UCOP updated its executive directive on travel on March 12, 2021, replacing system-wide guidance restricting non-essential, University-related travel, with a requirement that all UC travelers must follow CDC Guidance before, during, and upon return from domestic or international travel. The UCOP directive has delegated the determination of what travel is considered essential travel to the campus.  Until further notice, prior approval remains required for the following university-related travel. These policies apply regardless of vaccination status.

• All off-campus research – domestic or international – must receive prior approval from the vice chancellor for research. Please submit requests via the VC Research critical field research continuity review process.
• All UC Berkeley community members engaging in university-related international travel to countries rated CDC Level 3 COVID-19 High (avoid all nonessential travel) or CDC Level 4 COVID-19 Very High (avoid all travel), must obtain prior approval through the two-step International Travel Protocol, which includes approval first at the decanal level and then from the vice provost for academic planning.

Visit the travel page on the campus coronavirus site before planning upcoming travel for a complete overview of UCOP and campus travel policies, guidelines, and approval protocols.