Travel

Latest Travel Updates - information for UQ travellers

This update remains current unless otherwise stated.

Update 04 March 2026 - Global travel disruptions

The ongoing situation in the Middle East has resulted in significant global travel disruptions. Delays, cancellations and airspace changes may occur quickly and without notice.

Travel restrictions

Travel to (including transits through) any location with a DFAT Smartraveller advice level of “Do not travel” is not permitted. This applies to all UQ travellers, staff and students.

This includes, but is not limited to, transit through or travel to Dubai, Doha and Abu Dhabi.

All staff and students undertaking UQ-related international travel must remain vigilant and monitor official advice, regardless of destination or transit points.

1. Travellers with existing bookings

If you are travelling within the next 14 days, you must:

  • Closely monitor updates from:
  • Re-approval is required prior to departure, if Smartraveller advice for a transit or final destination increases to Reconsider your need to travel or Do not travel.
  • Review your booking conditions to understand change fees, cancellation windows and refund eligibility, so that you can consider whether (and, if so, when) to make changes. Refer to the insurance information below.
  • For FCM Travel Solutions bookings, contact FCM directly to make any necessary changes to your travel arrangements.
    For direct bookings, contact the relevant travel provider(s).

For travel booked beyond 14 days, travellers are encouraged to be aware of their travel booking conditions and continue to monitor the situation. Travellers should be aware that the cost of changes made more than 14 days prior to travel may not be covered by insurance.

2. Booking new international travel

Travel to or via any location with a “Do not travel” rating will not be approved, regardless of travel date.

Before making any new international travel bookings, staff and students must:

3. Changing or cancelling travel and travel insurance

If approved UQ travel is altered or cancelled due to global events:

  • Seek a refund or credit from your travel provider first (travel agent, airline, accommodation or transport provider).
  • If a full refund is not available, you can submit a claim through UQ Insurance Services for consideration.
  • Travellers must demonstrate that changes were necessary and that additional expenses were reasonable.
  • Cover will depend on the date of travel, the date of alteration/cancellation, and the situation at the time of making that change.  If early changes are made, and the position on travel could have improved prior to departure date, the cost of travel changes may not be covered.
  • All claims are assessed on a case-by-case basis, in accordance with the terms, conditions and exclusions of UQ’s travel insurance policy.

While travelling

There is a heightened risk globally, particularly in places of worship, large gatherings, public transport, embassies and government facilities.  Travellers are advised to remain vigilant when travelling internationally, regardless of their destination or transit points.

Closely monitor updates from:

Service delays

  • High enquiry volumes are impacting airlines and travel providers, including FCM (UQ’s travel management company). Wait times for assistance with new bookings, changes and refunds are longer than usual.
  • UQ travellers and bookers are asked to be patient and respectful when dealing with travel providers.

Emergency support (24/7)

UQ travellers have access to 24/7 emergency assistance through International SOS:

Phone: +61 2 9372 2468 (reverse charge available)
Email: sydney@internationalsos.com
Quote UQ membership number: 12AYCA778031

 

Refer to Travel News for more UQ Travel News and Updates