COVID-19 Student FAQs for International Travelers
Updated DECEMBER 2022!
Many countries have lifted entry requirements related to COVID-19. There is still a significant number of countries that have COVID-19 entry requirements for foreign nationals (testing, vaccinations, pre-arrival health questionnaires, etc.). It is the country/region/host organization which makes these determinations.
Entry and Travel Requirements
In-Country Concerns
Entry and Travel Requirements:
- I heard USF is requiring me to be vaccinated or boosted to study abroad or travel internationally, is that true?
- No, USF is not requiring students to be vaccinated or boosted. However, host countries and/or host organizations may require it.
- No, USF is not requiring students to be vaccinated or boosted. However, host countries and/or host organizations may require it.
- Why is USF asking about my vaccination status?
- We continue to ask about vaccination status to support students in complying with existing or new regulations. Please note that there could be different requirements for entry for vaccinated vs. unvaccinated travelers. In addition. many partners may still require proof of vaccination in-country; they may limit or curtail activities for those who are unvaccinated; and/or may require frequent testing at the traveler‘s expense.
- We continue to ask about vaccination status to support students in complying with existing or new regulations. Please note that there could be different requirements for entry for vaccinated vs. unvaccinated travelers. In addition. many partners may still require proof of vaccination in-country; they may limit or curtail activities for those who are unvaccinated; and/or may require frequent testing at the traveler‘s expense.
- How do I find out about COVID vaccination/testing requirements?
- For specific requirements for a country (and or region within a country), please go to the CDC website for international travel. The US Department of State also has information on the country specific pages. Individuals may also look at the US Embassy website in the country they are going. For a quick view, go here (the International Air Transport Association). The following website allows travelers to view entry restrictions based on vaccination status: Sherpa, this should be double checked with CDC or official sites.
- For specific requirements for a country (and or region within a country), please go to the CDC website for international travel. The US Department of State also has information on the country specific pages. Individuals may also look at the US Embassy website in the country they are going. For a quick view, go here (the International Air Transport Association). The following website allows travelers to view entry restrictions based on vaccination status: Sherpa, this should be double checked with CDC or official sites.
- Can host organizations in a foreign country prevent me from participating in activities even if the country does not require a vaccine?
- Yes. In Spring 2022 we had students allowed to enter a country, but then barred from accessing some indoor spaces because they were not vaccinated and/or boosted. Requirements can change quickly, and it is out of USF’s control.
- Yes. In Spring 2022 we had students allowed to enter a country, but then barred from accessing some indoor spaces because they were not vaccinated and/or boosted. Requirements can change quickly, and it is out of USF’s control.
- How long before entry do I need to get vaccinated and/or booster?
- Most countries require you to have had the booster a minimum of 2-weeks prior to your departure. Refer to the links above about country-specific resources.
- Most countries require you to have had the booster a minimum of 2-weeks prior to your departure. Refer to the links above about country-specific resources.
- I recently recovered from COVID-19, do I still need a vaccine or booster?
- Some countries allow you to substitute proof of a recent recovery from Covid-19 for the purposes of entry (typically a PCR test result showing the positive result). What is meant by “recent” can change from location to location, and even certain cities within the country may have their own regulations regarding access to public and indoor spaces. Refer to the links above to investigate requirements, or for an Education Abroad/USF Health program, contact the program advisor for support.
- Some countries allow you to substitute proof of a recent recovery from Covid-19 for the purposes of entry (typically a PCR test result showing the positive result). What is meant by “recent” can change from location to location, and even certain cities within the country may have their own regulations regarding access to public and indoor spaces. Refer to the links above to investigate requirements, or for an Education Abroad/USF Health program, contact the program advisor for support.
- Will a religious exception for vaccination be permitted in a foreign country?
- It is unlikely, but depends on the country. Travelers need to do their research on what a country allows and does not allow. If the country’s public health entity requires vaccination in order to enter the country, it is likely impossible to enter the country for a study abroad program (which is a voluntary choice); exceptions may exist (e.g. death or illness of a family member), but it is incumbent upon the student to do this research and apply for any exemption. Once in the country, individuals may have to follow regular testing protocols at their own expense.
- It is unlikely, but depends on the country. Travelers need to do their research on what a country allows and does not allow. If the country’s public health entity requires vaccination in order to enter the country, it is likely impossible to enter the country for a study abroad program (which is a voluntary choice); exceptions may exist (e.g. death or illness of a family member), but it is incumbent upon the student to do this research and apply for any exemption. Once in the country, individuals may have to follow regular testing protocols at their own expense.
- Will a medical exemption for vaccination be permitted in a foreign country?
- Possibly. It depends on the country and may depend upon the type of medical exemption. It may also require pre-registration and permission through the country’s health ministry. It is incumbent upon the student to do this research and apply for an exemption. If allowed to enter, the individual would likely be required to test regularly (generally 48-72 hours), at their own expense.
- Possibly. It depends on the country and may depend upon the type of medical exemption. It may also require pre-registration and permission through the country’s health ministry. It is incumbent upon the student to do this research and apply for an exemption. If allowed to enter, the individual would likely be required to test regularly (generally 48-72 hours), at their own expense.
- I am an international student, are there additional vaccination requirements for me?
- Currently international students and all foreign nationals entering the US are required to provide proof of Covid-19 vaccination. Follow this link for more information.
In-Country Concerns:
- What if I test positive while abroad?
- In most countries and situations, you will have to go into self-isolation at your own expense. If this occurs at the end of the program, this may mean having to remain behind in country until cleared to depart by local authorities. USF’s insurance covers any medical expenses as a result of an infection, and in limited cases may cover accommodation. Please click here for updated information for COVID-19 positive testing abroad.
- In most countries and situations, you will have to go into self-isolation at your own expense. If this occurs at the end of the program, this may mean having to remain behind in country until cleared to depart by local authorities. USF’s insurance covers any medical expenses as a result of an infection, and in limited cases may cover accommodation. Please click here for updated information for COVID-19 positive testing abroad.
- Are masks and other Personal Protective Equipment required?
- Countries and establishments may require N95 or other types of masks. While mask-wearing in the US, is required less and less, it may not be so while abroad. You should bring a supply of high-level PPE with you to last the duration of the program.
- Countries and establishments may require N95 or other types of masks. While mask-wearing in the US, is required less and less, it may not be so while abroad. You should bring a supply of high-level PPE with you to last the duration of the program.
- What does USF’s International Insurance Cover as it relates to COVID-19?
- It will cover medical treatment as prescribed by a treating physician, there may be self-isolation and quarantine coverage if MEDICALLY necessary, or the country requires self-isolation. Please consult this document for information for testing positive while abroad.
Disclaimer: USF Education Abroad cannot provide medical advice. The details in this section are for informational purposes only. We encourage you to speak with your healthcare provider regarding their recommendations for your specific situation.
Have other questions? Please feel free to contact us.