A summary of travel considerations for community members thinking about travel to countries in Asia that are experiencing cases of COVID-19, including the potential risk of getting “stuck” while traveling to affected countries.

1. China  -  Adhere to the U.S. Dept. of State Travel Advisory - Level 4 Do Not Travel and Center for Disease Control recommendation not to travel to China. Due to a current Executive Order/Travel Ban students on F-1 or other non-immigrant visas should not travel to China or they risk being prohibited from returning. People not specifically prohibited from entering the U.S. by the ban may be subject to quarantine if they return from China. Anyone concerned about getting “stuck” in another country over break should not travel to that country. Stay on campus or travel within the United States.  

2. Other countries - Use the U.S. Dept. of State Travel search and the Center for Disease Control Coronavirus page to find information about other possible destinations. At this time, no travel bans prevent re-entry to the U.S. from countries other than China due to the Coronavirus. Occidental cannot predict if this will change during spring break. Anyone concerned about getting “stuck” in another country over break should not travel to that country. Stay on campus or travel within the United States.

Because international travel is subject to federal regulations, Occidental has no control over admissibility to the United States. Further, Occidental cannot exempt anyone from the possible consequences (loss of academic credit, illness, financial loss, etc.) of getting “stuck” outside the US due to optional spring break travel.

As always, consult with Emmons staff on all medical matters.

Marisa Grover Mofford | Associate Director, International Programs
Robin Craggs | Executive Director, International Programs