Trip-Specific Covid-19 Information & FAQ

Pre-departure requirements

• Complete the Travel/Study Covid-19 Traveler Agreement and present proof to Travel/Study of your Covid-19 vaccination

• Bring your original Covid-19 vaccination card issued by the CDC (or equivalent local health authority if you are not a U.S. resident) showing full vaccination plus booster, as well as a paper copy and a digital copy.

• 48 hours prior to your trip you must complete the SpTH form (it is recommended to do this in the app).

• In the best interest of the health of the group, we ask you to take a COVID-19 rapid antigen or PCR test before your flight and test, again, no more than 24 hours before joining the group. Please note that if you test positive and are unable to participate in the program, you will be able to file a claim via the included trip insurance.

• purchase a supervised self-test to bring with you (see details on tests below)

• In the best interest of the health of the group, we ask you to take a COVID-19 rapid antigen or PCR test before your flight and, again, no more than 24 hours before joining the group. Please note that if you test positive and are unable to travel, you will be able to file a claim via the included trip insurance.

Effective February 1, 2022, U.S. citizens can travel from the United States to Spain on non-essential travel (such as tourism) if they show proof that they are fully vaccinated and have received the last required dose of their COVID-19 vaccine no less than 14 days, and no more than 270 days (9 months), prior to arrival in Spain. If more than 270 days (9 months) have passed since receiving the last required dose of their COVID-19 vaccine, U.S. citizens must show proof of having received a booster shot at least 14 days prior to arrival in Spain.

Please read the detailed information on the Spain Ministry of Health’s website and here. Additionally, U.S. citizens traveling from the United States to Spain must present upon arrival in Spain a QR code generated through the Spain Travel Health portal, obtained through the website or by downloading the “SpTH app” in Google Play Store or iTunes App Store for each traveler, regardless of their age. This applies to U.S. citizens travelling to Spain from the United States, including if they transit through a third country.

Download the app from Google Play or iTunes: SpTH. Follow the instructions in the app to complete the form.

You can also complete the form on the web site, again, it isn’t as easy as using the SpTH app: https://www.spth.gob.es/faq [Note: at the top of the page there is a blue box that says “Access the form”, click on this button]. Before you start the form, be sure to have your passport number, flight number, arrival day easily accessible. You will also be asked to create a password to log into the website (write these down so you remember them). You will also be asked to enter the “Address where you are staying” and one must select “Region/Autonomous city”: Pais Vasco

Then you must select “City/Town” for our trip it is: Bilbao

U.S. citizens who are travelling to Spain from a country that is not the United States should make sure they follow the guidance published by Spanish authorities on their local Spain Embassy website.

Pre-departure recommendations

• Check with your airline to see if it has any specific additional Covid-19 requirements in place for the carrier or for any transit location you may travel through. Please check back frequently up until departure as regulations can change without notice.

• Bring your own masks/face coverings to wear. You may wish to consider N95 or KN95 quality masks for travel. Further information regarding masks can be found on the CDC website here.

• In the best interest of the health of the group, we will likely ask you to take a COVID-19 rapid or PCR test prior to your flight as well as not more than 24 hours before meeting up with the group. Please note that if you test positive and are unable to travel, you will be able to file a claim via the included trip insurance.

• In case one or more in your party need to isolate at the end of the trip, it is good to be prepared. Some suggestions of what to bring with you are below. If you are traveling with someone, you should discuss the possibility of one of you testing positive and having to isolate.

  • • • • additional supply of prescriptions (approx. 2 weeks worth)

        • materials to entertain you: books, movies, sudoku, crossword puzzles etc.

        • laptop or iPad to be able to access virtual meetings

        • a small supply of your favorite snacks/treats

        • check with the person who is collecting your mail or taking care of a pet, to see if they can extend their assistance.

        • a list of contacts you may need (travel agent, airline numbers, etc.

Returning to the U.S.

• Stanford Travel/Study will work with our local providers to facilitate Covid-19 testing on June 20 for the participants who are returning to the U.S. on June 21. Please see the second FAQ below for more information if you are not returning to the U.S. on June 21.

During the trip

• Stanford Travel/Study requires participants to wear masks aboard the coaches at all times, as well as during lectures and indoor excursions where social distancing is not possible, except when eating and drinking. Masks are not currently required by local authorities but they recommend travelers to wear face coverings while inside.

• If you feel unwell, please report any symptoms to your tour manager immediately.

After Returning Home

• Please notify the program manager immediately if you experience illness or any Covid-19-related symptoms, or test positive for Covid-19, within 14 days of returning home from the program.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Do I need to provide a negative Covid-19 test to enter? At this time, a negative PCR or antigen test is not required for entry for Spain.

• The U.S. requires a negative Covid-19 test for all returning travelers.

• How will I obtain this on my trip? Stanford Travel/Study will work with our local providers to facilitate Covid-19 testing on June 20 for participants who are returning to the U.S. on June 21.

Regardless of whether you are departing on June 21 or not, for your peace of mind, because people can use a supervised self-test (sometimes referred to as home test) that meets the following criteria, it is suggested you bring such a test with you, should you need it:

• The test must be a SARS-CoV-2 viral test (nucleic acid amplification test [NAAT] or antigen test) with Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) OR the relevant national authority where the test is administered.

• The testing procedure must include a telehealth service affiliated with the manufacturer of the test that provides real-time supervision remotely through an audio and video connection. Some FDA-authorized self-tests that include a telehealth service may require a prescription.

• The telehealth provider must confirm your identity, observe the sample collection and testing procedures, confirm the test result, and issue a report that meets the requirements of CDC’s Order.

• Airlines and other aircraft operators must be able to review and confirm your identity and the test result details. You must also be able to present the documentation of test results to U.S. officials at the port of entry and local/state health departments, if requested.

Examples of providers include BinaxNow Covid, Azova, Ellume COVID-19 Home Test with Azova (available through pharmacies), Cue COVID-19 Test for Home or OTC Use. Afar have reviewed some of these: https://www.afar.com/magazine/cdc-approves-at-home-covid-tests-for-international-travel. Please review the test kit instructions prior to departing home to make sure you have the correct web link to activate the kit and also have downloaded an app, if required, to receive your test results.

• I’m not going back to the U.S. immediately after this trip. What about me? If you opt to make independent arrangements at the end of the program and extend your stay in Spain or elsewhere in Europe you will need to arrange for the required Covid-19 test to return to the U.S. on your own – your accommodations should be able to help facilitate this for you or you can bring your own approved supervised, self-test. If you are traveling elsewhere after our program, you need to familiarize yourself with the Covid-19-related entry requirements for your next destination.

• What happens if I test positive for Covid-19 during my trip? Please report any symptoms of illness to your tour manager immediately. If Covid-19 infection is suspected, we will arrange a certified Covid test for you and you will be asked to self-isolate from the group. If you test positive, your tour manager and the Stanford Travel/Study office will work with the operator and hotel for assistance in adhering to local guidelines (https://www.spth.gob.es/faq?tab=2) and if/as conditions allow, assist you in rejoining the group. (Note if you are sharing a room with someone and one of you test positive you will need to be moved into separate accommodations).

• Are Covid vaccines available in Spain? As of early March, in Spain more than 87% of eligible people have received one dose of a Covid-19 vaccine, 85% of eligible people have received two doses, and about 52% of the population have received a booster dose.

• Are museums, sites and attractions fully open? Yes, all sites and museums on our itinerary are open, Masking indoors is not required but is recommended by the local health authorities of Spain. However, our group will be masking while on the bus, during the lectures and in public spaces etc.

• What health and safety precautions are being taken at hotels and restaurants? All hotels and restaurants must follow strict Covid-19 safe guidelines from the Ministry of Health in order to operate.

• Are there any restrictions on transportation vehicles? What capacity is permitted? There is currently no restriction on capacity for buses or vehicles. However, we have arranged for adequate-size vehicles to allow for comfortable social distancing onboard our buses. Drivers are vaccinated and have been asked to wear masks, and vehicles will be cleaned and disinfected daily.

Stanford Travel/Study General Covid-19 Information

(Updated as of 4.8.22)

For the latest information about Stanford Travel/Study's general approach to Covid-19 and travel, please view our website: Travel and Covid-19.

With destination conditions and travel requirements changing frequently, travel protocols for specific destinations on this program will be shared on this tab and updated approximately 30 days before departure.

Stanford Travel/Study works closely with our local operators and Stanford's Risk Management and Environmental Health & Safety departments to ensure that proper precautions are being taken to mitigate the risk of Covid-19 infection on all our programs. While the measures we have listed below have been shown to significantly mitigate the chances of contracting Covid-19, there is no way to completely eliminate the risk of infection while traveling. We have experienced some incidents of Covid-19 on our trips—there is a real risk that you might acquire it while traveling on this program. Each participant must assess their own risk tolerance and make their own decision as to whether or not they feel comfortable traveling, understanding that there is a chance of becoming infected.

These are the following measures being put into place on each program:

• All travelers who are eligible for vaccination will be required to upload documentation showing full vaccination (including boosters, if eligible) for Covid-19.

• Each traveler will be asked to review and agree to specific Covid-19 expectations prior to departure.

• Mask and social distancing practices will be determined by CDC recommendations, local mandates and policies imposed by venues, transportation and local operators specific to our program.

• Stanford Travel/Study reserves the right to impose stricter masking and/or social distancing requirements than those dictated by local mandates.

• All modes of transportation, hotels and restaurants will be required to adhere to a strict cleaning protocol throughout the program.

• Travelers should self-report any symptoms or possible illness to the tour staff during the program. If Covid-19 infection is suspected, we will arrange for a test to be administered as soon as possible.

• Additional Covid-19 testing may be administered during a program as required by local authorities and venues or to assess the health status of the group.

• We expect travelers to bring an adequate supply of personal hygiene products and PPE, along with an ample supply of prescription medication extending beyond the trip duration in case of required quarantine. In addition, our tour managers will be supplied with extra hand sanitizer, masks and a touchless thermometer.

In the event that a participant tests positive for Covid-19 during the program, the following measures will be implemented:

• You will be asked to self-isolate immediately from the group.

• Your tour manager and our Stanford Travel/Study office will work with our insurance company and local operator to facilitate quarantine arrangements and additional testing, and help connect you to medical assistance if necessary.

• Stanford Travel/Study provides a new benefit to all travelers that covers up to $14,000 in reasonable quarantine expenses (as deemed by the insurance provider) incurred as the result of a positive certified Covid-19 test received during the program. In addition, our coverage will reimburse you for the portion of the trip cost (up to $30,000) that you miss once quarantine has begun.