LEXINGTON, Ky. (March 24, 2021) – As summer approaches, vaccines continue to roll out and COVID-19 infection rates are falling, according to many members of the University of Kentucky The community may want to plan a trip abroad. While there is hope, there are still significant challenges associated with international travel.
“Even though you may be fully vaccinated and your host country is coping well with the pandemic, there are still border closings, testing requirements and quarantine times around the world, and those regulations tend to change quickly and without notice,” said Jason Hope, director for international health, safety and protection.
The risk landscape is starting to change a bit – you may now have a lower risk of contracting COVID-19 and getting sick, but you are an asymptomatic carrier – even after vaccination. Aside from the health implications, local government bans and quarantine requirements make planning very difficult.
For these reasons, the UK international travel suspension remains in effect for all university sponsored or recommended travel. All faculties, staff and students wishing to travel abroad for UK purposes must obtain authorization through a university-administered review process International Committee for Health, Safety and Protection (IHSS). For international travel, no payments should be made until this process is completed.
In addition to international travel by employees, this summer students are also considering the option of studying abroad. Education abroad & exchange (EA) offers a select number of programs that are reviewed and approved by the IHSS committee. EA and IHSS work together to thoroughly review the health and safety support of each program, reviewing travel restrictions and logistical challenges.
“Not only do we need to make sure the programs have solid COVID-19 prep, but we also need to ensure that our student travelers are well prepared and understand what international travel is like now,” said Miko McFarland, EA Executive Director. “Studying abroad is an important and highly influential experience for our students, and while challenging in the current context, we aim to deliver these enriching experiences in a safe and manageable manner.”
Hope added that the most important thing when considering an international vacation or other personal trip this summer is to ensure an understanding of the scenery at the destination:
- Are US citizens eligible to enter the host country as tourists?
- Are there any testing or quarantine requirements?
- Are the places a traveler wants to open up to visitors?
- Will they be able to be tested there in order to return to the USA?
- Is the local health infrastructure already under stress and could you negatively affect the host community while you are there?
“Keep in mind that the answers to these questions can change before or even during your trip,” he said. “You really have to be willing to be flexible in order to travel successfully now.”
The CDC provides resources for travelers on your websiteThis includes tips for measures to be taken before, during and after the trip as well as country-specific information. Every US embassy abroad also has a COVID-19-specific website where travelers can find detailed information about the situation in their host country.
“We’re starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel with the pandemic,” Hope said. “But we’re not quite there yet.”
For all updates related to domestic travel please visit the UK Travel Services website. If you have any further questions about the UK international travel ban, please contact Jason Hope.
