If you are planning a trip to Canada, Mexico or the adjacent islands of the Caribbean, you will need to take several preparatory steps:

1. Use the links below to determine if you need a visa to enter your destination country or countries. Plan well ahead, as other countries have their own visa requirements.
2. Determine if you have the documents needed to return to the U.S. If your U.S. entry visa is expired, you may still be able to return on an expired visa under automatic revalidation of visa validity, described below.

Under automatic revalidation of visa validity, you may be able to travel from the U.S. directly to Canada, Mexico, or (for F and J students and scholars only) the adjacent islands of the Caribbean, and still be able to return to the U.S. even if your visa is expired.* Travel under these conditions must meet the following requirements:

• You have a valid unexpired and valid passport as well as other immigration documents for your classification (e.g., I-20 for F-1 students, DS-2019 for J-1 students and scholars)
• You have a previously-issued U.S. nonimmigrant entry visa, even if it is expired
• You must have a valid Form I-94 showing your current approved visa classification and authorized period of stay
• Your trip will be 30 days or less
• Your trip abroad will take you directly to and have you return directly from Canada, Mexico (or the adjacent islands of the Caribbean); travel to other destinations is not permitted
• You are not traveling for the purpose of applying for a nonimmigrant visa at a US consulate at your destination
• You are not a national from a country designated as a State Sponsor of Terrorism
• For F and J students and scholars, you have not previously traveled to Cuba

See also this information about automatic revalidation from U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Because travel rules can change, please contact your ISSS advisor before finalizing any travel.

*Travel to the adjacent islands of the Caribbean under automatic revalidation only applies to persons in F or J status. H-1B and O-1 visa holders may use automatic revalidation, but only for travel to/from Canada or Mexico.