Business Travel During the COVID-19 Pandemic Policy

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Editor's Note: This policy is in accordance with CDC travel guidance as of April 16, 2021. Employers should check the CDC regularly for changes in guidance, and update their policy as needed.

As [Company Name] employees start to travel more frequently for business reasons, coronavirus-related travel guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) must still be followed to reduce the spread of COVID-19 infections. [Company Name] expects all employees to adhere to this policy when traveling on company business and to stay aware of changes to this policy as CDC guidance evolves.

While [Company Name] is not mandating vaccination for our employees, individual vaccination status may require that pre- and post-travel precautions be considered before booking any travel. Failure to prepare for and take these precautions will be a violation of this policy.

General Precautions

Under order from the CDC, all travelers are required to wear a mask on all planes, buses, trains and other forms of public transportation when traveling into, within or out of the United States and in U.S. transportation hubs, such as airports and stations. This includes individuals who are fully vaccinated.

[Company Name] also follows CDC guidance in expecting employees to avoid crowds, stay at least 6 feet from others, wash hands often and self-monitor for signs of illness while traveling.

Fully Vaccinated Status

Individuals are considered fully vaccinated:

• Two weeks after receiving their second dose in a two-dose series, such as the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines.
• OR two weeks after receiving a single-dose vaccine, such as Johnson & Johnson's Janssen vaccine.

If you don't meet either of these requirements, you are not fully vaccinated.

Pre- and Post-Travel Testing & Quarantine Requirements

In keeping with [Company Name]'s reliance on CDC guidance to ensure the safety of our employees, all employees must adhere to the following COVID-19 precautions relative to their vaccination status:

Fully Vaccinated, Domestic Travel (within the United States or to a U.S. territory)

• Employees do not need to take a COVID-19 test before or after domestic travel unless testing is required by local, state or territorial health authorities.
• Employees do not need to self-quarantine following domestic travel.

Fully Vaccinated, International Travel

• Employees do not need to get tested before leaving the United States unless required by the destination country. Employees must determine such requirements before travel.
• Employees do not need to self-quarantine in the United States following international travel.
• Some destinations may require travelers to quarantine upon arrival, which would likely make short-term travel to that destination unnecessary. Employees must determine and evaluate such requirements before booking travel.
• Employees coming to the United States from abroad are required to have a negative COVID-19 test result or documentation of recovery from COVID-19 before boarding a flight to the United States. Make sure you will be able to get tested at your destination before returning to the United States. Keep a copy of your test result with you during travel in case you are asked for it. Check and follow destination testing requirements—specific types of tests may be required.
• Employees arriving in the United States must take a COVID-19 test three to five days after travel regardless of vaccination status.

Unvaccinated, Domestic Travel (within the United States or to a U.S. territory)

• Employees must take a COVID-19 test one to three days before travel. A negative test result is required before travel may commence.
• Employees may either:
• • Take a COVID-19 test three to five days after travel and self-quarantine for seven days.
  • OR not test for COVID-19 and quarantine for 10 days.

Unvaccinated, International Travel

As the CDC recommends that unvaccinated individuals do not travel internationally at this time, employees in this vaccination status will need special approval from their manager before booking travel.

• Employees must take a COVID-19 test one to three days before travel. A negative test result is required before travel may commence.
• Employees may either:
• • Take a COVID-19 test three to five days after travel and self-quarantine for 7 days.
  • OR not test for COVID-19 and quarantine for 10 days.
• Some destinations may require travelers to quarantine upon arrival, which would likely make short-term travel to that destination unnecessary. Employees must determine and evaluate such requirements before booking travel.
• Employees coming to the United States from abroad are required to have a negative COVID-19 test result or documentation of recovery from COVID-19 before boarding a flight to the United States. Make sure you will be able to get tested at your destination before your return to the United States. Keep a copy of your test result with you during travel in case you are asked for it. Check and follow destination testing requirements—specific types of tests may be required.
• Employees arriving in the United States must take a COVID-19 test three to five days after travel regardless of vaccination status.

A Positive Test Result/Developing Symptoms

If employees test positive for or develop symptoms of COVID-19 before, during or directly after travel, they must isolate and follow public health recommendations. Employees should not travel and must contact their manager and/or HR as soon as possible for further guidance.

Pay

During Quarantine

Any employees subject to quarantine after travel must be able to work remotely during quarantine or use preapproved paid time off (vacation, etc.) unless alternative arrangements are made in advance with their supervisor. Employees with no ability to work remotely due to their regular job duties and/or accommodation needs will need special approval from their manager to travel on company business.

During Isolation/Recovery

Any employee isolating after testing positive for COVID-19 or recovering from COVID-19 symptoms will be paid according to [Company Name]'s [insert name of coronavirus-related paid-sick-leave policy, state requirement or other applicable paid leave].

Resources

International

CDC COVID-19 Travel Recommendations by Destination

Domestic

CDC Travel Planner

Please contact the human resources department with any questions you may have.