UW Global Travel Security Program

We facilitate safe and successful international travel for UW faculty, staff and students. Below are important alerts and resources for UW global travelers.

ALERT: All official UW travel outside the U.S. restricted

All official travel outside the U.S. by University of Washington employees and students is restricted until further notice, effective immediately.
No exceptions to this restriction will be made as the UW travel waiver process has also been suspended.
This restriction is informed by the global “Level 4: Do Not Travel” health advisory issued by the U.S. Department of State.
These restrictions do not apply to personal travel. However, we strongly encourage you to avoid travel and review applicable travel warnings.
No UW funds can be used to support any global travel until further notice.
UW-sponsored travel insurance and emergency assistance will not be available for any new travel. These services are of course available to UW travelers currently making their way home from overseas or sheltering in place.

All Huskies currently abroad – please take these steps!

Connect with the embassy of your nationality (Ex. U.S. Embassy – American Citizen Services). If you haven’t done so already, sign up for the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program to receive updates directly from the Embassy (you can sign up for STEP even if you are not a U.S. citizen). The U.S. Embassy website may also provide a list of recommended medical providers or hospitals.
Monitor local news and reputable international outlets for updates.
If you must shelter in place, acquire safe food and water supplies to last you several days (ideally two weeks) in case of acute shortages. If you have a medical condition that prevents you from sheltering in place, send an email to travelemergency@uw.edu. For urgent matters, call the UW Global Emergency Line at 206-632-0153.
Travelers should expect very long wait times. Bring your own food and personal hygiene items (toilet paper, wipes, hand sanitizer, etc.) if possible to avoid being left without.
Download UW emergency contacts directly to your phone. Click this link while on your mobile device: https://www.keynect.us/user/UWGLOBAL
Monitor updates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and U.S. Department of State.

UW students currently abroad

You are still covered by the UW Student Abroad Insurance for the coverage period purchased.
As a reminder, the UW Student Abroad Insurance through CISI does not cover travel cancellations or delays. Only evacuations that are medically necessary are covered by the insurance. Government (U.S. or foreign government) travel restrictions or border closings do not qualify for an insured evacuation.
UW Study Abroad students please visit the COVID-19 page for more information and closely monitor your email for updates.