Travel & Research Guidelines
Travel
The CDC recommends that all people delay travel until they are fully vaccinated, as travel increases the chance of getting and spreading COVID-19.
Overall, UTRGV strongly encourages all campus community members to follow CDC’s travel recommendations for fully vaccinated and unvaccinated people.
Business Travel
Domestic Travel
UTRGV business-related travel is allowed. It is highly recommended that travelers receive all recommended COVID-19 vaccines, including any booster dose(s) when eligible, prior to traveling. Wearing a mask over your nose and mouth is recommended while traveling.
International Travel
Business travel to countries that meet the following criteria must be reviewed and receive approval by the International Oversight Committee (IOC) prior to travel:
- Countries with a Department of State Travel Advisory Level of 3 and above.
and/or
- Countries with a Travel Health Notice of 3 or above.
- Countries with a CDC COVID-19 Travel Recommendation of Level 3 and above.
Please Note:
Each request will be reviewed according to its own merits and risk mitigation planning.
For UTRGV owned/leased/rented passenger vehicles:
- No more than two travelers are allowed per vehicle for local travel of a duration of 15 minutes or less.
- If all passengers in the vehicle are up to date on their vaccinations (have received all recommended COVID-19 vaccines, including any booster dose(s) when eligible), two or more travelers may travel no matter the duration of the trip.
- Wearing a mask over your nose and mouth is recommended while traveling.
Proof of vaccination is currently not required.
Personal Travel
Domestic Travel
Travel to the United States’ five permanently inhabited territories (Puerto Rico, U.S., Virgin Islands, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, and American Samoa) is considered Domestic Travel. Prior to traveling, please check to see if there are any State travel restrictions.
International Travel
Please follow CDC’s travel recommendations for fully vaccinated and unvaccinated people .
If an employee chooses to travel internationally and is required to self-isolate upon return to the US, per CDC guidelines, the employee will need to utilize Vacation Leave during this isolation period, if not approved to work remotely.
Living in or commuting from border cities?
Members of the UTRGV community who reside or must make frequent trips to Mexico border cities abutting the Rio Grande Valley Counties are not required to complete the travel form. Personal International Travel guidance should be followed for travel beyond the border cities.
Questions?
For any questions regarding University-related travel, please contact Travel Services Office at travel@utrgv.edu, (956) 665-2161, 665-2612, 882-3822.
Our main concern continues to be the health, safety, and security of our UTRGV community. We appreciate your patience and cooperation while we work through this unprecedented situation.