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Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, if you are traveling on behalf of Virginia Tech, you or a delegate are required to complete a preapproval in the Emburse Enterprise System for international travel. If the traveler will not be reimbursed for expenses, you or your delegate must still submit a preapproval in the Emburse Enterprise System using the Intl Travel/Risk Management expense type. This ensures the request routes through the appropriate approval process.

  • A minimum of two weeks prior to your departure date of travel.  If you do not have an approved preapproval at least two weeks prior to travel, you should contact the Global Education Office, VTGlobalSafety@vt.edu.
  • A preapproval will still be required to be completed in the Emburse Enterprise System

  • Yes, all U.S. Citizens traveling outside the 50 United States should have a valid U.S. passport, with an expiration date at least 6 months after the end of your travel dates
  • For additional information regarding a U.S. Passport, visit U.S. Passports
  • Virginia Tech U.S. Passport Acceptance Facility offers products and services needed for a first-time passport and renewal passport applications
  • Travel to U.S. Territories or Freely Associated States depends upon your destination. Visit the USGov Territories website for additional information

  • It depends upon the country and the reason for travel. Currently, the United States has visa waiver programs in place with 42 countries. If you are traveling to visa waiver countries for tourism, you will not need a visa. For travel that is not for tourism or for travel to non-visa waiver countries, consult the country specific information available on the U.S. Department of State's travel website.

  • For country specific information about immunizations, vaccinations and medications, visit the CDC's website
  • Check the list and visit your doctor (4-6 weeks) before your trip

  • The U.S. Department of State maintains travel advisories by country. There are four levels of travel advisories:
    • Level 1: Exercise normal precautions
    • Level 2: Exercise increased caution
    • Level 3: Reconsider travel
    • Level 4: Do not travel
  • Based on current conditions, Virginia Tech does not authorize university-supported travel to countries designated as high-risk destinations (Level 3 or 4 travel advisories) .
  • If you still wish to travel to a high-risk destination, please see Procedure 30332: Request an Exception to Policy - International Travel.
  • For additional information, visit the U.S. Department of State's travel page

  • Travel health notices from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are designed to inform travelers about current health issues related to specific destinations. There are four categories of travel notices:
    • Level 1  - Practice Usual Precautions
    • Level 2 - Practice Enhanced Precautions
    • Level 3 - Reconsider Nonessential Travel
    • Level 4 - Avoid All Travel
  • For additional information, visit the CDC's Travelers' Health site

When traveling with prescription medication, plan ahead to avoid delays or issues at security or customs:
 
  • Keep medications in their original labeled containers to clearly show your name, the prescribing provider, and dosage instructions
  • Pack medications in your carry-on bag to prevent loss or delays if checked luggage is misplaced
  • Bring enough medication for your entire trip, plus a few extra days in case of travel disruptions
  • Carry a copy of your prescription or a letter from your healthcare provider, especially for controlled substances or injectable medications
  • Check your destination country's regulations, as some medications that are legal in the United States may be restricted elsewhere
  • If traveling with liquid medications, inform security officers at screening checkpoints. Medically necessary liquids are generally allowed in reasonable quantities
  • Store medications properly during travel, keeping temperature requirements in mind if applicable

If you take a specialized or controlled medication, it's a good idea to contact the destination country's embassy or consulate before your trip to confirm any restrictions.