International Travel Review Committee

Do I need to apply to the ITRC for permission to travel?

Under the Policy for Travel to University Travel Advisory Countries all students (undergraduate and graduate), faculty and staff must check the W&M Travel Risk Rating for each country prior to engaging in international travel to see if the destination is restricted or if there is a W&M Advisory.

Undergraduate students are prohibited from traveling to Restricted Destinations.
All undergraduate students who are considering travel for which the ITRC has issued a W&M advisory must apply to the ITRC for permission.
Faculty, and staff only need to petition if they wish to travel to a restricted country on the alerts page.

Guidance for Students

student options listed by category
I am an undergraduate or graduate student Undergraduate students studying/traveling internationally to participate in an academic program for credit or transfer credit at W&M under any auspices, at any time of year and for any duration) Students in this category must consult the Global Education Office (GEO) at the Reves Center for all academic and travel policies and requirements. Undergraduate and Graduate students traveling under the auspices of: Student Organizations, W&M affiliated sports programs, Service learning trips, Club sports, or Individual or group travel for internships or research purposes connected to their academic work Low Risk: for travel connected to non-academic work, obtain approval from Sponsoring VP or appropriate designee. For academic work, obtain approval from faculty advisor/program director/department chair. Restricted and High Risk: obtain approval from Sponsoring VP, Vice Provost for International Affairs or appropriate designee or, if connected to academic work, faculty advisor/program director/department chair and the ITRC. Note: Travel on sponsored projects requires Office of Sponsored Programs approval. Undergraduates are prohibited from traveling to countries on the W&M restricted list. Graduate students must apply to the ITRC if traveling to a restricted country. Graduate students participating in a program organized by W&M faculty for academic study Students in this category must consult their respective Dean or appropriate designee for all academic and travel policies and requirements.

Guidance for Faculty & Staff

faculty and staff options by category
I am traveling without students To Low Risk Destinations No formal approval needed, unless otherwise required by individual office, school, or departmental policies. It is recommended to purchase W&M international health insurance through the Reves Center. To Restricted and High Risk Destinations If traveling to a restricted warning destination, the traveler must apply for approval from the ITRC. If traveling to a High Risk destination, no formal approval is required. Traveler is required to purchase W&M international health insurance. Travelers are strongly encouraged to review the W&M country rating, U.S. Department of State’s travel planning resources and other pertinent information, as well as the Centers for Disease Control.
I am traveling with students To Low Risk Destinations Faculty Travel Organizers - obtain approval from VPIA, Sponsoring Dean, or appropriate designee. Required to purchase W&M international health insurance. Graduate and undergraduate students accompanying the faculty or staff organizer must follow the relevant international travel policies described above. Staff Travel Organizers - obtain approval from Sponsoring Vice President or Dean or appropriate designee. Required to purchase W&M international health insurance. Graduate and undergraduate students accompanying the faculty or staff organizer must follow the relevant international travel policies described above. To Restricted and High Risk Destinations Faculty Travel Organizers - obtain approval from Sponsoring Dean or appropriate designee. Required to purchase W&M international health insurance. Must apply to the ITRC. Undergraduate students are prohibited from traveling to Restricted Destinations. Graduate students accompanying the faculty organizer must follow the relevant international travel policies described above. Staff Travel Organizers - obtain approval from Sponsoring Vice President or Dean or appropriate designee. Required to purchase W&M international health insurance. Must apply to the ITRC. Undergraduate students are prohibited from traveling to Restricted Destinations. Graduate students accompanying the faculty organizer must follow the relevant international travel policies described above.

Application for Approval

The University Travel Warning Review Committee Approval Application is online.

Criteria used in reviewing the application

Program support on the ground
Language abilities
International travel experience
COVID criteria/metrics examined:
- Case numbers per 100k
- Country trajectory
- Vaccination rates of destination (one dose and completed)

Members of the ITRC

Nick Vasquez, International Travel and Security Manager (Chair)
Sylvia Mitterndorfer, Director of Global Education, and
Pam Mason, William & Mary’s Chief Compliance Officer.

Appeal of denial of travel to a Travel Warning Country

Each student who petitions through the ITRC and is denied may appeal to [[tvlong,Teresa Longo]], Executive Director of the Reves Center, for further consideration.