International Travel Review & Approval Procedures

All international UMMS travel should be registered in the Travel Registry two weeks prior to travel.  Refer to Travel Registration page for details about whether and how to register

Approval by ISS is required to qualify for international travel assistance coverage (included med evac support) and malpractice insurance (if providing clinical care). Refer to the International Insurances page for more detail.

Standard Review Process:After a registration is completed, it is first reviewed by the appropriate department-level approver.  ISS then reviews the international travel registration and questionnaire answers against the most current safety, security and health information available through the following resources:

• US State Department Travel Advisories
• CDC Travel Notices
• UMass Travel Assistance Provider - WorldAware  

The list of current advisories can be found here: 

ISS may request additional information about a trip, especially if the trip involves trainees and/or group travel. Note: Travel is typically reviewed and approved within 3 business days. If you need urgent review - call 508.856.5746.

Approval: If the travel questionnaire is complete AND there are no current "High Risk" factors (as defined below) or other concerns, then it is approved by ISS and a formal approval email is sent to the traveler. 

Special Review for High Risk Travel  

All High Risk travel receives an in-depth review by ISS and must be approved by the UMMS Executive Vice Chancellor & Provost. The current List of “High Risk Travel” Destinations can be found here.

Special Review Procedures

1. Traveler completes travel registration
2. Upon request,Traveler provides additional information about accommodations, ground transportation, prior travels, language ability, etc.) and/or completes an Export Control Review to facilitate risk assessment. 
3. ISS reviews travel details against all current advisories and prepares a formal recommendation to the EVC & Provost. 
4. EVC & Provost reviews and makes final determination, asking follow up questions as applicable. 
5. ISS advises traveler and approves registration, as applicable. 

Note: Travel to a destination that with a very high risk profile may not be approved as UMMS travel.