All travelers (university-related and/or personal) and those leaders approving travel should closely review and follow the below guidelines based on recommendations by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).
Travelers are encouraged to be up-to-date (which includes booster doses to those eligible) on COVID-19 vaccinations prior to any travel and may be required for certain destinations or for returning to the U.S. if traveling internationally.
INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL
Guidance for travel is continually changing. Be sure to review the CDC and the US. Department of State requirements and recommendations for before and after international travel.
As of January 5, 2023, all air passengers (regardless of COVID-19 vaccination or citizenship status) aged 2 and older traveling to the U.S. from China, Hong Kong, and Macau will need to show a negative COVID-19 viral test result taken no more than 2 days prior to flight departure.
This also applies to those traveling to the U.S. from designated airports in Seoul, Toronto, and Vancouver who have been in China, Hong Kong or Macau in the past 10 days.
A COVID-19 viral test such as an antigen or nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT) will be accepted.
Those who have recovered from COVID-19 in the past 90 days and more than 10 days before travel can show documentation of recovery in lieu of a test result.
Since Nov. 8, 2021, non-U.S. citizens who are non-U.S. immigrants seeking to enter the U.S. by air are required to show proof of being fully vaccinated with an FDA approved or emergency use authorized or a World Health Organization emergency use listed Covid-19 vaccination. There are limited exceptions to this requirement. Individuals granted an exception and any unvaccinated U.S. citizens must follow more stringent requirements. Review CDC’s travel assessment section to find out what is needed to board a flight to the U.S.
Being up-to-date on COVID-19 vaccinations which includes a booster dose (additional dose after completing the primary series when eligible and if available) is highly recommended prior to any travel, but not required for travel to the U.S. Only proof of completing the primary vaccination series is required. If you were vaccinated outside of the U.S., you may receive a booster dose, if eligible, in the U.S. with an mRNA vaccine (Pfizer, Moderna)
The CDC advises not to travel if you are ill, have tested positive for COVID-19 in the 10 days prior to travel, or have had close contact to a person who tests positive for COVID-19 in the 5 days prior to travel. If this applies to you or you have questions or concerns, please email S&T Student Health Services.
During travel: Wearing a mask over your nose and mouth is recommended on planes, buses, trains, and other forms of public transportation traveling into, within, or out of the United States and while indoors at U.S. transportation hubs such as airports and stations.
STUDENT COVID-19 TESTING FOR TRAVEL OR EVENTS
If you are a current student needing testing for travel or an event, you will need to research the specific Covid-19 testing requirements for your destination and for your return to the U.S., if travelling internationally.Covid-19 vaccination is strongly encouraged, especially prior to any travel and may be required for certain destinations or forreturning to the U.S. Travelers are encouraged to be up-to-date (which includes booster doses to those eligible) on COVID-19 vaccinations prior to any travel and may be required for certain destinations or events.
Many international destinations may require specifically PCR/NAAT Covid-19 testing with results usually within 72 hours of travel.You need to review with your destination and the airline on your specific needs and plan accordingly.Some destinations or events will accept rapid antigen testing which can be scheduled at Student Health with results in 15 minutes.
Student Health Services works with the Phelps Health and Quest labs for PCR testing with results typically within 48 hours. You will need to call and make an appointment at Student Health for this testing. Insurance information is submitted to the lab with the testing, but there is no guarantee that insurance will cover testing for travel.
Student Health Services is not open on Saturdays, Sundays, or campus holidays/closures, so if your travel plans require your testing to be done during those times, you will need to make other arrangements.
Walgreens and CVS offer COVID-19 PCR/NAAT/Rapid Antigen testing by appointment. There could be charges incurred for this testing. Locate a COVID-19 testing site in the U.S.
Phelps Health Immediate Care located at 603 S. Bishop Avenue (573-364-4411) and Rolla Family Clinic located at 416 S. Bishop Avenue (573-426-5900) also offer PCR/NAAT testing, but may include an office visit charge as well. You may call them to discuss their fees and services.
There are rapid PCR/NAAT testing sites near the St Louis and Chicago airports. Appointments are usually required, and their websites review costs and scheduling.
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