All travel must be in compliance with the University's travel policy, regardless of the funding source.
An individual traveling on University business should neither gain nor lose personal funds as a result of that travel. Travelers are expected to choose the least costly method of transportation and lodging that also meets their scheduling needs. Use of the University's preferred travel agencies and suppliers is recommended as cost effective and convenient. Employee reimbursements must be University business-related and clearly indicate prudent use of public funds.
Links for University employees to book travel, rent a car, or create an expense report in Emburse are available on this site or log in to MyU and navigate to Key Links > U Travel (links to Delta, Southwest, Enterprise, National, and CTP, our corporate travel agency, are available as well).
- Expenses are for valid University business-related purposes.
- Expenses must be substantiated and documented.
- Expenses must be approved by an authority other than the traveler.
- Reimbursement request and receipts must be turned in within 60 days.
- International travel must be registered.
Travel Essentials
Before the Trip
Travel Authorization
Departments have the discretion to require their employees to obtain preapproval for travel. Employees should check with their local unit to determine if they are required to complete a Pre-Approval in Emburse or obtain approval prior to booking their trip. Emburse can be accessed from MyU, Key Links, U Travel.
Making Travel Reservations
Travelers should use the University’s preferred travel suppliers whenever possible. See the uwidecontracts.umn.edu site for a list of contracts available.
Domestic and International Per Diem Rates
The University reimburses according to the GSA website for domestic travel or the U.S. Department of State website for international travel.
Lodging
- Non-Conference – Domestic or International: Travelers will be reimbursed for actual expenses up to 150% of the lodging nightly rate (before taxes) for the destination city.
- Conference – Domestic or International: The lodging rate limit does not apply to conference travel, where the traveler is paying a pre-negotiated rate offered by the conference. In cases where conference facilities are completely booked, travelers should obtain lodging based on the non-conference guidelines.
Meals and Incidentals
Travelers are reimbursed up to the per diem (specific for the destination city and time of year of their travel). Travelers do not need to provide receipts (under any circumstances) for reimbursement of travel meals or incidental expenses included in the daily per diem. First and last days of travel will be reimbursed at 75% of the per diem. See the Home page, 'Rates' section on this site for more information.
Reimbursable/Non-reimbursable Expenses
A list of reimbursable and non-reimbursable expenses can be found in policy.
Receipts
Receipts are required for reimbursements of $25 and above (except for Per Diem meals).
Frequent Flyer Miles
Minnesota State Statute, 15.435, Section 20 requires that whenever University funds (regardless of source) are used to pay for airline travel for University employees, any credits or other benefits issued by the airline must accrue to the benefit of the University and may not be used by the University employee for personal travel. University employees, rather than departments, are responsible for tracking miles earned with University funds, providing records of such tracking if requested, and otherwise complying with the law.
Car Rental
A U-Wide pricing agreement is available for car rental.
Within the State of Minnesota, it is typically more convenient and less costly to drive a University Fleet car or your personal car. Departments are encouraged to use University owned vehicles whenever possible.
- Policy: Using Automotive Vehicles for University Business
- Procedure: Renting or Leasing a Vehicle for University Business
For out-of-state destinations, it's best to do a comparison between flying and driving to determine the least costly method.
Once you have arrived at an out-of-state location, car rental can be a cost-effective local transportation option.
Be aware that car rental rate quotes from non-contract vendors seldom include insurance coverage, which the University requires when renting a commercial vehicle. When the cost of insurance (usually $15 to $20 per day) is figured in, non-contract vendor rates are almost always higher. Plus, with the contract vendor, if there is a problem with the rental, the U has negotiating leverage because of the contract.
Enroll in the rental car contract vendor's express service program or club. Membership, which normally costs $50 annually, is free under our contract. You can bypass the normal rental counters and go right to the Express Service area and pick up your car. No waiting in long lines. You will receive automatic upgrades.
Cost Comparison
Any cost comparison should be made prior to the trip and for the same dates as the actual business trip. The amount that is reimbursed is the lesser of the cost comparison or actual expense amount.
When is a cost comparison needed?
- When combining business and personal travel.
- Driving vs. flying.
- Discounted fare due to an additional overnight stay (generally a Saturday night).
- When leaving or returning to a location other than your primary airport location.
What documentation can be used as cost comparison?
- Printout from an online supplier, for example, Expedia or Orbitz, and should not be limited to one airline.
- Copy of co-worker’s airfare itinerary/receipt that attended the same business event and traveled to business destination and returned with no personal or other travel destinations involved.
- A written statement from a travel agency obtained prior to the trip.
What qualifies as a comparison ‘prior’ to travel?
- Comparisons should be obtained ‘prior’ to actual travel dates.
- Best practice: comparisons should be obtained at the same time the tickets are purchased.
- Comparison must show the lowest available commercial coach airfare for one individual traveling to and from the business destination for the days of business only.
- One-way tickets should not be used as a cost comparison.
After the Trip
Applying for Expense Reimbursement
The University will reimburse allowable business-related travel expenses up to the limits defined in the Administrative Policy: Traveling on University Business.
Reimbursement requests must be made within 60 days of the conclusion of the trip (if sponsored funds are involved, within 60 days of the end of the trip or before the end date of the grant, depending on which deadline is sooner). If it is near the end of the fiscal year (June 30), check with your department on required timing because expenses have to be recorded in the same fiscal year the travel took place. If a reimbursement request doesn't meet the requirements for documentation or isn't received in a timely manner, the request may be denied.
Submitting an Expense Reimbursement
Use Emburse (accessed via MyU > Key Links > U Travel) to prepare an expense reimbursement request.
Reimbursable/Non-reimbursable Expenses
A list of reimbursable and non-reimbursable expenses can be found in policy.
Receipts
Receipts are required for reimbursements of $25 and above (except for Per Diem meals).
Lost receipts
- If a lodging receipt is lost, the traveler must contact the hotel for a detailed replacement receipt. Lodging receipts are always required. Lodging providers can provide detailed replacement receipts.
- If a receipt other than for lodging is misplaced, check with the merchant, some are able to provide a duplicate copy. If you are unable to include the receipt, once you have submitted an Emburse expense report, respond to the compliance rule warning that will appear in Emburse to record details about the expense and explain why no receipt is available.
Although anyone might lose a receipt, lost receipts should be a rare occurrence. Repeated loss of receipts should raise red flags and department administrative managers or the traveler's supervisor must take action. At a minimum, travelers with a pattern of receipt loss should be reminded of the importance of supporting documentation. University business activities are subject to public/sponsor scrutiny, and travel is especially visible. In some cases the merchant can reproduce the receipt. The traveler should contact the merchant to see if a replacement receipt can be provided.
Paying for Travel
Contact [email protected] if you need assistance while using the card itself (card limits, refused cards, etc.). The PCard Program office supports all corporate cards at the University, including both the PCard and the Travel Card.
The primary and preferred method of paying for travel is the Travel Card. Use the Travel Card for airfare, lodging, ground transportation, conference registration, and other travel-related expenses.
- Any U employee may request a Travel Card and the U pays the bank directly for any activity on the card.
- The Travel Card is for your travel expenses (not arranging travel of others).
- Don't use the card to pay for your meals (we reimburse you for meals after you return using the per diem rates for your dates of travel and trip location).
- Don't use the card to pay for meals for other University employees traveling with you.
If you do not have a Travel Card, the PCard may be used for airfare, conference registration, and ground transportation, or you can pay for these things out-of-pocket and seek reimbursement after the trip (paying out-of-pocket should be the last choice). If the individual expense is for $25 or more, receipts are required for reimbursement (except for per diem meals--do not provide receipts for per diem). Send receipts to Emburse via email [email protected]. The file size should be kept small but the system accepts anything from 50KB (minimum file size) to 100MB. File formats allowed are png, pdf, jpg, or tiff. Images can also be uploaded from your computer or phone into Emburse while you prepare your expense report, or use the Emburse SNAP app available for Android or iPhone (job aid on how to use the app).
Procurement Card (PCard)
The Purchasing Card (PCard) cannot be used to pay for lodging. The only travel related items that can be charged to the PCard are: conference registration, air fare, and car rental. For more information about the PCard Program and how to apply for a PCard, see Administrative Policy: Using a University Corporate Card.
Suspicious activity on your PCard or Travel Card?
Travel Policies
Top 5 things you need to know
- Travel Expenses are for valid University business-related purposes;
- Expenses must be substantiated and documented;
- Expenses must be approved by a person who has been authorized to approve or deny reimbursement of travel expenses;
- Receipts must be turned in within 60 days;
- International travel must be registered.
International Travel Insurance
Booking
Booking Travel
The University has a contracted travel agency, Collegiate Travel Planners (CTP) to help you buy airline tickets, make hotel/motel reservations, and arrange car rentals. All faculty and staff travelers should use our contracted travel agency or its online booking tool. There are also links to the booking tool on MyU > Key Links > U Travel.
- Fare Savings – Access to discounted fares. All University contract rates are available through both agencies to ensure you find the best rate available.
- Time Savings – Expedites travel booking by reducing shopping time (skip the lengthy web searches, these options have the best prices).
- Comparison Quotes – Travel agents can prepare a comparison quote to show the business cost of your trip when combining business and personal travel (this is required).
- Proper Ticketing – Manage unused tickets.
- Emergency Assistance – 24/7 toll free number help numbers.
CTP
Collegiate Travel Planners (CTP) is the preferred booking agency for traveling on University business. CTP provides comprehensive support that benefits both the traveler and the University. Book your travel online.
If you prefer agent-assisted booking, or have international travel, contact an agent at 1-877-804-3623. Need to arrange or book travel for others? Request access as a CTP Travel Arranger.
View the pricing agreement for further details.
Airfare
In general, for airfare, keep in mind, "no first class, no worst class" when searching for fares. Don’t book "basic economy" flights, instead go one step up in economy class--this is allowable. The University asks you not to book basic economy flights for these reasons:
- Basic economy fares don’t come with confirmed seats. You risk being bumped off the flight.
- Some airlines limit carry-on baggage to an item that fits under your seat.
- No option to change the ticket if you need to fly at a different time.
- If you don’t use the ticket, there is no chance of a refund.
- Airlines don’t allow any upgrades on these tickets.
Delta Airlines
Discounts vary depending on the location and fare class. To use the Delta discount, flights must be booked through CTP (Collegiate Travel Planners).
Southwest Airlines
The University of Minnesota has established a discount program with Southwest Airlines. The discount provides the University of Minnesota with discounts on tickets purchased through swabiz.com or through one of our contract travel agencies. Two free checked bags and no fees for changing or cancelling your ticket. Input “Company ID” 99013202 to access rates.
Car Rental
Car Rental Booking for Business - National & Enterprise (Do not bookmark, use this link to book or use the link found on MyU > Key Links > U Travel.)
Car Rental Booking for Leisure (personal use) - Alamo, National & Enterprise
Other Discounts
Travelers should use U-Wide Agreements travel suppliers, since substantial cost savings accrue to the University. Keep in mind that "staff time" spent arranging travel is a part of the overall cost of the trip. Time consumed comparing prices typically negates any savings found with non-contract suppliers. Travelers going to an international destination are encouraged to use a travel agency to assist with their travel needs.
Note that all of the University's travel related agreements can also be accessed via uwidecontracts.umn.edu and may be available for both business and personal use.
Travel Resources
Currency Exchange
Foreign expenses must be submitted in U.S. Dollars using the exchange rate in effect during the dates of travel. Include documentation indicating what exchange rate was used to make the conversions. Currency exchange rates can be found at OANDA. If purchases were made via credit card, use the exchange rate provided by the credit card company. Foreign currency exchange rates change daily and vary between currency exchange locations. Keep in mind that some countries have currency restrictions that may forbid foreigners from taking the local currency out of the country. Below are some tips to get more for your money.
- Don't wait until your arrival in a foreign country to exchange your currency.
- Don't bring foreign coins back to exchange in the U.S. Coins are no longer accepted at foreign currency locations/banks.
- Don't spend U.S. Dollars abroad for purchases.
- Do compare rates, percent service fees and minimums.
- Do exchange cash at the Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport before you leave.
- Do use a University Corporate Card or your own personal credit card when you are abroad for your hotel bill and major purchases.
- Do purchase additional foreign currency from an ATM.
- Do consider buying traveler's checks.
International Travel Resources
Global Programs & Strategy Alliance (GPS Alliance) have compiled resources to assist University students, faculty, and staff in their travels abroad. Please visit the GPS Alliance Travel Resources website for information on health and safety abroad, travel documentation, travelers with specific needs and more.
Per Diem, Lodging and Meals & Incidental Expenses (M&IE): Lodging and Meals & Incidental Expenses for International travel can be found on the Home page, in the 'Rates' section.
International Vehicle Rental
When renting a commercial vehicle, confirm whether an international driver's license is needed. The traveler should accept the optional insurance coverage, such as Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) and Personal Accident Insurance (PAI). Vehicle insurance expenses are reimbursed to international travelers.
Fly America Act
The Fly America Act regulations require that federal funds may generally not be spent on flights operated by foreign flag carriers, except in certain cases. Some of the links below are directed at Federal websites and the University does not control the content on Federal websites so links occasionally break or are redirected. If you find a broken link, let us know via [email protected].
What do the Fly America Act regulations require?
The Fly America Act regulations, 41 Subtitle F §§301-10 et seq., implement a requirement that federal funds may generally not be spent on flights operated by foreign flag carriers. In other words, unless an exception applies, sponsored funds that originate with a federal agency may be used to pay for only (a) flights on U.S. flag air carriers, or (b) code-shared flights (that is, any flight on a non-U.S. carrier for which the ticket or itinerary shows a U.S. carrier flight number, such as “Delta 882, operated by KLM”).
What are the authorized U.S. flag air carriers?
The major U.S. flag air carriers are:
- Airtran Airways (FL)
- Alaska Airlines (AS)
- American Airlines (HP)
- American Trans Air (AA)
- Continental Airlines (CO)
- Delta Airlines (DL)
- Frontier Airlines (F9)
- Hawaiian Airlines (HA)
- JetBlue Airways (B6)
- Midwest Airlines (YX)
- Northwest Airlines (NW)
- Southwest Airlines (WN)
- Spirit Airlines (NK)
- United Airlines (UA)
- US Airways (US)
- Virgin America (VX)
There are also many smaller airlines that are U.S. flag air carriers.
Are there exceptions to the requirement that only U.S. flag carriers or code-shared flights be used?
Yes. Here are the two most commonly-encountered exceptions, which must be certified by the University’s Export Controls and International Projects Officer (see below).
Open Skies Agreement.
Federal funds may be used for flights on foreign flag carriers based in countries that are parties to one of the four qualifying Open Skies Agreements with the U.S. (that is, European Union member countries, Australia, Switzerland, and Japan). The exception for Open Skies Agreements does not work whenever funds are coming from a Department of Defense sponsor, or for certain routes covered by city-pair contracts.
Matters of necessity.
A foreign flag carrier may be used if no U.S. flag carrier can provide the air transportation needed, no U.S. flag carrier offers seats in the traveler's authorized class of service, medical circumstances require the use of a foreign flag carrier, or no U.S. flag carrier can provide travel reasonably free of safety risks (for example, terrorism, hijacking). Certain cases of necessity require prior approval from the appropriate federal agency sponsor. Mere convenience and lower cost do not, by themselves, make the use of a foreign flag carrier a matter of necessity.
How do I decide whether an exception to the Fly America Act applies?
For assistance with the Fly America Act regulations and exceptions, contact Sponsored Projects Administration (SPA). The University's Export Controls and International Projects Officer (612-625-3860 or [email protected]) will help in making an exception determination, and in preparing a written certification when required by the regulations. This flowchart can assist you in deciding when to request assistance, although you are welcome to seek help at any time.
What happens if my travel on a foreign flag carrier does not qualify for an exception?
Federal sponsors are not allowed to cover the cost of air travel with a foreign flag carrier that does not meet an exception in the Fly America Act regulations. The expense will have to be picked up by the traveler's department or another authorized source.
International Travel
All travel must be in compliance with the Administrative Policy: Traveling on University Business, regardless of the funding source.
All travelers going to an international destination for University business are required to pre-register their trip information. Visit Global Programs & Strategy Alliance (GPS Alliance) for more information on the registration process.
State Department travel alerts and warnings.
International Travel Registry
All faculty and staff travelers going to an international destination for University business are required to pre-register their trip. See: Registering International Travel (Faculty and Staff). Registration facilitates access to travel discounts and other valuable resources including University resources and assistance in an emergency.
Register your trip. The registry allows administrative staff to register travel for other faculty or staff members.
Passport and Visa Photos
Passport Information
The UMN Passport Office is an official U.S. State Department passport acceptance facility. The Passport Office accepts passport applications and takes passport photos. Country-specific visa photos are also available.
Rates and Discounts
All travel must be in compliance with the Administrative Policy: Traveling on University Business, regardless of the funding source.
Travelers are reimbursed up to Per Diem for lodging, meals, and incidental expenses in accordance with the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) for domestic travel or the U.S. Department of State for international travel. Since we use federal rates, keep in mind that these rates may change on October 1 of each year, as the federal government reviews and updates its rates.
Domestic Rates
For domestic travel, the University reimburses travelers in accordance with the Federal State Department per diem amounts as published on the GSA website.
Hawaii and Alaska Rates
Rates for Hawaii or Alaska can be found on the Department of Defense website.
Note: When searching you should EXCLUDE Military Installations and use the Maximum Lodging, Local Meals and Local Incidentals. For meal breakdowns, use the U.S. Department of State link below.
International Rates
For International travel, the University reimburses travelers in accordance with the U.S. Department of State per diem amounts as published on the U.S. Department of State website.
Lodging Receipts
Receipts are required for all lodging.
Non-Conference – Domestic or International Lodging
Departments will reimburse travelers for actual expenses up to 150% of the lodging rate for the destination city, as referenced on the GSA website for domestic lodging and the U.S. Department of State website for international lodging.
In situations where a non-conference lodging rate falls outside of the University guidelines, the traveler must obtain pre-approval from the appropriate authorized approver in writing (email is sufficient). If the traveler does not obtain prior approval, the traveler may be instructed to deduct the overage from the reimbursement request. Emburse will help by calculating the allowable rate on the expense report.
Conference – Domestic or International Lodging
The lodging rate limit does not apply to conference travel, where the traveler is paying a pre-negotiated rate offered by the conference. In cases where conference facilities are completely booked, travelers should obtain lodging based on the non-conference guidelines provided above.
Local Lodging
Employees traveling locally typically do not require an overnight stay, however, in certain circumstances such as when a department or college hosts a multi-day conference or event on/near a University campus, an employee may stay overnight at a hotel that is in the same city or town as their residence, but only when the department or college has preapproved the stay. The traveler must document the business purpose of the local stay.
Meals and Incidental Expenses (M&IE)
Employees in travel status (travel requiring an overnight stay) on University business are reimbursed up to the per diem rate for travel related meal expenses for their travel destination. Receipts are not required (under any circumstances) for reimbursement of travel meals using per diem rates.
The M&IE rates include:
- Meals, non-alcoholic drinks, tax & tip.
- Incidentals, for example, baggage carries, bellhops and hotel room cleaning personnel.
- Travelers will not be reimbursed for meal expenses exceeding the maximum meal rate for their destination city; or any portion of the per diem that covers meals which are also provided as part of the conference fees, unless there is a business or health reason for an alternate meal.
First & Last Day of Travel
- First and last days of travel will be reimbursed at 75% of the per diem.
- Departure day – the day you leave your home or office.
- Return day – the day you return to your home or office.
Meals – Conferences
The University does not reimburse meals included with a conference. If a conference includes meals then the University reimburses only the meals where the traveler incurred an expense. If the meal provided is on the first or last day of travel the per diem should be reduced by the meal provided then multiplied by 75%.
Incidentals
Employees may include the daily incidental amount when determining the maximum M&IE rates. Gratuities for baggage carriers, porters, hotel staff (bellhops and house cleaners), and staff on ships, as well as ATM fees, bank fees, and check cashing fees are included in the daily incidental amount. Laundry and valet expenses are included in the daily incidental amount for International travelers. Travelers should not request reimbursement for any of these items.
Travelers may request reimbursement for laundry for domestic travel lasting seven or more consecutive days.
Note: Refer to the Administrative Policies for Business Expenses and Hospitality and Entertainment of Non-Employees for special expenses, such as meals in conjunction with business entertainment and alcoholic beverages.
Extended Day Travel
"Extended Day Travel" is travel that is at least 12 hours and does not require an overnight stay. In these circumstances, the traveler may receive the dinner per diem only (no breakfast or lunch). Travelers will not receive reimbursement for any meal when travel is less than 12 hours.
Note: Some employees have unique circumstances (such as an outside location) that requires frequent travel (more than on an occasional basis) during normal business hours. Depending on the length of the trips, these employees may not be in either extended day travel or overnight travel status. If these circumstances exist frequently and cause financial hardship to the employee, managers are encouraged to provide additional, incremental compensation to those employees (salary augmentation). University departments may consult the University Tax Management Office for additional guidance on taxable meal allowances, at (612) 624-1053 or [email protected] (Tax Management does not provide advice about personal taxes). Contact your department HR professional or Payroll Services at [email protected] for the applicable pay code.
EXAMPLE Domestic Meal Breakdown for M&IE Rates (Chrome River has the actual rates and breakdowns)
| Domestic Meal/Expense | If the total is $55, breakdown for each meal/ expense | If the total is $56, breakdown for each meal/ expense | If the total is $61, breakdown for each meal/ expense | If the total is $66, breakdown for each meal/ expense | If the total is $71, breakdown for each meal/ expense | If the total is $76, breakdown for each meal/ expense |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Breakfast | $13 | $13 | $14 | $16 | $17 | $18 |
| Lunch | $14 | $15 | $16 | $17 | $18 | $19 |
| Dinner | $23 | $23 | $26 | $28 | $31 | $34 |
| Incidental | $5 | $5 | $5 | $5 | $5 | $5 |
International Meal Breakdown for M&IE Rates
Meal breakdown of rates can be found on the U.S. Department of State website. There is a separate tool to view the actual foreign per diem rates by location/city.
EXAMPLE Domestic First and Last Day Breakdown for M&IE Rates
- If the total allowable per diem for the day is $51, the amount used for first & last day of travel would be: $38.25.
- If the total allowable per diem for the day is $54, the amount used for first & last day of travel would be: $40.50.
- If the total allowable per diem for the day is $59, the amount used for first & last day of travel would be: $44.25.
- If the total allowable per diem for the day is $64, the amount used for first & last day of travel would be: $48.00.
- If the total allowable per diem for the day is $69, the amount used for first & last day of travel would be: $51.75.
- If the total allowable per diem for the day is $74, the amount used for first & last day of travel would be: $55.50.
Transportation
Travelers must choose the least costly method of transportation that meets the traveler’s schedule and business needs. The University reimburses travelers for actual expenses as long as they fall within the guidelines of the Travel policy. (It may be useful to understand related information about using vehicles in the Business Expenses policy and Using Vehicles for University Business).
Mileage Rates
2026 July 1 $0.76 per mile (76 cents per mile)
2026 January 1 - June 30 $0.725 per mile (72.5 cents per mile)
2025 January 1 - December 31 $0.70 (70 cents per mile)
Reimbursement (mileage and en route expenses) must not exceed the lowest cost of comparable coach airfare (for example, advanced booking, Saturday stay over). The University uses the standard mileage rates published by the IRS.
Business or Local Mileage
Employees may request reimbursement for any business mileage incurred, see the business expenses and travel policies as applicable. The mileage rate includes gas, vehicle maintenance, insurance, and other personal vehicle related costs. Reimbursements for local business mileage, reasonable parking fees, and toll charges may be made. Please check with your department to see if there are more strict requirements for your unit. To qualify for reimbursement:
- Must use the most direct route in time or in mileage;
- Must keep a log to distinguish between personal and business use mileage.
Personal use mileage, fines, penalties for traffic violations, and fines for parking violations are not reimbursable. Personal use mileage includes: visiting, sight-seeing, side trips, and commuting between office and home.
An appendix to the Business Expenses policy provides examples for mileage reimbursement scenarios.
Discounts
Travelers should use U-Wide pricing agreement suppliers, since substantial cost savings accrue to the University. Keep in mind that "staff time" or your own time spent arranging travel is a part of the overall cost of the trip. Time consumed comparing prices typically negates any savings found with non-contract suppliers.
Travelers going to an international destination are encouraged to use a travel agency to assist with their travel needs.
All of the University's travel related agreements can also be accessed via uwidecontracts.umn.edu (some discounts may be available for personal use as well).
Safety and Foreign Travel Advisories
State Department Travel Advisories and Consular Information: U.S. State Department has a designated Travel Advisory level for each country on a scale from 1 (Exercise Normal Precautions) to 4 (Do Not Travel). In conjunction with other consular information (Health, Local Laws & Special Circumstances, Safety and Security, Entry/Exit/Visa Requirements), the travel advisories are useful tools prepare for travel to any location around the world.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection: Customs and Border Patrol works with other agencies to coordinate information sharing and operations. They develop, enhance, and maintain security processes throughout the global supply chain and to stem the illegal export of equipment, technology and munitions to unauthorized destinations. Cooperation between the U.S. and other nations is the key to our initiative to place inspectors in foreign ports where they can screen containers for dangerous cargo before arrival at America's shores.
Embassies and Consulates: Directory and search engine of the world's embassies and consulates.
Center for Disease Control: Health information on specific destinations. What to know before you go.
World Health Organization: International travel is undertaken by large, and ever increasing, numbers of people for professional, social, recreational and humanitarian purposes. More people travel greater distances and at greater speed than ever before, and this upward trend looks set to continue. Travelers are exposed to a variety of health risks in unfamiliar environments. Most risks can be minimized by suitable precautions taken before, during, and after travel.
Vaccination/Visa/Passport Information: Travel Document Systems, Inc. (TDS) is a leading visa and passport processing agency. For nearly 20 years TDS has served travel professionals, tour operators, and cruise lines, as well as corporate and individual international travelers. TDS specializes in travel that involves visas for more than one country.
Be sure to check the weather forecast for your destination.
Travel In the News
Read about the Federal REAL ID Act. Stay informed with updated Travel Advisories.
Worldwide Accident Insurance Coverage
Employees traveling to an international location are responsible for understanding their international options including any coverage provided by the University as part of Employee Benefits, and needs that may exceed current coverage and require purchase of additional insurance. See Appendix (Related Policy: Traveling on University Business): Worldwide Travel Accident Insurance Coverage.
Job Aids
Emburse Basics
- Getting Started with Emburse Job Aid (pdf 9-25-24)
- Capture and Upload Receipts in Emburse
- ChartField Strings in Emburse Job Aid (doc 9-5-24)
- Example Justifications for Emburse Transactions Job Aid (doc 9-28-26)
- Expense Management Dashboard in Emburse Job Aid (doc 11-21-25)
- Expense Types in Emburse Job Aid (doc 9-3-24)
- Paying for Travel Expenses Job Aid (doc 9-11-25)
- Register Your International Trip Prior to Travel Job Aid (pdf 9-6-24)
Report Owners/Delegates
- Adding an Event Meal to Expense Report Job Aid (doc 8-27-25)
- Adding Mileage to Expense Report Job Aid (pdf 9-17-24)
- Applying Credits or Vouchers to Emburse Expense Reports Job Aid (pdf 9-17-24)
- Creating a Pre-Approval Report in Emburse Job Aid (pdf 9-3-24)
- Creating an Expense Report in Emburse Job Aid (pdf 9-3-24)
- Expense Report Statuses and Actions in Emburse Job Aid (doc 9-15-26)
- Itemizing Lodging Expenses Job Aid (pdf 10-10-24)
- Meal Expense Types Job Aid (doc 8-27-25)
- Modifying an Expense Report in Emburse Job Aid (pdf 9-4-24)
- Monitoring Expense Reports in Emburse Job Aid (pdf 9-4-24)
- Receipts in Emburse Job Aid (pdf 10-15-24)
- Reconciling a Cash Advance to an Expense Report in Emburse Job Aid (pdf 10-14-24)
- Requesting a Cash Advance in Emburse Job Aid (pdf 10-9-24)
- Setting or Removing Delegates in Emburse Job Aid (doc 9-10-26)
- Unallowable Expenses in Emburse Job Aid (pdf 9-5-24)
- Using Emburse Analytics Job Aid (doc 9-29-26)
- Verifying Payments for Emburse Expense Reports Job Aid (pdf 4-5-23)
- Warning Messages and Resolutions in Emburse Job Aid (doc 4-26-21)