COVID-19

Planning international travel may now involve some additional checks and requirements before approval is given. These processes will evolve and change over time. You will always be advised, by the University, which requirements apply to you, and will be given support to complete them.

• You may be required to get university approval to travel before making any personal financial commitments (e.g., purchasing flights, booking accommodation, etc.)
• You may be asked to submit a risk assessment of your proposed experience.
• Overseas travel is not guaranteed until students have received final approval from the University.

Students will need to consider the below when planning for an overseas study experience:

• Some countries, regions, or cities may have COVID-19 restrictions for inbound travellers, such as vaccination or quarantine requirements, lockdown laws and regulations, etc. It is each individual’s responsibility to research, be aware of and prepared for, any COVID-19 restrictions in their destination(s).
• The aviation industry continues to be affected by COVID-19, which is evident in flights becoming more expensive or less frequent, and changes and cancellations being more common. It’s important for each student to take steps to ensure they are prepared for any such issues, either by way of flexible fares, or through comprehensive travel insurance (more on this below).
• The Global Opportunities team recommends booking your flights through the UniSA Travel Team and booking flexible fares that allow changes with minimal out-of-pocket costs.

UniSA provides insurance coverage to eligible students under the University’s corporate policy. It’s your responsibility to ensure you’re covered, and to become familiar with the details as there are some limitations, particularly around COVID-19.

To learn about what is covered and what isn’t covered by UniSA Travel Insurance, we strongly recommend you look at the UniSA Insurance COVID-19 FAQ Website here and the COVID-19 Cover table here.

If you have any questions regarding UniSA Travel Insurance, you can contact the Insurance Office: insurance@unisa.edu.au.

With the complications of COVID-19, there are additional considerations every traveller should make. At a minimum, the UniSA Global Opportunities team recommends you look at the following:

• Check if there are any Australian government requirements for outbound international travel, including vaccination requirements, exemptions, documents required for travel, and advice on how to stay safe.
• Maintain up-to-date vaccinations against COVID-19, and organise your official International COVID-19 Vaccination Certificate (ICVC) from the Australian Governments MyGov portal.
  • Check the vaccination regulations in your destination countries. Not all vaccines have global recognition!
• Use Smart Traveller to look into your destination countries and any related COVID-19 travel restrictions. Research your destination(s) and what you would be required to do if you tested positive to COVID-19 while located there, and the availability and quality of COVID-19 medical services. This research should include knowing what additional savings and funds you would need to pay for those services if required. Bear in mind these conditions can change rapidly.
• You should also see if there are any restrictions related to the airline that takes you there. Remember, your travel operator can refuse to allow you on board if you don’t meet their requirements! Restrictions for your destination(s) and airlines can include:
  • Entry forms to be filled out in advance
  • Pre-departure testing (which may come at an expense)
  • Vaccination documentation
  • Evidence of a negative COVID result
  • Mask-wearing during transit and in the destination(s)
  • Testing, isolation, or quarantine required on arrival
• Consider booking additional travel insurance to cover COVID-19 situations that are not included in the UniSA Travel Insurance policy. See more here.
• Plan contingencies for the possibility of a positive COVID-19 result, isolation or quarantine. For example, think carefully about your accommodation before booking and whether you’d be able to isolate, how would you access groceries/meals during isolation, do you have a medicine/first aid kit packed in your luggage, etc.

It’s still important to stay aware and take precautions against COVID-19 even after arrival.

Be vigilant, as you would at home. Follow local guidelines and advice regarding the wearing of masks, practise good hygiene, and be aware of the potential for risk, such as attending heavily crowded events.

It’s also important to know what to do in the case of severe symptoms or a confirmed positive result. In such cases, we recommend you first contact the University’s partnered Emergency Support company HEALIX, and make sure to follow their instructions, as well as any local guidelines or requirements.

Lastly, be aware of the requirements to travel back to Australia. If you are unsure if there are any requirements, make sure to do your research or contact your local embassy or consulate.