It is recommended that travelers submit applications early to allow additional time for internal deadlines as this process requires participation on the part of the traveler, and the department/division and college that is authorizing the trip.

International Travel Planning

The following is a compilation of Cal Poly & CSU requirements, planning best practices, and resources to assist in travel planning — subject to change without notice.

If you are a Cal Poly Employee arranging a field trip or any travel with students, review
Before You Go (Traveling with Students).

• Determine if you will be traveling to a "High Hazard Country/Region."
• Visit U.S. Dept of State to determine if any visas or residence permitsare necessary.

Requirements

1. Contact your department and college for permission to travel.
2. Gather passport, anticipated travel information, emergency contact information.
3. Identify equipment, data, and materials you might take and if your travel is under a federal contract.
4. Complete all registration forms and signature documents.
5. Student travel is subject to academic and disciplinary review
   Students must remain in good disciplinary and academic standing in order to participate. Students that have been on disciplinary probation or are currently on disciplinary probation / review, should check with the International Center to verify their eligibility to participate. Travel expenses may be non-refundable.

Once approved & prior to departure

• Determine if you should have additional insurance coverage.
  Certain high-risk activities (ex. scuba diving) are not covered under the mandated international travel insurance. The foreign travel insurance may cover up to 14 days of personal travel (reimbursable to your department). If you plan to include more than 14 days of personal travel as part of your business trip aboard, you will need to purchase an individual policy for the additional dates of personal travel.
• Arrange for required visas or residence permits.
• Address all possible health considerations (allergies and medical conditions), guided by:
  • CDC Travelers’ Health
  • Cal Poly Health Center Travel Clinic, an outside travel health clinic and/or personal physician if necessary/recommended.
  • Necessary vaccinations or medications are obtained.
  • Determine if there are any restrictions on personal medications. Bring an extra 2-3 day supply, in case of travel complications and translate medications into the appropriate language. Pack medications in original containers in your carry-on luggage.
• Verify your passport is valid and remains valid for at least 6 months after the planned return date and there are no stamps in passports that may present problems for this trip.
• Verify that each traveler has a visa or residence permit if required.
• Continue to evaluate the safety and security of your destination(s).
• Verify access to emergency cash without ATM or credit cards. Contact your credit card company to let them know you will be traveling abroad.
• Copy the first page of your passport and insurance card and carry it separately from your passport.
• Provide your emergency contact with copies and verify how you may be contacted in an emergency.
• Confirm your itinerary to ensure that all road travel will occur during daylight hours, with sufficient time even if meetings or events are delayed, unless otherwise specifically advised.
• Verify that you have customs letters or export licenses if required.
• Enter emergency numbers into your cell phone and have a separate list of numbers, if your wallet is stolen (credit cards, bank).
• Contact your cellular service provider prior to departure to verify your service and charges while abroad.

Assistance

General questions regarding travel, including insurance coverage, visas, safety, and health, email intltrvl@calpoly.edu
Questions regarding Individual Student Travel, please email Chuck Petranek (cpetrane@calpoly.edu).
Questions regarding Individual Faculty/Staff Travel, please email Poly Travel (polytravel@calpoly.edu).