Personal vs. University Business International Travel Due to the current pandemic, UT Austin considers every country a restricted region and requires approval from the International Oversight Committee (IOC) before departure on university business. University Business Traveling on university business to a UT restricted region is prohibited without prior approval from… read more
General
Travel Safety Tips During the COVID-19 Pandemic (Repost)
Written by Libby Ennenga Traveling during the COVID-19 crisis creates a new set of challenges for travelers than previously experienced. While traveling may seem highly desirable or academically important, your health and safety are the most important factors to care for at this time. However, there will be instances where… read more
Restricted Regions Application Process
Planning to study abroad next semester? Hoping to conduct research in the spring? Or, are you planning a trip abroad on university business? All destinations outside the United States are considered Restricted Regions and require approval. Ensure you submit your Restricted Regions request at least one month before your planned… read more
After Traveling
Due to the risk of being exposed to COVID-19 during your travels, whether traveling domestically or internationally, it is important to follow the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)’s guidance on what to do after you travel. The CDC has published useful guidance on exactly what to do after… read more
Health and Safety Resources
Global Risk and Safety has several resources available for travelers that can be found on our website. We recently added a COVID-19 Advice and Resources page which includes multiple external resources as well as the following sections: How to prepare for your trip before you leave Travel advice for getting… read more
Mask Basics
Written by Isaac McQuistion Masks seem simple—a bit of cloth, some ties or stretchy material to fasten it, and instructions to wear them over your nose and mouth when around other people. They are one of the most basic yet effective tools we have to contain the spread of the… read more
Navigating Travel Restrictions Under COVID-19
Written by Isaac McQuistion Figuring out visas and navigating entry restrictions was challenging even before the COVID-19 pandemic. It is even more so now, as travelers try to plan trips while keeping track of a multitude of shifting variables and criteria, not to mention all the attendant health and safety… read more
Coronavirus Vaccine Progress
Written by Sundas Amer Soon after the coronavirus spread across the globe, health professionals began working on a vaccine that would help build immunity to the virus. The U.S. government initiated Operation Warp Speed, which aims to deliver 300 million doses of safe, effective coronavirus vaccine by January 2021. The… read more
UT Restricted Regions List Update
On August 6, 2020, the U.S. Department of State (USDOS) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) rescinded their blanket global health advisories for COVID-19 that included all countries worldwide. Now, both the USDOS and CDC rate each country individually. Most countries are classified as “Level 3: Reconsider… read more
Maintaining Your Mental Health During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Just like your physical health, it is important for you to prioritize your mental health amid COVID-19. This article will describe methods to monitor your mental health, self-care while at home, and resources for help if needed. The most important point to remember is to be kind to yourself. Living… read more