Stanford Travel/Study General Covid-19 Information

(Updated as of 9.21.22)

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, coordinate medical assistance if necessary, and assist with your safe return home.

• 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.

Trip-Specific Covid-19 Information & FAQ

Before you go

Pre-departure requirements for Stanford Travel/Study

• Complete the Travel/Study Covid-19 Traveler Agreement

• Present proof of COVID-19 vaccination for all travelers

• Past participants have found it helpful to bring self-tests that meet travel insurance requirements for having a physician-supervised test.

• Examples of providers include Azova, BinaxNow Covid, Cue COVID-19 Test for Home or OTC Use. Please review the test kit instructions prior to departing home to make sure you have the correct web link to activate the kit and have downloaded the product’s app, if required, to receive your test results.

• Stanford Travel/Study asks travelers to take a self-test (antigen) one day before departure from the U.S. (or one day before arriving in Turin, if people are traveling on their own beforehand)

Entry requirements for Italy

• Italy has discontinued its previous COVID-19 entry restrictions. This means that travelers to Italy are no longer required to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination or proof of a negative COVID-19 test in order to enter the country. With this loosening of entry restrictions, entering Italy will be similar to before the pandemic.

Pre-departure recommendations

• Bring your original Covid-19 vaccination card, as well as a paper copy and a digital copy.

• 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 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.

• If you tested positive for Covid-19 within the past 90 days you may wish to bring a copy of your positive Covid-19 viral test result AND a letter from a licensed healthcare provider or a public health official stating that you have recovered, in case you have to take a PCR test while in Italy and still test positive.

• We recommend bringing 2 to 4 Covid-19 tests per person, in case you develop symptoms while traveling.

• Fully vaccinated travelers do not have to take a test prior to arrival or self-isolate on arrival.

During the trip

Testing Before Meeting the Group

Stanford Travel/Study asks all travelers to take a self-test on the first day of our program before meeting the rest of the group

On Excursions

• 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).

• Regulations in Italy require that passengers wear a KN95 or equivalent on all public transit. This requirement is in effect until September 30.

• Masks are not currently required by local authorities other than on public transit, but they are recommended whenever you are indoors.

• Masks are not required outdoors.

How You Can Help

In addition to the likely group safety protocols listed above, we ask each traveler to be an active and mindful participant in our effort to keep the entire group healthy and safe. In transit and throughout the tour, consistently practicing the personal precautions listed below may help prevent the spread of infectious disease, including COVID-19.

If you or a travel companion is feeling unwell (particularly if symptoms include fever, chills, aches, severe headache, cough, dizziness, faintness, or shortness of breath), notify tour staff immediately.

Prior to Return to the U.S.

As of June 10, the CDC no longer requires Covid-19 testing prior to traveling to the United States.

After Returning Home

The CDC recommends you get tested for Covid-19 3 to 5 days after returning home.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Do I need to take a Covid-19 test before returning to the U.S.? As of June 10, 2022, the CDC no longer requires a negative Covid-19 test for travelers to enter the U.S.

• I’m not going back to the U.S. immediately after this trip. What about me? If you are traveling elsewhere after our program, please familiarize yourself with the Covid-19-related entry requirements for your next destination. Our staff can provide information on local resources in Italy but will not be able to make arrangements for you.

• 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, you will need to take a test and you will be asked to self-isolate from the group. If you test positive, the Stanford Travel/Study office will work with the local operator and hotels to facilitate isolation arrangements and additional testing per local guidelines, and help connect you to medical assistance if necessary. Italian authorities recommend people who test positive for Covid-19 to self-isolate for a minimum of 7 days (if fully vaccinated), and possibly longer depending on symptoms and subsequent tests. CDC regulations recommend anyone who tests positive for Covid-19 while abroad to wait at least 10 days after the onset of symptoms (or a positive test, if asymptomatic) before returning to the U.S. by air.

• Travel/Study can initiate a claim on your behalf via the included travel insurance, but you will need to submit documentation and complete your claim directly with the insurance company after you return home (you have up to one year).

• Note that trip staff cannot stay back with you if the group is moving on to the next location. If conditions and timing permit, we will assist with making arrangements for you to meet up with the group.

• You will also need to work directly with your travel agent or airline to reschedule your flights.

• If you are required to isolate past the scheduled end of the program, Travel/Study and our local partners will assist with making arrangements for accommodations for you and will provide you with local guidelines and CDC guidelines for exiting isolation.

• You will need to pay for all additional services related to isolation and submit receipts to the insurance company for reimbursement after you return home.

• Do I still need to provide a negative PCR test if I've been vaccinated? At this time, a negative PCR or antigen test is not required for entry to Italy, however we ask that you take a Covid test (PCR or antigen) prior to departing for Italy and another (self-test) prior to meeting the group.

• What health and safety precautions are being taken at hotels and restaurants? All hotels and restaurants must follow Covid-19 safe guidelines from the Italian Ministry of Health in order to operate. At this time, wearing a mask is optional for staff and guests when in public spaces, other than on public transit, where KN95-eqivalent masks are required through September 30.