University of Idaho Vice Provost of Strategic Enrollment Management Dean Kahler announced in an email April 2 that international travel to countries with a U.S. Department of State travel advisory level 1 or 2 “will now be permitted by the university.”
University-affiliated travel to countries with a level 3 or 4 advisory will still require additional approval, according to UI’s international travel policy.
Those with plans to travel internationally should know their trip may require proof of negative COVID-19 test results before leaving or a mandatory quarantine upon arrival. The email recommended COVID-19 vaccinations for all travelers.
“Closed borders and further travel restrictions could be implemented by foreign governments with little notice,” the email stated. “This travel advisory will be in effect until Aug. 15, or when further changes are deemed appropriate.”
Students with intentions to travel to countries with a level 3 or 4 travel advisory in place during the summer will be required apply through the Education Abroad office and must have “compelling reasons” to show their study, research or internship is essential, according to the email. Then students must petition for approval through the UI International Emergency Management Committee.
Faculty and staff with university-affiliated plans to travel internationally to a country with a level 3 or 4 travel advisory should go through their college’s dean, vice provost or higher to receive approval and submit a petition for approval through the International Emergency Management Committee. After approval, faculty and staff can register the travel through Chrome River and the International Travel Registry.
The International Emergency Management Committee will review petitions on a case-by-case basis. According to the email, materials to include in the petition consist of a statement on why travel to the specific country is necessary, a letter of support from department partners or leadership in the host country and a list of COVID-19 safety measured to be followed.
According to the email, these changes were made in compliance with guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the World Health Organization and the Department of State travel advisory guide.
“As conditions evolve, we will keep you posted on any changes in guidance for international travel,” the email stated.
Anteia McCollum can be reached at [email protected] or on Twitter @antxiam