Updates to GW’s International Travel Policy

Dear Students, Faculty and Staff,

We hope this message finds you safe and healthy. As you are aware, the university suspended all non-essential, GW-affiliated international travel for students, faculty and staff beginning in March to help protect members of our community from the global spread of COVID-19. As we continue to monitor the situation and based on guidance from our public health experts, we have determined that it is necessary to continue the suspension of all non-essential international travel until further notice.

GW-Affiliated Travel
Any university-affiliated travel that is believed to be essential will be subject to approval from the relevant dean or vice president. International travel by faculty or staff is not essential if it can be postponed or managed by alternative methods, such as electronically. Professional or educational conferences are defined as non-essential international travel.

Study Abroad and Undergraduate Student Travel
Study abroad programs and other international undergraduate student travel is considered non-essential through fall semester 2020. Students who were scheduled to study abroad this fall have been contacted directly with additional information.

Graduate Student Travel
Graduate student international travel that is necessary for academic credit required for graduation and cannot be postponed or offered online or domestically may be considered essential based on approval of the relevant dean or vice president. International travel that is an optional component of an academic requirement is considered non-essential.

Research-Related Travel
Research-related travel by faculty, staff and graduate students that cannot be postponed or managed by alternative methods and is required to preserve the results of an ongoing research activity is considered essential.

Essential Travel Requests
To request approval to engage in essential travel, GW community members should contact their dean or vice president.

Return from Essential International Travel
GW community members should be aware of special screening, testing or quarantine requirements and travel restrictions that may prevent or delay their return to the United States.

We know these travel restrictions may have a significant impact on your studies or your work. We appreciate your understanding as we take the necessary steps to protect the health and safety of our community members.

Sincerely,

M. Brian Blake
Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs

Mark Diaz
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer