Updated 01/04/2023
COVID Test/Vaccine/Quarantine Requirements
Effective 01/05/2023- For those flying in from China, Hong Kong, or Macau, you will need to get a COVID-19 viral test no more than 2 days before your flight. You must show your negative result to the airline before you board your flight.
- This requirement also applies if you have been in China, Hong Kong, or Macau in the past 10 days and you are traveling to the United States from one of the following airports: Incheon International Airport (ICN) in Seoul, Republic of Korea; Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) in Canada; and Vancouver International Airport (YVR) in Canada (referred to as Designated Airports).
www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/index.html
Current U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidance requires international arrivals to provide either documentation of a World Health Organization (WHO) authorized vaccine for COVID-19. See CDC guidance on International Travel During COVID-19 for more details. Please contact your airline for additional information.
Travel Endorsement Request
Before your departure, you should obtain a new travel endorsement from CIE by completing and submitting the Travel Endorsement Request Form to cie@csueastbay.edu. We recommend you obtain a new travel endorsement every 6 months. Students on OPT/OPT STEM- travel endorsements are only valid for 6 months.
Traveling Outside the USA for Continuing Students
If you do decide to travel outside the USA you will need the following documents in order to return:
- Valid passport- the expiration date should be at least six months into the future at any given time.
- Valid F-1 visa- if your F-1 visa is expired, you must apply for a new one at a U.S. embassy or consulate prior to your return. (Note: Canadian citizens do not need a visa stamp.)
- Endorsed I-20- Page two should be signed by a CIE advisor within 6 months of your return travel date. Please submit the Travel Endorsement Request Form to CIE via email
- Vaccine/COVID Test Requirements- make sure you meet all requirements for the USA and any countries you are transiting through or have a layover at.
We also recommend you take your official transcript, a printout of next semester's enrollment and proof of financial verification.
Traveling while on Post-Completion OPT or OPT STEM
If you decide to travel while on OPT/STEM you will need the following documents to return to the US:
- Valid passport- the expiration date should be at least six months into the future at any given time.
- Valid F-1 visa- if your F-1 visa is expired, you must apply for a new one at a U.S. embassy or consulate prior to your return. (Note: Canadian citizens do not need a visa stamp.)
- Endorsed I-20- Page two should list your employer's information and be signed by a CIE advisor within the last six months.
- Valid EAD card
- Evidence of a job offer or resumption of employment. If you are returning to the U.S without evidence of a job offer, you may be questioned at the port of entry.
If your employer has filed for H-1B on your behalf, check with your employer about any travel plans as leaving the U.S. while an H-1B application is pending may jeopardize your application