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International Students & Programs Office ISPO
  1. ISPO
  2. ADVISING
  3. F & J Visa Advising
  4. Current & Returning Students
  5. Traveling
  6. Traveling in the U.S.

TRAVELING INSIDE THE U.S.

 

Be prepared when making plans to travel within the U.S. Review all information below to understand what documentation you will need to carry with you when you travel within the U.S.

 

Carry Important Documents

If you are traveling within the U.S., including Hawaii and Alaska you do not require a valid visa or travel signature. However, you should always keep the following important documents with you:

  • Your passport
  • Your most recent I-20 or DS-2019 (If you need a new/updated I-20/DS-2019, visit our Replacement page for instructions)

Be prepared to present your original documents to establish your identity at airports, train stations, bus stations, vehicle checkpoints and other transportation hubs.

 

Reminder about traveling in and out of San Diego by Car or Bus

Due to the close proximity of San Diego to international borders, we also recommend that you carry your passport and I-20/DS-2019 with you when traveling on major freeways. You may be asked to present important documents when passing through checkpoints (for example on the I-5 Highway in San Clemente, I-15 near Rainbow, as well as I-8 and other roads in East county).

Customs and Border Protection may set up check points in order to stop and question travelers regarding their citizenship or immigration status.

Contact ISPO

If you are unsure about your documents or are being questioned by Customs and Border Protection Officers, then visit our Contact Us page for more information on how to reach us during and outside of our office hours.