Travel to the U.S. and Fairbanks

Traveling to the U.S.

Information on traveling to the U.S., to include documents needed for entry and what you may encounter during the entry process is detailed in this document (PDF). 

Important things to remember:

  • When making flight reservations, allow enough time to make connecting flights.  It could take an hour or longer to clear the U.S. Customs and Border Protection checkpoints (Two checkpoints:  1) Immigration and 2) U.S. Customs).
  • Do NOT pack your I-20 or DS-2019 in your luggage.  Carry it with you on the plane.
  • When you see the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Immigration officer, hand him or her both your passport and I-20 or DS-2019, together.
  • Make sure your passport is stamped with the correct immigration status before leaving the Customs and Border Protection desk.  It is very difficult to have your immigration record corrected after leaving the desk.  If your entry is reported in the CBP system incorrectly, you may be required to leave the U.S. and re-enter in the correct F-1 or J-1 status.
  • Special note for Canadians:  Do NOT use your NEXUS card if you have one.  While in F-1 or J-1 status, it is best to forget that you have a NEXUS card, if you have one.  Also, do NOT use the NEXUS line for entering the U.S.  You will NOT be granted F-1 or J-1 status.

Helpful links:

contains information for non-U.S. citizens entering the U.S. including into the U.S. and into the U.S.  Related links from the U.S. Department of Agriculture include information about , , ,  and  regarding travel from rural areas.  Information about and the required reporting for currency and monetary instruments (money - whether USD or other currency) is also available.  Be sure to review the information because failure to report specified items you are bringing with you can result in fines and delays when entering the U.S.  For example failing to declare over $10,000 US (or equivalent) can result in the money being confiscated and additional fines and penalties assessed.

  The Info Center Top Travel Inquiries links have the information at the lower part of the pages.  Be sure to scroll down for information about traveling with medication and bringing food to the U.S.

Air travel to and within the U.S.:  What you can and cannot bring on board, in the plane with you, including frequently asked questions about security screening: 

Travel to Fairbanks

We recommend that you fly into Fairbanks International Airport (airport code FAI).  

On specific days during New Student Orientation, the Nanook Shuttle (a UAF sponsored vehicle) will meet you at the airport and take you to campus housing check-in. Please visit the Orientation Travel Information for the specific times and dates that the Nanook Shuttle will be running.  There is no cost for this service. The shuttle will be running a constant loop from the Fairbanks International Airport to UAF during the days when it is running. Generally, they will pick up the first flight of the day and run until the last flight of the day. Be sure to look for a sign with the New Student Orientation logo near the baggage claim area.

If you are a graduate student, you can e-mail your graduate department or supervising professor; it is not unusual for the department to make arrangements for someone to meet a new international student. That said, we cannot guarantee that there will be someone to meet you at the airport — but the sooner you start asking and letting people know your plans, the easier it will be to make arrangements. It is also very easy to take a taxi from the airport to campus.  The ride should cost under $30. Be sure to have enough cash available (in U.S. dollars), in case you need to take a taxi (not