International Students and Scholars

Assessing Travel Safety

Resources, information, and guidelines to help you assess your travel risks and improve travel safety

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Assessing Your Travel Risk

International students and scholars successfully re-enter the U.S. every day. However, the key to improving your travel safety is to prepare in advance by understanding the requirements for re-entry to the U.S., assessing risks that may apply to you, and utilizing your on-campus resources, such as your ISSS advisor.

IMPORTANT: Are you traveling on University funds or for University-related activities? You are now required to register your travel in TravelSafe before finalizing your travel plans. You can also review the resources available through Brown Travel to support your travel and address your travel concerns.

Questions to Ask	Points to Consider
Is there a travel ban in place for your country?	Persons from countries under a travel ban are advised to not travel outside the U.S. See our June 6, 2025 announcement for the most recent information about affected countries, and exceptions.
Will you need a new visa to return to the U.S.?	Travel risk is greatly increased if you do not have a valid entry visa to return. Obtaining a new visa may be more challenging and involve extended wait times due to a variety of current factors. Almost all visa applicants are now required to undergo visa interviews, even if they previously received a visa. Visa applicants are now required to apply for their visa in their country of citizenship or legal residence. Applications in third countries are no longer possible. Applicants may be subject to administrative processing background checks, even if prior visa applications were successful. Read our Renewing Your Visa page for more information about these points.
Do you have prior interactions with U.S. law enforcement?	Prior interactions with U.S. law enforcement, especially those leading to an arrest or citation, can significantly increase your travel risk. Guidance from an immigration attorney is strongly recommended.
Are you concerned about your social media activity?	Social media accounts are now under increased vetting and scrutiny. If you have concerns about your social media activity, talk to ISSS or an immigration attorney.
Have you engaged in unauthorized employment?	Evidence of unauthorized employment can increase the risk of visa denials or barred entry into the U.S. Contact ISSS or talk to an immigration attorney for guidance.
Are you no longer in valid status?	Persons who are no longer have valid immigration status may be found ineligible for new visas or for re-entry to the U.S. Contact ISSS or an immigration attorney for further guidance.
Are you concerned about the possibility of searches of your electronic devices, including phones or laptops?	Searches of electronic devices may occur and can increase travel risk if these searches uncover detrimental or unfavorable information. Read CBP's guidance on border searches of electronic devices. Also review information provided by Global Travel and OIT on traveling with technology.
Are you from or planning travel to a country designated as a ‘State Sponsor of Terrorism’?	Travel to a country designated as a state sponsor of terrorism is not recommended without prior consultation with an immigration attorney.