Update: Reentering the United States

Arcadia Abroad is committed to supporting students through their entire study abroad experience, and that support doesn’t stop when final exams end. Our on-site teams are in touch with students, sharing farewell meals, hugs goodbye, and reminiscing about activity weekends and other favorite experiences from the past few months. Staff are also sharing detailed departure instructions, various reentry resources, and more. Our team has also been in touch with all students departing their programs to share some helpful reminders and tips to ensure that their travel is as smooth as possible.  A version of the following message was sent to all Spring 25 students this week:

Dear Student,

Congratulations on wrapping up a successful semester abroad! 

You will receive more detailed departure instructions from your local staff in the coming days/weeks. As you prepare to travel back to the US, we also want to offer some helpful reminders to ensure your travel is as smooth as possible.

• Make sure you have your passport on hand and that it is valid for travel (not expired or soon to expire)
• Monitor official updates through Arcadia Abroad and International SOS.
• Prepare for reentry into the US. The vast majority of travellers will have no issue, especially if you are a US passport holder. You will move through the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) gates as normal.
• You can find more information about the process on the US Customs and Border Protection website. 
• Note that various executive orders have led to increased vetting processes for all international arrivals. As such, you may experience increased wait times, additional questioning from border protection officers, and in very rare cases, requests to screen personal electronic devices. 
• Anyone (including US citizens and permanent residents) moving through CBP is obligated to respond to additional screening requests and provide access to personal electronic devices. Failure to comply could result in confiscation of the device or detention.
• If you experience any disruption during your entry, remain calm and follow the instructions provided to you by CBP officers. 

Additional Information for Non US Passport Holders (US Permanent Residents and US Student Visa Holders)

• Make sure you have any and all documentation for your approval to enter and remain in the US (green card for permanent residents, Student Visa and I-20 documents for Student Visa holders, etc.) and ensure that it is valid for travel (not expired or soon to expire)
• Strongly encouraged: Obtain and carry supplemental documentation demonstrating your ties to the US - proof of residency, proof of active enrollment in a US-based institution, etc. 
• Notify friends and family of your travel plans so that others are aware of your itinerary

US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) measures can vary and, though it is rare, officers have the right to conduct additional screening and inspections of individuals (and their belongings) moving through the CBP clearance process. Most travellers will move through the clearance process with no issue. However, if you experience any disruption during your entry, try to remain calm and respectful and follow the instructions provided to you. 

If you are selected for additional screening, answer any questions truthfully and politely. You may ask why you were selected for additional screening. If you decline to answer the questions asked of you, you risk detention or even refusal of entry. If you are asked to provide access to your personal electronic device(s), you can comply or decline. If you choose to decline access to your device(s), you risk confiscation of the device(s), detention, or even refusal of entry. If your device is confiscated, you can request a receipt and details of when and how you will get it back. 

It is important to note that Arcadia Abroad cannot provide any legal advice or guidance on this matter, nor can we intervene if you are stopped at the border. If you have questions or concerns about your individual situation, we would strongly recommend that you connect with an immigration lawyer and be in touch with your homeschool’s international student and scholar office. 

Again, the vast majority of travelers will have no issue moving through CBP clearance processes! However, if you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us to chat further.

We wish you a smooth journey and reunion with family and friends back in the US!

Sincerely,

Arcadia Abroad