Travel Guidance for Commencement and Reunion Guests

Summary

This page provides travel guidance for Commencement and reunion guests and visitors from outside the U.S. traveling to Harvard.

As we prepare to welcome friends, family, guests, and Harvard community members living abroad to our campus for Commencement and reunions, the Harvard International Office (HIO) is providing guidance to ensure a smooth and enjoyable visit. It is crucial to be informed and prepared for your travel plans to the United States.

The HIO provides guidance on inviting friends and family members to the U.S. 

For family, relatives, and friends to visit temporarily in the U.S., including coming to Commencement and reunions, they will most likely need to apply for a tourist visa (B1/B2 visa). If you are applying for a B1/B2 visa you do not need a special form like Harvard sponsored students or scholars need. However, there are some guidelines on what a consular official expects of applicants. You will need to establish the following, to the satisfaction of the consular official:

  1. Your visit to the United States will be temporary.
  2. You have adequate funds to cover the cost of transportation and cost of expenses (accommodation, food, etc.) in the United States.
  3. You have a residence outside the United States to which you intend to return.

It is important to visit our website and be familiar with the process and the resources that are available.

Plan Ahead

Travelers are encouraged to finalize travel arrangements well in advance to ensure all necessary documents are in order.

Stay Informed

Monitor travel advisors and updates concerning entry protocols that may affect your visit. It is important to stay up to date with the lates information regarding travel to the United States. 

The Office of General Counsel provides this guidance about border security measures at points of entry. The Office of the Vice Provost for Research provides this guidance for border inspections. Please note: This guidance is subject to change based on evolving circumstances. We recommend checking official resources regularly to ensure your travel plans comply with current guidelines. In addition, the HIO updates its website regularly, including in the event of federal policy changes that may impact the ability of international visitors, students, and/or scholars to enter the United States.

See also: