Update on 2/22/24: The University's travel restriction to Israel has been amended to allow for faculty and staff travel to the following districts only: Tel Aviv District, Central District, Haifa District, and Greater Eilat. All other locations still require an exception for faculty/staff travel; student travel to any location in Israel requires approval.

This email was sent to all faculty, staff, and students systemwide from the GPS Alliance on Monday, October 16:

We learned last week that, due to the declaration of war in Israel and Gaza, our international medical and evacuation insurance will no longer provide coverage for travelers to Israel. After deliberative discussions among University leaders, the University of Minnesota is suspending University-purpose (official) travel to Israel as of Monday, October 16.

• Students, faculty, and staff with prior University travel arrangements that are affected by this decision should contact travelregistry@umn.edu to update any existing travel registrations.
• Faculty or staff members who believe an exception is needed should talk with their immediate supervisor, who can appeal directly to their Chancellor, the Provost, or the Vice President for Human Resources.
• Students who believe an exception is needed should contact the International Travel Risk Assessment and Advisory Committee at itraac@umn.edu to consult on timing of travel and explore options for approval.

While this particular action was accelerated by the decision of our insurer, University-purpose international travel remains subject to our experts’ assessment of safety and security. We take the safety and security of University travelers seriously and will continue to monitor the situation and reassess the restriction as needed.