COVID-19 Update and Travel Information

Revised UCI Travel Policy for COVID-19

The revised directive rescinds the Travel Risk Review Team (TRRT) review process for CDC/CDPH-compliant domestic and international travel for faculty and staff, as well as domestic travel for students, in keeping with the current California Department of Public Health definition of ‘essential’ travel. While travel remains strongly discouraged due to ongoing COVID-19 conditions, UCI travel plans will no longer need to be pre-approved by TRRT. The new policy document is viewable here: https://uci.edu/coronavirus/executive-directives/uci21-uci-travel-directive.pdf

Please note: All UCI students seeking to travel internationally must receive advanced approval and risk review per UCI Student International Activities Policy & Procedure.

Thank you again for your conscientious work in helping to safeguard the health and safety of the UCI community and our partners around the world during the UC systemwide travel suspension. We wish you much success in your endeavors.

Relevant Links Referenced

UC Irvine Executive Directive – Travel https://uci.edu/coronavirus/executive-directives/uci21-uci-travel-directive.pdf

UC Irvine Student International Activity Policy https://www.policies.uci.edu/policies/pols/420-10.php and Proceedure:

UC Office of the President Travel Guidelines https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/news/2021/03/updated-travel-guidelines-for-the-uc-community.html

State of California updated its definition of ‘essential travel” https://covid19.ca.gov/travel/

California Department of Public Health Travel Advisory (https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/COVID-19/Travel-Advisory.aspx

Updated April 28, 2021

Federal and State Policy Updates

On April 2, 2021, the California Department of Public Health revised its Travel Advisory. Subsequently, the State of California updated its definition of ‘essential travel.”

Additionally, on April 19, 2021, the U.S. Department of State announced its intention to revise its Travel Warning system to reflect more closely the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention rating system, while also factoring in the availability of COVID-19 testing facilities and current restrictions on U.S. citizens traveling in respective countries or regions.

Updated April 22, 2021

COVID-19 Travel Suspension for the UC Community

All travel is currently suspended for the UC community as mandated by UCOP. UCI faculty, staff, and students seeking an exemption from the current UC travel suspension are asked to review the UCI Executive Directive for Travel and submit the UCI Travel Approval Form to global@uci.edu for review by the Travel Risk Review Team (TRRT). Travelers are advised to submit their requests several weeks in advance of travel and not book travel prior to gaining approval. Approved travelers will need to register their travel with UC Away.

For updates on UCI study abroad programs, visit the UCI Study Abroad Center.

For information on the latest details of COVID-19 testing requirements for international and interstate travel, visit the U.S. State Department, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and California for All COVID-19.

Updated February 2021