International Programs

Last Updated: Oct. 27, 2021

Please know you and your families are an important part of the Vandal Family and we are here to continue to support you and answer questions.

International Travel Guidance

Widespread ongoing transmission of the novel coronavirus causing COVID-19 is occurring globally. You may be exposed to the virus while traveling.

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued new guidelines starting Nov. 8, 2021, for Non-U.S. citizen, Non-U.S. immigrants: Air Travel to the United States.

Should you decide to travel, there are several details to consider:

Before, After and While Travelling

Follow guidelines to protect yourself

• Wear a face covering at all times/when near others.
• Maintain physical distance (minimum 6 feet or 2 meters)
• Wash your hands often with soap and water or use alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
• Avoid traveling if you are sick or in contact with others who are sick.
• Follow local public health guidelines before and after travel.

Before Traveling

Regularly check the entry requirements for your destination and all transit locations. Requirements change often.

• International travel – State Department travel
• Travel within the U.S. – Individual state websites
• Airlines – Check with your carrier for their specific guidelines
• Purchase tickets that are changeable or refundable
• Anticipate unexpected delays, including the possibility of covering costs for mandatory quarantine stay
• Purchase travel/healthy insurance that covers urgent needs

Many countries require documentation of a negative COVID-19 test within 48-72 hours prior to departure. Non-U.S. citizens/residents should be aware that U.S. borders remain closed to many nationals and could change at any time.

Upon Arrival

• Stay home and self-isolate for two weeks
• As an Idaho state student, resident vaccines will be available when you meet eligibility requirements
• Wipe down shared spaces
• Do not invite others into your private room
• Stay in contact with family, friends, campus staff and your department via email or social media to share updates on your arrival and needs
• Contact Student Health if you need medical care

For additional information see the CDC COVID-19 travel information website.

Testing Before Traveling

Immigration requirements

Summer 2021 – May 17 to Aug. 6

Courses will continue to be delivered in various formats including face-to-face, HyFlex and online. The format for each course is specified in the online course schedule. Summer term is optional for continuing international students on F or J visas. New, initial, international students are required enroll full-time in in-person courses.

Fall 2021 – Aug. 23 to Dec. 17

U of I is planning to return to face-to-face instruction. The format for each course is specified in the online course schedule. All international students present in the U.S. on F or J visas will need to enroll in face-to-face classes, on campus, and limit online courses to one per semester to maintain immigration status.

The International Programs Office, located in Living Learn Community Building 3, is open between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. to drop off or pick up documents only. Please make an appointment for questions about your immigration status. All international services are available online. Schedule a 15-30-minute Zoom appointment within VandalStar.

Student Contacts

• Students last names A - B: Adriana Ota-Kotner otakotner@uidaho.edu
• Student last names C - Z: Brittany Sonnenberg brittanyas@uidaho.edu
• Scholars and employees: Laila Cornwall lailac@uidaho.edu
• All other matters: Dana Brolley danab@uidaho.edu

Continuing students should submit travel and other requests through IVandal.