion for those traveling internationally, the Northeastern police and Student Affairs office offered some travel tips, recommendations, and resources for the Northeastern community.

Here is the full text of the message to the campus community from Students Affairs and NUPD, sent Monday:

 

Spring break is often a busy travel period for members of the university community. If you are preparing to travel, please take time to review these recommendations, particularly if you will be traveling outside the United States.

General recommendations for non-U.S. passport holders: 

1. Northeastern continues to recommend that community members who hold passports from Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, and Yemen avoid any international travel.
2. Students who are non-U.S. passport holders are encouraged to schedule a meeting with an Office of Global Services (OGS) advisor to help make informed decisions based upon destination of travel, purpose of travel, and immigration history.
3. Visit the OGS website to stay informed of changes in immigration law, international travel recommendations, and additional resources.

 Practical travel safety tips:

1. Enter your travel itinerary on the myNEU portal at “My Travel Plans.” Travelers who enter their itineraries receive additional information about their destinations and gain access to a range of university-supported resources, including assistance while they are abroad.
2. Make two copies of all pertinent immigration documents (e.g. passport bio-data page, visa, etc.). Carry one set with you during your trip—but keep it separate from your other travel documents—and leave one set with family or a trusted friend in the U.S.
3. Consider whether you need to carry electronic devices, such as a cell phone or laptop. And if you do, be sure to protect yourself by practicing these safe electronic travel processes as outlined on the SecureNU website.
4. Exercise caution when traveling, and avoid protests.
5. Be prepared for extra screening at the airport and carry your immigration documentation in a safe place.
6. Communicate your travel plans with your family and a trusted friend, and create check-in procedures for your flights. For example:
   1. Text or call your friend immediately upon landing at your destination abroad and again on your return to the U.S.
   2. Contact your friend again within three hours.
   3. If your friend has not heard from you, they should contact Northeastern Police at 617-373-2121.

Helpful travel resources:

1. If you encounter issues while traveling abroad, Northeastern’s response program, called WorldAware, can help. WorldAware can be reached at +1 (312) 470-3108. http://www.northeastern.edu/international-travel/assistance-while-abroad/

1. Memorize the phone numbers of your trusted friend, an attorney, and Northeastern Police (617-373-2121), in the event you are held for secondary inspection at the airport.

If you have questions about international travel or available resources at the university, please contact OGS directly at 617-373-2310 or ogs@northeastern.edu.