Travel

Guidelines for International and Domestic Travel

In accordance with University Policy 1134, travelers will submit an application for review and approval to the University Travel Advisory Committee (UTAC) for travel to countries with State Department Travel Advisories Level 3 or above and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Warning Level 3 or above, as well as travel to countries under economic sanctions or Department of State military embargos.

International Travel

An Application for Travel to Hazardous Areas (PDF) shall be submitted to UTAC for review and approval per University Policy 1134.  Applications should be submitted 30 days in advance of the proposed travel date or as soon as travel is anticipated (at a minimum three business days before start of travel).  

UTAC will evaluate the application based on:

  • No restrictions on entry/exit to destination. 
  • The current country specific health and safety information related infection rate. 
  • The potential risk to personal health and safety of traveler and Mason community (possible quarantine upon return).
  • Availability of common carrier and lodging. 
  • Mason’s ability to assist in a return to the United States in emergency circumstances. 
  • The potential benefit of travel with regard to the Mason’s mission.  
  • The necessity of the travel to achieve the anticipated benefit.  

In addition, UTAC will require all travelers on covered travel to be compliant with Mason’s COVID-19 vaccination requirement. Students who don’t live in a Mason residence hall  or enrolled in face-to-face courses on campus must  comply as these travel experiences are considered an extension of the Mason campus.

Before you Travel

Based on CDC recommendations, Mason recommends delaying travel until fully vaccinated.  If travel is essential, vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals must get tested one day before any international travel.

Make sure you understand all airline and destination requirements related to travel, mask wearing, testing, or quarantine, which may differ from local requirements. If you do not follow your destination’s requirements, you may be denied entry.

While You're Traveling

  • All travelers (regardless of vaccination status) must wear a mask over their nose and mouth on planes, buses, trains, and other forms of public transportation traveling into, within, or outside the United States and in U.S. transportation hubs such as airports and stations.
  • Follow all state, local, and country recommendations and requirements, including mask wearing and social distancing.
  • Unvaccinated travelers should wear face coverings, physically distance, avoid crowds and stay 6 feet/2 meters from anyone not traveling with you.
  • Wash your hands often. If a sink is not available, use hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol.

Returning from Travel (Arrival in the United States)

Vaccinated International Travelers:

  • Get tested no more than one day before traveling to the United States or provide documentation of recovery from COVID in the last three months.
  • Get tested with a viral test three to five days after travel.
  • Self-monitor for COVID-19 symptoms; isolate and get tested if you develop symptoms.

Unvaccinated International travelers:

  • Get tested with a viral test no more than one day before traveling to the United States.
  • Get tested with a viral test three to five days after travel.
  • Stay home and self-quarantine for a full seven days after travel, even if you test negative at three to five days.
  • If you do not get tested, stay home and self-quarantine for 10 days after travel.
  • Self-monitor for COVID-19 symptoms. Isolate and get tested if you develop symptoms.  
  • Avoid being around people who are at increased risk for severe illness for 14 days even if testing negative.

The CDC also offers guidance on international travel. 

Domestic Travel

UTAC approval is not required for university domestic travel. Travel approval is made at the department level, in accordance with University Policy 2101, Travel, Meals and Entertainment Expenditures.

Mason will continue monitoring the COVID-19 situation throughout the United States and will reinstate the requirement for UTAC approval for university domestic travel if needed.

The CDC also offers guidance on domestic travel.

Before you Travel

Make sure you understand and follow all airline and destination requirements related to travel, mask wearing, testing, or quarantine, which may differ from local requirements. 

Based on CDC recommendations, Mason recommends delaying travel until fully vaccinated.  If travel is essential, unvaccinated individuals must get tested one to three days before any domestic travel.

While You're Traveling

  • All travelers (regardless of vaccination status) must wear a mask over their nose and mouth on planes, buses, trains, and other forms of public transportation traveling into, within, or out of the United States and in U.S. transportation hubs such as airports and stations.
  • Follow all state, local, and country recommendations and requirements, including mask wearing and social distancing.
  • Unvaccinated travelers should wear face coverings, physically distance, avoid crowds and stay 6 feet/2 meters from anyone not traveling with you.
  • Wash your hands often. If a sink is not available, use hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol.

Returning from Travel

Based on CDC recommendations, Mason requires the following after travel:

Vaccinated Domestic Travelers:

Self-monitor for COVID-19 symptoms; isolate and get tested if you develop symptoms.

Unvaccinated Domestic Travelers:

  • Get tested on days three and six after travel. If your test is positive, isolate yourself to protect others from getting infected, and report your illness.
  • Avoid being around people who are at increased risk for severe illness for 14 days, even if testing negative.
  • Self-monitor for COVID-19 symptoms; isolate and get tested if you develop symptoms.

For more guidance on traveling, visit the CDC website.

Non-Mason Travel

Check health department websites for the state or country to which you are traveling for the latest information and any quarantine requirements and review the resources provided by the Center for Disease Control regarding travel.

For More Information

If you have questions about Mason's travel policies related to COVID, contact Risk Management.