If you're planning an international trip for yourself or a group of students, you're in the right place.  We can help provide comprehensive guidance on the university's travel policies and procedures and the requirements related to registration, reimbursement, travel booking, visa applications, and other compliance issues.

Questions?

For more information, you can reach us at 617-522-1240


Contact the Office of Global Engagement

The Essentials

Before You Go Abroad

Register your international trip in the University's Travel Registry

Any Boston College-affiliated travel to an international destination should be registered as soon as possible in advance of the trip and must be registered no later than three weeks before departure.

Follow the instructions to register your itinerary using the travel registry for individual travel or group travel

Contact the Office of Global Engagement for questions or assistance. We provide demonstrations and training sessions for the travel registry. Please use the RSVP form to RSVP for a session.

Please consult with your direct supervisor prior to traveling on behalf of the University

In addition, if you are traveling to an OFAC-sanctioned, US State Department advisory level 3 or 4, or other University-designated high-risk destination, your trip will require Dean and Vice President/Provost approval. In such cases, you should enter your travel plans (destination & dates) into the travel registry, but do not book your flight/hotel accommodations until after your trip has been reviewed by the Associate Director of Global Safety and Security and you have received final approval to travel from your Dean/VP.

If you have any questions please reach out to the Office of Global Engagement.

Any trip abroad should be planned well in advance to ensure that you are prepared, have received all pre-departure approvals and briefings, and have time to apply for any visas or other entry requirements for your destination(s). Please take advantage of the relevant resources and information provided on this page. For information about vaccinations, refer to the Global Health and Safety section below.  

*Personal travel does not require registration. Please contact the Office of Global Enagement to clarify if your travel plans constitute University Travel.

Travel Abroad

Please consult with your direct supervisor prior to traveling on behalf of the University

Any Boston College-affiliated travel to an international destination should be registered as soon as possible in advance of the trip and must be registered no later than three weeks before departure.

Any trip abroad should be planned well in advance to ensure that you are prepared, have received all pre-departure approvals and briefings, and have time to apply for any visas or other entry requirements for your destination(s).

For more information about vaccinations, refer to the Global Health and Safety tab.

In addition, if you are traveling to an OFAC-sanctioned, US State Dept. advisory level 3 or 4, or other University-designated high-risk destination, your trip will require Dean and Vice President/Provost approval. In such cases, you should enter your travel plans (destination & dates) into the University's travel registry, but do not book your flight/hotel accommodations until after your trip has been reviewed by the Associate Director of Global Safety and Security and you have received final approval to travel from your Dean/VP. If you have any questions please reach out to the Office of Global Engagement.

Follow the instructions to register your itinerary using the travel registry for individual travel or group travel. Contact the Office of Global Engagement for questions or assistance.

Here is useful information on travel booking, insurance, funding, and reimbursements, as well as regulations regarding travel on sponsored programs.

Enroll your travel with the US Government’s STEP service for alerts and assistance while abroad.

We also recommend that you consult Export Controls and read about travel security tips to protect your electronic devices and the data they contain. 

Global Health and Safety

Zurich American Insurance Company is Boston College's required travel health insurance provider and International SOS is the 24/7 medical and emergency assistance provider. Assistance services and insurance benefits can be initiated by calling ISOS at +1 215-942-8478 or via the ISOS Assistance App and referencing Boston College’s Membership. Members of the BC Community can also take advantage of the wide variety of information available on the ISOS Portal (use your first.last@bc.edu to login). 

Certain countries have specific health and safety requirements. Please visit the ISOS Portal for more information about your destination(s) before departure. If you would like a consultation for required immunizations and country specific health advisories, you may contact Health Services. In order to receive immunizations, you will need to visit a travel clinic.

You may also refer to the US Department of State for country specific requirements and advisories:

Follow the instructions to register your itinerary using the travel registry for individual travel or group travel. Contact the Office of Global Enagement for questions or assistance.

Download the AlertTraveler® App on your mobile device from the App Store or GooglePlay. After downloading the app, go to your user PROFILE in the travel registry to obtain your password for the mobile

Enroll your trip with the US Government’s STEP service for alerts and assistance while abroad.

Travel Advisories

Certain countries around the world are issued travel advisories based on national recommendations. According to the Department of State, a Level 3 warning indicates a high warning and that you should reconsider travel. Level 4 advisories are given to sanctioned countries and can be found on the Department of Treasury’s website.

Consult Export Controls for a list of countries where extra precautions are needed with respect to traveling with personal or university computers, phones, or other electronics. For information regarding vaccinations and health notices while traveling to countries with advisories, visit the Center for Disease Control's site.

Things You Need to Know 

Procurement Abroad

When planning to purchase goods or services from foreign vendors (for instance, consultants or law firms), contact Procurement Services. You may also need to consult the Office for Sponsored Programs if the procurement is occurring under federally sponsored projects, which may set forth rules restricting foreign procurement. 

IT and Data Security

Before traveling abroad with your computer or mobile device, be sure to review the BC's safety tips about information security while traveling. 

Data Transfer and Privacy Protection

If your research involves the transfer of personally identifiable information, you should consult the Institutional Review Board/Office of Research Protections as your first point of contact, to confirm that adequate protocols are in place to mitigate harm against those to whom the data relates. 

Export Controls

Boston College follows the United States' comprehensive lists of restrictions on academic collaborations, research materials, and equipment.

Intellectual Property

The Scholarly Communication Librarian at the University Libraries is available to offer advice and assistance on issues relating to the use of copyrighted materials, working with publishers, and other copyright issues.

Please be mindful of the University’s Intellectual Property Policy and consult with the Office of Technology Transfer and Licensing to confirm that there are adequate protections in place to ensure the security of the research and protection of intellectual property. Any contracts or licenses with foreign parties should be reviewed in accordance with University policies.   

International Shipments

All faculty, staff, and students are required to submit an International Shipping Form prior to shipping items abroad. The Office of Research Security, Compliance and Integrity (RSIC) will review the submission and determine whether a license from the U.S. Government is required for the shipment. FinaI RSIC approval, and a license if applicable, is required, before the item can ship

FAQ

How can we help?

FAQ match your criteria

Accepting Gifts
<p>Acceptance of gratuities, gifts, or travel from any source could create the appearance of a conflict of interest. This is of particular concern when something of value is given by a foreign source, where there may be additional disclosure requirements applicable to foreign support.&nbsp;</p> <p>Before accepting a gift (including travel) from a foreign source, be mindful of the University’s conflicts of interest policies as set forth in the Faculty Handbook, the&nbsp;Policy on Conflicts of Interest and Commitment, the&nbsp;Policy on Professional Standards and Business Conduct,&nbsp;and the&nbsp;Policy on Conflicts of Interest and Commitment Pertaining to Sponsored Projects. Related questions may be directed to the&nbsp;Vice Provost of Faculties.&nbsp;</p> <p>Any financial gift intended to be given to the University from a foreign source may require disclosure under federal law. For more information please email:&nbsp;<a href="emailto:bcaa@bc.edu">bcaa@bc.edu</a></p>
<p>What is the policy on accepting gifts from a foreign source?</p>
Extracurricular Programs and Immersion Trips
<p>If you are planning to take students abroad on an extra-curricular program, including volunteering, service, and immersion review relevant resources.&nbsp;</p> <p>Please be mindful of the&nbsp;Boston College Academic and Extracurricular Student Travel Policy.</p>
<p>What are university policys on taking students aboard for extracurricular programs?</p>
Financial Matters
<p>These are your resources if you need to access, manage, spend, and report on money used abroad:</p> <ul> <li><b>Banking issues:&nbsp;</b>If you need to open a bank account in a foreign country to carry out your activities, Bank and Cash services within the&nbsp;Office of the Controller&nbsp;is dedicated to providing you with fiscal advice.</li> <li><b>Use of purchase card&nbsp;(P-card):&nbsp;</b>For questions related to the purchase of goods or services abroad with a p-card (for a value of less than $5,000), and which type of card to use, please refer to&nbsp;Purchasing card program.</li> <li><b>Payments abroad:</b>&nbsp;For payments to foreign vendors by wire, please contact the Office of the Controller.&nbsp;</li> <li><b>Advances and reimbursements:&nbsp;</b>To apply for an advance to cover your travel expenses, or for reimbursement, please visit&nbsp;BC Travel.</li> </ul>
<p>What financial resources does the university provide?</p>
Funding
<p>If you are looking for funding for international travel and collaborations, review our key resources.</p>
<p>Are there resources for find funding for international travel and collaborations?</p>
Human Resources
<p>If your project requires you to contract or hire a local consultant or employee, please consult with the Office of the Vice President of Human Resources for information on regulations and procedures.</p> <p>When taking on a work assignment abroad, you will have to consider a number of issues, in particular related to banking, taxes, social security, and benefits. If you are a foreign national, an extended stay abroad may have implications for your visa in the United States.</p> <p>For support and guidance when planning your move, please contact&nbsp;the Office of the Vice President of&nbsp;Human Resources.</p>
<p>What is the process for hiring while abroad?</p>
Insurance Abroad
<p>Review&nbsp;travel insurance information&nbsp;for BC faculty, staff, and students traveling abroad.</p> <p>For questions concerning insurance of property, vehicles, and general liability abroad, please contact the&nbsp;Office of Risk Management.&nbsp;U</p> <p>ndergraduate students participating in a study abroad program through the&nbsp;Office of Global Education&nbsp;will be enrolled in supplemental health insurance for the duration of their program.</p>
<p>How do I apply for travel or health insurance while abroad?</p>
Intercultural Awareness
<p>Having a sense of understanding and cultural awareness is necessary for effective communication. We recommend visiting the&nbsp;Office of Global Education's website.</p> <p>Most semesters, the&nbsp;Office of the Vice President for Human Resources offers&nbsp;Cultural Competency Engagement Modules&nbsp;as well as other programs.</p> <p>The&nbsp;Office of the Vice President for Human Resources and the Office of International Students and Scholars (OISS) also offer opportunities for assessment and development of intercultural competency through the use of the&nbsp;Intercultural Development Inventory&nbsp;(IDI).</p> <p>The OISS also provides individual programs for departments/offices on other related issues, such as cross-cultural communication.</p>
<p>How can I improve my cultural literacy and communications skills with the international community?</p>
Legal Issues
<p>To determine the legal issues and all operations related to your activity abroad, consult with your Department Chair or Dean, who may seek advice from Export Controls, the Office of the Controller, and the Office of the General Counsel, among other units.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Who can I consult if I have legal issues while traveling abroad?</p>
MADL Renewal
<p>For Massachusetts Residents who hold nonimmigrant visa status, you are eligible to renew your driver’s license if your current status has expired, and if you have a timely filed extension of status petition pending with USCIS.&nbsp; You can document your ongoing lawful status by presenting the following documents:</p> <ul> <li>Passport with visa stamp</li> <li>I-94 record</li> <li>Prior I-797 Approval Notice</li> <li>Current I-797 Receipt Notice for pending extension</li> </ul> <p>All Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) branches have been reminded that individuals are eligible to renew their Massachusetts driver’s license if they have valid visa status in the United States, and a have pending extension petition or application with USCIS.&nbsp; (This is applicable to ordinary MA licenses, not an Real ID). If a person shows proof of current status including their I-94 record, and I-797 receipt notice, they are entitled to an 8-month extension of their driver’s license.In the event that you have any difficulty in renewing your license at an RMV branch, you should ask the RMV clerk to contact the Driver Licensing division of the RMV.</p> <p>You can locate your local RMV office and schedule an appointment at <a href="https://www.mass.gov/orgs/massachusetts-registry-of-motor-vehicles/locations?utm&amp;page=1">this link</a>.</p>
<p>What do I need to do to renew my Massachusetts Driver's License?</p>
Passports, Visas, and Permits for BC Travelers
<p>If you have to apply for a visa or other permit, review information from the U.S. State Department and American Express Global Business Travel.</p>
<p>How do I apply for passports, viasa, or other permits?</p>
Reporting and Taxes
<p>For questions related to reporting and taxes on income or payments abroad, please consult with the&nbsp;Office of the Controller.</p>
<p>How do I report&nbsp;income or payments abroad for tax purposes?</p>
Teaching Abroad
<p>If you are interested in taking groups of students abroad, you should consult with the&nbsp;Office of Global Education&nbsp;for information and support.</p> <p>If you are looking to teach abroad or considering developing curricula as a consultant or in the framework of a partnership with a university or organization abroad, please consult your Dean and the Vice Provost for Faculties.Teaching and service for other universities implicate university policies including:</p> <ul> <li>Faculty Handbook provisions regarding conflicts of interest and conflicts of commitment</li> <li>Policy on Conflict of Interest and Commitment Pertaining to Sponsored Projects</li> <li>Export Controls requirements</li> </ul> <p>Questions regarding the foregoing should be directed to your Department Chair, Dean, Vice Provost for Faculties, the&nbsp;Office for Sponsored Programs, or&nbsp;Export Controls.</p>
<p>Are you interested in taking students abroad or considering developing curricula as a consultant?</p>
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