Travel Guidance for COVID-19

GENERAL TRAVEL GUIDANCE

  • All travelers (university-related and/or personal) and those leaders approving travel should closely review and follow the CDC's recommendations for travel
  • 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 travel. 
  • As of May 12, 2023, all international travelers arriving to the U.S. will no longer be required to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination.
  • Being up-to-date on COVID-19 vaccinations which includes a booster dose is highly recommended prior to any travel, but not required for travel to the U.S.
  • 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 have tested positive for or suspect you have COVID-19 until you have ended isolation. If you have been exposed to COVID-19 , follow these precautions if you travel. If this applies to you or you have questions or concerns, please email S&T Student Health Services.
  • During travel: Follow these precautions to help protect yourself and others from severe illness from COVID-19
  • After travel: monitor for symptoms, isolate, and get tested if you develop symptoms.

 

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. 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.

 

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

(Last updated 8/17/2023)