STEP 1: AUTHORISATION

Following the general overseas travel (and financial) authorisation procedures set by your College / School / Department will usually be sufficient. However, in some rare cases, dependent on the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) advice for the country being travelled to, and which you must check each time you travel, additional authorisations and / or stipulations will be required.

Full details are available in the Overseas Travel Policy but in summary, when:

The FCDO advises against all travel to an area unless on essential business:

  • A comprehensive risk assessment must be completed taking into account any advice from Health and Safety Services, the University Insurer’s and the FCDO.  In all cases the reasons for travel must be evidentially overwhelming.
  • Authorisation must be given by the Dean of College / Director of Service (or, if the Dean of College / Director of Professional Service wishes to travel, by the Health, Safety and Emergency Management Task Group).

  • The University’s Insurers must approve the travel and the on-line Travel Insurance Form must be completed.

The FCDO advises against all travel to an area:

  • All such travel (unless travelling to home country), must be approved by the Health, Safety and Emergency Management Task Group or the Vice-Chancellor.  At least 10 days-notice before departure is required.

  • The Task Group will not consider such travel requests unless supported by a written Safety Case, reinforced by the relevant Dean of College or Head of School / Director of Professional Service, clearly stating that the need to travel is evidentially overwhelming.

  • The University’s Insurers must approve the travel and the on-line Travel Insurance Form must be completed.

Travelling to Home Country or Region:

  • Staff or students wishing to return to their home country to undertake research / work and that home country (or region) has FCDO travel restrictions for UK citizens in place, may be authorised provided specific criteria are met.  See the Overseas Travel Policy for full details.

If travelling to a country with an elevated FCDO risk status you are advised to register with the British Embassy or Consular Office on arrival, keeping contact details with you at all times.

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