Stanford Travel/Study General Covid-19 Information

Updated June 2022

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.

Covid-19 IN TURKEY

Updated June 2022

Travelers from the United States are allowed to enter Turkey with some restrictions. Travelers must:

• Present ONE of the following:

  • • Proof of being fully vaccinated with at least 2 doses of a WHO-approved vaccine (one dose for Johnson & Johnson) received at least 14 days before arrival.

OR

• • • Proof of recovery from Covid-19 with a document issued by the relevant country’s official authorities stating that they have had the virus within the last 6 months. The 6-month period starts from the 28th day of the first PCR positive test result.

OR

• • • Proof of a negative COVID-19 test, with either a PCR test taken no more than 72 hours before the time of entry or an antigen test taken no more than 48 hours before the time of entry.

• Complete the Traveler Entry Form within 72 hours prior to departure. This form can be completed at: http://register.health.gov.tr

• Undergo health screenings upon arrival including temperature checks.

  • • Travelers with high fevers or displaying COVID-19 symptoms will be asked to take a PCR test on arrival.

    • Some travelers may be randomly selected to undergo a COVID-19 test upon arrival even if they are not showing symptoms.

FAQ

• Do I need to provide a negative Covid-19 test? As long as you are fully vaccinated (i.e. received your last vaccine at least 14 days prior to arrival) and can provide evidence of this, you do not need to present a negative test to enter Turkey. Only unvaccinated travelers need to provide evidence of a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours prior to arrival.

• Do I need any other Covid-19 documentation? A completed “Traveler Entry Form” must be presented at check-in and upon arrival. The form can be obtained at http://register.health.gov.tr. Once completed the form will facilitate contact tracing.

• Are museums, sites and attractions fully open? Yes, all sites and museums are open. Venues and businesses do not require proof of vaccination for entry.

• What are the requirements for masks? Masks are no longer mandatory in public places and on public transportation, including on domestic flights. Stanford Travel/Study abides by Stanford University campus guidelines, and we require that all travelers remain masked during lectures, onboard the bus, and when in crowded spaces such as museums or sites.

• Is there a curfew or any restriction of movement within the country? No.

• 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. These include requiring masks of all staff and guests when in public spaces, regularly testing all personnel that come into contact with guests or food, frequent cleaning and disinfecting of high-touch surfaces such as doorknobs, stair rails and elevator buttons, enforcing social distancing, and providing hand sanitizer in easily accessible locations throughout their establishments.

• 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 and shuttles. Drivers will be masked at all times and vehicles will be cleaned and disinfected daily.

• The U.S. requires a negative Covid-19 test for all return travelers. How will I obtain this on my trip? Stanford Travel/Study will work with our local providers to facilitate Covid-19 testing for all participants at the end of the program within one day of your return flight to the U.S., per the CDC requirements. Please note, if you opt to make independent arrangements at the end of the program and extend your stay in Turkey for more than one day, you will need to arrange for this test on your own.

• 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 for a test with our local operator and you will be asked to self-isolate from the group. If you test positive, your tour manager and our Stanford Travel/Study office will work with our insurance company and local operator to facilitate quarantine arrangements, provide medical assistance if necessary, and assist with your safe return home or rejoining the group as conditions allow.