Latest Travel Updates - information for UQ travellers
COMING SOON: Changes to the UniTask Travel Request form
We’re introducing several enhancements to the UniTask Travel Request for both domestic and international travel. These improvements are informed by feedback from travel bookers and travellers, as well as recommendations from a recent UQ Internal Audit of travel processes.
The improved UniTask Travel Request will go live before the end of 2025.
The updated form is designed to improve the user experience and strengthen compliance through the following key changes:
1. Streamlined Information Entry
To reduce duplication and simplify data entry:
- The Travel Diary and Dual Purpose sections have been combined into a single Trip Details table
- Budget details consolidated into one Budget table
- Requestors can clone previous Travel Requests, saving time when submitting similar trips
2. Enhanced Policy Compliance and Validation
To support compliance with the Travel Policy and Dual Purpose Travel (DPT) Procedure, the form includes validation to:
- Distinguish between business days and private days
- Only permit business locations and not private locations
- Ensure that all travel days are accounted for
3. Flexibility to Update Approved Forms
To provide greater flexibility, requesters will be able to make changes to an approved form, including:
- Amending travel dates
- Adding or removing locations
- Updating travel activities
- Adding or removing private days
- Amending budget details and funding sources
Please note that some changes will require the travel form to be reapproved. Users will not need to take any additional steps to trigger reapproval — the system will automatically identify when reapproval is required and route the form accordingly.
Students
These changes do not apply to student or HDR travel (refer to the Student Travel Procedure).
Booking Travel
There are no changes to how bookings are made. Please refer to the Six steps for travel.
Support and resources
User guides will be available on the UQ Travel website under Resources.
Please contact UQ Travel if you have further questions.
15 August 2025 - European Entry/Exit System (EES)
From 12 October, the European Union (EU) will begin rolling out its new European Entry/Exit System (EES) for all non-EU nationals, including Australians, travelling in or out of the Schengen area. Full implementation is expected by 10 April 2026.
EES registration will replace manual passport stamping with digital registration of biometric data (fingerprints, photo) and responses to border questions. Initial registration may take a few minutes and could lead to longer border queues.
Once registered, repeat travellers within 3 years will only need to provide either a fingerprint or photo on entry and exit.
Important:
- Short stays for work and/or leisure are still limited to 90 days within any 180-day period.
- Overstaying may result in penalties.
- Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice — check with embassy or consulate before travel.
More info: