Montana State University (MSU) recognizes and supports the international expertise of its faculty, the essential importance of conducting research abroad, and the importance of providing its graduates with global and multicultural understanding. The University must balance the educational value of participation in international activities with the potential risks of those activities to its students, faculty, and staff.

Steps for International Travel Compliance

Prior to international travel, faculty, staff, and students should recieve department approval. Faculty and staff should obtain financial approval through Chrome River. Students should complete a Travel Authorization form from the host department.

1. Register travel in the Montana State International Travel Registry.

  • Complete a new trip itinerary and essential content.

2. Obtain GeoBlue International Traveler's Insurance.

  • GeoBlue insurance is mandatory and must cover the entirety of Montana State-sponsored travel.

Questions? Please contact internationaltravelregistry@montana.edu.

Additional Resources

AlertTraveler

Montana State University partners with AlertTraveler to offer students, faculty, and staff access to important travel alerts, emergency contact, and geolocation services during travel. Travelers are encouraged to activate AlertTraveler on their mobile devices prior to travel. Read the AltertTraveler User Guide here.

International Travel Policy

Montana State University (MSU) recognizes and supports the international expertise of its faculty, the essential importance of conducting research abroad, and the importance of providing its graduates with global and multicultural understanding. Review the comprehensive International Travel Policy here.

Travel Health and Safety Information

Understand how to access medical care while abroad and in transit as needed for any health issues that may arise during travel. Address any physical and mental health concerns prior to travel as appropriate.For additional travel health resources, Montana State University Health Services offers clinical services to meet the medical needs of travelers. For travel consults, pre-travel physicals, dental care, etc., students can make an appointment by calling the office at 406 994 2311.

Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)

The Department of State recently launched a new version of the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).  STEP is a free service for U.S. citizens traveling or living abroad to receive safety and security alerts and other local updates by email from the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.  In the event of any emergency, it also helps the State Department contact you with instructions on what to do.  Students and staff traveling internationally are strongly encouraged to enroll (or re-enroll) at www.step.state.gov.

Cancellation and Interruption for Any Reason Insurance (CFAR/IFAR)

Travelers may consider purchasing Cancellation & Interruption for Any Reason (CFAR/IFAR) insurance for domestic and international trips. While this is not a requirement, CFAR/IFAR insurance can help protect your investment in your trip in the event the trip is canceled before departing or interrupted during a trip for any reason and, depending on the policy, it could also extend to reasons related to COVID-19.

Questions? Please contact internationaltravelregistry@montana.edu.