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.
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 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 April 30, 2021, regardless of the CDC Travel Health Notice-Warning Level or the U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory Level. Additionally, international programs for students are 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.
- Because travel increases your chances of becoming infected and spreading COVID-19, TTUHSC discourages university-related domestic travel. However, understanding the role domestic travel plays in carrying out mission-critical functions of the university, university-related domestic travel is not prohibited at this time.
- 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 well as to ensure that such travel is mission-critical to the health and/or welfare of the university and its activities.
- 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 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 required to register with the Office of Institutional Health before leaving or immediately upon return of a trip, using the travel form.
- In December 2020, the CDC issued updated guidance for individuals who travel internationally. As the CDC advises that it is safest to stay home for 10 days after travel, team members who travel outside of the United States will be required to self-isolate off campus for 10 days before returning to campus. This time may be reduced for travelers only as determined by the Office of Institutional Health, taking into consideration current conditions and needs of the university. 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. However, any international visitors, including prospective employees, guests and speakers will be subject to a 14-day self-isolation time period prior to coming onto campus.
- TTUHSC will not host visiting international students for courses, electives, rotations, etc. through July 31, 2021.
- Please contact Nicole Hines (Nicole.hines@ttuhsc.edu) with the Office of Institutional Health to share information related to dates of planned visit; origin country as well as countries traveled to along the international visitor’s travel route; and contact information so that she may provide guidance on self-isolation requirements.
- Consistent with TTUHSC OP 10.10, it is the responsibility of the TTUHSC school or department hosting an international visitor for ensuring the appropriate self-isolation time period has passed and that the international visitor has appropriately self-screened for COVID-19 symptoms prior to the beginning of any TTUHSC campus activity.