TSA: Travelers must have ‘Real ID’ to fly starting October 2020

The Transportation Security Administration is reminding travelers that beginning October 1, 2020, every traveler 18 years of age or older must present a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license, or another acceptable form of identification like a passport, to fly within the United States.

Travelers will begin seeing new signs at airports nationwide to remind people that REAL ID-compliant licenses or other acceptable forms of ID, such as a valid passport, federal government PIV card or U.S. military ID, will be mandatory for air travel beginning on October 1, 2020. Critically important, on October 1, 2020, individuals who are unable to verify their identity will not be permitted to enter the TSA checkpoint and will not be allowed to fly.

REAL ID-compliant licenses are marked by a star on the top right corner. Travelers who are not sure if their ID is compliant should check with their state driver’s license agency. To learn more about Tennessee’s REAL ID requirements, click here.

Questions about REAL ID? Please email travel@vanderbilt.edu

Cybersecurity for the Vanderbilt business traveler

The travel industry is a trillion dollar industry with many of us taking more than one trip per year. But did you know that you are at higher risk of becoming a cyber victim while traveling?

This is because travelers tend to let their guard down or exchange secure practices for convenience. Though it is instinctual to keep suitcases close to prevent theft, travelers tend to set aside protecting their information. They are more likely to use unsecured public Wi-Fi or open attachments without consideration. This could allow cybercriminals to read files stored on the device, steal user IDs and passwords, and even launch other attacks.

This fall many employees will travel, whether for a business trip or for family Fall Break. Reduce the likelihood that you will become a victim by taking some basic steps to protect yourself and your data.

Contact Vanderbilt Export Compliance (VEC) for the most up to date international travel restrictions and licensing requirements. Click here to learn more.

ICYMI: Introducing VU’s new international security provider

Vanderbilt has partnered with Anvil as our new international security provider beginning spring semester 2019. Our international security provider is just one part of our enhanced global safety structure here at Vanderbilt which also includes 24/7 assistance through VIRT and international medical insurance through GeoBlue.

With Anvil’s range of products, we are able to provide pre-departure information and resources to our traveling community. For pre-departure location briefings, guidance, or risk assessment please contact Vanderbilt’s Global Safety and Security Manager.

International health insurance

Vanderbilt has also partnered with GeoBlue as our provider for international medical insurance. GeoBlue is more comprehensive and lower-cost than most plans and includes coverage for medical evacuation, preexisting conditions, and mental health. Very few US health insurance plans offer coverage overseas at this level with no deductible. Additionally, VIRT is best able to assist travelers facing emergency situations when they are covered by GeoBlue.

Purchase of international health insurance is required for students and optional for employees. Please note, employees will be reimbursed when enrolling in GeoBlue for international University business travel. For any questions, please refer to the Global VU Safety website and the information on self-enrollment found here.

Online training resource for Guest Travel Coordinators

Travel arrangers who have been assigned the Guest Travel Coordinator permission in Concur will be notified in the coming weeks of an online course that will be required for anyone who has been assigned the role. The course, which is now available in Oracle Learning, provides training and resources on the process for making guest travel reservations in Concur on behalf of a guest. 

The Guest Travel Coordinator (GTC) assignment in Concur is necessary to make travel arrangements for anyone traveling on behalf of Vanderbilt business that does not have a Concur profile (i.e. guests, visitors, alumni, speakers, or non-employee students). The GTC is responsible for creating and submitting expense reports on guest travel in Oracle Expense.

The List of Guest Travel Coordinators by Business Unit is available for download here.

What is the best way to book car rentals?

In order to be covered by Vanderbilt insurance and negotiated contracts, car rentals should be booked through the Concur online booking tool, World Travel Service or directly with car rental vendors using the university’s discount codes. In addition, university guests can also utilize these discount codes when traveling on university business.

• Avis – B638500
• Budget – T276500
• Enterprise/National – XZ56114
• Hertz – 1876232
• Dollar – TB7560
• Thrifty – 00102231

Vanderbilt recommends purchasing additional car rental insurance through the rental car agency when traveling internationally.