Office of Global Engagement
International Student and Scholar Services
Date November 8, 2026
All News

Winter Travel Season 2026: Check Before You Go

Dear International Community Members,

As we approach the upcoming Thanksgiving and Winter holiday season, we encourage you to prepare early if you plan to travel outside or within the United States. Please review the guidance below and contact your ISSS advisor with any questions.

Important Deadlines & Action Items

  • I-20 / DS-2019 Travel Signature Request Deadline: Thursday, December 17, 2026. ISSS requires three business days to process I-20 or DS-2019 travel signatures. Travel signature requests will no longer be processed or nights, weekends, or University holidays. For the Winter break, the deadline to request a travel signature is December 18, 2026. Travel signature processing will resume after the Winter Break, on Tuesday, January 5, 2027.
  • Register Official Travel: If traveling for Brown-related purposes (e.g., research, conferences, winter courses), you must register your travel via TravelSafe.

Essential Travel Checklist

Before departing, ensure you have physical copies of your re-entry documents. Review our Travel Resource Guides for International Students and International Scholars for details. In particular, check to see that you have the following:

  • Valid Passport (valid for at least 6 months into the future upon re-entry to the U.S.)
  • Valid and unexpired U.S. Entry Visa (Canadian citizens exempt).
  • Unexpired Form I-20 or DS-2019 with a valid travel signature:
    • Enrolled Students/Scholars: Signature must be less than 1 year old on your return date.
    • OPT / Academic Training: Signature must be less than 6 months old on your return date.
  • Unexpired EAD Card (F-1 students on post-completion OPT).
  • Recommended: Proof of enrollment (e.g., Spring 2027 course registration) or proof of ongoing employment/appointment.
  • Recommended: Most recent Form I-94 arrival record

Keep your documents in your carry-on, not packed luggage. Read through our guide on Lost or Stolen Travel Documents to make sure that you are prepared in case this happens to you.

Travel Risk and Safety Considerations

Each individual traveler is responsible for deciding on their travel plans. We strongly advise reviewing our Assessing Travel Safety guide before booking international trips. Consult your ISSS advisor prior to travel if any of the following apply:

  • Expired Visas without Confirmed Appointments: Due to holiday consular delays and enhanced scrutiny, ISSS does not recommend international travel without a secured visa appointment. Visa processing timelines may extend beyond the start of Spring classes, increasing the risk of interruption to your studies or research.
  • Travel Bans & Restricted Countries: Special rules apply to nationals of countries subject to U.S. travel restrictions or designated as "Countries of Particular Concern."
  • H-1B Status Changes/Extensions: H-1B employees with pending status adjustments or extensions should not depart the U.S. without prior ISSS clearance.
  • Prior Law Enforcement Interactions or Social Media Concerns: Review guidelines on electronic device inspections at U.S. Ports of Entry and discuss potential risks with ISSS.

Note on Immigration Policy Updates: As of November 2026, no new international arrival restrictions have been implemented. If emergency policy changes occur, ISSS will issue a broadcast email to any affected community members.

Domestic & Local Travel

If you are staying in the U.S. or traveling domestically (including Puerto Rico and U.S. territories):

  • Carry Legal Status Proof At All Times: USCIS regulations require non-U.S. citizens to carry their Form I-94 at all times.
  • Best Practice: Carry your Form I-94, Passport, and Form I-20/DS-2019 whenever leaving your immediate residence area.

Housing & Community Events

  • Residence Hall Closure: Halls close at 12:00 PM (Noon) on Tuesday, December 22, 2026, and reopen on Saturday, January 23, 2027. International students needing late departure / early arrival, or winter housing throughout the break should monitor information on the Winter Break Housing page.
  • Local Events: Check out activities hosted by the Global Brown Center and Providence seasonal events if remaining on campus.

ISSS Office Closures & Emergency Contacts

  • Thanksgiving Break: We are closed from November 25 (12 PM) – November 30, 2026.
  • Winter Break: We are closed from December 22 (12 PM), 2026 – January 5, 2027.

Urgent Assistance & Emergency Contacts: Keep an Emergency Contact Card (hard copy + mobile) with these contacts:

  • Department of Public Safety and Emergency Management (DPS) / Administrator on Call (AOC): (Listed on the back of your Brown ID)
  • DPS Emergency Response: (401) 863-4111 or 9-1-1 (Police, Fire, Medical)

With best wishes for a safe and restful break,

International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS)
https://isss.brown.edu