Trip-Specific Covid-19 Information & FAQ

As of March 5, 2022, Saudi Arabia removed most Covid-19 restrictions for travelers into the Kingdom, including:

• Visitors to the Kingdom are no longer required to provide a PCR test upon arrival

• Travelers are no longer required to undergo the mandatory Covid-19 quarantine upon arrival to the Kingdom

• All travelers to the Kingdom are still required to obtain insurance that covers the cost of treatment from Covid-19 infection. This mandatory insurance is purchased when you apply for the Saudi e-visa and the cost is included in the visa cost.

On June 13, 2022, the Government of Saudi Arabia lifted all mask requirements. However, it did allow facilities to impose their own mask requirements and so it is possible that, on our program, there will be times when you will be required to wear a mask. Stanford Travel/Study will currently require our guests to wear masks indoors and on buses. 

Additional Covid-19 information that is specific to our itinerary and current conditions will be provided approximately one month before departure.

Stanford Travel/Study General Covid-19 Information 

(Updated as of 10.25.22)

Stanford Travel/Study follows the recommendations of Stanford University’s Vaden Health Services and Environmental Health & Safety departments for Covid-19 protocols on our programs. With destination conditions and travel requirements changing frequently, protocols for specific programs will be shared on this tab and updated approximately three weeks before departure.

There is no way to completely eliminate the risk of infection while traveling. We have experienced several incidents of Covid-19 on our trips and there is a real risk that you might acquire it while traveling on one of our programs. Each participant must assess their own risk tolerance and decide whether or not they feel comfortable traveling, understanding that there is a chance of becoming infected and that they may no longer be able to participate in the trip as a result.

The following are general guidelines and requirements that we ask all travelers to agree to:

• All travelers will be required to complete a Traveler Agreement and attest to being fully vaccinated (having completed the Covid-19 primary vaccine series) in order to participate in this program. Travel/Study strongly recommends that you stay up-to-date with the most recent boosters recommended for you by the CDC. 

• More strict vaccine requirements may be imposed by local authorities or tour operators. These will be communicated to you on this tab and updated as needed.

• Stanford Travel/Study does not require masking or social distancing (unless mandated by local authorities, venues or tour operators), but supports all individuals who wish to do so in accordance with their personal risk tolerance and underlying health conditions.

• Travelers must self-report any symptoms or possible illness to the tour staff during the program. Anyone exhibiting cold or flu-like symptoms will be asked to wear a mask and may need to show a negative Covid-19 test result before returning to the group. Additional Covid-19 testing may be required by local authorities, venues and tour operators.

• We expect travelers to bring an adequate supply of personal hygiene products and PPE for their own use, along with an ample supply of prescription medication extending beyond the trip duration in case of required isolation. 

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 will work with our local operator and insurance company to coordinate medical assistance, if necessary (in cases of severe illness or required hospitalization).

• Our Stanford Travel/Study office will notify our insurance company to facilitate your eventual claim for any out-of-pocket expenses you may incur as a result of your trip interruption.

• Stanford Travel/Study provides a 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 receiving a positive certified Covid-19 test 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.

• Please note that neither our tour manager nor our Stanford Travel/Study office staff may be able to provide assistance with travel logistics outside the scope of the program if you are unable to continue on the trip. If you need assistance with quarantine arrangements, such as hotel accommodations, ground transport or meals, we will do our best to refer you to a local tour operator or a travel agent who can provide assistance.