Travel Guidance
The University is committed to facilitating travel, which is critical to many of our academic and professional pursuits, under safe conditions.
Although health conditions have improved in the US and in many locations around the world, travel still poses risks, and individuals should take appropriate precautions before deciding to travel domestically or internationally.
If you’re planning Harvard-related travel, do your research to determine your requirements, have contingency plans, and be prepared for the possibility of disruptions. Increased transmission, the emergence of new variants, and implementation of border restrictions on short notice may continue to affect your travels.
Review the COVID-19 travel requirements and resources below.
Note: The guidance on this page applies to Harvard-related travel. It does not apply to personal travel or to affiliates traveling inbound to the Cambridge/Boston area for approved work or for moving into or out of on-campus housing.
Pre-Travel Test Requirements
If your destination requires a formal report of negative COVID test, get tested using a Color PCR test or arrange for a pre-travel test at a healthcare facility. Assess the required timeline and plan accordingly – Color tests are not processed on weekends/holidays. HUHS cannot provide a monitored antigen or PCR test for travel.
If you use Color, bring a copy of your official clinical report documenting a negative test (scroll down on the results page and click “Download your complete clinical report”)
International Travel Advice
Review Harvard Global Support Services’ advice and considerations for developing a safe travel plan during the COVID-19 pandemic. Remember, all Harvard affiliates—students, faculty, staff, and researchers—must now register their Harvard-related international travel with International SOS.
CDC International Travel Requirements
Make sure you are up to date with your COVID-19 vaccines before you travel internationally. Vaccination requirements to enter the United States vary by immigration status. Consider getting tested with a viral test as close to the time of departure as possible before travel. Wearing a mask over your nose and mouth is recommended in indoor areas of public transportation (including airplanes) and indoors in U.S. transportation hubs (including airports).
CDC Domestic Travel Guidance
The CDC advises you to be up to date with your COVID-19 vaccines before travel. Consider getting tested with a viral test as close to the time of departure as possible before travel. Wearing a mask over your nose and mouth is recommended in indoor areas of public transportation (including airplanes) and indoors in U.S. transportation hubs (including airports).
Travel Booking, Cancellation, & Reimbursement
If your travel is paid for by Harvard, consider using one of Harvard’s preferred travel agencies to book your trip. If you had travel reservations for University business, the Harvard Travel Policy allows for reimbursement of cancellation or change fees due to a valid business reason. The policy also allows the purchase of refundable tickets when there is a high likelihood that the itinerary may change and when budget and policy allow.
Post-travel guidance
When returning from either a domestic or international trip, be sure to review arrival guidance from the CDC, Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and any other local jurisdictions you may be returning to.
If filing reimbursement requests for Harvard-related travel, Submit the required documentation.