The CDC outlines the particular risks associated with travel for contracting and spreading COVID-19. Risk can differ depending on vaccination status, the mode of transportation, the origin and destination of travel, accommodations, and activities.

You should consider the COVID risk level at your point of departure (since you risk spreading COVID-19 to others or contracting COVID-19), at your destination, and at any points of transit. Travelers can use the Harvard Global Health Institute/Brown School of Public Health COVID-19 Risk Levels map to compare COVID risk globally (select "Worldwide" on the left-hand side of the map to view risk levels per country).

You should assess your suitability for travel by reviewing public health guidance from the CDC, reviewing COVID-19 spread at destination (see above in “COVID-19 Risk Levels”), and discussing travel plans with their primary care physician and/or International SOS (their pre-travel consultations with a medical professional are free to Temple travelers). Consider making an appointment with the Employee Health Services or another travel health professional if you need immunizations, malaria prophylaxis, etc.

Some populations are more at risk of becoming severely ill after contracting COVID-19. This includes:

• older adults

• adults of any age with certain underlying medical conditions such as immunocompromised state, obesity, pregnancy, smoking, or type 2 diabetes.

This is not an exhaustive list. The CDC also provides additional information about populations at increased risk for severe illness or who may need to take extra precautions against COVID-19.

You must verify all entry and exit requirements in advance of travel, for all countries on the itinerary including transit countries. Countries may have different entry and exit requirements at land borders, ports of sea, or airports. Common entry or exit requirements that countries are enacting during the global pandemic include:

• testing requirements (including pre-departure, arrival and/or exit testing)

• quarantine on arrival at a designated facility, designated hotel, or private residence (often at traveler’s own expense)

• public health forms, participation in COVID-19 tracing apps, etc.

In the past, the U.S. has also introduced entry requirements and restrictions. It is recommended that you review guidance provided by official U.S. government sources about the latest entry requirements and/or restrictions.

The following list is not exhaustive and entry requirements are subject to change without notice. You must monitor these restrictions carefully.

Resources:

• State and International Entry Restrictions
• Transportation Security Authority (TSA) Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information
• International Air Transport Association - COVID-19 Coronavirus & Travelers
• U.S. Department of State Country-Specific COVID-19 Information
• US Embassy COVID-19 Specific Information for your Destination, including entry and exit regulations and links to immigration requirements of the host country. 
• United Nations World Food Programme Travel Restrictions Map
• IATA Travel Regulations Map
• U.S. Negative COVID-19 Test Entry Requirement (applies to all)
• Travelers Prohibited from Entry to U.S. (citizens/permanent residents exempt)

Since the stay at home orders last year, the U.S. Department of State has experienced severe delays in processing applications for new or renewed passports. Travelers expecting to travel during the 2021-2022 academic year should consult the U.S. Department of State’s website regarding current wait times for expedited and regular processing. While there is the option to apply within 72 hours of international travel at an agency, appointments are rather hard to come by and we recommend that travelers not rely on this option.

Most countries require your passport to be valid for six months beyond your scheduled departure from that country. 

Some international destinations require a visa to enter, study, research, or intern abroad. You will need to have your passport before applying for your visa, as some visas are electronically tied to your passport, while others are stamped into your passport. If you are traveling abroad through an approved Temple International Program, administrators at Temple will provide guidance on the visa application process. If you are an independent traveler, you will need to research which visa is appropriate for your time abroad and apply through the consulate of your host country.

Processing times vary by country, student citizenship, and consulate. Consulates base their processing times on the official program dates rather than individual travel plans. As a result of COVID-19, visa issuance policies and time frames have significantly changed. Please check with the consulate of your host country for updated policies and procedures.

Some countries require evidence of a negative COVID-19 test (usually a negative PCR - or nasal swab - test) to enter. These test results often need to be from within 48-72 hours of departure. Read these entry requirements carefully as they vary by country and can be specific. For example, the PCR test results might need to include your name as it appears on your passport. We recommend securing a physician’s note or certificate attesting to the negative results.

Obtaining a PCR test, if required or desired, is the traveler's responsibility. 

Free COVID testing is provided readily, often with same day appointments, around the country:

• CVS Minute Clinic

• RiteAid COVID Testing

• The City of Philadelphia also runs Mobile Testing Pop-up Events & provides a Map of Permanent Testing Sites

On Friday, June 10^th, the Biden Administration announced that the U.S. would be lifting the testing requirement to enter the United States. This change in procedure went into effect starting at midnight on Sunday, June 12^th. The official announcement, and change in procedure, can be found on the Center for Disease Control’s website.

According to the announcement, this will be reviewed in 90 days. It is recommended that you check the Center for Disease Control’s website prior/during your travels to verify the latest entry requirements.

Upon arrival in the U.S., all travelers regardless of vaccination status are encouraged to follow CDC recommendations.

The US Department of State (DOS) provides information on DOS country travel advisories as well as specific DOS information related to COVID-19, including Presidential Proclamations and restrictions on entering or re-entering the United States.

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) publishes country-specific travel health notices and has an interactive map with COVID-19 travel recommendations from the CDC.

If considering engaging in Temple-affiliated travel, International SOS can also offer additional insight on specific destinations.

• International SOS COVID-19 Resources - case trends, entry restrictions, local transportation/social impacts etc. Temple membership number: 
• U.S. Department of State COVID-19 Country Specific Information
• U.S. Department of State Travel Advisories
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Travel Recommendations by Country
• Harvard Global Health Institute
• Global Critical Trends Tracking from Johns Hopkins University
• Partnership for Evidence-Based Response to COVID-19 (PERC): Responding to COVID-19 in Africa
• European Center for Disease Control and Prevention COVID-19 Pandemic Updates