If you plan to travel during the upcoming Harvard Spring Break, we wish you safe travels. The Harvard International Office (HIO) is dedicated to supporting you during the break in academic activities on campus. We know that your international travel necessitates a lot of planning and coordination on your end. With that in mind, the HIO is available to help you navigate your considerations both in advance and during your travel.

Here's a quick guide to travel documents that you will need as you complete your travel and return from Spring Break.  If you have questions after reviewing this information, please contact your HIO Advisor. We’re here to help.    

Traveling Within the U.S.: Check the HIO website for the documents you'll need for domestic travel. 

Traveling Outside the U.S.: Make sure you have all the required immigration documents for your visa type. Review the HIO website for the full list. This is a good time to double-check your passport and visa validity. If you need to renew an F-1 or J-1 visa, please contact your HIO Advisor to discuss the process. 

Must-Have Travel Signature: If you're an F-1 or J-1 visa holder (including dependents), your F-1 I-20 or J-1 DS-2019 needs a valid travel signature. This signature is valid for 12 months or until your program end date, whichever comes first. Check your latest I-20 or DS-2019 to ensure your travel signature is current. Fulbright-sponsored? Contact your Fulbright representative for this.

How to Get Your Travel Signature: 

Electronic Requests: 

• Use the HIO Travel Signature Request Form. 
• We'll review your request and will email you the signed form within 5-7 business days. 
• Dependents' signed forms are automatically included. 

In-Person Options: 

• Cambridge: Drop by the Smith Campus Center, Suite 864 (8th floor), Monday-Friday (except holidays) 12pm-2pm (no appointment needed). Main entrance is at 1350 Massachusetts Ave. 
• Longwood: We’re there every other Wednesday, 1pm-3pm. Check the HIO website for upcoming dates. 

Transiting Through a Third Country: Traveling through a country that’s not your home? Make sure you know their visa rules.  

Issues While Traveling: Lost documents or emergencies? Check out Issues While Traveling FAQ. 

Many of you have asked questions about potential changes to immigration policies. The Harvard International Office is committed to keeping our international students and scholars informed and is prepared to respond with resources and support as necessary. We continue to monitor any changes to policies and practices closely, understanding that members of our community have their own unique circumstances and questions. We encourage anyone with questions to contact your HIO advisors.

Our recurring advice to those who share concerns about situations that would disrupt or delay your return from Spring Break is to budget time ahead of classes resuming on March 24.  We urge you to contact your HIO advisor if you have questions or concerns.

The Harvard international student and scholar community is essential to the life and work of the University, and we look forward to continuing to be a resource and a source of support.