Travel Procedures

International Services Office

Travel policy and procedure changes frequently because of COVID-19. Please visit the State Department US Visas webpage and consult with an ISO advisor before making travel plans.

Travel Inside the U.S.

The law requires all foreign nationals to carry visa documents with them at all times. In general, the police are satisfied if you have copies with you and can produce originals in a reasonable amount of time. Therefore, you should always have a copy of your immigration documents on your smartphone and/or in your purse or wallet in case you are stopped by the police. However, if you travel outside of your U.S. town/city, be sure to bring your original visa documents with you. This includes your passport, I-94 record and immigration document (DS-2019, I-20, EAD, etc.). It is particularly important to have original documents with you when travelling in a state that borders Mexico or Canada.

Travel Outside the U.S.

All international students and scholars at Scripps Research should submit a travel request as soon as a travel plan is being made. Please log into the VIVA database system and submit a travel request as early as possible, following the steps below. Once the ISO receives your request, we will review all your documents and advise you on additional documents or steps you must take for your particular travel plans.

Procedures for Scripps Research

To submit a travel request:

  1. Go to viva.scripps.edu.

  2. Click on the "login" link and enter your Scripps Research email ID and password.

  3. Click on "Forms for Internationals" on the left.
  4. Click on "Travel Request", complete the form and click "Submit".

All international students and scholars should seek approval from their PI/supervisor, prior to making any travel plans. In addition, currently enrolled Scripps Research graduate students must also seek approval from the Office of Graduate Studies (which funds your studies) prior to submitting a travel request.

Travel requests for graduated Scripps Research students do not require approval from the Office of Graduate Studies. However, travel can be risky once you have graduated, and particularly if you are either waiting for an F-1 OPT EAD or you have an EAD but no employment. Once you leave the U.S., obtaining a new F-1 visa stamp and/or being re-admitted into the U.S. is never guaranteed. Please contact the ISO for an in-depth discussion of your specific circumstance and any risks that may be involved.

Travel Outside the US and Visa Application

Expired US Visa: If your visa stamp in your passport has expired, you will need to apply for a new visa, in order to re-enter the US. Please review the information on the page “Applying for a Visa.” 

Exception to Visa Renewal: An exception to the requirement to have a valid visa to enter the US exists for most people visiting Canada or Mexico for less than 30 days. Most people qualify for Automatic Revalidation. Please feel free to contact an advisor at ISO for more information.

Third Country Travel: If you are traveling outside the US to a country where you are not a citizen or permanent resident, please visit the webpage of the Embassy or Consulate of that country in the US to determine if you need a visa to enter that country. If you are traveling to our neighboring countries, check the information at the Canadian Consulate in Los Angeles or the Mexican Consulate in San Diego (whichever applies).

Applying for a US Visa in a Third Country: It can be very difficult to obtain a new US visa in a country where you are not a citizen or permanent resident. In many cases, the US embassy or consulate may not consider your application. Please contact an advisor at ISO if you are planning to travel to a third country and you will need to apply for a new US visa to re-enter the US.