International Travel

Information regarding visa requirements, entry regulations, and passport services for international travel originating from the United States is available through CIBTvisas. Travelers may access these services through the CIBT visas site or by calling 888-487-7058 and referencing Direct Travel account number 40801 to receive Direct Travel’s negotiated rates.

Visa processing fees and related service charges must be paid using either a corporate card or a personal credit card and may not be charged to the Columbia University Central Pay card. All such expenses must receive prior approval from the applicable School or department before being incurred.

Anyone planning to travel internationally on Federally sponsored funds is responsible for knowing and adhering to the Fly America Act. Visit Travel on Sponsored Funds for more information and resources.

For emergency assistance with an existing travel itinerary booked through Direct Travel when you are outside the U.S., please call +1-646-494-7335.

For emergency assistance while abroad, if you become seriously ill, have your passport or wallet lost or stolen, need to speak with a mental health professional, or require any other assistance, please call the Crisis24 assistance center at +1-208-758-8809.

Visit Columbia Global Travel Emergency Abroad for more guidance. 

Direct Travel serves as Columbia University’s travel management company.

Visit Direct Travel for contact information, business hours, and information on the advantages of using Direct Travel for University-related travel.

Bookings made through Concur or Direct Travel are automatically enrolled in Crisis24 for duty-of-care coverage.

All Columbia University affiliates traveling internationally on Columbia Travel have health insurance for emergent illness and injury while abroad. This insurance is provided at no cost to the traveler via Zurich. No additional steps are required to sign up for this coverage once you have completed the steps of the Travel and Activity Planning Policy.

Services and coordination of benefits are initiated by contacting Crisis24.

Travel Policies

The Undergraduate International Travel Policy and procedures apply to the following groups:

• Columbia College
• School of General Studies
• Any undergraduate or graduate students taking part in programming run, funded, or facilitated by:
  • Undergraduate Student Life
  • Global Programs and Fellowship
  • The Center for Career Education

The International Travel Planning Policy applies to international Columbia travel, including Columbia-led travel and Columbia-facilitated and/or recognized travel. It does not cover non-Columbia travel.

Research Policies

The Office of the Executive Vice President for Research assists scholars and students across the University in regulatory compliance. Visit Research Policies and Handbooks for numerous guides and resources for staying compliant while conducting research.