Quebec university publishes guidelines for staff, students travelling to the U.S. Montreal

The University of Montreal has issued a series of guidelines to students and employees who will travel to the United States for academic purposes.

Principal Daniel Jutras said the guidelines were released Thursday in response to many questions about students and staff regarding travel to the United States, which are the many reports of detention and reports of refusal to enter the country in recent weeks.

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Jutalas said that while there were no specific incidents involving the university community, people felt it was necessary to deal with the raised concerns.

The university advises students and faculty to tell the institution while traveling and discuss potential risks before leaving.

The memorandum includes advice to exercise caution when driving south of the Canadian-U.S. border and reminds U.S. customs officers of the right to inspect electronic equipment when entering the United States

Members are also advised to protect their data by ensuring that their equipment does not contain sensitive academic information and change passwords, if provided to customs.

Jutras said in an interview that the university policy was adopted in 2023 and covers all international travel for academics, researchers and students abroad, including health issues or climate-related situations.