The Harvard International Office (HIO) will be closed from 5PM on Friday, December 20, 2024, through 9AM on Thursday January 2, 2025, for the administrative winter break.

Please be rest assured that the HIO is committed to keeping our international community informed. Should we learn about any travel concerns or updates, that may be enacted, we will promptly communicate them to you to ensure you have the most current up-to-date information. 

Below, you'll find a quick guide on essential travel documents you'll need to ensure a smooth experience when you return to the U.S.

Traveling Within the U.S.:

Visit the HIO website for a list of documents you’ll need for domestic travel.

Traveling Outside the U.S.: 

Ensure you have all the necessary immigration documents for your visa type. Review the HIO website for a detailed list. This is an excellent time to verify your passport and visa validity. If you need to renew your visa stamp, anticipate delays, as U.S. consulates abroad experience high volumes of applications during the holiday season.  

Must-Have Travel Signature:

If you're an F-1 or J-1 visa holder (including dependents), ensure your F-1 I-20 or J-1 DS-2019 has a valid travel signature. This signature is valid for 12 months or until your program end date, whichever is sooner. Check your latest I-20 or DS-2019 to confirm its validity. If you're Fulbright-sponsored, please contact your Fulbright representative.  Please note you do not need a signed document to depart from the U.S. but will need it upon reentering the U.S.

How to Get Your Travel Signature:

Electronic Requests:

  - Complete the HIO Travel Signature Request Form.

  - We will be reviewing requests daily during the break and will email the document to you

  - Signed forms for dependents are automatically included.

Emergencies:

If this is an emergency that cannot wait until the office reopens on January 2, 2025, please refer to the Issues While Traveling section of our website or email the HIO at internationaloffice@harvard.edu.  This email box will be checked daily (except Christmas Day and New Year’s Day holidays) throughout the winter break.  Please note we will only respond to emergencies that cannot wait for a response until we reopen on January 2, 2025.

We hope you have safe and happy travels and look forward to welcoming you back in January when academic activities resume.