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New visual theme for sap concur travel and expense.

SAP Concur will be updating the visual theme of your signed-in web experience for SAP Concur Travel and Expense. Starting March 4th, 2024, the next time you sign into your SAP Concur account, you will see a refreshed look and feel.

• Read more about New Visual Theme for SAP Concur Travel and Expense

Virtual Travel Learning Series 'Lunchtime Layover' next session: Thursday, April 4, 2024

Penn Travel Services' Lunchtime Layover showcases a University preferred travel supplier. The monthly virtual sessions are an opportunity to learn about discounted rates, services, and benefits Penn Traveler's receive from Penn's various preferred suppliers.

• Read more about Virtual Travel Learning Series 'Lunchtime Layover' next session: Thursday, April 4, 2024

Real ID Deadline Extended to 2025

Beginning May 7, 2025, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security will begin to officially enforce the REAL ID Act of 2005.

• Read more about Real ID Deadline Extended to 2025
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At this time, we recommend all  Penn-affiliated  travel to Israel, West Bank, Gaza, and Lebanon be deferred.  If you are planning travel to any of these locations, please reach out to [email protected] for the most up to date risk assessment and insurance exclusions. As a reminder, it is required that all Penn-affiliated trips are registered in  MyTrips .  If you have questions, please contact  [email protected] . 

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Destination specific covid-19 testing requirements.

Before you travel it is important to check the COVID related requirements of your destination. Failure to do so can prevent you from entering the country or boarding the plane. To ensure that you are abiding by your destination specific rules and travel regulations, use the following country specific resources:

• US Department of State
• International ISOS (ISOS)   *to access ISOS please use Penn Member # 11BSGC000012
• Centers for Disease Control (CDC)

*to access ISOS please use Penn Member # 11BSGC000012

Traveling To United States

Preparing to travel.

If you are traveling to the United States, make sure to use the following resources for the latest information regarding testing requirements

• Centers for Disease Control (CDC) - US Citizen, national, and permanent residents
• Centers for Disease Control (CDC) - Non-US Citizen

Travelling From the United States

Regardless of your nationality, resident status, destination, and vaccination status , here are some important notes when determining the test requirements for your international travel:

• Proof of a negative COVID test is required by some countries for all incoming travelers
• Types of approved COVID tests vary by destination
• Testing requirements in Hawaii differs from rest of the US
• Negative test results may be required 24, 48, or 72 hours prior to boarding for your destination

Using PENN COVID-19 Test Results For International Travel

Penn Covid-19 test results may be acceptable for travel to some countries.  Common requirements are that the results document include the following:

• Date and Time of Test
• Date and Time of Result
• Name of Laboratory
• Type of Test

COVID-19 testing (RT-PCR) is provided free of charge by the University of Pennsylvania to its students, faculty, staff, and post docs. If the results have all the information requested, you may be able to use a screenshot as proof of negative COVID-19 prior to travel.

Other COVID-19 Testing Options

Free COVID testing is provided readily, often with same day appointments, around the country

• Mobile testing pop-up events
• Map of permanent testing sites

As we navigate the ongoing COVID-19 related fluctuations with regard to disease outbreak and vaccinations in both the US and abroad, there will be changes regarding Penn-affiliated Travel Guidance. 

Below are a series of FAQs to help you navigate the new travel guidelines. If you do not find an answer to your question below, please contact [email protected] . 

In August 2021, Penn’s Committee on International Travel Risk Assessment (CITRA) removed all travel restrictions for faculty and staff on Penn-affiliated trips. As of May 10th, 2022 , CITRA will continue with the next phase of this careful, but deliberate return to Penn’s international activities, by removing all COVID-19 related restrictions on student travel.

Travelers may still require internal approval to travel from their departments, Schools/Centers, and budget leaders. Individual travelers will also be personally responsible for understanding the complex border restrictions and entry requirements of their individual itinerary.

The Committee on Travel Risk Assessment (CTRA) is responsible for defining heightened risk travel for the Penn community and reviews undergraduate requests to travel to these regions.  

More information on  CTRA  

Travel petitions, which may be required of Undergraduate Students only, will be reviewed by Penn’s Committee on Travel Risk Assessment (CTRA) in collaboration with the School or Center of the person submitting the petition.  CTRA is comprised of members from across the University community, specifically Global Support Services, Risk Management, the Office of Research Services and Wellness/Student Health Service. CTRA will consult with external and campus experts on specific requests as needed. Travelers are asked to submit their petitions for travel early as possible.  CTRA is committed to reviewing petitions quickly and will respond within one week with an answer or request for more information.

For U.S. citizens and permanent residents returning to the U.S. :

Visit the  State Department guidance, FAQ, and travel advisories .

For international students and scholars seeking to return to the U.S. :

If you are concerned about not being permitted to board your flight to the United States or being denied at the US Point of Entry, you may request a travel support letter from your academic department and/or from ISSS confirming that you are seeking entry into the country under the sponsorship of the University of Pennsylvania. Please note that this support letter does not guarantee that you will be permitted entry into the United States and is only meant to provide additional documentation of your status as an active Penn student

To request a support letter from your department, please contact your academic advisor or your admissions office.  Here is an example of a support letter from an academic department. 

To request a travel support letter from ISSS, please log on to iPenn and select Student Services -> Immigration Status Verification Letter (for F-1/J-1 Students). You will be required to provide your anticipated return date and upload a copy of your flight itinerary.  This is only necessary if you would like to have a DSO-signed letter.

View FAQs on required immigration documents, notification procedures, and guidance developed by International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS).

Visit  CDC information on Travelers Prohibited from Entry to the U.S. , with explained exceptions.

General Guidance:

For restrictions, medical screenings, and flight operations listed by state, visit the dedicated COVID-19 page maintained by International SOS .  Be sure scroll down to the United States section.

For additional information on entry restrictions and exceptions into the U.S., visit IATA travel regulations map . Be sure to click on the United States on the map for details .

For visa information, entry restrictions, health requirements, transit rules, and guidance for re-entry to the United States, use the CIBT Entry Guide . Be sure to select United States of America as the destination .

For assistance finding COVID-19 testing sites, medication refill or mental stresses support and more, call 215-942-8478 (Penn Member ID 11BSGC000012) or email [email protected] to speak with a medical and security expert from the International SOS Assistance Center. Even in instances when an individual is not traveling, Penn community members still have access to International SOS member benefits, including the Assistance Center.

• Visit the  latest information for Penn's international community  provided by ISSS. 

For more information on entry bans, exceptions, and required documentation by country , visit the Interactive Coronavirus (Covid-19) Travel Regulations Map (powered by Timatic)

For restrictions, medical screenings, and flight operations listed by country , visit the dedicated COVID-19 page maintained by International SOS .  

For visa information, entry restrictions, health requirements, transit rules, and guidance for re-entry to your international destination, use the CIBT Entry Guide .  For additional information, download the latest CIBT Visas guide on immigration restrictions and exceptions by country .

For entry requirements, health regulations, quarantine protocols for specific travel itineraries, CIBT's Informed Traveler Service provides a CIBT specialist for individualized help. Note: there is a $50 charge associated with this service.

For case counts and country COVID information, view the NYTimes COVID-19 Map . 

Download the lasted Fragomen guide for entry bans and quarantine restrictions by country . 

The  Penn Travel Office  has released COVID-19 Guidance and Related Resources .  

For Penn students planning to go, or currently abroad, on a Penn Abroad Global Program : 

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information from Penn Abroad  

For Penn Faculty and Researchers:

For research that involves field work, off-campus interactions, or travel, visit the Office of the Vice Provost for Research guidance on research resumption and associated travel risks.

For international students and scholars leaving the U.S. :

View required FAQs on immigration documents, notification procedures, and guidance developed by International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS).

For students and scholars sponsored by Penn with international emergency travel concerns, view the notification process and resources listed on the ISSS site.

New adjustments to Chinese visa and entry policies have been introduced, as effective from March 15, 2023. Please refer to the official notices, linked below, from the website of Embassy of the People's Republic of China in the United States for the latest travel policies. 

For all Penn-affiliated travel occurring on or after May 18th, 2021 , a COVID-19 vaccination is required. This applies to both domestic and international travel, unless an exception has been granted for medical or religious reasons. If you have a question related to this guidance or will not be vaccinated prior to travel, please contact [email protected] .

People are considered fully vaccinated:

2 weeks after their second dose in a 2-dose series, such as the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines, or

2 weeks after a single-dose vaccine, such as Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen vaccine

Penn will accept those vaccines that have been “pre-qualified” or authorized for “Emergency Use Listing” (EUL) by the World Health Organization (WHO) evaluation process. As of July 13, that list includes:

Pfizer-BioNTech

Johnson & Johnson/Janssen

AstraZeneca 

This information comes from Penn's main Coronavirus website. Visit their vaccinations page for any updates. 

You will not be asked to show proof of vaccination to travel on a Penn-affiliated trip. Schools, Centers and trip leaders may not ask the vaccination status of a Penn employee or student. 

The vaccination requirement is based on the honor system. Non-vaccinated faculty, staff and students should reach out to  [email protected] for additional guidance.

Non-vaccinated faculty, staff and students should reach out to  [email protected]  for additional guidance.

We ask that you do not question the vaccination status of your travel group. All travelers are asked to review  Penn’s travel guidance and contact [email protected] if they have questions or will not be fully vaccinated prior to the group’s departure date.

Schools, Centers and trip leaders may not question the vaccination status of an employee or student. You may proceed with reviewing travel requests based on pre-pandemic internal procedures.  

Penn’s travel guidance is available to you and the traveler for more information on the vaccination requirement and petition procedures for travel to certain countries. If you have a question related to this guidance, please contact [email protected] .

Domestic travel includes travel within the country where you currently and usually reside. Those with pre-arranged plans to return home for the summer may travel domestically within their home country following Penn’s travel guidelines .

Yes, the temporary COVID-19 travel guidelines pertain to both international and domestic Penn-affiliated travel that include an overnight stay .  Even if you are traveling by car on a Penn-affiliated trip (with an overnight stay), you are expected to follow these guidelines and be fully vaccinated prior to departure. 

While you do not need to follow the guidelines for day trips, please observe the main tenants of public health throughout your journey, including face coverings, physical distancing and frequent hand washing.

No.  MyTrips registration is reserved for international, Penn-affiliated trips only.

Even if you are traveling locally,  all  Penn-affiliated  travel that includes an overnight stay  must adhere to the COVID-19 travel guidelines and be fully vaccinated prior to departure. 

If you are taking a day trip, whether it is Penn-affiliated travel or personal travel, we encourage you follow to local health directives. You do NOT need to follow Penn’s travel guidelines. You do NOT need to submit a petition for travel.

Concur insures the lowest airfares and 24/7 support for University travelers from the travel management company and Penn Travel Services.  

All airline tickets booked through Concur or the University’s Travel Management Company (TMC) are direct billed to Penn, reducing out of pocket expenses.  

Booking through the University’s preferred travel vendor and systems guarantees seamless end to end service on any issues that may arise.  For example: 24/7 emergency assistance, ticket reissuance and rebilling through the University’s billing account, and assistance with refunds and unused tickets. 

Furthermore, lowest airfares are guaranteed with World Travel’s price match; and Penn’s airline contracts provide valuable corporate benefits such as complementary preferred seats on American Airlines. 

The Concur booking tool complements My Trips, Penn’s travel registry system, that connects Penn traveler’s to health and safety resources. This fulfills Penn’s critical responsibility for duty of care for Penn travelers. 

Please contact  Penn Travel Services  or email  [email protected]  with any questions.

World Travel has a guaranteed fare match policy. If you find a lower fare, contact World Travel for procedures on obtaining a fare match. Please contact them directly regarding the policy and assistance. 1-888-641-9112;  [email protected]  

When necessary, a personal credit card may be used to purchase airfare. However, the University policy is to book airfare through Penn’s preferred carriers, using the University’s direct billing account through Concur or World Travel. For all other travel products and services, a personal credit card is required for payment. These charges will be reimbursed upon completion of travel.  

See Concur Instructional Guide:  Set up Travel Profile  for instructions on including a personal credit card within your Concur profile.  

To access Penn’s discounted rates, rental car reservations should be made within  C oncur  only.  

Note: car rentals in Concur are only the reservation. You will need to provide a credit card upon check-in.

The University has several agreements and special rates for car services. Please contact  Penn Travel Services  or email  [email protected]  for information on car services.   

During the pandemic, the best practice for booking hotels is to reserve through  C oncur .  

Note: hotel bookings within Concur are only the reservation and are not direct billed to Penn. You will need to provide a credit card upon hotel check-in. You may also call World Travel 24/7 for assistance, 1-888-641-9112.

Individuals who booked through Concur or World Travel should contact  World Travel  to utilize unused tickets. World Travel agents will advise on the conditions and apply any credit to a new reservation. Travelers who did not use World Travel should contact the airline or vendor that provided the credit. 

Amtrak tickets may be purchased via the  Amtrak Website  or by calling 1-800-USA-RAIL. 

Yes, students, faculty, staff and postdocs are required to register all Penn-affiliated travel in MyTrips . 

No.   Faculty, Staff, and Postdocs on individual travel no longer need to petition, however registration in MyTrips is still required for ALL international travel. 

We understand it is difficult to plan ahead in these uncertain times. If you have future plans for  Penn-affiliated  travel that you wish to discuss with a CTRA member, please email [email protected] .

The safety of Penn travelers is a priority. CTRA will continue to monitor locations where travel approval has been granted. In the event the risk level changes and/or the health environment deteriorates, CTRA reserves the right to rescind authorization or revise the conditions of travel.

Travelers are expected to make themselves aware and abide by all state, local, tribal, and territorial government restrictions in the destination and upon return to Penn’s campus, which may include quarantine and/or COVID-19 testing.   Before you confirm your travel plans, it is extremely important that you review the most up-to-date entry restrictions, COVID screening requirements and quarantine mandates at your destination country. International SOS maintains an updated list of travel restrictions by country on the ISOS COVID-19 Pandemic webpage . You can also check the Department of State Travel Advisory and the U.S. Embassy .

Some important points to understand when preparing to travel:

Some countries require proof of a negative COVID test of all incoming travelers  regardless of vaccination status

The types of COVID tests approved  vary by destination

Requirements may ALSO  vary within a country , e.g., testing requirement in Hawaii differs from rest of US

Timing of a COVID test, e.g., negative test 3 days prior to arrival, will also  vary by destination

Free COVID testing  is provided readily, often with same day appointments, around the country (note: CVS and RiteAid testing around Philadelphia requires  a car for Drive-in testing only) :

CVS Minute Clinic

RiteAid COVID Testing

The City of Philadelphia also runs  Mobile Testing Pop-up Events  & provides a  Map of Permanent Testing Sites

Faculty, staff and students traveling on Penn-affiliated trips abroad are entitled to International SOS membership, which includes travel medical insurance and evacuation assistance.  Please register your international trip in MyTrips to be pre-authorized for the insurance coverage.  If you become ill or injured during your trip, contact International SOS (+1 215-942-8478) for assistance, advice, referrals and to arrange payment of medical bills.

As the University resumes strategic research and academic activities and adjustments are made to CDC country risk levels and local travel guidance, more Penn-affiliated travel opportunities will become available in the US and abroad. We will continue to monitor the COVID pandemic and vaccination roll-out and update travel guidelines accordingly.

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How a Travel Credit Card Can Be Your Ticket to Big Savings

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Next time you're planning a vacation, a travel credit card could defray some or all of the costs if it packs the right incentives. Typically, cards with higher annual fees provide the most value with perks like ongoing rewards, free checked bags, airport lounge access or other benefits. But even cards with low or no annual fees make it possible to earn some value toward travel, if you can qualify.

These cards generally require good credit (scores of 690 or higher), and even if you're eligible, it's not worth pursuing one if you can't pay off the credit card bill in full every month to avoid steep interest charges. And if you're working toward paying down existing debt, it might not be worth chasing points and miles until you've made progress on that front.

But as long as travel credit cards align with your financial goals, their potential savings merit consideration — even if you travel just once or twice per year. Explore the flexibility of a general-purpose travel credit card to book travel anywhere, or a branded credit card to book travel with a favorite hotel or airline. Either option may offer money-saving benefits toward your next trip.

Valuable features can lower costs

Offers will vary among general-purpose travel credit cards and airline- or hotel-branded credit cards, but some savings opportunities may include:

If a credit card offers a lengthy list of perks, the value can quickly add up. Here are some features to look out for:

A sign-up offer: Travel credit cards generally come with lucrative sign-up offers that let new cardholders earn a pile of points or miles by meeting a minimum spending requirement. It’s easier to snag if you can strategically time a credit card application around planned purchases during a heavy-spend month or season.

Free checked bags: Some airline credit cards offer free checked bags , which can add up to real savings when applied per person on a round trip. This is one way that Doug Figueroa, a content creator at the YouTube channel Zorito y Doug, makes up the cost of the $150 annual fee on an airline credit card. “The savings are $70 round trip per passenger listed in the same reservation,” he says. 

TSA or Global Entry credit : Some travel cards issue a credit (up to $100) when you use them to pay for a TSA or Global Entry application fee. These expedited airport security screening programs can save time while traveling.

Travel credits: Depending on the card’s terms, travel credits may be used to save money on a variety of travel expenses like rideshare services, airfare or accommodations. 

Airport lounge access: You can skip the pricey airport food with some travel credit cards that offer complimentary airport lounge access . Austin Maxwell, a South Carolina-based content creator at the blog The Maxwells Travel, uses a travel credit card to avoid those costs. “I’m saving $20 to $30 every time I go to the airport because I don’t have to buy food or drinks during a layover or preflight,” he says.

A companion ticket: Some airline credit cards cover the cost of a ticket for a friend or family member. Depending on the card's terms, you may have to pay taxes and fees on the fare, the companion ticket may have an expiration date and/or a spending requirement may apply.

Automatic elite status: You may earn elite status without much effort on some hotel-branded credit cards. Elite status can add up to valuable savings if the program offers free food, bonus points or suite upgrades.  

Free nights: If your favorite hotel has a branded credit card that offers annual free night awards, it can stretch your vacation budget. 

Protections and other benefits

A travel credit card that offers trip delay or cancellation insurance, lost baggage insurance, rental car coverage or other protections may also be of value to you. To qualify for these benefits you typically need to pay for the trip or covered purchase with the eligible credit card. Read the terms carefully to understand the extent of your coverage.

Figueroa says he saved $90 over three days with his card’s primary rental car coverage on a trip to Miami.

“Once you make the online reservation, you must decline all insurance offered by the rental company and pay for everything with your [card],” he says.

High-value reward redemptions

Points or miles on some travel credit cards might lose value if they are used for non-travel redemptions like cash back, gift cards or other options. Travel redemptions typically offer the best value, and you might squeeze out even more value with a general-purpose travel card that allows points to transfer to airline or hotel partners. It’s a strategy that Maxwell uses often to his advantage.

“It’s even better if there’s a transfer bonus associated with that," he says. "Credit card companies offer transfer bonuses — 15%, 20%, 30% bonus — if you are to transfer points to a specific airline.”

He says he has also transferred points to hotel partners to book hotel rooms with them. “It would be the equivalent of getting a hotel room at $120 that’s actually valued at $500,” he adds.

To determine whether to redeem rewards for travel or transfer them to a partner, compare costs by checking the credit card’s booking platform and the partner’s website. Also factor in whether rewards transfer on at least a 1:1 ratio, meaning that you'll get the equivalent value in points or miles transferred.

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Travel points on credit cards, explained

PayPal Editorial Staff

March 14, 2024

Savvy shoppers can turn everyday spending into exciting adventures by harnessing the power of travel points on credit cards.

Travel points on credit cards are rewards earned for eligible purchases. When someone accumulates enough points, they can redeem them for travel-related expenses like flights, accommodations, or upgrades.

From earning to redeeming, discover the world of travel reward points in this guide.

How do travel points work?

Travel points on credit cards work by rewarding people for their spending. When someone uses their credit card for eligible purchases, they may earn a certain number of points or miles based on the card's rewards program. These points accumulate over time and can be redeemed for travel costs.

Some cards or reward programs also offer flexible redemption options, allowing individuals to transfer points to airline or hotel loyalty programs.

The more someone spends on their card, the more travel points they may accumulate. However, it’s important to practice responsible spending and not make purchases simply to earn more points.

While some credit cards may be specifically noted as travel credit cards or offered in tandem with airline companies, many rewards credit cards can still be used to earn points or cash back to spend on travel or lodging. There may also be rewards programs via cash back apps that offer earning potential for spending with certain travel-related companies or airlines. For example, PayPal users can view travel-related deals and rewards offerings in the Travel category on the PayPal app . Rewards earning and redemption options will vary depending on card provider and/or rewards program.

Potential pros and cons of travel points

Some benefits of travel points may be:

• Free or discounted travel expenses:  Travel points may be redeemed for complimentary or discounted flights, hotel stays, and even upgrades, allowing for cost savings on travel expenses.
• Travel perks:  Some travel rewards cards provide access to airline or hotel loyalty program benefits, such as priority boarding, lounge access, and room upgrades.
• Flexible redemption:  Many programs offer flexible redemption options, including the ability to transfer points to partner airlines or hotels, providing more choices for travelers.

Before signing up for a travel rewards credit card, consider the possible risks of travel points:

• Limited flexibility:  Some travel rewards programs may have restrictions or blackout dates. Points may also have expiration dates — if unused, someone may lose their rewards.
• High annual fees:  Many premium travel rewards cards come with annual fees, which may offset the value of the rewards.
• Increased spending:  To earn travel points, people must use their credit card, which can lead to debt if not managed responsibly.

How to earn travel points

To earn travel points, someone generally needs to use a travel rewards credit card on eligible purchases. Over time, they may accumulate enough points to enjoy a benefit like free or reduced airfare or a discounted hotel stay.

Beyond everyday spending, here are other ways to potentially earn travel points:

• Sign-up bonuses:  Many travel rewards credit cards offer sign-up bonuses when opening a new account and meeting a spending requirement within a specified timeframe.
• Frequent flyer and hotel loyalty programs:  When someone flies with a specific airline or stays at a particular hotel chain consistently, they may accumulate points or miles that can be redeemed for future travel.
• Online shopping portals:  Some airlines and credit card companies have online shopping portals that offer bonus points for making purchases through their platforms.

Accumulating travel points requires responsible financial management, including paying off credit card balances in full each month to avoid interest charges . Additionally, check for any annual fees associated with travel rewards credit cards and ensure that the benefits outweigh the costs.

How to redeem travel points

Travel rewards credit cards may offer several redemption options, from flights or hotels to vacation packages or statement credits. When booking through a rewards portal, people typically have the option to pay with points or a combination of points and cash.

The redemption process may vary slightly depending on the specific travel rewards program or credit card. Always read the terms and conditions of the rewards program and credit card to understand any restrictions, blackout dates, and expiration policies associated with the points.

Learn how to redeem rewards .

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