COVID-19 Travel Overview

Travel and study abroad are two areas of university life and campus operations that have been dramatically impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Below is the latest travel and study abroad related guidance for the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.

Study Abroad

As the university resumes study abroad, International Safety and Security and study abroad staff will continue to connect with students and provide resources to support them during their time abroad. Students are encouraged to review the latest updates and resources from the education abroad community:

Summer and fall applications have closed. Students have been accepted and begin making appropriate plans now. Student plans include applying for visas (if required) and staying current on travel requirements. Students should review the FAQs and can reach out to their college's study abroad office if they have questions.

International Travel

University-sponsored international travel

Those who believe they have an essential business reason to travel by air may request approval through their unit executive officer (dean, vice provost, vice chancellor, etc.). It is expected that permission to travel will be granted only in the most limited of circumstances.

As of August 2020, the U.S. Department of State and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) are issuing country level advisories related to COVID-19. All individuals returning from study or travel abroad should follow CDC and Illinois Department of Public Health guidelines.

Personal international travel

The Department of State has issued COVID-19 Travel guidance that advises all U.S. citizens to read the country-specific Travel Advisories and U.S. Embassy COVID pages for updates on the impact of COVID-19 worldwide. Individuals are also encouraged to review the CDC travel notices.

Returning to Campus

Upon arrival to the United States, all students, faculty, and staff must follow the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign recommendations for returning to campus after travel, quarantine and testing.

International Travel if Returning to Your Home Country

Some international students and scholars may wish to return to their home country. If you choose to travel outside of the U.S., you should be prepared for the possibility for your return may be delayed. This could pose different problems depending on your unique situation. Each student should consider their own circumstances.

International students and scholars can refer to the International Student and Scholar Services website for visa and immigration specific questions.