Travel Guidance
With the reopening of Texas and other states nationwide, if you choose to travel, we want to help make your trip a safe one.
This page was last updated April 29, 2021
Travel Guidance
As the ongoing transmission of COVID-19 is widespread, all Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center team members (faculty, and residents) and students will need to adhere to the following if they choose to travel:
- All university-related international travel by TTUHSC team members (faculty, staff and residents) is subject to TTUHSC Operating Policy (TTUHSC OP) 79.04, Foreign Travel. Similarly, all university-related international travel by TTUHSC students is subject to TTUHSC OP 10.29, International Programs for Students, and 77.08, Student Travel Policy. Under these policies, university-related travel to countries designated with a CDC Travel Health Notice – Warning Level 3 or 4; a CDC COVID-19 Level 3 (High), 4 (Very High), or Unknown with the descriptor that travelers should avoid all travel; or a U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory Level 3 (Reconsider Travel) or 4 (Do not Travel) is prohibited.
- Due to continued COVID-19 risk associated with travel, no university-related international travel will be approved through July 31, 2021, regardless of the CDC Travel Health Notice-Warning Level, the CDC COVID-19 Level, or the U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory Level. Additionally, international programs for students are also suspended through July 31, 2021.
- As the global impact of COVID-19 continues to change, TTUHSC will continue to monitor to the Department of State and the CDC’s guidance on traveling during the COVID-19 pandemic to determine if the university’s restriction on university-related international travel will be extended beyond the date noted above.
- All TTUHSC Students and team members (faculty, staff and residents) travel requests for university-related domestic travel will need to be approved by a traveler’s superior and fund manager in accordance with TTUHSC OP 79.02, Travel Approvals and Notifications, and TTUHSC OP 77.08, Student Travel Policy.
- As COVID-19 cases and deaths have been reported globally, the university strongly discourages any international travel for personal reasons. If you determine that travel is necessary, please carefully consider the avoidance of places identified with a Travel Health Notice by the CDC including COVID-19 Travel Health Notices, and be aware of the possibility to alter your plans as the spread of COVID-19 continues to develop.
- Students and team members (faculty, staff and residents) who travel outside of the United States for personal reasons are expected to follow the CDC’s guidance on testing and self-quarantine after their travel in addition to other applicable CDC international travel recommendations.
- TTUHSC will continue to evaluate new information and update this protocol as needed.
- If you choose to travel domestically, please protect yourself and others during your trip by following CDC travel considerations in the United States.
- Be aware that there may be state and local travel restrictions that may impact your travel plans. Please check the state or local health departments relating to your travel route and destination for current travel guidance and updates.
- All incoming (visiting) international travel for learners and visitors (see TTUHSC OP 10.10, International Visitors, for international visitor categories and procedures) under all categories except International Visiting Students may resume.
- TTUHSC will not host visiting international students for courses, electives, rotations, etc. through July 31, 2021.
- Consistent with TTUHSC OP 10.10, it is the responsibility of the TTUHSC school or department hosting an international visitor to ensure the international visitor is aware of TTUHSC’s expectation for them to follow the CDC’s guidance on testing and self-quarantine after their arrival to the U.S. and that the international visitor has appropriately self-screened for COVID-19 symptoms prior to the beginning of any TTUHSC campus activity.