COVID-19 Updates
COVID-19 & Study Abroad Participation Statement
The University of Central Florida and UCF Abroad do not require vaccination against COVID-19 as a pre-condition for participation in study abroad programs. However, it should be noted that study abroad students have always been, and continue to be, subject to the entrance protocols and requirements of host countries in order to participate in study abroad programs. It is possible, perhaps likely, that the host nations for our study abroad programs will require international travelers to show proof of vaccination, and applicants to our study abroad programs must comply with such requirements if they wish to participate in the program.
The entry requirements pertaining to COVID-19 vary by destination and are constantly changing. Students applying to study abroad should be prepared to be flexible and must be willing to comply with all entrance requirements and regulations of program host destinations if they wish to participate in the program.
Many of our programs are planning to visit countries that are currently requiring vaccination, for example: Costa Rica, Croatia, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Ireland, Mexico, and so on.
In addition, certain countries may impose a travel ban on their respective countries from the US, in which case, the study abroad program at issue, may have to be canceled.
This section will be a compilation of articles, news from our partners, host countries, the US State Department, etc.
4/25/2022 - Where can I travel in Europe? An updated list of COVID entry rules for every European country
3/14/2022 - All COVID-19 travel restrictions removed in the UK. From 4am Friday 18 March, all COVID-19 travel restrictions will be lifted, including the passenger locator form (PLF) for arrivals into UK, as well as all tests for passengers who do not qualify as vaccinated.
2/14/2022 - French Ministry of Interior Updated Entry Requirements. For travelers vaccinated within the meaning of European regulations, no more tests will be required on departure. Proof of a complete vaccination schedule becomes sufficient to arrive in France, regardless of the country of origin, as was the case before the distribution of the Omicron variant
1/21/2022 - Executive Order on Promoting COVID-19 Safety in Domestic and International Travel
1/9/22 - Travel to England from another country during coronavirus (COVID-19)
12/14/21 - What do I need to do before I travel to Australia
12/3/21 - Germany locks down unvaccinated people, as leaders plan to make shots compulsory
11/30/21 - Travel restrictions by country following the Omicron variant outbreak
11/19/2021 - Covid Live Updates: Austria to Impose Europe’s 1st Nationwide Lockdown Since Spring - "Austria will go into a nationwide lockdown on Monday and impose a coronavirus vaccination mandate in February."
11/9/2021 - France makes more changes to its health pass system - "Most tourists who were vaccinated outside of the EU are now required to pay €36 to apply for a French health pass, and they'll have to apply for it in designated pharmacies across France, rather than through the now-defunct online system. The news comes as the French government agreed on Friday to extend the use of the health pass until July 31, 2022."
10/26/2021 - Spain COVID-19 Visa Considerations - All persons traveling to Spain must complete a "health control form" which can be found on the Spain Travel Health Portal. Spanish authorities have stated they are still issuing student visas for programs more than 90 days. U.S. students traveling on programs of less than 90 days do not require a visa to enter the country. Consulate-specific requirements can be found below.
10/25/2021 - (White House) A Proclamation on Advancing the Safe Resumption of Global Travel During the COVID-19 Pandemic - "Starting on November 8, non-citizen, non-immigrant air travelers to the United States will be required to be fully vaccinated and to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination status prior to boarding an airplane to fly to the U.S., with only limited exceptions."
10/25/2021 - India to lift quarantine requirement for international travellers from today
10/22/2021 - Thailand easing tourist quarantine rules in November Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha announced earlier this month that Thailand no longer planned to require visitors from at least 10 low-risk nations to quarantine if they are fully vaccinated for COVID-19
10/20/2021 - Latvia is the first country to reimpose lockdown in Europe’s new Covid wave
10/19/21 - Costa Rica vaccine mandate: What we know. Starting December 1, Costa Rica will require proof of Covid-19 vaccination to enter many businesses and to participate in large events.
10/15/2021 - Day 2 tests: Antigens accepted by England from October 24 Beginning Oct. 24, travelers to England will be able to take an antigen test rather than a more expensive PCR test within 48 hours of arrival. Travelers are also required to fill out a passenger locator form.
Covid - 19 Resources
- The host county’s entrance protocol and requirements
- COVID – 19 Vaccination and Infection Rate Data via the COVID-19 Map - Johns Hopkins Coronavirus Resource Center
"UCF In” Program Updates
The following programs are operated in collaboration with our faculty and WorldStrides Educational Travel and Experiences. They require students to have the COVID-19 vaccination in order to participate.
- UCF in France: Language and Culture
- UCF in France and Spain: Icons of Neuroscience
- UCF in Greece: Greek Science
- UCF in Italy: History of Anatomy
- UCF in the UK: intelligence & Security in Western Europe
- UCF in the Czech Republic: Culture, Education, and History Abroad
- UCF in Europe: Psychological Perspectives
- UCF in Europe: Taste of Europe
- UCF in Germany: Language and Culture
- UCF in Brazil: Contemporary Challenges in Global Aerospace.
Partner Program Updates
*Updated 10/6/2022
AIFS - “For over 55 years, AIFS has run programs globally, making program decisions with the health and safety of our participants as the top priority – and we will continue to do so as we face the challenges of the unfolding coronavirus situation. In an effort to keep our participants, staff, and host communities safe, AIFS Abroad will be requiring vaccinations for all Fall 2021 participants and beyond. “ Click here to review their Covid Updates.
API - “The changing dynamics of COVID-19 (the novel coronavirus) have impacted almost every aspect of life around the world. API Abroad is a global operation with programs in more than 20 countries, and we continue to adapt and change our program offerings in response to the continued spread of the pandemic. We remain hopeful and more committed than ever to our mission to lead advancements in global learning. We are requiring all students to be vaccinated prior to the start of their program abroad.” Click here to review their Covid Updates.
CAPA - “CAPA is monitoring new developments and availability in testing in each location, which is changing regularly, and will follow local guidelines and best practices. As you know, health and safety are CAPA’s number one priority, and with this in mind, we have decided that beginning on October 1, all students participating on CAPA programs will be required to have been vaccinated for COVID-19.” Click here to review their Covid Updates.
CEA - “CEA successfully welcomed students abroad starting in Spring 2021. Check out these student success stories to see how CEA alumni studied abroad during the COVID-19 pandemic. Beginning October 1, 2021, CEA is requiring all participants to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 before going abroad. “ Click here to review their Covid Updates.
CIEE - “Our mission is to humanize international relations and foster peace through international education and exchange programs that promote intercultural understanding. And we cannot continue bringing the world together in a way that honors our ideals if we do not do all we can to minimize the risk of spreading COVID-19 and its variants between and within the communities in which we live and work. All participants for CIEE high school and college study abroad, teach abroad, or gap year programs with start dates on or after October 1, 2021, must be fully vaccinated no later than January 1, 2022.” Click here to review their Covid Updates.
CIS Abroad - “The world has changed in so many ways as have our lives. We are grateful for your confidence in us and want to tell you what we’re doing to move forward as the world reopens. Beginning in January 2022, we will require that all CIS Abroad participants be vaccinated.” Click here to review their Covid Updates.
Education Abroad Network - “As the global COVID-19 pandemic continues, we’re constantly monitoring data and recommended best practices regarding COVID-19 to make decisions about TEAN programs. TEAN will be requiring all students to be fully vaccinated in order to participate on programs beginning on or after December 1, 2021. Questions should be directed to the relevant TEAN Program Manager.” Click here to review their Covid Updates.
ISA - “ISA continues to review and implement new safety protocols as we track developments related to the COVID-19 pandemic. To this end, we have made the decision to require all program participants to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, beginning December 1, 2021.” Click here to review their Covid Updates.
USAC - “USAC will be requiring all students enrolled in our on-site, in-person programs to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 starting with the January and Spring 2022 terms.” Click here to review their Covid Updates.
SAI - “Beginning January 1, 2022, SAI will require all students studying abroad to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. We have carefully weighed this decision, and ultimately made the policy adjustment in response to host country requirements, and in recognition of the importance of a high-quality study abroad experience for our students.” Click here to review their Covid Updates.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Although UCF does not require students to be vaccinated, they will be responsible to comply with the host destination’s and partner programs' protocols and regulations. If you are not sure which vaccinations to get, talk to a health care professional and check the websites of the CDC, WHO, and International Society of Travel Medicine.
2. What type of insurance is included in the study abroad fee?
As part of the university’s risk management program for foreign travel, the university provides coverage to faculty, staff, and students traveling outside of the United States on university-sponsored trips. The foreign travel insurance program consists of three types of coverages: Travel Accident & Sickness, Foreign General Liability, and Excess Automobile Liability (only applies to faculty and staff).
Click the following link to review Frequently Asked Questions about our travel insurance - UCF Travel Insurance FAQ-1.pdf
For Benefit Summaries, Insurance Cards, and instructions on how to use the insurance while abroad visit the UCF University Compliance, Ethics, and Risk Office website.
*If you go abroad through one of our partner programs you may receive additional coverage. Please, contact your provider for more details.
3. How can I stay connected and receive updates?
We recommend our students and staff create an account with Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) at STEP.state.gov. You will provide the details of your specific trip, including dates of arrival and departure for the countries you will visit. You will receive emails for Travel Advisories and Alerts as soon as the US Department of State issues them, therefore be sure to provide an email address that you can access during your trip!
4. Should I bring my vaccination card abroad?
Yes! We recommend you bring your vaccination card abroad as you may be required to present it at various locations.