Dear Students, Faculty, and Staff,

With many in our CC community currently planning travel, I wanted to reach out with some timely information and resources to help you stay safe and well. If you are planning air travel, especially international or travel near international borders, for academic programs, research, family visits, or for fun this spring or summer, please review the following considerations to avoid issues along the way.

Regardless of when you travel, it is important to stay aware of changes in flight routing and scheduling, visa processing, reentry requirements, and country-specific restrictions—all of which can shift quickly and without warning.

At this time, we recommend increased caution in these key areas:

Travel Safety: Safety conditions are always evolving, impacted by global, regional, and local political and social conditions, as well as the resources provided by national and local authorities. We strongly encourage all travelers to monitor the conditions at their destinations. Here are practical steps for CC travelers to prepare for potential safety concerns:
- Monitor travel advisories for international destinations using the U.S. Department of State’s Travel Advisory page, and consider cross-referencing with British, Australian, or Canadian advisories. These can also offer a global perspective on risks for travel in the United States.
- Check the Centers for Disease Control for country-specific travel health guidance, including recommended inoculations and updates on emerging health concerns.
- All CC employees and students can access up-to-date travel health and safety notifications through our global safety partner, International SOS. Log in with your CC email address for destination-specific resources, including city-by-city guidance, covering a wide range of health and safety concerns.
Flight Cancellations or Revisions: International conflicts have forced the closure of several major airport hubs—including Dubai International, one of the world’s busiest—resulting in tens of thousands of flight cancellations, reroutings worldwide, and widespread disruptions to flight timing and crew assignments. Even if your itinerary doesn’t include any impacted airports, we recommend monitoring your flights directly through your airline’s website or app to stay ahead of cancellations, rerouting, or rescheduling that could affect your travel or connecting flights.
TSA Delays: Within the U.S., limitations on staffing and funding reductions have led to cuts in airport security personnel and the closure of TSA Pre-Check and Global Entry lanes at many major airports, resulting in longer wait times for both domestic and international travelers to clear security or make connecting flights. If you have air travel planned, we recommend the following:
- All Flight Plans: Arrive at the airport earlier than you normally would (3-4 hours before departure), even for domestic flights. Build in longer layovers so you have time to make your connecting flight—especially when returning from international travel and clearing immigration and customs.
- International Arrivals: Where possible, plan for your U.S. port of entry (your first arrival city within the USA) to be your final destination. This may mean flying in and out of Denver rather than Colorado Springs, for example. If a connection is unavoidable, allow at least three hours between flights to complete all reentry processes comfortably.
- The Center for Global Education & Field Study created a guide for students traveling on CC programs with practical advice on how to seek support with missed connections or travel disruptions, available to all members of the CC community on the Center’s Pre-Departure Information site.

For additional guidance on international travel, immigration and reentry considerations, documentation, and what to do if you experience travel disruptions, visit the IEB Resources webpage.

You may also consult one the following offices based on your circumstances or role at CC:

F-1 and J-1 visa holders: International Student & Scholar Services (ISSS)
All students: Dean of Students’ Office
All faculty: Dean of the Faculty’s Office
All staff: Human Resources

With so much uncertainty in the global environment, many in our community may be feeling increased stress or concern. Whatever you may be navigating, please take care of yourself and prioritize your well-being.

Many campus resources are available to support you, including the following options for counseling, confidential, or pastoral care: