Guidelines for Travel and Per Diem Expenses

It is important to check the funding agency’s guidelines for travel and per diem charges. Policies vary greatly.

For help determining travel and/or lodging costs, contact one of the university's preferred travel agencies: BTI Travel Consultants (phone 800-472-7447) or AAA Ithaca Travel Center (phone 800-954-7687).

See also Colgate's Travel Policy for useful information on travel budgeting.

Federal maximum per diem rates:

• for domestic travel, from the U.S. General Services Administration
• for foreign travel, from the U.S. Department of State

See Airline Open Skies Agreements for exceptions to the “Fly America Act” for international air travel funded by a federal grant.

If using a personal car, the reimbursable mileage rate is 56.5 cents per mile (effective 1/1/2013), in accordance with IRS guidelines.