Travel and Return Guidelines
If you are planning to travel, here’s what you need to know.
I am planning to travel internationally as part of a Summer 2020 Dialogues of Civilization offering, Summer 2020 co-op, or Fall 2020 study abroad program. What should I do?
All university-sponsored global programs in CDC Level 3 countries and regions have been cancelled, and all planned Summer I and Summer II Dialogue of Civilization global experiences will be reprogrammed to virtual participation, if possible.
The Global Experience Office and the International Safety Office will be reaching out to all students planning to study abroad or participate in a global co-op during Summer I and II to discuss their options. At this time, all non-essential university-sponsored travel remains prohibited. Please note that university-sponsored travel to locations with a CDC Level 3 designation is not permitted. The CDC has issued a Global Pandemic Notice, recommending that travelers avoid all nonessential travel to all global destinations. Students are permitted to participate in study abroad programs or global co-ops if they study or work remotely from a safe location. Students may also request to participate in study abroad programs or global co-ops in their home countries. These opportunities must be approved by the Global Safety and Security Assessment Committee (GSSAC). For more information, visit the Global Experience Office and the International Safety Office webpage: https://provost.northeastern.edu/international-travel/.
I have been accepted into the Fall 2020 N.U.in program. Will I still be able to participate?
The university is closely monitoring the planned Fall 2020 N.U.in program sites. For any planned site that is located in a CDC Level 3 country, we are actively making contingency plans. While we will continue to follow CDC guidelines and State Department Travel Guidance, currently the university expects that the majority of students accepted to N.U.in will be able to participate fully in the Fall 2020 program without interruption.
Is the university currently restricting travel?
Yes. To safeguard the health and wellbeing of the university community, Northeastern will move toward virtual meetings and convenings wherever possible, suspending all non-essential university-sponsored travel—both international and domestic. In select cases where in-person participation remains vital, decisions to approve air travel will be determined by one of the university’s six senior vice presidents, with input from Northeastern’s Global Safety and Security Assessment Committee.
In light of the decision to suspend travel, faculty who have personally incurred advanced expenses for upcoming university-sponsored travel should contact the vice president and assistant treasurer in the Finance Division to request reimbursement.
If you plan to travel anywhere in the world for either personal or university-sponsored trips, we encourage you to register your travel through the NU Travel Registry. Faculty and staff with questions about this change should consult with their supervisor; students should contact WeCare: wecare@northeastern.edu.
I am returning to campus after having visited a CDC Level 3 country. Where should I self-quarantine for 14 days?
If you are a Northeastern faculty or staff member, please self-quarantine and work from home. If you are a student, you should self-quarantine at your home or at the home of a friend or family member and study from that location. If you do not have a place to self-quarantine, please contact WeCare at 617-373-7591 or at wecare@northeastern.edu.
I plan to travel abroad on a personal trip. Should I let the university know?
Northeastern has resources to help students, faculty and staff if they need assistance while traveling abroad. If you plan to travel anywhere in the world for either personal or an approved university-sponsored trip, please register your travel through the NU Travel Registry and use the self-report health form. Once registered, you will have access to information, resources, and notifications specific to your travel destination.
Beginning March 12, the university is encouraging managers to work with employees (irrespective of risk groups) to enable remote work wherever possible, while ensuring business continuity. This policy applies to Northeastern’s campuses in Massachusetts (Boston, Burlington, Nahant), Seattle, London, Charlotte, and the San Francisco Bay Area. The university will continuously evaluate this policy change and make adjustments as needed.
What if I need urgent assistance while traveling abroad?
If you need urgent assistance while abroad, please contact WorldAware at +1.312.470.3108. WorldAware is a Northeastern University partner providing our travelers with a wide range of resources and assistance, including referrals for local healthcare service providers, travel warnings, and emergency assistance services 24-hours a day. Make sure you fill out the NU Travel Registry and self-report health form so you are registered in the system.
If you are traveling abroad as on a university-sponsored program, please also keep your GEO advisor or co-op coordinator up to date on any changes or disruptions you experience.