UPDATE: 31 JANUARY 2017
There are a number of changes to the entry requirements for travellers heading to the United States of America. If you have booked travel or are planning to travel to the U.S. in the near future please note:
- For the next 90 days citizens of Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen who do not also hold citizenship and a valid passport for the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada or New Zealand will not be permitted entry to the U.S.
- Dual-national citizens (above) who do not have a valid visa for the U.S. will not be permitted entry to the U.S.
- For the next 120 days, any refugees from any nation will not be permitted entry to the U.S.
- For an indefinite period any refugees from Syria will not be permitted entry to the U.S.
The United Kingdom, Australia, Canada and New Zealand have negotiated entry to the U.S. for their dual nationals.
This means that people who are citizens of one of the seven nations (Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen) that are banned from entering the U.S. for the next 90 days, and who are also citizens of Australia, the UK, Canada or New Zealand only, will be eligible to travel to the U.S. if they obtain the appropriate visa.
Further information for UQ travellers
The University has engaged Campus Travel as its preferred travel management company, with responsibility for managing the University’s business travel requirements. Campus Travel are currently contacting travellers who have booked travel to the U.S. in the next 90 days through the Campus Travel consultants.
If you believe you are affected by these changes and are supposed to be travelling to the U.S. in the next 90 days, please contact the Campus Travel team, phone (07) 3393 8855 or email uq@campustravel.com.au.
If travellers booked directly with a travel supplier other than Campus Travel, the traveller will need to contact the supplier (airlines, accommodation etc.) themselves. Some airlines are offering refunds or changes, but this depends on the supplier.
Please be aware that this situation may change at short notice. News and updates will be made available on the UQ Travel website.
FAQs
Am I affected if I have a current visa for the U.S. and am a citizen of one of the seven countries?
Yes. If you are a citizen of one of the seven countries banned from entering the U.S. and you have a current visa you will be denied entry to the U.S. during the next 90 days. Additionally, dual nationals of one of the seven countries and countries other than Australia, Canada, UK or NZ, will not be permitted entry for the next 90 days.
Am I affected if I have a valid visa for entry to the U.S. but have visited one of the seven countries since March 2011?
If you have a valid visa, you will be allowed entry as the ban is based solely on citizenship.
I am a citizen of one of these seven countries but have a Green Card or residency for the U.S. – will I be affected?
Green Card holders will be admitted entry on a case-by-case basis and will have to contact their closest U.S. embassy / consulate for advice. It was announced on 31 January 2017 by the U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security that permanent residents will be permitted entry. Diplomats and officials from certain organisations will be also be exempt from the ban.
Will I be affected if I am a citizen of one of these seven countries and a U.S. citizen?
If you hold a current and valid U.S. passport, you will be admitted to the U.S.
What if I'm affected by the recent changes and are booked to travel within the next 90 days?
Unless there are extreme extenuating circumstances, you will not be able to travel. Campus Travel advises all travellers in this situation to contact their nearest U.S. embassy / consulate for confirmation.
U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Australia website
Is this covered by UQ travel insurance?
Cancellation and curtailment expenses incurred by a UQ traveller due to unforeseen circumstance outside the control of either UQ or the traveller will be reimbursed under the insurance policy, subject to the policy's terms, conditions and exclusions. This cover applies both before a journey commences (loss of deposits), or once a traveller has commenced the journey.
For insurance queries contact Insurance Services:
Email: insurance@uq.edu.au
Phone: +61 7 3365 3075
What if I have booked travel to the U.S. but not through Campus Travel?
If travellers booked directly with a travel supplier other than Campus Travel, the traveller will need to contact the supplier themselves. Some airlines are offering refunds or changes, but this depends on the supplier.
Further information
Please contact the Campus Travel team, phone (07) 3393 8855 or email uq@campustravel.com.au, for further information about these changes or if you are affected and are supposed to be travelling to the U.S. in the next 90 days.
You can also refer to these websites for more information:
DFAT Smart Traveller - United States of America
U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Australia
