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Graduate Students Going Abroad

Register Your Travel

  • If any university funds are supporting the travel and/or if the travel is  business travel (attending a conference, data collection for faculty advisor, business meetings, etc.), then the traveler will need to see their department’s Fiscal Technician for assistance with a Travel Authorization / Pre-Approval in Chrome River.
  • If the travel involves credit transfer, course requirements, degree requirements, or research for your disertation, then the student would need to register directly with GEO by:

Before You Go

  • Enroll in the U.S. Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).
  • Check your passport expiration date! Many countries require passports to be valid for six months after your planned return date. Virginia Tech’s Passport Acceptance Facility is available to assist.
  • Confirm required entry documents (visa, proof of insurance, etc.).
  • Talk to your health care provider about any medications, concerns, or contingency plans.
  • Notify your bank and credit card companies that you will be traveling.
  • Ensure you will have access to sufficient funds in case of an emergency.
  • Make copies of important documents.
  • Copy your emergency contacts into your phone and in your wallet.
  • Review information on your destination from the U.S. Department of State, to include advisories, local laws, entry requirements, and other guidance. If you want more details, review your destination's security report.
  • Review information on your destination from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to understand public health advisories and vaccine requirements.
  • Consider travel insurance for personal expenses (flights, hotels, train tickets, etc.).
  • Learn about your destination’s culture (food, language, social norms, etc.).

  • Enroll in the U.S. Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).
  • Check your passport expiration date! Many countries require passports to be valid for six months after your planned return date. Virginia Tech’s Passport Acceptance Facility is available to assist.
  • Confirm required entry documents (visa, proof of insurance, etc.).
  • Talk to your health care provider about any medications, concerns, or contingency plans.
  • Notify your bank and credit card companies that you will be traveling.
  • Ensure you will have access to sufficient funds in case of an emergency.
  • Make copies of important documents.
  • Copy your emergency contacts into your phone and in your wallet.

  • Review information on your destination from the U.S. Department of State, to include advisories, local laws, entry requirements, and other guidance. If you want more details, review your destination's security report.
  • Review information on your destination from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to understand public health advisories and vaccine requirements.
  • Consider travel insurance for personal expenses (flights, hotels, train tickets, etc.).
  • Learn about your destination’s culture (food, language, social norms, etc.).