There is likely to be significant delays and disruptions to international travel, which may occur quickly and without notice.
Effective immediately, travel to (including transits) any locations impacted by the ongoing Middle East conflict with a DFAT Smartraveller advice level of Do not travel is not permitted. This restriction includes, but is not limited to, transit through or travel to Dubai, Doha and Abu Dhabi.
Staff and students who have booked or are planning international travel associated with UQ are encouraged to stay informed and follow the advice of Smartraveller, regardless of their location or destination, including transits.
Travellers are also advised to remain vigilant when travelling internationally, regardless of their destination or transit points.
Booking international travel
Before making an international booking, staff and students are advised to:
- Consider the need to travel noting the potential for significant disruption and delay.
- Review UQ Travel processes.
- Refer to Smartraveller for specific country advice and subscribe to Smartraveller updates.
- No new bookings to or via locations with Smartraveller rating of Do not travel (regardless of travel date)
- Ensure travel details are registered with International SOS.
- Download the International SOS (ISOS) mobile app to receive updates and alerts.
Travellers with existing bookings
Staff and students with confirmed travel bookings should:
- Stay informed and monitor updates from International SOS (ISOS) and Smartraveller to assess whether changes to your travel plans are necessary. Be prepared for changes at short notice.
- Monitor airline communication closely for updates.
- Review booking conditions to understand the cost implications and time restrictions associated with your bookings, including cancellation windows and change fees.
Note, if the Smartraveller advice risk level increases to Reconsider your need to travel or Do not travel, prior to departure, travel bookings must be re-approved.
Changing or cancelling international travel and travel insurance
- UQ travellers with confirmed travel through FCM Travel Solutions should contact them directly for assistance with changing travel plans.
- For bookings not made by FCM Travel Solutions, please contact the travel provider(s).
If existing and approved UQ travel bookings are altered or cancelled due to global events, travellers are advised that:
- A refund or credit should be sought from travel providers (travel agent, airline accommodation provider or other transport services).
- If a full refund is not available, you may be eligible to submit a claim through UQ Insurance Services.
- Travellers will be required to demonstrate that it was necessary to alter or cancel their journey, and that any additional expenses were reasonable. Cover will therefore depend on the date of travel, the date of alteration/cancellation, and the situation at the time of making that change.
All claims will be assessed by UQ’s travel insurer on a case-by-case basis, in accordance with the policy’s terms, conditions, limitations, and exclusions.
For more information regarding UQ’s travel insurance, please contact UQ Insurance Services.
Emergency contacts
UQ has 24/7 emergency support for UQ travellers provided by International SOS:
- Phone: +61 2 9372 2468 (reverse charge available).
- Email: sydney@internationalsos.com (if no access to phone services).
- Quote UQ membership number: 12AYCA778031.
For more information, please refer to UQ Travel.
