Travel bans
The President of the United States of America has announced travel bans affecting nationals from 19 countries.
Find out more about the countries on the travel ban list.
If you are impacted by these bans and are considering overseas travel, you are invited to contact Carolyn King, Acting Director Human Resources at hr.director@otago.ac.nz for advice and support.
Advice regarding travel to the USA
The University advises staff and students wherever they are travelling to prepare themselves for their journey by understanding the requirements for travel and entry, and to keep up to date with any travel advisories issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
We have recently sought external advice from travel and safety experts about travel to the United States of America. Travel to the United States has inevitably become more challenging due to the unpredictable political climate. There have been instances of increased scrutiny of academics entering the USA, and in some cases denial of entry.
The advice we have received indicates that University of Otago travellers are unlikely to be directly targeted for further inspection beyond the measures in place for all travellers. For example, the US Department of Homeland Security announced on 9 April that it will screen the social media of foreign nationals applying for non-tourism visas for perceived anti-semitism.
Also, as has been the case for some time in the United States, any conduct perceived as supporting a US-designated terrorist organisation can lead to denial of entry.
The following advice applies to all destinations, including the United States
- Have copies of the relevant documentation to support your reason of travel
- If you have travelled through a country that you are not citizen or long-term resident of prior to travel, have documentation available that supports the reason for travel
- Be aware that your social media may be the subject of scrutiny
- Register with MFATs safe travel service https://www.safetravel.govt.nz/our-services
- Discuss any additional security concerns with your manager/HOD and contact HR if you have any concerns that you want addressed.