University & Personal Travel

Study Abroad Programs
All participants in faculty-led study abroad programs, including both students and faculty, will be required to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 to be permitted to participate on the program. This policy complies with the current CDC guidance stating, “Do not travel internationally until you are fully vaccinated.” Individual students studying abroad are required to follow GCU’s vaccination policy as well as the provider and host university’s vaccination policies. Students with medical or religious exemptions should discuss with the director of global education how to report these exemptions to the host provider/university and review additional considerations for international travel. In general, GCU does not allow students to go abroad to countries with a current CDC risk assessment greater than a Level 3.

Personal Travel
Students and employees can travel abroad at their own risk. We advise you to check the latest information about COVID-19 in the countries you plan to visit and ensure that there are no health advisories or travel restrictions before departing. New travel alerts and watches are available from the CDC and the U.S. Department of State.

If you have recently returned from international travel, please be sure to follow the CDC guidelines for international travel:

After travel information recommendations for people fully vaccinated with an FDA-authorized vaccine or a vaccine authorized for emergency use by the World Health Organization:

• Get tested with a viral test three to five days after travel.
• Self-monitor for COVID-19 symptoms; isolate and get tested if you develop symptoms.
• Follow all state and local recommendations or requirements after travel.

After travel information recommendations for people who are not fully vaccinated:

In addition to the recommendations above,

• Stay home and self-quarantine for a full five days after travel.

Information for people who recently recovered from COVID-19

If you recovered from a documented COVID-19 infection within the last 90 days (regardless of vaccination status), you do NOT need to get a test three to five days after travel. People can continue to test positive for up to 90 days after diagnosis and not be infectious to others. You also do not need to self-quarantine after travel. If you develop COVID-19 symptoms after travel, isolate and consult with a health care provider for testing recommendations.