UC Davis has returned to its pre-COVID-19 International Travel Policy, dropping the requirement for prior approval of university-affiliated travel to countries designated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as having COVID-19 risk levels of 3 (high) or 4 (very high).

In an updated travel announcement posted March 21, Global Affairs officials said the decision came in response to the current review of COVID-19 risks. “The travel security manager will continue to monitor the COVID-19 rates closely and adjust the policy if necessary,” the announcement states.

The announcement also notes the persistent risk posed by COVID-19 and other communicable diseases, and advises travelers to continue to take all available precautions.

“All travelers are highly encouraged to make a travel medicine appointment before they leave. These appointments provide important information on local risks and vaccine requirements beyond the COVID-19 requirements.”

See the announcement for more information on travel medicine appointments.

The announcement further advises travelers to follow CDC guidance for both domestic and international travel, including:

• Delay travel until you are up to date with your COVID-19 vaccines.
• Wear a mask over your nose and mouth as required in indoor areas of public transportation (including airplanes) and indoors in U.S. transportation hubs (including airports).

Other rules apply

The lifting of the COVID-19 restriction for travel to Level 3 and 4 countries does not mean university affiliates can go anywhere without approval. Travel security personnel review all countries for other medical risks and a number of other factors, including risk of crime and terrorism, and civil protest or unrest. Each country is assigned a threat rating of low, medium, high or very high — and travel to the high-risk destinations is subject to review by the Travel Advisory Committee.

“Very High Threat” and “High Threat” countries (as of March 14) are listed here.

If you are traveling on university business, you must register your trip. For international travel, you must register three weeks before the intended travel dates. If travel is not registered, travelers may experience a delay or forfeiture of reimbursement of travel expenses, or a delay in the ability of UC Davis to provide support in the event of an emergency.