Clarifications on Travel to the U.S.
Proof of COVID-19 Vaccination for Entry to the U.S.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has announced a new order for all air passengers traveling to the United States.
Effective November 8, 2021, all F-1 Visa students traveling to the United States will be required to be fully vaccinated, provide proof of full vaccination.
PLEASE NOTE: The Center for Disease Control (CDC) has confirmed that for purposes of travel to the U.S., vaccines approved or authorized by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or on the World Health Organization (WHO) emergency use listed (EUL) vaccines will be accepted. Click here for a list of approved vaccines.
Exceptions to this policy will be extremely limited and may apply to:
- Children under 18
- People medically unable to receive the vaccine
- Emergency travelers who do not have timely access to a vaccine
If you are a continuing student in valid F-1 status, you can re-enter the U.S.
Before traveling into the U.S., you will need the following:
- A Travel Signature for your I-20.
- A Valid F-1 Visa
- A Valid Passport
- Proof of full COVID-19 vaccination.
Please complete the I-20 Travel Request Form and email it to intled@smc.edu from your SMC email address to receive a new travel signature on your I-20. The International Education Center will email you a new signed I-20.
February 16, 2021
Due to an increase in COVID cases in the U.S. and abroad, it is possible that new travel restrictions for F-1 visa students seeking to re-enter the U.S. may be enacted.
If you plan to travel, please be sure to check with your country’s U.S. embassy to find out if there are travel restrictions that apply to F-1 visa students traveling from your country back to the U.S. You may also inquire with the airlines to find out if there are any restrictions or requirements to re-enter the U.S.
If you plan to travel, be sure to request an updated travel signature for your I-20. Submit the travel signature request form to intled@smc.edu from your SMC email account at least 2 weeks before your return to the U.S. We will email you an updated I-20 with a travel signature.
Please note, SMC and IEC are closed on the following days: (updated November 2022)
Veteran's Day Friday, November 11, 2022
Thanksgiving Holiday Thursday, November 24, 2022 and Friday, November 25, 2022
Winter Break December 23, 2022 through January 2, 2023
