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Travel

U.S. Supreme Court Decision on Travel Restrictions

On June 26, 2018, the United States Supreme Court upheld the current administration’s strongly contested travel ban, affecting citizens of seven countries: Iran, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Syria, Venezuela and Yemen.

Brief Summary

On September 24, 2017, President Trump issued Proclamation 9645 (Travel Ban 3.0) designating eight countries for partial or full restrictions on entry to the United States. The restrictions are country-specific with specific provisions for each impacted country.  The eight countries subject to the Proclamation are: Chad, Iran, Libya, North Korea, Syria, Venezuela, Yemen and Somalia.  Chad was later removed from the list on April 10, 2018.  

Click HERE​ for more historical information on the contested travel ban. ​

Travel Advisory
  • ​At this time, ISS recommends that nationals from seven countries not make travel plans to leave the United States until first consulting with an ISS Advisor.
  • Travel Alert - Electronic Devices.  On March 21, 2017 the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced enhanced security procedures related to international travel carry -on items. The change applies to 10 specific airports. There is no impact on domestic flights in the United States or flights departing the United States. Electronic devices will continue to be allowed on all flights originating in the United States. For a DHS fact sheet on the new security measures, please click HERE​.
On March 21, 2017 the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced enhanced security procedures related to international travel carry-on items. The change applies to 10 specific airports.  There is no impact on domestic flights in the United States or flights departing the United States. Electronic devices will continue to be allowed on all flights originating in the United States. For a DHS fact sheet on the new security measures, please click HERE. 

Frequently Asked Questions: 
ISS has created this Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) resource to provide you with some additional information and resources. We are closely monitoring issues that impact our international student and scholar populations and will update this FAQ as necessary.

Does the Travel Ban apply to F-1 and J-1 non-immigrant visa holders?

Yes, the Travel Ban directly impacts, to varying degrees, international students from the following seven countries: Iran, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Syria, Venezuela and Yemen. ​

How does the Travel Ban affect me?

If you are a national of one of the seven countries listed, see this simplified cheat sheet.  Please consult with an ISS Advisor for exemption, exception and waiver applicability.​

​ Nonimmigrants
F and J Visas​		 ​Nonimmigrants
B1 and B2 Visas		 ​Other 
Nonimmigrants		 ​Immigrants
​Iran Allowed*​ Suspended​ ​Suspended ​Suspended
​Libya Allowed*​ ​Suspended ​Allowed* ​Suspended
​North Korea ​Suspended ​Suspended ​Suspended ​Suspended
​Somalia Allowed*​ ​Allowed* ​Allowed* ​Suspended
Syria​ ​Suspended ​Suspended ​Suspended ​Suspended
​Venezuela ​Allowed* ​Suspended** ​Allowed* ​Allowed*
​Yemen ​Allowed* ​Suspended ​Allowed* ​Suspended
 * Enhanced screenings and vetting requirements in effect. 

** Applies only to officials of government agencies of Venezuela and their immediate families. ​

I am not a national of one of the listed countries. Would the Travel Ban still affect me?

if you are not a national of the listed countries, you should still be aware of the following: 

  • Increased Screenings and Possible Travel Delays: Due to increased scrutiny at POEs (ports of entry) and expected increase of in-person visa interviews at U.S. consulates and embassies abroad, you should expect delays with both visa applications and when traveling to the U.S.

  • ​​Continuous Revisions & Reviews:  Provisions of Travel Ban 3.0 also calls for a review of U.S. visa issuance procedures in all countries as well as visa reciprocity provisions. Such reviews may result in changes in visa application fees, or visa lengths.


I was planning to travel outside the U.S. What should I do?

  • ​At this time, ISS recommends that nationals from these seven countries not make travel plans to leave the United States until consulting with an ISS Advisor​

  • If you are not from one of the seven countries and plan to travel please make sure that all your travel documents are in order, including a valid entry visa (F-1 or J-​1). We also recommend that you request and take with you a letter confirming that you are currently maintaining lawful status. For instructions on how to request your letter online, go here​. ​​

What can I do to maintain my lawful F1 or J1 status?

As you know, it is always important to prevent any violations of your F-1 or J-1 status; please review rules for maintaining lawful F-1 or J-1 status​.  In the current environment it becomes particularly important to also avoid activities that may seriously impact your immigration status or future visa applications (e.g. common misdemeanor or felony arrests, including theft, drunk driving, shoplifting and drug possession).

Where can I find more information about this Travel Ban and how it affects me?

We are closely monitoring issues that impact our international student and scholar populations and will update this FAQ as necessary. If looking for information on the internet or social media, please be careful to consult dependable, trustworthy news sources.  More information about this travel ban can be found at the NAFSA Association for International Educators website. You many also contact your ISS advisor at any time. ​

Where can I go for support or if I have questions?

​International Student and Scholar Services ​(ISS) is open Monday-Friday, 9:00a.m. - 5:00p.m. 

ISS advisors are available for walk-in advising every Wednesday, 10:00a.m. - 4:00p.m. You can also make individual appointments by calling 312-362-8376. ISS advisors will be able to provide you immigration and visa benefit advising and refer you to other university resources when needed. 
 




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