Resources for Travelers
UP-TO-DATE TRAVEL ALERTS
US State Department provides travel alerts
The U.S Department of State maintains an excellent up-to-date website, http://travel.state.gov/, containing information for students abroad, entry/exit requirements, travel warnings and alerts, crises planning, health and medical information, accessibility for the disabled, and a multitude of other facts and resources. At a minimum, students and employees traveling to foreign countries should access the site for current travel advisories prior to departure. Learn about the country you are traveling to.
In addition, following is a link to the International Resource Center which was built in partnership between the University Risk Management and Insurance Association (URMIA) and the National Association of College and University Business Officers (NACUBO). The Center contains a wealth of information geared towards higher ed including cash management, finance, human resources, legal, research compliance, and risk management: http://www.nacubo.org
On this page below, you will find UA procedure, guidelines and other resources for your travel safety and security.
Travel Alerts and Notifications
As sent via UA-Outreach email on January 30, 2017.
Dear UA Community –
As the country grapples with the evolving implementation of the President’s Executive Order restricting immigration, I assure you that the University of Alaska is working to understand the full impacts on our students, faculty, employees and their families. And, more importantly, I want to assure you that our university remains committed to the open exchange of students, scholars, and ideas from all over the world.
We are concerned about the well-being of our students, faculty and staff who may be traveling and kept from returning to our universities as a result of this policy. Although that number seems to be small, any impact is concerning.
The university is consulting with experts in order to provide guidance or assistance to any students or employees from the affected countries. We also are in regular contact with other universities and national associations to understand the implications of the new policy.
I want to repeat that the University of Alaska is committed to ensuring that all students, staff, faculty and their families can focus on what brought them here in the first place, the pursuit of scholarship in an environment that supports them regardless of their race, ethnicity, or national origin.
If students or employees need information about international travel or have concerns about their return to campus or visas, please use the following contact:
UAA: https://www.uaa.alaska.edu/
UAS: http://www.uas.alaska.edu/
Sincerely,
Jim Johnsen
The Department of State warns U.S. citizens not to travel to Cuba. Over the past several months, numerous U.S. Embassy Havana employees have been targeted in specific attacks. These employees have suffered significant injuries as a consequence of these attacks. Affected individuals have exhibited a range of physical symptoms including ear complaints and hearing loss, dizziness, headache, fatigue, cognitive issues, and difficulty sleeping.
The Governments of the United States and Cuba have not yet identified the responsible party, but the Government of Cuba is responsible for taking all appropriate steps to prevent attacks on our diplomatic personnel and U.S. citizens in Cuba. Because our personnel's safety is at risk, and we are unable to identify the source of the attacks, we believe U.S. citizens may also be at risk and warn them not to travel to Cuba. Attacks have occurred in U.S. diplomatic residences and hotels frequented by U.S. citizens. On September 29, the Department ordered the departure of nonemergency U.S. government employees and their family members to protect the safety of our personnel.
Due to the drawdown in staff, the U.S. Embassy in Havana has limited ability to assist U.S. citizens. The Embassy will provide only emergency services to U.S. citizens. U.S. citizens in Cuba in need of emergency assistance should contact the Embassy by telephone at +(53)(7) 839-4100 or the Department of State at 1-202-501-4444. U.S. citizens should not attempt to go to the U.S. Embassy as it suffered severe flood damage during Hurricane Irma.
Travelers should apprise family and friends in the United States of their whereabouts, and keep in close contact with their travel agency and hotel staff.
For further information: Please visit https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/alertswarnings/cuba-travel-warning.html
The CDC has increased their Travel Health Notice for Zika to an Alert Level 2 (Practice Enhanced Precautions) for the following countries:
- Pacific Islands
- Caribbean
- Cape Verde
- Mexico
- Central America
- South America
Link - http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/notices
New Interim Guidelines for Prevention of Sexual Transmission of Zika Virus:
University Emergency Travel Restriction (Ebola)
The University of Alaska has restricted UA travel to Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone, the countries affected by CDC warning level 3.
UA emergency travel restriction:
Emergency Travel Restriction - Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone
CDC watch level 1:
http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/notices
Private travelers
Travelers to countries affected by the Ebola outbreak in several West African countries should closely monitor updated information available concerning the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD). Travelers are strongly encouraged to heed CDC, WHO, and U.S State Department's guidance regarding travel in this region. Returning travelers are asked to report to public health officials if you feel you have been exposed to the Ebola virus. Travelers with a potential exposure should monitor their health for 21 days post exposure. Regardless, any traveler who becomes ill, even if only a fever, should consult a health-care provider immediately
Travelers Should Monitor Developments At The Time Of Their Trips.
Returning EXPOSED Travelers Are Asked To Report To Public Health And Monitor Health.
Procedures, Guides and Checklists
- Travel Abroad Faculty/Leader Preparation Checklist
- Remote Travel & Transportation (field work):
Forms
Insurance
The following coverages are by application only:
- Study Abroad for students and faculty (Includes Accident, Sickness, Emergency Evacuation, Worldwide Assistance Services, etc.)
- Student Travel Accident
- Students may be eligible for health insurance through the student health centers.
The following are automatic coverages applicable to UA employees:
- Travel Accident
- Foreign Liability
- Workers' Compensation
- Benefit eligible employees may check here for details on the UA Health Insurance Plan: www.alaska.edu/benefits/
Worldwide Travel Assistance Services
These services, available under two policies (Travel Accident & Foreign Liability) are automatic conditioned upon the appropriate authorization for University of Alaska employee travel.
Travel Accident policy assistance services:
Assistance Services - Call 1-800-626-2427 inside the U.S. or collect 0-713-267-2525 if outside the U.S.:
Pre-Travel Assistance
- Advice on required and recommended immunizations
- Health information and precautions for medically remote or underserved areas
- Information for handicapped or disabled travelers
- Help in arranging special medical services needed while traveling
Medical Emergency Services
- Worldwide, 24-hour medical location service
- Medical case monitoring, arrange communication between patient, family, physicians, employer, consulate, etc.
- Medical transportation arrangements
- Emergency message service for medical situations
Legal Assistance
- Arranging contact with a local English-speaking attorney
- Worldwide, 24-hour contact for non-criminal legal emergencies
- Legal referral to help you locate a consular official or attorney
Travel Assistance
- Worldwide, 24-hour telephone contact for advice on handling losses and delays
- Help with lost passports, tickets and documents
- Advice on filing travel-related claims
- Arrange shipments of forgotten, lost or stolen items
- Relay emergency messages
Emergency Evacuation
Repatriation of Remains
Foreign Liability policy assistance services:
Call toll free (800) 766-8206 from within the USA or Canada.
Call collect (202) 659-7777 if you are outside the USA or Canada
Employee ID Cards and Passport Stickers are available through by contacting the System Office of Risk Services in Fairbanks.