ucsb travel

Dept Safety Reps

Risk Management & Insurance

Environmental Health & Safety
Programs & Services
Risk Management

UC Travel Insurance

University Travel Insurance provides worldwide coverage for UC employees traveling on official University business and to UC students participating in UC-sponsored and supervised off-campus activities. Coverage is free and in effect 24-hours/day. Go to Travel Insurance for more information.

Travel Planning

Travel planning will mitigate and reduce the unique risks associated with travel to foreign countries. Measures that can help organize and control the travel experience are described in this section. Go to Travel Planning for more information.

Travel Risk Assessment

Foreign travel risk assessment involves the methodical identification of potential health and security risks, the development of measures to reduce or avoid them, and figuring out in advance how to respond to emergencies if and when they occur. Go to Travel Risk Assessment for more information.

Field Trips

Field trips expose participants to risks that are not present in the classroom. Department employees who plan and organize field trips will reduce the exposure to risk and better ensure the safety of University staff and students during field trips by implementing measures to organize and control the field trip experience. Go to Field Trips for more information.

Travel Insurance

Travel planning, travel risk assessment, field trips.

Field Research Safety Program
UCSB: ConnexUC/Connexxus
UCOP: UC Global Operations
OPRS: UC Travel Insurance
OPRS: Business Travel Benefits
OPRS: Business Travel FAQs
OPRS: Student Travel Benefits
OPRS: Student Travel FAQs
OPRS: Personal Travel Insurance
OPRS: Insurance Certificate
OPRS: Partnership with Crisis24
OPRS: UC Away
OPRS: General Liability, Auto and Property Damage Insurance
State Dept. Travel Plan Checklist

Fact Sheets

FS: Waiver of Liability
Attending Physician’s Statement
Authorization - Consent to Treatment
Emergency Contacts & Info
Emergency Contacts for Minors
Field Trip Sign-up Sheet
Notice of Incident

Release & License to Use Image

Waiver of liability.

Waiver: English & Spanish Versions

Example Docs

Ex: Travel Checklist (UCD)
Ex: Travel Checklist (State Dept)
Ex: Medical Preparation Checklist
Ex: Participant Agreement (EAP)
Ex: Participant Agreement (UCSB)
Ex: Participant Guide (UCSB)
Ex: UC Emergency Preparedness
G28: Travel Policy
BUS-46: Use of UC Vehicles
BUS-81 UC Insurance

UC Business Travel Insurance

The University Business Travel Insurance policy provides no-cost, worldwide coverage for UC employees traveling on official University business. Coverage is in effect 24-hours/day for a wide variety of accidents and incidents while employees are away from their campus or primary workplace. The travel insurance program provides supplemental accident coverage for US domestic travel to locations 100 miles or more from campus, including travel to and from the location. There is also coverage for medical evacuation and repatriation of remains (conditions apply). The employee's health insurance or Workers' Compensation program, if applicable, pays first. Non-reimbursed expenses due to deductibles or co-pays can be submitted to the travel insurance company with the primary Explanation of Benefits (EOB) for reimbursement consideration. For international travel, the policy provides accident and illness coverage, emergency medical and security evacuation, repatriation of remains, and other kinds of travel assistance services and benefits.

Read More About UC Business Travel Insurance

The Employee Business Travel Insurance Program provides worldwide 24-hours/day coverage for faculty and staff traveling on official University business. Independent contractors hired by and under the direction of the University qualify for travel insurance coverage under this Program if they are working on University business. The coverage allows up to 7-14 days for personal travel that may occur during an employee’s business travel and the benefits extend to traveling companions. More information about this no-cost coverage is available at:

Business Travel Insurance Benefits
Business Travel Insurance FAQs

Register your Travel

Though coverage is automatic, employees must register when they travel out-of-state and internationally in order to facilitate the full services and protections that the coverage provides. In-state travel more than 100 miles from an employee’s home campus is also covered but registration is not required. If employees book their travel through ConnexUC, also known as Connexxus and Concur, the traveler is automatically registered. After completing the reservation the employee should receive an email from Crisis24 , UC's security partner. The email will include links to the policy number and the toll-free contact numbers for the emergency assistance provider. Travelers who do not use ConnexUC/Connexxus/Concur to book their travel can register their travel plans in the UC Away system, which will trigger the email to be sent. Receipt of this email confirms that travel was registered, but it does not guarantee that the trip is eligible for travel insurance coverage. Coverage is based on each person's affiliation with UC, and the specifics of the activity to which the person is traveling. UC employees are covered for approved university business. UC students are covered if the activity is sponsored by UC or their participation in the activity is sponsored by UC. If in doubt, check with the Risk Management office.

UC Student Travel Insurance

The Student Travel Insurance policy provides no-cost, 24-hours/day coverage worldwide for UC students who are traveling while participating in UC-sponsored and supervised off-campus activities. The travel insurance policy provides supplemental accident coverage for US domestic travel to locations 100 miles or more from campus, including travel to and from the location. There is also coverage for medical evacuation and repatriation of remains (conditions apply). The student's health insurance pays first. Non-reimbursed expenses due to deductibles or co-pays can be submitted to the travel insurance company with the primary Explanation of Benefits (EOB) for reimbursement consideration. For international travel, the policy provides accident and illness coverage, emergency medical and security evacuation, repatriation of remains, and a variety of other kinds of travel assistance services and benefits.

Read More About UC Student Travel Insurance

The Student Travel Insurance Program provides worldwide, 24-hours/day coverage for students who are traveling while participating in UC sponsored and supervised off-campus activities, both domestically and abroad. This coverage is available at no cost. More information about this no-cost coverage is available at:

Student Travel Insurance Benefits
Student Travel Insurance FAQs

Though coverage is automatic, students must register when they travel out-of-state and internationally in order to facilitate the full services and protections that the coverage provides. In-state travel more than 100 miles from a student’s home campus is also covered but registration is not required. If student books their travel through ConnexUC, also known as Connexxus and Concur, the traveler is automatically registered. After completing the reservation the student should receive an email from Crisis24 , UC's security partner. The email will include links to the policy number and the toll-free contact numbers for the emergency assistance provider. Travelers who do not use ConnexUC/Connexxus/Concur to book their travel can register their travel plans in the UC Away system, which will trigger the email to be sent. Receipt of this email confirms that travel was registered, but it does not guarantee that the trip is eligible for travel insurance coverage. Coverage is based on each person's affiliation with UC, and the specifics of the activity to which the person is traveling. UC employees are covered for approved university business. UC students are covered if the activity is sponsored by UC or their participation in the activity is sponsored by UC. If in doubt, check with the Risk Management office.

Personal Travel Insurance

The UC Personal Travel Insurance Program is offered as an option for employees, students, retirees and alumni to purchase for their own for personal travel. It provides accident and illness coverage, emergency medical and security evacuation, repatriation of remains, and a variety of other kinds of travel assistance services and benefits when the traveler is outside of the country for which they hold a passport. The UC Personal Insurance Program is not affiliated with any University-provided employee benefit nor does the University recommend or endorse the coverage. As with any commercial travel insurance, the insured traveler is responsible for paying the premium, arranging for any travel assistance services, and resolving claims or coverage issues directly with the insurance carrier.

Read More About UC Personal Travel Insurance

The UC Personal Travel Insurance Program is offered as an option for employees, students, retirees and alumni to purchase for their own for personal travel. It provides accident and illness coverage, emergency medical and security evacuation, repatriation of remains, and a variety of other kinds of travel assistance services and benefits when the traveler is outside the country for which they hold a passport. The UC Personal Insurance Program is not affiliated with any University-provided employee benefit nor does the University recommend or endorse the coverage. As with any commercial travel insurance, the insured traveler is responsible for paying the premium, arranging for any travel assistance services, and resolving claims or coverage issues directly with the insurance carrier.

Register for Personal Travel Insurance

The UC Personal Travel Insurance Program offers three travel plan options designed to integrate insurance benefits with valuable travel assistance services to help provide the extra protection you need while traveling far from home. This travel insurance program responds to medical emergencies for travelers outside of their home country or country of permanent residence by providing accident and sickness benefits and valuable travel assistance services. If you want to purchase this coverage or would like more information about it, go to Personal Travel Insurance Program .

Travel entails risks that can be mitigated by developing detailed travel plans in advance. Principal Investigators and travel planners should assess and address the risks associated with travel to foreign countries in advance, especially to remote areas, in order to ensure the health and safety of participating faculty, staff, and students.

This webpage identifies Resources that can be used by departments to help with planning and organizing travel to foreign countries. It also provides a section on Planning Tools & Tips that describe specific things travel planners can do to reduce the risks of travel.

UC Global Operations (UCGO)

The UCOP UC Global Operations website provides tools and resources to help UC faculty, administrators, staff and students who are traveling abroad on UC business, or assisting those who are, to plan and manage international research, travel, and other activities. Whether you are doing research, teaching, studying abroad, or attending a conference, the UCGO website can help you:

Plan Project: Resources about where to go, UC programs, planning your budget, understanding U.S. and foreign regulations, applicable UC policies, etc.
Plan Trip: Information about vaccinations, health and travel insurance, cultural etiquette in the country you’re visiting, visa requirements, exchange rates for foreign currency, tips on what to pack, etc.
Travel Safely: Guidelines on how to stay safe and healthy, what to do if you are sick or injured, how to stay connected, what adapters to get for your electronic devices, etc.
Manage Projects Abroad: Fundamental steps and strategies for successful project management abroad, including setting up operations, collaboration with international partners, and taking care of yourself and your team while abroad.
Closeout Projects Upon Return: A post-travel checklist, information about how to get reimbursed for eligible expenses, close out your project, etc.
Locate Assistance in UC System: Information about UC offices that can assist with specific concerns with quick links to UCOP and campus international offices. A search function to help you find what you’re looking for.

The UCGO website is a joint effort of the UC Office of the President’s Office of Ethics, Compliance, and Audit Services and the Office of Research Policy Analysis and Coordination. Contact [email protected] with questions or for information.

The University contracts with Crisis24 to provide travelers with real-time intelligence and alerts. The University asks employees who are traveling out-of-state and internationally to register their travel, so they will receive real-time intelligence, notices, and alerts via email about political unrest, natural disasters, and health warnings affecting the areas where the travelers will be. Travelers can also access critical information about required immunizations, entry/exit, safety and security, language, transportation, weather, communications, legal and cultural issues, and currency exchange rates through Crisis24's Worldcue system. This is a valuable resource when traveling in countries where information is tightly controlled and it can help employees avoid difficulties during a trip. For more information about travel registration, go to Travel Insurance .

The University provides Travel Accident Insurance, free of charge, to faculty, staff, and students participating in University activities that take place 100+ miles from campus,* including travel to and from the activity. The employee leading the field trip should register the travel through UC Away to facilitate the Risk Manager's ability to make contact if a natural disaster or another emergency occurs in the field trip vicinity. They can enroll all participating faculty, staff, and students in the Travel Insurance Program or can, in some cases, ask individuals to enroll individually. In addition to the standard travel insurance medical/accident medical expense coverage, this policy includes coverage for emergency medical evacuation, repatriation of remains, security extraction, and other travel assistance and benefits. Go to Travel Insurance for more information about UC Travel Insurance.

*The travel insurance policy covers some categories of participants when participating in specific on-campus activities. Contact the Risk Management office for more information.

Foreign Travel Risk Assessment

The travel planning process should include the identification of potential health and security risks involved in travel to foreign countries, the measures that can be taken to avoid them, and advance planning on how to respond to emergencies if and when they occur. Go to the Foreign Travel Risk Assessment section for more information.

Traveling with Minors

Traveling with minors entails an extra level of risk that must be addressed accordingly. For information about issues attendant to the participation of minors in University activities, go to Minors .

Travel Planning Checklists

Standardized travel-planning checklists can provide travel planners with a list of things that should be considered during the planning process. A checklist might include the following:

Goals & objectives
Known risks; means of addressing them
Information about local health, weather, cultural standards, social conditions, local traditions and beliefs
Emergency response plan; emergency contacts
Composition of field team in field research activities; emergency contact information
Accommodations during travel to and from site and on-site
Need for first-aid supplies and expertise
Medical needs of travelers with pre-existing conditions
Clothing, personal equipment, and field equipment
Transportation before, during, and after returning from the event location
Food and supplies on-site and during travel to and from the site
Mandatory safety training in specific areas of risk applicable to the event as appropriate
Necessary University forms
Required documents for individual travelers: passports, visas, vaccinations, etc.
State Department Alerts or Warnings

Examples include the State Department Checklist , which, in addition to providing a generic list of concerns that apply to travel to any location, also provides the means to link to information about your specific destination. The Medical Preparation When Studying Abroad Checklist provides detailed information about how to be medically prepared for travel abroad. Examples of travel planning checklists can be found from UC Davis and the State Department . The Field Research Safety Program may also be helpful to UCSB travel planners.

Participant Agreement

If a department sponsors activities that include student travel to foreign countries, a Participant Agreement can be used to spell out the obligations of the University and the traveler and specify the terms and conditions of participation: program description, fees, cost of and information about transportation, food and lodging, scheduling, modification and termination of the agreement, standards of conduct, health and safety, insurance, mandatory activities, and any other requirements or critical information. Examples of Participant Agreements can be found from EAP and UCSB .

Participant Travel Guide

Departments that organize travel study programs abroad can prepare student guides that include information about the specific program and course of study as well as issues of general concern - travel arrangements, insurance, duties and customs, and cultural issues. This information can better prepare the participant and help maximize the learning experience and minimize unanticipated surprises. See this example of a student guide .

Orientation Meeting

Prior to departure it may be useful to conduct an orientation meeting with attendance required for all participants. Review administrative matters and important information: contacts and addresses, including consulate contacts, clothing, transportation, lodging, local customs, money, personal health and safety, required documents, use of credit, telephones, communications, medical issues, required vaccinations, etc. Provide information specific to living in the destination country. Provide materials such as maps, practical living information, guidebooks and handbooks, links to relevant websites, including the State Department website. Provide information about the University’s travel insurance security and information service, Worldcue . Prepare and present an emergency preparedness plan. See this example of an emergency preparedness plan for off-campus study . See the Foreign Travel Risk Assessment section for more information on emergency planning.

All individuals (with the exception of employees in the course and scope of their employment) who participate in University of California sponsored off-campus travel, classes, programs and activities must sign a UC Waiver of Liability-Elective/Voluntary Activities . Departments that sponsor activities that involve off-campus travel are responsible for preparing the waiver and making certain that all participants sign and submit one before participating in the activity. For more information about waivers of liability, go to Waiver of Liability .

Emergency Information and Contacts

Departments can ask participants to provide information on the Emergency Information & Contacts form about who should be contacted in the event of an emergency and who their insurance carrier is.

The form also offers the participant the opportunity to advise the trip organizers of any allergies, dietary restrictions, or other conditions they have and any medications they may be required to take. It is important to review this information and to understand what, if anything, it will require of the employees leading the activity. If travel is to remote areas where certain vaccinations or immunizations are advisable, departments can ask the participant to show proof that they have gotten them. All this information is confidential and should only be shared with people who have a need to know.

The employee leading the trip should take the Emergency Information & Contacts form with them in case a participant is injured. If the completed Emergency Information & Contacts form is not needed, the campus department should destroy it when the trip is over. If the completed Emergency Information & Contacts form is used for one reason or another, it should be retained for three years after the trip is over. If the department has had to rely on the form, the hard copy must be retained.

Prior to making any public use of a participant’s image, departments must obtain a signed Release & License to Use Image, Name and/or Voice form from the participant. Go to Releases for more information.

Identify potential travel risks and security risks, how to reduce or avoid them, and how to respond to emergencies when they occur.
Register with Worldcue to get real-time intelligence, notices, and alerts via email about political unrest, natural disasters, and health warnings as well as information about required immunizations, entry/exit, safety and security, transportation, weather, communications.
Review State Department information sheets and travel warnings and discuss with participants to identify potential travel risks and emergencies that may arise.
Agree on an emergency communications plan; consider establishing a “buddy system.”
Agree on guidelines for handling emergencies and contacting parents and family members.
Make certain that all participants register for travel insurance.
Know how to contact local law enforcement authorities.
Transportation from one site to another.
Know how to contact the local US Embassy/Consulate.

Emergency Response

If you need immediate medical attention call 911 or the local equivalent, or go to the nearest emergency room. Once help is on the way you can notify the UCSB Risk Manager, Chubb-AXA Travel Assistance, your emergency contacts, or other appropriate contacts.
For 24-hour/day confidential guidance and support related to sexual harassment or assault, contact the UCSB Campus Advocacy, Resources & Education (CARE) advocacy line at (805) 893-4613.
If you want guidance about how to handle a medical or security situation, contact Chubb-AXA Global Travel Assistance (AXA) 24/7. A phone call will get you the most immediate help:

Tel. (855) 327-1420 Tel. (630) 694-9804 Email: [email protected]

For any other type of incident, notify the UCSB Risk Management office and your department. Tell them your location, what happened, and the current incident status. UCSB Risk Management office:

Tel. (805) 893-5837 Emergency Cell: (805) 636-9050 Fax: (805) 893-8521 Email: [email protected]

AXA and UCSB Risk Management will advise and coordinate emergency action as needed, including notifying the State Department and local authorities, as appropriate.

Emergency Contact with Family

Travel leaders should not make direct, initial contact with family members without student’s permission.
When possible, students should communicate with their parents when emergencies arise.
Do not presume that a student’s parents are the listed emergency contact.
Travel leaders should contact their department if a student is ill or injured, even if it’s not an emergency, so the department and University are not caught off guard if contacted by parents.
If a student is ill or injured abroad, the student should be encouraged to inform their parents, but this disclosure is ultimately up to the student.
Travel leaders may choose to inform emergency contacts about a potential emergency abroad without the student’s express permission, if the student is unable to speak for him or herself; the student has been missing for more than 24 hours; the student is perceived to be a danger to themselves or others; or when a significant health, safety, or security incident has occurred that affects the entire program.

Travel Safety Plan

The Travel Risk Safety Plan form can be used during the planning stages to think about and identify potential health and security risks, measures that can be taken to reduce or avoid them, and how to respond to emergencies if and when they occur.

Field trips are a valuable part of the educational experience. The learning process is improved by the opportunity to observe things in the field. However field trips expose participants to risks that are not present in the classroom. Injuries caused during field trips create exposure to liability for the University.

Department employees who plan and organize field trips can reduce the exposure to risk and better ensure the safety of University staff and students during field trips by addressing, during the planning stage, the specific risks that arise out of field trips. The following list describes measures that can help organize and control the field trip experience; it is not an all-inclusive list. Departments are encouraged to document their own protocols and procedures, which may include, but are certainly not limited to the following:

Participant Eligibility

To improve staff control and supervision and reduce risks and exposure to liability, UC policy and practice limits participation in UC-sponsored field trips to employees in the course and scope of their employment and students registered in the class in which the trip occurs. Students, spouses, children, and friends not registered in a class are not allowed to participate in class field trips without specific authorization from a department control point. If a department determines that a person not registered in a class may participate in a class field trip, that person must sign and submit a UC Waiver of Liability just like the other participants in the field trip.

Field Trip Planning Checklist

For departments that sponsor frequent field trips it is helpful to develop a field-trip checklist of standard issues that employees who lead field trips can consider during the planning process. It might include the following:

Information about weather
Emergency response plan
Composition of field team
Participant emergency contact information
Accommodations during travel

Transportation

Necessary documents for individual travelers: drivers license, passport, etc.

Prior to the start of the field trip it may be useful to conduct a mandatory orientation meeting. Depending upon the length and complexity of the field trip this could be a 30-minute meeting before everyone gets on the bus or one or more longer meetings that could, for trips that include minors, also involve the mandatory participation of the parents or guardians. Review administrative matters and important information: contacts and addresses, clothing, transportation, lodging, money, personal health and safety, required documents, telephones, communications, medical issues, etc. Provide information about the University’s travel insurance. Prepare and present an emergency contingency and communication plans.

All field trip participants, with the exception of employees in the course and scope of their employment, must sign a UC Waiver of Liability . Departments that sponsor activities that involve off-campus field trips are responsible for preparing UC Waivers of Liability and making certain that all participants sign and submit one before being allowed to participate in the activity. If an itinerary has been developed, it can be referenced and attached to the Waiver of Liability. Go to Waivers of Liability for more information about waivers of liability.

Departments may choose to make the transportation arrangements to get students to and from the field trip destination. If it creates difficulties to do otherwise, the University owns vehicles and has agreements with commercial ground carriers to meet this need. However, transporting people creates it’s own set of risks. Since the goal of a field trip is the instruction that occurs at the field trip destination, it is preferable if the University can minimize its involvement in transportation arrangements. If it creates no hardship or inconvenience there are fewer complications if the role of the University begins and ends at the field trip destination and participants make their own transportation arrangements.

UNIVERSITY VEHICLES: See "Automobiles" under Insurance / Programs & Policies .

EMPLOYEES' PERSONAL VEHICLES: See See "Automobiles" under Insurance / Programs & Policies .

RENTAL VEHICLES: See See "Automobiles" under Insurance / Programs & Policies .

STUDENTS' PERSONAL VEHICLES: When a student uses a personal vehicle it is the student's responsibility to maintain appropriate insurance. The University does not purchase or provide insurance coverage for the personal vehicles of students.

BUS CHARTERS: Departments may charter buses to get field trip participants to an off-campus site. When the University charters buses, the bus company is required to carry insurance that is based on the number of passengers. The UCSB Procurement Services Office has agreements with bus companies that meet UC’s insurance requirements or, when it does not in a particular city, it can assist in locating one that does meet our insurance requirements.

BOAT CHARTERS: When the University charters boats the charter company is required to carry insurance based on the number of passengers. (When field trip participants purchase their own tickets on a regularly scheduled boat on which member of the public may also purchase tickets the University’s boat charter insurance requirements do not apply). Go to Boat Charters for more information.

The University provides Travel Accident Insurance, free of charge, to faculty, staff, and students participating in University activities that takes place 100+ miles from campus,* including travel to and from the activity. The employee leading the field trip should register the travel through UC Away to facilitate the Risk Manager's ability to make contact if a natural disaster or other emergency occurs in the field trip vicinity. In addition to the accident medical expense coverage, this policy includes coverage for emergency medical evacuation, repatriation of remains, and other travel assistance and benefits. Go to Travel Insurance for more information about UC Travel Insurance.

Emergency Information & Contacts

The form also offers the opportunity for the participant to advise the trip organizers of any allergies, dietary restrictions, or other conditions they have that the department should be aware of and any medications they may be required to take. It is important to review this information and to understand what, if anything, it will require of the employees leading the field trip. All this information is confidential and should only be shared with people who have a need to know.

The employee leading the trip should take the Emergency Information & Contacts form with them in case a participant is injured. If the form is not needed, it should be destroyed when the trip is over. If the form is used for one reason or another, it should be retained for three years after the trip is over. If the department has had to rely on the form, the hard copy must be retained.

If minors are going on the field trip use the Emergency Information & Contacts for Minor form.

Prior to making public use of a participant’s image, departments must obtain a signed Release & License to Use Image, Name and/or Voice form from the participant. Go to Releases for more information about releases.

An itinerary is a good planning tool. When minors are participating in a field trip and traveling without a parent or guardian, it should be considered a necessity so that parents and guardians know where their children are and what they are doing hour to hour when they are under University supervision. Go to Minors – Risk Management for more information.

Minors on Field Trips

Departments that sponsor field trips that include minor participants, to one degree or another, assume responsibility for the health, safety and welfare of the minors in their care and custody. Departments who assume this responsibility should be aware of the specific risks that are involved and implement best practices and applicable risk management measures to reduce the associated risk exposures. For more information about minors see Minors on Campus .

Travel & Entertainment
Travel Planning

Travel Insurance

When traveling on official business, UC faculty and staff are covered under the UC Business Travel Accident Insurance Program. UC students traveling to UC-sponsored activities are covered under the UC Student Off-Campus Travel Insurance Program. Following are important insurance considerations:

Travel outside California - Requires travel registration through the UC Away travel registration system. Travel registration is not required when making reservations through Connexxus since the travel data is transferred automatically.
Vehicle rentals - When renting vehicles from a university-contracted vendor, you are generally covered for Liability and Loss Damage Waiver (i.e., in the Continental United States). If insurance is included, decline these overages when signing the agreement because they are not reimbursable.
Medical coverage - Travelers covered by a UC insurance plan will be covered by that plan while traveling in the U.S. For travel outside the U.S., both the Employee and Student Travel Insurance Policies include an out-of-country medical benefit. This benefit works on a reimbursement basis. Travelers must pay for care and then submit a claim for reimbursement consideration.
Non-medical benefits - include trip cancellation/interruption and luggage and personal property loss; replacement is at current value and is subject to a deductible.

More information, including coverage details, frequently asked questions, and claims guidance is available at the UCOP Travel Risk and Insurance website .

UC Santa Barbara Alumni

Alumni Tours

England, Cuba, Normandy, Russian, Tuscany, Africa…the destinations are endless! As you think about your next trip, take a look at UC Santa Barbara Alumni’s travel program for access to incredible travel packages.

UC Santa Barbara’s Travel Program offers a wide variety of tours to destinations around the world. We invite our entire Gaucho family and friends to join us on a trip of a lifetime!

Exclusive Trips with AHI Travel

Join alums from six of the University of California campuses for unique and enriching experiences that go beyond the typical tourist journey. AHI Travel is the premier operator of deluxe, personalized group travel programs in North America. All of AHI's programs feature a strong educational component and the goal of presenting worry-free travel experiences that foster a deeper understanding of diverse cultures and natural phenomena by putting travelers in direct touch with local people and cultures.

View All AHI Travel Trips

Exclusive Trips for Young Alumni with AESU

Looking to travel with like-minded individuals in your age-range? Check out our Young Alumni trips designed specifically for alumni 22-35 years old. Visit spectacular locations and make long-lasting friendships.

Book by April 8th and SAVE . 2024 trips include:

Flavors of Ireland
Azores Paradise Found (only a few spots left)
French Riviera Magic (sold out)
Peru's Inca Trail
Egypt Valley of the Kings (sold out)

View All Trips and Book with AESU See available payment plans

Senior Class European Trip

Celebrate your graduation from UC Santa Barbara with an experience you don’t want to miss out on -- your official UCSB Grad Trip! Join fellow Gauchos and other University of California alumni for the adventure of a lifetime!

Learn more and book today with AESU See available payment plans

Travel Insurance

UCSB Alumni proudly partners with USI Affinity,Travel Insurance Select, to provide alumni and friends like you with the best available rates for travel insurance. As you plan your next getaway, be sure to invest in coverage for trip cancellation, trip interruption, and 24-hour access to emergency services.

Travel Insurance Select

Current Students
Current F-1 Students

Travel for F-1 Students

Travel outside the u.s..

If you are traveling from the U.S. to another country, you must meet the immigration requirements of the country you plan to visit, as well as the U.S. requirements to reenter the United States. This includes short trips to Mexico and Canada for which special rules may apply as noted below. Make sure to also check out our International Travel guide .

Travel Home or Abroad

To re-enter the U.S., you may be asked to present the following documents to the immigration service officer:

Current passport valid for at least 6 months after the reentry date
Valid F-1 visa
Valid I-20 with valid travel signature on page 2 (travel signatures valid for 1 year, travel signatures while on OPT valid for 6 months)
Proof of financial support showing funds to cover tuition and/or living expenses
Evidence of attendance at UCSB, such as an acceptance letter, transcript, or recent tuition payment receipt
Proof of paying the I-901 SEVIS fee (which you can print from https://www.fmjfee.com/i901fee/index.html )

Students on post-completion OPT must also carry:

Valid EAD card
Job offer/verification Letter from your employer

What Is Travel Validation?

Your I-20 shows that you are in eligible to enter the U.S. as part of a UCSB program. U.S. Immigration officials will ask for your I-20 whenever you enter the U.S. They will be looking to see that your I-20 was validated for travel on Page 2 - it is a signature from an OISS advisor.

So, if you travel out of the country for a vacation or a conference, you will be required to show your I-20 as you re-enter the U.S.

The good news is that you do not need to request a travel validation (travel signature) every time you travel. Once OISS has provided you with a copy of your I-20 with a travel signature, the validation is good for 1 calendar year .

How to Request

Before you plan to depart UCSB, log onto UCSBGlobal to submit a travel signature request using the I-20 service request form. An OISS advisor will check your immigration record and confirm that you are still eligible to enter the U.S. Once approved, you'll receive an email notification to let you know that a newly validated copy of your I-20 is ready.

*Be sure to plan ahead! Check the Student Request Guide to see how long travel signatures take to be approved. You do not need a travel signature to depart the U.S., but you will need it to re-enter the U.S.

Expired Visa

If your F-1 visa stamp has expired, you will need to obtain a new visa to reenter the US. You can apply for a visa stamp at an American Embassy/Consulate when you are abroad. A U.S. visa stamp cannot be obtained inside the U.S. To apply for a visa stamp you will need to present:

Valid Passport
Valid I-20 with current signature on page 2
Documentation of sufficient financial support - for at least one year
Copy of current transcripts - an unofficial copy is sufficient and can either be requested from the Registrar's office or you can print your unofficial transcript from GOLD
Letter from academic department regarding your status or progress in the program - primarily for graduate students.

The visa renewal process will be the same procedure that you followed the first time you applied for the visa. Each time you apply for a visa you must prove to the consular officer you have enough funds to continue studying, you have been a full time student, and that you plan to return to your home country after completion of your degree.

Please be aware of visa appointment wait times and processing times by the Embassy/Consulate when booking your travel. Also you may be selected for Administrative Processing which can delay your visa renewal by several months. It is important to consider the validity of your immigration documents before scheduling any travel.

Information on U.S. Embassies and Consulates can be found at the State Department website .

Travel to Mexico and Canada

Before traveling to Canada or Mexico you should find out if you require a visa to enter those countries. See the Mexican Consulate for information on travel to Mexico and the Canadian Consulate for information on travel to Canada.

Automatic Visa Revalidation

Generally, it is not necessary to have a valid US visa for re-entry to the US if your stay in Mexico or Canada is 30 days or less. The visa is considered automatically revalidated, as long as you have a valid passport, I-20 form with recent signature, the I-94 form and a visa stamp in your passport. It is absolutely essential that you have the I-94 form. Without it, you are not eligible for the automatic visa revalidation.

There are circumstances when the automatic revalidation will not apply:

If you apply for a new visa while in Mexico or Canada, you may not re-enter the U.S. on an expired visa. You will need to remain in Mexico or Canada until your new visa is issued. If a new visa is not issued to you in Mexico or Canada, then you will have to travel to your home country and apply for a new visa there.
If you are a citizen of Iran, North Korea, Syria or Sudan, you may not re-enter the U.S. from Mexico or Canada on an expired U.S. visa. Generally the U.S. consulates in Mexico and Canada will not permit you to apply for a visa. Rather you may need to apply for a new visa in your home country.

Automatic Visa Revalidation is also available for travel for short tips to certain islands adjacent to the U.S. (e.g., Bermuda, The Bahamas, Jamaica). If you plan to visit one of these islands and use the automatic visa revalidation, please check first with an advisor in OISS.

If you are not sure your documents are current or have questions about traveling and reentering the U.S. please make an appointment at OISS well before you plan to leave.

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/visa-expiration-date/auto-revalidate.html

Traveling to a Third Country

If you plan to travel outside of the United States, but not to your home country, please:

Contact the country you plan to visit to see if a visa is required for your visit. You can find foreign consulates located in the United States here . Otherwise, you can search the internet for information (examples: “how to visit Canada”, or “Mexican consulate”, or “visa for France”).
Note that processing time for these travel visas can take several weeks.
Come to OISS if you have any travel questions.

Travel & Entertainment

Coordinates, prepares, and audits all travel paperwork for departmental users.

Request for Travel Advance

You may request a travel advance for expenses incurred prior to a trip. Log on to Concur . Create a new Request, attach original receipts, and email your Preparer Delegate to inform them of your request at least 30 days in advance of the trip. See Reimbursements for more details.

Travel Insurance

Before each trip where a person will leave California, travelers must register for the Business Travel Program. If making arrangements through Connexxus , enrollment is automatic. If making travel arrangements outside of Connexxus, complete enrollment at UC Away .

Travel Reimbursement

In accordance with University policy, all travel reimbursement requests must be submitted to the UCSB Travel Accounting office within 45 days of the end of travel. To ensure reimbursement, please create a Report within Concur (see Reimbursements for more details) within 30 days of the end of travel.

Note: Per UC policy, original receipts are required and must show proof of payment. The following receipts are required:

Airline Passenger Receipts**
Rental car receipts, including gas receipts
Hotel receipts (must be itemized to show nightly rates, applicable taxes, etc.)
Conference registration receipts
Receipts for local transportation costing $75 or more (rail ticket stubs, bus tickets, taxi receipts)
Receipts for miscellaneous supplies
Receipts are not required for meals, but a breakdown of meals for each day is required in a meal log. If receipts are used for meals, they must be itemized to show no alcohol. Any alcohol purchased must be removed including appropriate local tax.

** U.S. Flag Carriers must be used for travel on federal funds. Missing original receipts: If you are unable to locate original receipts for your trip, please complete a Declaration of Missing Evidence form and provide an alternate proof of purchase (i.e. credit card statement showing payment).

Debbie Ceder

contract / grant billing.

Airfare may be purchased directly through Connexxus and billed to the University credit card. Upon return, the charge will show up in your Concur account under Available Expenses. This may be used to create a new Expense Report where the airfare can be properly placed on the appropriate account. Contact us before you plan your travel if you intend to deviate from a direct to/from business destination for any reason.

Guided Campus Visits

We are excited to welcome you to our campus! Read below to view our different visit options. The Visitor Center is open 9am to 4pm (Pacific Time) Monday-Friday, and 9:30am-1pm on select Saturdays (April 6th-May 18th). There are no guided tours June 17th-21st . The Visitor Center will be closed or have adjusted hours on the following dates:

Monday, May 27th
Wednesday, June 19th
Registration is required for all presentations and tours. No exceptions will be made.
All registrations will be limited to a maximum of two (2) additional guests .
There is no waitlist or walk-in process for any visits that are full. No exceptions.
Non-service animals are not permitted inside any campus buildings, including the Visitor Center. Leashed dogs are permitted outdoors.

Money Matters - Student Financial Guide

Transportation and Travel

You can find a lot of local transportation information, including cost-effective options, on UCSB’s Transportation Alternatives Program page at www.tap.tps.ucsb.edu/?param=1 . If you are in need of emergency funding for travel, in addition to the options below you can look into emergency loans through Associated Students, the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships, and other sources listed in the “General Purpose Funding” section of this guide.

Academic Department Funding – Travel Many academic departments offer funding for travel related to academic conferences or other major- or degree-related purposes. Consult with your department advisor or administrative office for more information. (Also, see the “Conference Funding” section of this guide).

Academic Senate Doctoral Student Travel Grants These grants are available to doctoral students who have advanced to candidacy, or M.F.A. students in their second year and in candidacy, who have been invited to present a research paper at a scholarly meeting, to give a performance, or to present the results of research before a distinguished audience. Students are eligible to receive support for one trip during their scholarly career. Applicants must be registered or on an approved leave of absence. Students in joint degree programs are eligible for up to one half of the regular allocation. Student applications for travel funds must be accompanied by an abstract of the paper to be presented, a copy of the formal invitation, and a letter of support from the student’s advisor indicating the importance of the forum. The conference must be important for the discipline and preference will be given to travel associated with potential academic employment. Funds are limited. Applications are accepted year-round until funds are exhausted or until May 15, whichever occurs first. For information and an application form, visit www.senate.ucsb.edu/grants/doctoral.student.travel .

AS/EOP Emergency Grants – Emergency Travel These are available to Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) students currently receiving need-based financial aid who have exhausted other resources. Grants are issued as reimbursement funding for transportation costs due to death or severe illness of an immediate family member only. The circumstances related to the travel must occur during the time the student is enrolled in classes. Turnaround time: usually 1-2 weeks. The deadline for submissions is every Thursday at 2 p.m. for review for the following week. Required documentation: Once the student has met with a counselor and verified eligibility, he or she will be asked to submit a written statement describing the circumstances and the amount requested, to be addressed to the EOP director; an application form (obtained from the EOP counselor); original receipts for the item that is being covered; other documentation substantiating the circumstances (see EOP counselor for more information); and a photo ID. How to apply: Schedule an appointment to meet with an EOP counselor to discuss eligibility and details by calling (805) 893-4758. You do not need to have all your documentation ready at the time of the appointment.

GSA Pre-Doctoral Student Travel Grant The GSA has a small amount of funding available for graduate students to use towards the cost of registration and travel for professional conferences or meetings. You may apply if you have a presentation accepted for a conference or meeting and do not qualify for the Academic Senate’s Doctoral Student Travel Grant (see above). Up to $75 may be awarded for travel costs and/or registration or conference fees. The money is granted on a first-come, first-served basis each quarter until funds are exhausted. See www.ucsbgsa.org/funding/conference-travel-grant .

Local Transportation Options UCSB students can make use of the following, low-cost transportation options in the Santa Barbara and Goleta area. For more information, visit UCSB’s Transportation Alternatives Program page at www.tap.tps.ucsb.edu/default.aspx .

Buses . Currently enrolled UCSB students can ride Santa Barbara’s MTD buses anywhere between Goleta and Carpinteria at no additional cost by attaching their UCSB registration sticker to their Student ID card. Visit the Registrar’s office or the A.S. Ticket office each quarter to pick up a current registration sticker. For more information about MTD services and itineraries, visit www.sbmtd.gov or call the MTD Transit Center at (805) 963-3366.
UCSB Van Pool Program. This currently serves commuters from Santa Maria, Buellton, Santa Ynez, Solvang, Lompoc, Ventura, Camarillo, and Thousand Oaks. Visit www.tap.tps.ucsb.edu/vanpool.aspx .
CarShare by Zipcar. This service provides 24/7 access to Zipcars parked on campus for reasonable hourly rental rates, which include gas and insurance. For more information, see www.zipcar.com/ucsb .

Request for Budget Increase for Travel – Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships The official cost of attendance currently includes an allowance for travel between school and your permanent place of residence (i.e., parents’ home). If your travel costs exceed the standard allowance or there is a special circumstance requiring that you return home more frequently, you can report this additional, unusual cost through a Request for a Budget Increase. The increase to your budget will be funded with additional student loans, Parent or Graduate PLUS loans, or alternative bank loans. Receipts and other documentation are required to validate expenses incurred or to be incurred. Please visit the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships or call (805) 893-2432 for details.

The Institute for Energy Efficiency engages in many activities and programs that require domestic and foreign travel in order to further our ultimate mission or contribute to funded research programs.

All official university travel (purpose, dates, estimated cost) must be approved by the department head or a person to whom such authority has been delegated through Concur using your UCSB netID. This approval can be obtained verbally, in writing (e.g., department-created form), or electronically (e.g., email). Department heads shall obtain approval for their own travel from a higher administrative level (i.e., their vice chancellor or dean).

In addition, travel funded by extramural funds must be approved by the principal investigator and allowable on that contract or grant. Authorization must be obtained prior to undertaking official university travel. Travelers who fail to obtain prior authorization may be liable for the expenses incurred.

For questions, ask the Financial Manager, [email protected] ,

or check the University of California Travel Policy, G-28 .

Domestic Travel Reimbursement Sheet
Foreign Travel Reimbursement Sheet

Travel Advance Request

Declaration of Missing Evidence
Lodging Limit Justification
How to Assign Delegates

Maximum for Meals & Incidentals

Meals will be reimbursed only if they fall within the trip’s start and end dates/times. The trip begins once transportation to the destination begins and the trip ends once you return home. For example, if your flight is at 2pm, your trip begins when you leave your house at noon in an Uber to get to the Santa Barbara airport. Your breakfast from that morning is not reimbursable.

If the total trip is less than 24 hours, meals and incidentals will not be reimbursed unless travel includes proof of an overnight stay. Exception applies if the meal expense has a business purpose (i.e. business meeting).

Hawaii, Alaska, and all US possessions are to be treated as foreign travel.

Domestic Travel Under 30 Days The traveler may be reimbursed up to the maximum of $79 per day for meals and incidentals. A half day of travel (12 hours) will allow a maximum of $31 for meal reimbursements. Receipts are not needed, as long as the traveler is recording actual expenses incurred. If it appears that the meal cap is being treated as a per diem rate, traveler will be asked to provide receipts.

Domestic Travel Over 30 Days Please check the per diem rates associated with each city. Traveler may claim actual expenses incurred or the city's per diem rate for reimbursement. Receipts are not necessary for per diem reimbursement; however, are required if the actual expenses claimed are over the per diem rate. Receipts are required when actual expenses are claimed.

Foreign Travel Please check the per diem rates associated with each city. Traveler may claim actual expenses incurred or the city's per diem rate for reimbursement. Receipts are not necessary for per diem reimbursement; however, are required if the actual expenses claimed are over the per diem rate. Receipts are required when actual expenses are claimed.

Foreign Travel to Alaska, Hawaii, and all U.S. Territories Please check the per diem rates associated with each city. Traveler may claim actual expenses incurred or the city's per diem rate for reimbursement. Receipts are not necessary for per diem reimbursement; however, are required if the actual expenses claimed are over the per diem rate. Receipts are required when actual expenses are claimed.

Domestic Rates
Foreign Rates
AK/HI/US Territory Rates

Domestic Travel Under 30 Days

For domestic travel under 30 days, traveler may be reimbursed up to the maximum of $275/night (before taxes and fees) for lodging in the lower 48 states. Alaska and Hawaii are to be treated as foreign travel.

If the traveler is in a higher cost city and is unable to secure a room at or below $275, the traveler must submit a “ Lodging Limit Justification ” form and explain why a rate under the cap could not be obtained and provide screenshots of price comparisons within the proximity of the meeting location. The price comparison should be performed at the time of booking.

Domestic Travel Over 30 Days

Please check the per diem rates associated with each city. Traveler may claim actual expenses incurred or the city's per diem rate for reimbursement. Receipts are not necessary for per diem reimbursement; however, are required if the actual expenses claimed are over the per diem rate. Receipts are required when actual expenses are claimed.

Please note that when lodging is 1-199% over the destination city’s federal per diem rates, only the Director’s approval is needed (unless the travel is for the Director, then Dean’s approval is needed). If the rate exceeds 200%, then the Dean’s approval is needed in addition to the Director.

Foreign Travel to Alaska, Hawaii, and all U.S. Territories Hawaii, Alaska, and all US possessions are to be treated as foreign travel.

Only Economy Class tickets will be reimbursed.
Excess baggage charges require justification. Please include details regarding excess baggage expenses on your Travel Reimbursement form. This expense may or may not be reimbursed.
Flights reimbursed on federally funded projects, must be through an American air carrier (e.g. Delta, United, Southwest, Alaska, etc.). Some exceptions apply for foreign travel (see below). Please see the Financial Coordinator for questions or check out the “Fly America Act” policy.

"Fly America Act"

In Connexxus, look for the little blue shield next to the flight as confirmation that the flight is an American Flag Carrier.

Please take screenshots at this stage of selecting your flight, as it is not easy to see that the selected flight is an American Flag carrier after this point.

Fly America Act

Connexxus is an online travel booking website available to UC employees that provides discounted rates and deals on airfare, hotels, and car rentals (similar to Kayak or Expedia). Employees can log into the system using their UCSBnetID and password.

Direct Bill : To bill the cost of airfare directly to the department, log into Connexxus, click on BCD Travel, and place your flight on Hold. Next, assign the Financial Coordinator as your travel arranger on Connexxus and send an email to the Financial Coordinator to finalize booking.

Rental Car | Personal Car | Lyft/Uber & Taxis

When renting vehicles from a university-contracted vendor (e.g. Hertz, National, and Enterprise), you are generally covered for Liability and Loss Damage Waiver in the Continental United States when providing the UC contract number at the time of rental (see below). Any additional insurance coverage you consent to is not a reimbursable expense. Vehicle rentals through Connexxus are automatically covered under the UC contract insurance policy.

Hertz Contract ID #: 72130
National Contract ID #: XZ32A01
Enterprise Contract ID #: XZ32A01
Thrifty Contract ID #: 3072823
Dollar Contract ID #: 3072821

Personal Car

A personal vehicle may be used for transportation. The traveler must have liability insurance and will be reimbursed $0.58 per mile. Vehicle license plate must be provided on travel reimbursement form when submitted for reimbursement.

Lyft/Uber/Rideshare

When the traveler uses Lyft/Uber or a taxi to travel within the city, it is always best to obtain a receipt for the expenses incurred. It is not required for expenses under $75, but it is highly recommended to provide receipts for all rideshare transportation.

Personal Time

If permitted, personal time may be taken while on a trip. All flight and travel options must be economy class or equivalent. However, the traveler will need to provide quotes for travel that exclude all personal time. For example, there is a conference in New York. You must be there Monday to Tuesday afternoon, but you would like to extend your trip and take personal time until Friday. Please print out ticket prices for flights returning on Tuesday evening, as well as, any other portions of your travel reimbursement affected by personal time (e.g. rental car returns, hotel quotes, etc.).

Travel Insurance

UC Business Travel Accident Insurance provides additional coverage to UC employees traveling on official University business. This coverage applies to domestic and foreign travel. The policy includes emergency medical evacuation, out-of-country medical expenses, loss of personal effects, and security extraction.

If travel is booked through Connexxus, your trip will automatically be insured. If booked outside of Connexxus, traveler must register travel plans through UC Away to insure trip under UC's Travel Policy.

For more information, visit UCOP's Risk Services or UCSB's Travel Insurance .

Travel Advance

Prior to departure, the traveler should fill out a “ Travel Advance Request ” form and obtain a signature from his/her PI (if on federal grant) or the department Director (if on department funds) to request a reimbursement before the trip takes place (e.g., flight fees, conference registration fees, etc.). Please be sure to include any original receipts.

Domestic Travel Reimbursement Sheet

Upon the traveler’s return, a “ Domestic Travel Reimbursement Worksheet ” or a “ Foreign Travel Reimbursement Worksheet ” and any accompanying original receipts must be submitted within 45 days of trip completion for reimbursement processing.
If any receipts are unobtainable/lost, please also submit a “ Declaration of Missing Evidence ” form along with a bank statement outlining the expense.
Traveler must pay for all of his/her own expenses that would be reimbursed by the department. Another individual may not be reimbursed for expenses paid on the traveler’s behalf. All receipts and credit card statements must be in the name of the traveler.
After reviewing the completed Travel Reimbursement sheet and accompanying documentation, the Financial Coordinator creates a Travel Expense Voucher (TEV), obtains appropriate signatures of approval, and submits all original documentation to Accounting for final processing.

Foreign Travel

In some cases, prior approval from funding agency is required for foreign travel. Always confirm approval in advance of any travel plans.
For each expense incurred abroad, a currency conversion rate must be printed for the reimbursement packet. These rates must correspond with the particular dates of charge.
Alaska, Hawaii, and all US possessions are considered foreign travel. Per diem rates apply.
For trips that take place outside of the U.S., a “ Foreign Travel Reimbursement Sheet ” must be completed and submitted within 45 days of trip completion with accompanying receipts. Please see the “Travel Reimbursement Sheet” section below for additional details.
Please check all other tabs for additional Foreign Travel tips and requirements.

Business Operations

Please Note: UCSB will be transitioning to Concur, a new campus standard for expense reimbursement processing that will streamline travel, entertainment and business expense reimbursements. Individuals will be responsible for preparing and submitting requests for reimbursement through the new system beginning February 1, 2022.

Request for Travel Advance

You may request a travel advance for expenses incurred prior to a trip. Requests are submitted through the Concur system at least 30 days in advance of the trip.

Travel Insurance

When traveling on business, faculty, staff, and students are covered under the UC Business Travel Accident Insurance Program. If making arrangements through Connexxus, enrollment is automatic. If making travel arrangements outside of Connexxus, a UCAway insurance form needs to be completed prior to travel. For more information regarding travel insurance, please refer to the information included in the link "UC Traveler Insurance Coverage" under Related Links.

Travel Reimbursement

In accordance with University policy, all travel reimbursement requests must be submitted to the UCSB Travel Accounting office within 45 days of the end of travel. All travel reimbursement requests are submitted by the traveler via the Concur system .

Note: Per UC policy, original receipts are required and must show proof of payment. The following receipts are required:

Airline Passenger Receipts**
Rental car receipts, including gas receipts
Hotel receipts (must be itemized to show nightly rates, applicable taxes, etc.)
Conference registration receipts
Receipts for local transportation costing $75 or more (rail ticket stubs, bus tickets, taxi receipts)
Receipts for miscellaneous supplies

**U.S. Flag Carriers must be used for travel on federal funds. Missing original receipts: If you are unable to locate original receipts for your trip, please complete a Declaration of Missing Evidence form and provide an alternate proof of purchase (i.e. credit card statement showing payment).

Direct Billing to Grant/Contract: If you would like to have the cost of your airfare directly billed to your grant/contract, please contact the Geography Purchasing/Travel Assistant for assistance.

Danica Marter

contract / grant billing.

Support Services

Technical Support
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Information
Terms of Use

Department of Geography • 1832 Ellison Hall • UC Santa Barbara , CA 93106-4060 2024 © Regents of the University of California

ePermit Portal
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Campus Parking Map
Commute by Rail
Transportation & Parking Services
Commuter Options

Commute By Rail

Amtrak routes that stop in goleta or santa barbara:, please note: effective march 2020 during covid-19, the commuter amtrak train and the amtrak shuttle vanpool and sbmtd bus transportation between the goleta train station and ucsb are all not operational, until further notice..

Santa Barbara is served by two Amtrak routes. The Pacific Surfliner winds along the Southern California coast between San Luis Obispo and San Diego, while the interstate Coast Starlight travels the distance from Seattle to Los Angeles.

You will find more information about routes, fares and services at Amtrak California , on the national Amtrak website, or by calling 1(800)-USA-Rail.

Local Amtrak Stations

The Amtrak train station closest to UCSB is the Goleta station (GTA), located at 25 S. La Patera Lane. The Santa Barbara station (SBA) is at 209 State Street. Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner stops at the Goleta and Santa Barbara stations, while the Coast Starlight stops only at the Santa Barbara station.

Transportation Between UCSB and the Northern California Amtrak Capitol Corridor Train or San Joaquin Train

In addition to trains Amtrak also operates a Bus that travels between the UCSB Bus Loop near the Pollock Theater and the Capitol Corridor Train and Caltrain (in San Jose) or San Joaquin Train (in Bakersfield). Here is a Google Maps Link to the Amtrak bus stop at UC Santa Barbara. Click here for more information.

Special Commuter Pricing and Shuttle Van and Bus Linkage for the Surfliner Train from Carpinteria and Ventura County

Ride the Surfliner train from Carpinteria or Ventura county and receive special pricing for 10-ride and calendar-month train passes. There also are special transportation options for the weekday trains that arrive in Goleta at 7-7:15a and the weekday train that departs Goleta at 4:25p for more information please read more about our Surfliner Commuter train options .

Fare Discounts from Santa Barbara Car Free

Santa Barbara Car Free promotes alternative ways to get in, out and around Santa Barbara. The organization collaborates with Amtrak to provide discounts on rail travel. Currently on offer are a 20% discount on Pacific Surfliner fares and a 15% discount on Coast Starlight fares. Promotion details and instructions for signing on may be viewed here . Please note that three-day advance ticket purchase is required to qualify for a discount and there are blackout dates.

By showing your Amtrak ticket at participating Santa Barbara attractions and amenities, you qualify for discounts and special offers. Learn more at Santa Barbara Car Free . Check out a 3-minute video for fresh ideas on how you and your visitors can enjoy Santa Barbara!

Bike on Board

Consider traveling by Amtrak and having the convenience of a bike on campus. The Pacific Surfliner allows passengers to bring along bicycles and hang them on a hook in the car entrance with advanced registration (please see box below).

See Bring Your Bike Onboard the Train to review all your bicycle transport options. Imagine getting off the train at the Goleta Amtrak Station and bicycling to campus. The bicycle trip between the Goleta Train Station and UCSB takes less than 20 minutes.

MTD Bus Service Between Amtrak Stations and UCSB

Goleta Station

To travel to the Goleta Amtrak station, board MTD Line 24x west-bound (toward Camino Real Marketplace) at the UCSB Bus Loop . Line 24x becomes Line 12x . Get off the bus at the intersection of Hollister Avenue and La Patera Lane. Walk up La Patera Lane 0.3 miles (6 minutes) toward the mountains. To view the trip from UCSB to Goleta Amtrak on a map, click here .
To travel to UCSB, board MTD Line 12x west-bound (toward Camino Real Marketplace) at the intersection of La Patera Lane and Hollister Avenue. Line 12x becomes Line 24x and continues to the UCSB Bus Loop .

Santa Barbara Station

To travel to the Santa Barbara Amtrak station, board MTD Line 24x (toward Santa Barbara) at the UCSB Bus Loop . Get off at the MTD Transit Center. Walk south to Carrillo (half a block), turn left and then walk one block to State Street. Board the Downtown/Waterfront Shuttle that runs down State Street toward the beach. Get off at Yanonali adjacent to the Santa Barbara Amtrak Station. To view the trip from UCSB to Santa Barbara Amtrak on a map, click here .
To travel to UCSB, board the Downtown/Waterfront Shuttle at the shuttle stop. Get off at Carillo, turn left and walk one block to Chapala Street. Walk north to the MTD Transit Center (half a block). Board MTD Line 24x toward Camino Real Marketplace. Get off at the UCSB Bus Loop .

MTD Maps & Schedules

Line 12x route map and schedule here . Line 24x route map and schedule here . You can keep up with all MTD routes and services at https://sbmtd.gov/ .

Registered UCSB students may qualify for NO-cost travel on the MTD. See our MTD webpage for details.

We're Making Some Exciting Improvements!

New Menu. More Drinks. Easier Connections.

Adventure through SoCal this summer on the Pacific Surfliner . Sunny beaches, big cities, historic towns, foodie hotspots - we can take you to all of them. And now, your trip will be better than ever!

Transit Transfer Program

Transit Transfer Program Show your Pacific Surfliner ticket for a FREE connection to 12 bus and shuttle services! Going to San Diego or LA? Pick up a discounted day pass onboard. Learn more .

There's so much to love about traveling on the Pacific Surfliner. Follow us on Facebook , Twitter , YouTube , or Instagram for trip ideas, giveaways and more! See you onboard.

University of California, Santa Barbara

Please consult the Bren Finance Team prior to your travel booking by sending a request by email to [email protected] in order to ensure proper reimbursement and backup documentation is attained and UC policies are being adhered to.

UC Travel Policy
UC Insurance Coverage

Travel Forms and Links

Domestic Travel:

Docusign: Bren Domestic Travel Worksheet

Docusign: Travel Advance Request

Foreign Travel:

OANDA Currency Converter
Foreign Per Diem (Dept of State)

International Visitors to the USA need to submit the following 2 forms:

For land border travelers , please apply for an I-94 online via the official Customs & Border Protection website: I-94 website Air and sea travelers will be issued I-94s during the admission process at the point of entry.
Declaration of Immigration Status by Non-U.S. Citizens (PDF form)

Prior to Travel

Prior to travel, you should ask yourself:

Do I have enough funds to travel?

Where are the funds coming from?

Is the state I am wanting to travel to approved for reimbursement?

The Bren Travel team can assist with booking and directly paying for flights. The travel team can also assist you with seeking a travel advance. Travel advances are used to help pay traveling expenses that occur prior to an actual trip. You will need to start an advance request at least three weeks prior to your travel.

If you are a student, chances are you have received a travel award or are being sponsored by a faculty member. Whoever is offering the funds will provide you with a project code. This is essentially the account they are agreeing to pay your way from. You will need this project code when seeking an advance or reimbursement.

Allowable expenses and guidelines for booking:

Travel shall be planned in a manner that reduces costs to the university. For example, using Concur to make airfare, lodging, and car rental reservations automatically gives you access to the university's car rental agreements (insurance included), lodging agreements (corporate rate), and airfare programs (no penalty for canceling refundable flights). Making reservations outside Concur may inadvertently disconnect the traveler from benefits such as automatically included insurance coverage, exposing the traveler and the University to uninsured risks.

It is important that travelers go through the Bren Finance Team to make travel arrangements for lodging, airfare, and car rentals. This guarantees proper coverage and reimbursement to the traveler. Any travel booked outside of Concur needs to register through the Business Travel program when traveling outside of California. Please see the Insurance section for more information.

The Bren School has the ability to direct bill airfare. This enables the Bren School to book scheduled flights for visitors and pay for expenses directly. For more information, please contact [email protected].

The Bren Finance Team is happy to answer any travel-related questions and assist with travel arrangements. Please review the UC Travel Policy for more information on UCSB travel guidelines and policies: policy.ucop.edu/doc/3420365/BFB-G-28

Transportation

Airfare : Tickets classified as economy or coach class, including economy-premium, economy-plus, economy-elite or similar label as well as charges for seat selection are allowed without exception or , US Flag carrier if international travel. Please contact [email protected] in order to book your flight to utilize direct billing to UCSB. This is strongly suggested and preferred. Receipts must be itemized if not booked through Connexxus.
Train/Bus/Taxi (no limo service) : UC Policy reimburses the most economical means.
Rental Car and Gas : Insurance is not reimbursable if you book a rental car on your own: always book rental cars through UCSB. Contact [email protected]. Only intermediate or smaller vehicles are reimbursable. Receipts must be final and itemized (i.e. not a quote or reservation)
Personal Car Mileage : $0.67 per mile effective January 1, 2024.
UCSB Vehicle Rentals : (Plan in advance, with a min. of 2 weeks’ notice per request) Book through [email protected]
Parking receipts are not required if cost is under $75
Max room rate : $275 per night before taxes/fees. Please book your hotel through Concur whenever possible. This is strongly suggested and preferred. Receipts must be final and itemized (i.e. not a reservation).
Domestic : up to $79 for a 24-hour period, if over $75 an itemized receipt must be provided
International : Per diem per State Department website

Conference Registration

To satisfy IRS regulations on the expense report, you must specifically state the business purpose, the dates, and place (For example: Attended the 2024 Bioremediation Symposium)

Step 1: Getting Access to Concur

Whether you are seeking an advance or planning on seeking a reimbursement, prior to travel you will need to be in our Concur travel system. To check and see if you are in the system please try to log in using your NET ID. If you are not in the UCSB payroll system, you will not be able to login to Concur. Please contact [email protected] so our team can set you up as a Guest Traveler. Please include your Name, Mailing address, and Phone number .

UCSB Concur site

More information as well as the web portal link can be found here: https://www.bfs.ucsb.edu/travel_entertainment/welcome

If you are able to login to Concur please add Charlyna Meraviglia (charlyna @ucsb.edu) for domestic travel or Lucy Navarrete ([email protected]) for international travel as your delegate so your requests can be properly processed.

How To Select a Delegate

How to Select a Delegate (for UCSB Employees)

Delegate Overview Video (1.34 min)

How to Add a Delegate (No video)

1. Log into the UCSB Concur site, using Net ID and Password.

2. In the upper right corner, click on Profile, and then Profile Settings.

3. Viewing the column of options on the left-hand side, locate and click on Expense Delegates. Please note; the ‘Request’ and ‘Expense’ categories share delegates. Permissions are assigned to both ‘Request’ and ‘Expense’ by selecting a delegate here.

4. Click Add.

5. Search for and select a delegate by employee name, email address.

o Domestic Travel - Charlyna Meraviglia ( [email protected] )

o International Travel - Delia (Lucy) Navarrete (d [email protected] )

*If you do not see the employee you want to add as a delegate, please contact [email protected] .

6. Specify the delegate is to perform the following tasks, Can Prepare, Can Submit Requests, Can View Receipts, and Receive Emails. With these options selected, the delegate is allowed to prepare and submit requests, prepare expense reports on the traveler’s behalf, view receipts, and receive the same email notifications as the traveler.

7. Please note that the delegate cannot submit the expense report on the traveler’s behalf.

8. After delegates have been established, click the Save to update the settings.

Step 2: Requesting an Advance if needed

Travel Advances

Travel advances are used to help pay traveling expenses when the traveler does not qualify for, or does not yet have, a Travel and Entertainment card. The advance can be used to pay for travel expenses prior to or during travel. Travel advances should be requested from the Bren School at least three weeks prior to departure to ensure that the checks will be ready on time. A travel advance request can only be submitted between 10 and 30 days before the beginning of the trip.

In order to request a Travel Advance please complete a Travel advance request link below. Please include quotes for any expected expenses.

Step 3: Requesting flight booking

The travel team can book your flight for you to assist with out-of-pocket costs. If you would like us to book your flight, please email a request to [email protected] . Please include the following items in your request:

Full name as it appears on the ID you will be traveling with. (Please include your middle name if shown)
Date of Birth
Flight preferences
Frequent Flyer numbers
Seat Preferences

The team will do their best to provide you with the flights and preferences you selected.

During Travel

Save your itemized receipts

Save either your original itemized receipts or take a picture of your receipts. If you are an employee you can download the SAP Concur Mobile App for your smartphone or smart device which will allow you to upload receipt images on-the-go.

Meals - For domestic travel, UCSB offers a daily meal reimbursement cap of $79. It is not a per diem, and only actual charges should be reimbursed. You will need your receipts to complete the Meal and Incidentals lo g upon return from your trip. This log will be submitted with your reimbursement.
Hotels - The hotel will provide you with an itemized receipt upon the completion of your stay. Proof of lodging is required for travel reimbursement whether you are requesting to be reimbursed for it or not.
The rental company will charge the credit card. Save the final receipt showing the ‘after payment’ $0 owed. This is a UC System-Wide requirement for vehicle rental reimbursement.
Gas Receipts (if not claiming mileage): The university will only reimburse gas bought during the trip, NOT gas bought upon the trip return.

Post Travel

Reimbursement for uc employees.

Travel Reimbursement (UCSB Employees)

Upon completion of a trip, all travelers must submit a reimbursement request (called an “Expense Report”) through Concur .
The report must include all original itemized receipts, ticket stubs, itineraries, agendas, and any other documentation substantiating the expenses.
We also need proof of lodging and flight even if you’re not asking to be reimbursed for these items. UCSB’s Accounting department needs to see the full scope of the trip.
Please see “Allowable expenses and guidelines for booking:” in the Prior to Travel section above for items allowed for reimbursement .
All travel must take place prior to reimbursement.
Please submit your expense report as soon as possible after the trip has taken place. This will ensure proper reimbursement in a timely manner.
If you have not already selected a finance team member as your delegate in Concur, you will need to do so. See instructions above on "How to Select A Delegate (UCSB Employees)"

How do I create an expense report?

View the videos and review the instructions below:

How to Create an Expense Report (Video- 1:33 min)

How to Create an Expense Report on Concur Mobile (No video)

Understanding a Concur Header (Video - 1:19 min) Note; this process contains much of the same information as the previously used paper report.

Under ‘Manage Expenses,’ click Create a Report from the appropriate selection in the ‘Report Library.’
For Travel: Travel Dates - Destination - Project code
For Meals and Meetings: Date of event - Purpose of event - Project code
Report Type (choose from dropdown menu)
Request/Trip purpose (choose from dropdown menu)
Business purpose (type a detailed reason for travel or entertainment)
Request/Trip start and Request/Trip end dates (select dates from calendar)
Payee Type (choose from dropdown menu)
Group Travel (yes or no)
Travel to AB 1887 restricted states (yes or no)
Expense provided to Spouse/Dp/Child/Dep care (yes or no)
Personal Days/Justification; if applicable (enter travel dates labeled as personal use)
Destination City/Country (event location for entertainment)
Department - Be sure to click on the filter icon and choose “Either” then enter our Bren department code ESMS
Host Name (for entertainment or employee morale events)
FAU (Full Accounting Unit): This is the associated funding account (e.g., start-up, retention, grant). Make sure to enter the correct four-letter department code and your project code (ESMS-project code). Ex: ESMS-SU99 or ESMS-GP999
For Domestic Travel- Select sub 5
For International Travel- Select sub 7
For Entertainment and Miscellaneous expense reimbursements- Select sub 3
Click the Add Expense button.
Under the "Create New Expense Tab," scroll down the menu (or try typing it in the search bar) to find the correct expense you want to be reimbursed for and click on it.
Click on Upload Receipt Image on the right-hand side to upload your receipt for this expense.
Fill out all the required fields (marked with a red asterisk). Click Save Expense when finished. If you have more than one expense to add, click Save and Add Another, and it will take you to the menu with the scrollbar to search for another expense. Pro Tip: Upload receipts into Concur before starting your expense report.
Click “Manage Receipts” → “Manage Attachments”
Here you can upload proof of payment in the form of a redacted credit card showing full name and the last four digits of the credit card being used *or* a redacted bank statement showing full name and the charge(s) you would like to be reimbursed for.
Save and close out. DO NOT SUBMIT the report, email [email protected] by clicking on "print/share" at the top of your report when your claim is ready for review .
The Finance team will review and email you from Concur to let you know your report is ready to be submitted. Then you MUST LOG BACK IN and submit your report ,

Clearing Travel Advance

Upon return from your trip the cash advance must be cleared from the system. Clearing this advance is the same process as completing a reimbursement request. You will need to complete a reimbursement request form and attach all the receipts from the trip. If more is spent on the trip than received in the advance, you will receive the difference as reimbursement through this report. If you spent less than the amount you received in your travel advance, you will need to repay the University by way of a check made out to UC Regents. Email [email protected] to coordinate this repayment.

Travel Reimbursement (Guest Travelers)

Reimbursement for Guest Travelers

Unlike UCSB Employees, Guest Travelers cannot create Expense Reports. A member of the Finance team will act as your delegate and will create and submit a report on your behalf.

Please contact [email protected] so our team can add you as a Guest Traveler in Concur. Please include your name, mailing address, and phone number .
Guest Traveler processing time can take up to a few days, please be advised.
After you become a Guest Traveler, your delegate can start working on your report.

Please fill out the Travel Reimbursement Form in Docusign. Please include ALL of the following items to ensure proper reimbursement in a timely manner:

Travel Reimbursement Form signed by the PI of the account you are using for reimbursement
Legible itemized receipts - please include all that apply to you
Hotel payment confirmation or invoice
Flight receipt
Rental car receipt
Conference receipt
Redacted copy of credit card [showing full name and last 4 digits of the card, matching the receipt]
Copy of bank statement showing the charge and your full name

Note: Processing times can take up to 14 - 30 days upon receiving a fully completed packet. Please keep in mind that UCSB’s accounting department may ask for additional information prior to processing payment

Travelers who make transportation travel arrangements such as booking flights and car rentals through Concur are automatically enrolled in insurance. Insurance is not reimbursable for these types of expenses (as they are considered “add-ons”) if they are purchased outside of Concur’ preferred travel agencies and supported online booking tools.

University travelers must enroll in the Business Travel program if traveling outside of California. This will provide insurance coverage while traveling.

If arrangements are made through Concur then enrollment is automatic and filling out the form is not necessary.

Welcome to the MSI Travel Unit

I hope you find the information and links in this page very useful. If you need further assistance or have questions please contact me.

For all travel reimbursements, MSI has a few steps we implement prior to a payee submitting a request/report via Concur. Please add Kim Taylor as delegate preparer. Once that is done, please email Kim every time that you have prepared a travel related action in Concur. Kim will review all travel for compliance and completion . Please do not hit the submit button until Kim notifies you to do so .

Concur Expense Reimbursement

Booking Domestic Flights

All employees with appointments in UC Path have automatic access to Concur and are able to book airfare online using the system. BCD Travel is also available to book airfare and can be reached either by phone or email:

BCD phone: (877) 885-8632 or +1 (818) 238-4445 (please call before 4pm PST to avoid an additional after hour fee) Email: [email protected]

If you will be taking any personal time during this business trip, please scroll down to the “Personal Time” section of this website.

Airfare booked though Concur/BCD Travel is automatically covered by UC travel Insurance. All airfare booked outside of Concur/BCD Travel will need to be registered with UC Away in order to be covered by UC Insurance. Please scroll down to the “Insurance” section of this website for additional information.

The UC strongly discourages travel to any area where the U.S. Department of State indicates Do Not Travel or Reconsider Travel. Consult Travel Advisories

Tickets classified as economy or coach class, including economy-premium, economy-plus, economy-elite or similar label as well as charges for seat selection are allowed without exception.

Booking Foreign Flights

When charging airfare to a federal funding source, it is federal policy that a “U.S. flag” carrier (an airline owned by an American company), is used regardless of cost or convenience . Please read the Fly America Act and Open Skies Agreement Guidance before purchasing your airfare.

We strongly encourage all international travel be booked through CONCUR using BCD Travel agents who are well versed in the Fly America Act. Please advise them when your trip is federally funded. If you choose to book foreign airfare yourself outside of Concur/BCD Travel and plan to charge a federal funding source, it is your responsibility to ensure that a U.S. flag carrier is used. Failure to do so, will jeopardize reimbursement of the flight. U.S. Certified Air Carriers .

Codesharing

When using federal funding you can use a foreign airline carrier when there is a code-sharing arrangement. Under certain conditions, a code share flight on a foreign air carrier is considered the same as one operated by a U.S. air carrier and is therefore compliant with the Fly America Act. Occasionally, two or more airlines will "codeshare" a flight by publishing and marketing the same flight under their own airline designators and flight numbers. You can purchase a seat on each airline’s designator and flight number, but the flight is only operated by one of the cooperating airlines. For example, you book a flight with American Airlines and they will be using (code sharing) an Air Tahiti Nui plane for the flight. To comply with Fly America regulations, you must purchase the flight via the U.S. airline’s designator and flight number if the flight is shared between a U.S. and a foreign airline.

See below a few examples of codeshare flights:

image showing sample of flights with codesharing

Travelers who are unable to honor a reservation shall be responsible for canceling the reservation in compliance with the cancellation terms established by the vendor. The traveler must return any refundable deposits to the University.

Charges, fees or lost refunds resulting from failure to cancel reservations, registrations, etc. shall not be reimbursed unless the traveler can show that such failure was the result of unforeseen circumstances beyond the traveler's control. A business justification must be submitted and approved by the approving authority.

Travelers (not active in UC Path) will need to be set up with a guest traveler ID #. To obtain a guest traveler ID, please reach out to the MSI Travel coordinator via email and include the following information:

Guest Traveler Info: First Name Last name Affiliation Phone number Email address Address City State Zip

Once the traveler ID # has been assigned, a department delegate must book the airfare on behalf of guest traveler. (Guests are unable to access Concur or book their own airfare) Alternatively, a guest traveler may contact BCD Travel directly via phone or email to book their flight. When returning from the trip, the traveler will need to complete a guest traveler worksheet that can be found on our website and send it to the MSI Travel Coordinator along with all itemized receipts related to the trip. If airfare charged to the UCSB travel card was the only expense related to the trip, the guest traveler is still required to complete the worksheet.

Guest Traveler Reimbursement Worksheet

International Travelers | Immigration Status Form and Back Up required

All international travelers will be reimbursed for travel expenses via a wire transfer and will need to complete the Declaration of Immigration Status by Non-U.S. Citizens form .

If you have any questions please contact the MSI Travel Coordinator.

UC Business Travel Insurance provides additional coverage to UC employees traveling on official University business for emergency medical evacuation, out-of-country medical expenses, loss of personal effect, and security extraction.

If you book your travel through Concur, your travel will be automatically insured.

If you book your travel outside of Concur, you are required to register your out of state and foreign travel plans. Register at UC Away login .

UC Travel Risk and Insurance Information: Travel Risk and Insurance

Additional travel benefits can be found in the Business Travel Benefits Summary .

Graduate students must review Graduate Division policies before traveling: GradDiv Policies

Insurance FAQ: UC Travel FAQs

The UC strongly discourages travel to any area where the U.S. Department of State indicates Do Not Travel or Reconsider Travel: U.S. Gov Travel Advisories

Local Hotels

MSI is set up with direct billing with several local hotels. This allows travelers not to incur any out of pocket costs and the hotel will invoice MSI directly. Please contact the MSI Travel Coordinator to book one of the hotels listed below.

The Best Western South Coast Inn — 5620 Calle Real, Goleta, CA 93117 | This is the preferred hotel as it is the closest to campus and they offer UCSB generously discounted room rates rates.
The Club & Guest House at UC Santa Barbara Building 581, Santa Barbara, CA 93106-7040-non-member nightly rates are $260, the member nightly rate is $211
The Franciscan Inn — 109 Bath St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
The Upham — 1404 De La Vina St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101

Domestic lodging reimbursements are allowable up to $333 per night excluding taxes and mandatory hotel fees. All lodging must be supported by original itemized receipts, regardless of the amounts incurred, and must be reasonable for the locality of travel. When the traveler is unable to secure lodging at $333 per night or less, they must submit additional documentation such as price comparisons within the proximity of the meeting location that supports the higher lodging rate incurred. The price comparisons should be performed at the time of booking.

Please note, while on travel status, the traveler must be at least forty miles from the headquarter location or home, whichever is closer, to be reimbursed for an overnight stay.

Foreign lodging rates vary depending on location and can be found at Foreign Per Diem Rates by Location

When booking an Airbnb, we strongly recommend using the Airbnb for UC program. Your reservation will be automatically registered with UC Risk Services travel insurance when you book via the Connexxus Web Portal . Be sure to select ‘Business travel’ when making your reservation.

Please note, per UC Policy the cost limitations for an Airbnb are $333 per unit, not per room. The Connexxus portal will default to properties under $333/night.

If you are unable to secure an Airbnb for less than $333 per night, then please work with the MSI Travel Coordinator in getting pre approval for the Airbnb exception.

The domestic daily max allowance is $79/day for Meals & Incidentals. MSI requires itemized receipts for all meal expenses. Travelers will be expected to upload all itemized meal receipts in Concur (copy of a credit card statement will not suffice).

Foreign meal per diem rates vary depending on location and can be found at Foreign Per Diem Rates

Foreign Per Diem Rates

Mileage reimbursements may be claimed when using a personal vehicle for business travel. This can be done in Concur when creating the travel expense report. Please select ‘Personal Car/Business Use – Mileage’ expense on the report. Traveler will need to include the license plate number and confirm that the vehicle is insured.

Guest travelers, will need to email a completed guest traveler worksheet along with a Google map indicating the total mileage for the trip to the MSI travel coordinator.

Please note, fuel receipts are only reimbursable for rental vehicles.

Current mileage rates can be found on the BFS website: Mileage Rates .

Mileage Rates

Reimbursement of travel packages through online vendors such as Expedia, Travelocity, etc. are only allowed if you can provide an itemized breakdown for the expenses (i.e. the exact amount charged for airfare, car rental, lodging, etc.). Travel packages should not be booked unless you have confirmed that each aspect of the package will be separately itemized.

Please use caution and investigate the details before booking. Typically, itineraries and receipts from these packages do not include itemized expenses and do not provide sufficient detail to support reimbursement. Without the proper detail, you will not be reimbursed. It is strongly recommended that you book your travel via Concur.

Do you plan on taking personal time to explore a city while you’re on business? If the purchased airfare is an indirect route and/or includes personal time, please print a comparison quote that shows what the cost of a roundtrip ticket would have been to the destination on the actual dates of business.

The comparison quote will need to be submitted in addition to your actual airfare receipt. The quote should be obtained and printed on the same date that you actually purchase your ticket, using the same airline and booking method. The reimbursement amount will be for whichever is less (actual travel or quote).

Once the airfare has been booked and a comparison has been obtained, please email a copy to the MSI Travel Coordinator.

The University of California has a system-wide car rental program with Enterprise, Hertz, National, Dollar, and Thrifty. The contracts offer business travelers the most economical pricing that includes comprehensive insurance for rentals in the United States . When renting a vehicle under the terms of a University agreement, liability insurance and comprehensive and collision insurance are included in the rate. Please remember to decline SLI and LDW/CDW coverage and let the vendor know that you are an employee of the UC system. These are not reimbursable expenses .

UC Policy requires that an economy, compact or intermediate model be requested. These models should be used unless a no-cost upgrade is provided. Justification will be required for cars larger than midsize when requesting reimbursements.

Recommendation for UC employees: Use Concur! Car rental reservations made through Concur are automatically booked under the UC contract, at discounted rates with full insurance coverage included.

The University’s system-wide agreements with auto rental companies do not apply to auto rentals outside the continental United States or in foreign countries. Therefore, you MUST purchase SLI (supplemental liability insurance) and LDW/CDW (loss damage waiver/collision damage waiver) coverage when you rent vehicles in Alaska, Hawaii, U.S. territories, and foreign countries. The cost of this insurance will be reimbursable.

UC Insurance

UCSB Transportation Services (TPS) Rentals

For local vehicle rentals, UCSB TPS is the preferred option. TPS rentals are automatically covered by UC insurance and payment of the rental is made via recharge, so that no out pay out of pocket expense is incurred by the traveler.

For TPS rental information go to https://www.tps.ucsb.edu/ . Authorized drivers include faculty, staff, students, and non-University persons, including consultants, provided they have been approved by the appropriate campus official, and the vehicle use is for official University business.

You may request a travel advance for expenses incurred prior to a trip, which could include payments for yourself or to a vendor. You must submit original receipts for travel scheduled more than 30 days prior to the departure date. The Travel Advance Worksheet must be signed by the PI and then emailed to the MSI Travel Coordinator who will prepare the advance request on your behalf.

Please submit advance requests at least 15 business days before travel commences.

Clearing out an advance: Upon returning from your trip, you will need to submit a travel expense report via Concur in order to clear the advance. This step is required, even if you don’t have additional expenses to report. A travel expense report must be submitted to the Accounting office within a reasonable amount of time, not to exceed 45 days after the end of a trip. If your actual expenses are less than the Travel Advance, you will be required to reimburse the University for the difference. Checks should be made payable to UC Regents.

Please refer to the UCSB Travel Office website for additional information.

Please read the UC Travel Regulations (Policy G-28) .

The travel reimbursement request must be submitted to the Accounting office within a reasonable amount of time, not to exceed 45 days after the end of a trip. In order to meet this deadline please submit your expense report via Concur along with supporting documentation in a timely manner.

Forms and useful links

Missing Receipt
MSI Mileage Log
Request for Guest Airfare
Guest Travel Reimbursement Worksheet
Lodging Limit Justification
Fly America Act Waiver Checklist Form
Request for Travel Advance

UC Santa Barbara \ College of Engineering

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Materials - UC Santa Barbara

Contact information.

Direct questions to [email protected] or call (805) 893-4362.

UCSB Materials Department Travel Guide

This page has been established by the Materials Department to aid faculty, staff, students and other research personnel with the scheduling and reimbursement of University related travel. It is not intended to be an all-inclusive list, but rather a guide in helping employees understand Department requirements and expectations. A complete copy of the University's policy on travel can be found the UCSB Business & Financial Services' Travel Planning website . If you have specific questions, please direct them to your Travel Coordinator.

Before you travel

Prior approval is required for all travel to ensure proper agency approval, advisor approval and funding approval for proposed travel. It is imperative that the travel preapproval form be completed and submitted prior to making travel arrangements. Your concur delegate will get needed signatures and enter the approval as a concur request for you. This form must include funding information, please ensure you have discussed the funding source with your PI/advisor before submitting the form.

Travel Preapproval From BFS Travel Quick Reference Guide Bulletin G-28 - Policy and Regulations Governing Travel

Travel advances are payments made before a trip takes place and can be issued for expenses incurred, such as airfare and registration fees. If you need an advance, please indicate this on the travel approval form. Only one advance can be processed for each trip.

Advances requested prior to 30 days before the start of the trip can only be made for costs already incurred (usually registration and airfare) and must include itemized receipts (showing proof of payment).
Advances requested within 30 days of the start of the trip can include costs already incurred and costs that will be incurred while on the trip (meals and hotel).

Account Numbers

When filling out travel forms, you will need an account name and number to which the expenses will be charged. Please also provide the project code, if available. Indicate any accounts that will be used (i.e. Doctoral Student Travel Grant). If funding is split across departments, please follow guidelines for the majority department.

During your travel

As a traveler on University funding, it is your responsibility to ensure that your travel expenses are reasonable and well-documented. Please do not pay for travel expenses on behalf of other group members. Reimbursement requests should only be for your own expenses. Please keep receipts for all of your transportation expenses (airfare, rental car, taxi, metro, bus), lodging, parking, baggage fees, etc. When requesting reimbursement for travel expenses such as airfare, rental cars, lodging and registration fees, we require an itemized receipt showing payment confirmation. We cannot accept quotes or estimates.

After you Travel

Submit a reimbursement form and all receipts to your staff preparer in a timely fashion. Submit receipts electronically when possible. When submitting paper receipts please place in an envelope to prevent loss.

It would be greatly appreciated if you use the following naming convention for sending receipts electronically – LastName.ExpenseType (i.e., Thorndyke.Hotel). Please add the date or amount if there are multiple receipts of the same type (i.e., Thorndyke.Uber $13.48).

All travel expense claims should be submitted to the UCSB Travel Accounting Office within a reasonable period of time not to exceed 45 days after the end of the trip. Travel reimbursement requests submitted after 45 days may be subject to employee tax reporting.

A Travel Reimbursement Worksheet is available to help you submit your expenses. It is not required that you use this form, but highly encouraged.

Concur Details

The Materials Department assigns staff travel preparers based on faculty member. Your staff travel preparer will complete requests and expense reports in concur on your behalf. Requests will be submitted by staff. Expense reports will be prepared by staff and reviewed and submitted by you (in most instances- students paid on fellowship do not have access to Concur and will need to work with their travel preparer to be processed as a guest). When giving your staff preparer delegate access please give them all permissions (check all the boxes).

How to Add a Delegate

Things to NOTE

Personal time.

If your travel/purchased airfare includes personal time or is indirect (not between SB/LAX and the business destination), please print or save a quote that shows what the cost of airfare would have been for direct travel on business dates. Submit the quote in addition to your actual airfare receipt. The quote should be printed on the same date that you actually purchase your ticket. You be reimbursed for whichever is less (actual travel or quote).

Airline tickets can be purchased once travel approval is obtained. Students, Post-Docs and Visiting Researchers are responsible for making their own flight reservations. Traveler must use a U.S. carrier (economy class). Please reach out with questions about airfare before booking. Original itinerary showing cost of ticket and method of payment required for reimbursement.

An original itemized hotel receipt must accompany requests for reimbursement. Room charge and tax must be itemized separately from other expenses charged to the room. The maximum room rate is $275 per night before taxes and fees. Reimbursement for lodging is not allowed when the total trip is less than 21 hours.

If you share a hotel room, please request that the invoice is divided accordingly. This is especially important if you and your roommate(s) are not funded on the same account. Failure to do so may delay your reimbursement.

Meal Allowances

Currently, we do not require receipts for meals during travel, but there is a $79/day maximum allowance. This is NOT to be treated as a per diem rate. You should report meal expenses based on the actual expenses you have incurred by including a meal log with your submitted receipts. You will be required to provide meal receipts if you appear to be treating the daily maximum allowance as a per diem (please keep receipts until the expense has been approved). Alcohol expenses are not a reimbursable travel expense and should be omitted from your request. There is no meal allowance for domestic trips under 24 hours.

MIleage Allowances

Reimbursement of 65.5 cents a mile is allowed when personal vehicles are used. Vehicle license plate number must be provided when claiming mileage for a personal vehicle. Personal vehicles must have liability insurance in order to receive reimbursement. Concur calculates mileage based on starting and ending addresses.

Registration Fees

If necessary, registration fees may be paid by a Travel Advance if submitted more than 2 weeks prior to trip. However, if the trip is less than 2 weeks away, there may not be enough time for the conference to receive payment before its start date. In that case, the traveler should pay it. In both cases, receipts will be required for reimbursement.

Memberships Memberships are reimbursable with travel if they allow you to receive discounted registration fees and savings on the total travel expense. Please provide documentation of the reduced registration expenses that the membership enables.

Rental Vehicles Intermediate or smaller vehicles are allowed. If a larger car is needed, please contact your travel preparer for preapproval. UC has corporate agreements with some vehicle rental agencies. Their UC contract price includes extra insurance for Loss Damage Waiver, Collision Damage Waiver, Supplemental Liability Insurance and Liability Insurance Supplement. Travelers will not be reimbursed for this personal accident insurance for rental vehicles (exception: foreign travel). Booking through Concur guarantees the traveler has the corporate rates and extra insurance.

Foreign Travel

Canada and Mexico are considered domestic travel. In some cases, prior approval by a funding source is required from agency for foreign travel. Always confirm approval in advance of any plans. Required agency approval varies from 60-90 days prior to trip.

You must use a U.S. Flag carrier for air transportation to foreign countries, unless specific instances apply, such as, if there are no US carriers available you may request an exception through proper channels to use a foreign carrier.

Foreign per diem rates (lodging, meals and miscellaneous) vary by date and city. Rates may be obtained from your travel preparer. Please visit the website below to view foreign per diem rates: https://aoprals.state.gov/web920/per_diem.asp

Graduate Student Travel Grant

The Graduate Division awards travel funds to graduate students one time per academic career. The student must fill out an application and submit it to the Graduate Division. If approved, for reimbursement purposes, please submit a copy of the award letter to your travel coordinator. For more information and applications, contact the Student Affairs Office at (805) 893-4601.

Cancellations

Travel Advances: Traveler is required to refund any advance immediately when a trip is canceled or indefinitely postponed. (Refund checks should be made payable to UC Regents.)

Tickets: Traveler is responsible for the cancellation or any changes made to reservations. If the trip itinerary is changed or canceled en route, do not throw away any unused portion of tickets. Unused tickets must be submitted for refund.

3rd Party Booking Sites

We discourage the use of 3rd party booking sites (i.e., expedia, hotels.com) as they do not always provide the needed information as required for reimbursement by BFS and this can delay reimbursements being processed.

MATERIALS DEPARTMENT Engineering II Building, 1355 University of California, Santa Barbara Santa Barbara, CA 93106-5050

Phone: (805) 893-4362 Email: [email protected]

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Kamala Harris

Media advisory: vice president kamala harris to travel to la crosse, wi.

On Monday, April 22 , Vice President Kamala Harris will travel to La Crosse, WI to continue fighting for workers, supporting families, and improving health care for people across America. She has consistently led on these important issues as Chair of the White House Task Force on Worker Organizing and Empowerment.

This will be the Vice President's third trip to Wisconsin this year and her seventh since being sworn in. Last month, she visited Madison to highlight the Biden-Harris Administration's investments in clean energy infrastructure and tout a new Executive Order to expand registered apprenticeship programs while creating good-paying union jobs. In January, she kicked off her nationwide Fight for Reproductive Freedoms tour with a speech in Waukesha County. Vice President Harris was also in Pleasant Prairie in August to tout the Administration's continued efforts to invest in high-speed Internet, boost domestic manufacturing, and create jobs in communities throughout America.

Media interested in covering the Vice President's event should RSVP HERE by 5:00 p.m. ET on Friday, April 19.

Media interested in covering the Vice President's arrival at La Crosse Regional Airport should RSVP HERE by 5:00 p.m. ET on Friday, April 19.

Kamala Harris, Media Advisory: Vice President Kamala Harris to Travel to La Crosse, WI Online by Gerhard Peters and John T. Woolley, The American Presidency Project https://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/node/371311

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First timer’s guide to California's Santa Barbara

Apr 17, 2024 • 8 min read

Ditch the car and get around Santa Barbara's shops, restaurants and wine-tasting rooms by foot © Mitch Diamond / Getty Images

Welcome to Santa Barbara , where the sun, sea, and mountains create a coastal paradise like no other. The Chumash people initially inhabited the town for thousands of years before Spanish explorers arrived in the 16th century. Today, Santa Barbara still reflects its Spanish colonial heritage with Mediterranean-style buildings and red-tile roofs, which perfectly complement the natural backdrop of the San Ynez Mountains.

What may appear as a small beach town truly has so much to offer. From its pristine beaches, one-of-a-kind hiking trails, vibrant culture, mouthwatering eateries, live music scene, renowned vineyards, and plenty more… there won’t be a minute to spare.

Just 90 minutes from Los Angeles , whether visiting for just the day or a long weekend, it’s a no-brainer. So whether you’re looking to catch the perfect wave or want to indulge in a world of laid-back tranquility, the magic of Santa Barbara offers what can only be referred to as a diverse array of experiences that cater to every taste and interest.

When is the best time to go to Santa Barbara?

Santa Barbara bathes in near-perfect weather, averaging more than 300 days of sunshine each year, so there’s really no bad time to visit. For travelers looking for that quintessential Californian experience, July and August are when the sun is at its hottest and the water is warmest. While the warmer season does bring larger crowds and higher prices, consider planning your trip around Santa Barbra’s Old Spanish Days Fiesta. The city truly comes alive during the five-day festival that honors Santa Barbara’s history, spirit, culture, heritage and traditions. The celebrations begin on the Wednesday before the first Friday in August, and 2024 will mark its 100th anniversary.

Budget-conscious travelers may find winter (December to February) more appealing, with fewer tourists and a better chance of snagging a great deal on accommodation. But the sweet spot lies in spring and fall when the crowds thin out while temperatures are still on the higher side. Just be sure to pack layers as the temperatures can drop up to 15 degrees at night.

How much time should I spend in Santa Barbara?

Santa Barbara can be enjoyed as an easy day or weekend trip from Los Angeles (travel time is only 90 minutes). However, with so much to do and see, true explorers will relish the opportunity to linger for three to four days (and many lodging properties offer guests their third night free).

If you only have two days, you can soak up the city’s Spanish heritage and enjoy the palm-lined waterfront and coastal cuisine. However, with a few more days up your sleeve, you can indulge beyond the city’s immediate offerings. For starters, Santa Barbara’s wine tastings are a must . There’s a series of 25+ rooms downtown, but if you can venture out to Santa Barbara’s wine country, it’s home to 283 wineries. With more days, outdoor adventures like hiking and cycling are also possible and cater to all levels and expertise.

Two women with bikes on a pier in Santa Barbara at sunset

Is it easy to get in and around Santa Barbara?

The options are plenty when it comes to getting in and around Santa Barbara. A direct flight to Santa Barbara Municipal Airport (SBA) is an option with flights from all around the US, including Portland, Salt Lake City, and even Atlanta. From there, a ride-share service or hotel shuttle can transport you the 10 miles to downtown.

Getting to Santa Barbara from Los Angeles is an easy 90-minute drive on US 101-N. Alternatively, tourists can opt for the Amtrak train. The gorgeous coastal ride starts from Union Station in Los Angeles and takes just over two-and-a-half hours to arrive directly in downtown Santa Barbara.

Once in Santa Barbara, the compact city center means you can ditch your car for the most part. The downtown coastal area is very pedestrian and cyclist-friendly, making it easy to explore the charming streets of boutiques, cafes, and galleries without the added stress of finding (limited) parking. However, if you plan to visit beyond downtown, a car or rideshare option will be necessary.

Top things to do in Santa Barbara

There’s so much to pack in during your time in Santa Barbara, but there are a few must-dos that showcase the city. Renting a bike is the best way to see as many spots as possible. Make sure you cruise along the scenic Cabrillo Bike Path, which offers breathtaking views of the coastline and the Santa Ynez Mountains.

Foodies and wine enthusiasts will feel right at home with the near-limitless gastronomic offerings. For a casual-yet-upscale coffee, Cajé Coffee Roasters are known for their very photogenic drinks (order the Sugar Wood or Belarosa). For lunch, it’s almost criminal for a first-timer to skip La Super-Rica Taqueria . After one bite, you’ll quickly learn why Julia Child and Katy Perry call this their favorite taco joint. Bibi Ji is another local go-to for their friendly atmosphere and delicious twist on modern Indian cuisine.

Even if you’re not planning on venturing past downtown, it doesn’t mean you’ll miss out on a famous Santa Barbara wine tasting . Just steps from the main State Street, Grassini Family Vineyards has a tasting room. For just $25, you can try their Estate Flight, which features four of their estate-grown wines, or you can purchase a glass or bottle to enjoy.

Taking the time to stop and enjoy the serenity is a huge part of what attracts so many people to Santa Barbra. For a budget-friendly option, pack a casual picnic and bask in the sunshine, beauty, and tranquility of the Santa Barbara Botanic Gardens . Tucked away in the foothills of the Santa Ynez Mountains, the enchanting oasis showcases California’s diverse flora.

Rows of lush green vineyard grapvines with a majestic oak tree in the distance.

Leave time for a day trip from Santa Barbara

There are several day trip options from Santa Barbara, including visiting nearby wine regions such as the Santa Ynez Valley . Beyond wine tastings, the Santa Ynez Valley is also known for its horseback riding. A popular place to visit is the Alisal Ranch , located on 10,500 sweeping acres, with 100 horses trained for riders who are beginners having their first lesson, to an expert wanting an exhilirating trail ride.

Another great spot is Monetcito – another coastal town only a 10 minute drive with boutique shopping and sprawling estates. If you’re lucky, you may even bump into Oprah Winfrey, Prince Harry, Ellen DeGeneres or plenty of other celebrities who call this area home.

Venturing out a little further, take a scenic drive along the Pacific Coast Highway to destinations like Malibu or Big Sur , or visit other popular day trip destinations like Solvang , Ojai or Channel Islands National Park .

My favorite thing to do in Santa Barbara

Picking just one favorite activity is nearly impossible with all that Santa Barbara has to offer. But if I did have to recommend just one activity, I’d say you cannot miss an evening show at the Santa Barbara Bowl .

The spectacular amphitheater was built in 1936 and seats over 4,500 people. Of course, the performances are showstopping, but the true magic happens before the show. Located approximately 300 feet above sea level, as the sun starts its descent behind the hills, the sky transforms into a breathtaking canvas of fiery hues. It’s a scene that captures Santa Barbara’s rich natural beauty, and the magical sunsets become forever intertwined with the unforgettable experience of the live show.

How much money do I need to visit Santa Barbara?

Santa Barbara is considered to be a relatively expensive place to visit due to its popular coastal location and luxurious upscale amenities. However, there are options to suit various budgets.

Hostel room: $40–$65 per night (season dependent)
Basic room for two: $150–$350 per night (season dependent)
Self-catering apartment (including Airbnb): $140–$350+ per night (season dependent)
Public transport ticket: $1.75 for a single bus ride, or $4.50–$7 for a day pass
Coffee: $3–$6
Sandwich: $8–$15
Dinner for two: $30–$100+
Beer/pint at the bar: $5–$10
Wine tasting: $15–$30
City tour: $30–$100pp

Entrance to the Santa Barbara Natural History Museum, a popular tourist destination

What’s the nightlife like in Santa Barbara?

The nightlife scene in Santa Barbara is vibrant with trendy bars, restaurants, and lounges lining the main streets of downtown. Many feature live music performances to add to the lively atmosphere.

Is it easy to find parking in downtown Santa Barbara?

The short answer is: no. Parking in downtown Santa Barbara can be challenging, especially during high seasons. There are metered spots, but availability varies. Consider walking on foot or biking around to avoid parking hassles.

What should I pack for my trip to Santa Barbara?

Even during warmer months, the temperature in Santa Barbara drops significantly at night, so layers are always recommended. There are many options when it comes to activities, including beach outings, wine tastings, and outdoor expiration so pack a variety of clothing options. Everyday essentials for Santa Barbara include sunscreen, comfortable walking shoes, and a water bottle to stay hydrated.

Are there any safety tips I should keep in mind?

Overall, Santa Barbara is considered a safe tourist destination, but it’s always wise to take precautions and be aware of new surroundings. Additionally, it’s important to be mindful of ocean conditions when swimming and enjoying other water activities. Always listen to lifeguards and local advice regardless of how confident you are in the water.

Here is more expert advice to help you plan your trip:

Find the best time to visit Santa Barbara. Check out these budget-friendly tips for California before you book. Save this guide to the best free things to do in Santa Barbara . And bookmark these California road trip itineraries , including the Pacific Coast Highway to Santa Barbara.

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Transportation | California gas prices are spiking again, what’s…

Transportation

Transportation | california gas prices are spiking again, what’s going on, pain at the pump: bay area gas prices at least $2 more per gallon than national average.

Frank Auguston, of Danville, fills his tank at a Chevron gas station where prices are over $6 per gallon in Danville, Calif., on Wednesday, April 17, 2024. “Gas is stupid expensive,” Aug.on said. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)

It just might be time to buy an electric vehicle. Or a bike.

Gas prices are spiking again in the Bay Area — as much as 20 to 30 cents a gallon higher than the California average and at least $2 a gallon more than the rest of the country, according to the latest data from the American Automobile Association (AAA).

The national average on Friday was $3.67 a gallon, compared to the Golden State’s $5.45, the highest in the U.S., according to AAA .

Bay Area drivers who are sometimes stuck paying close to $6 a gallon said they are suffering and finding alternate ways to get around.

Frank Auguston filled his tank at a Chevron gas station in Danville where prices spilled over $6 a gallon Wednesday.

“Gas is stupid expensive,” he said.

Linda Franklin was similarly annoyed.

“I’m seriously thinking about buying an EV,” she said while putting gas in her Mazda at a Chevron station in San Jose on Wednesday. “I can’t afford these prices with my commute to Walnut Creek.”

But why does opening your wallet at the gas station become more painful during certain times of the year, and what is driving the recent fuel spike?

“Gasoline prices tend to rise in the spring, just like they dip in the fall and the winter, usually due to demand. As the weather gets nicer and the days longer in the spring heading into summer, gasoline prices tend to rise as more people hit the road,” said Andrew Gross, AAA spokesperson in an email.

Gross said spring is also the time where gasoline is switched from winter blend to summer blend, which is more expensive to refine but helps keep air quality cleaner.

“And then you have to take into account location. The West Coast is what many consider an oil island in that it is far from the main oil production centers of Texas, Oklahoma and the Gulf Coast and those mega refineries down there as well,” Gross said. “And west of the Rockies it’s more challenging to build pipelines, so you tend to move product by rail and truck more than say east of the Rockies. So you also have higher distribution cost that factor in as well.”

While California saw record gas prices in the fall of 2022 when the state average was $6.42 a gallon, the California Energy Commission said the price of crude oil, which is the biggest driver of gas prices, is higher than at any other point this year.

But there’s more to the story.

Tom Klosa, the head of energy analysis at the Oil Price Information Service, said the Bay Area is ground zero when it comes to supply and demand, which has been impacted by recent refinery closures.

A motorist puts air in his tires at a Chevron gas station where prices are over $6 per gallon in Danville, Calif., on Wednesday, April 17, 2024. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)

In 2020, Marathon closed its refinery in the Bay Area, and over the last year Phillips 66 stopped processing crude oil at Arroyo Grande in San Luis Obispo and Rodeo in Contra Costa County, Klosa said.

“Both companies idled their refineries and are concentrating on supplying renewable fuels such as renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel. Neither is making gasoline, and that leaves the area without a safety net. Should one of the remaining refineries (Chevron Richmond, Valero Benicia or PBF Martinez) have issues, supply can become very challenging,” Klosa said.

Another component of high fuel prices is the state’s high gas tax.

The state also has a cap-and-trade program and low-carbon fuel standard that adds roughly another 46 cents a gallon, according to the group.

Last spring, the state promised Californians some protection at the pump when the California Gas Price Gouging and Transparency Law was signed into law by Gov. Gavin Newsom. The governor said it would protect Californians from gas price gouging by creating an independent watchdog to root out potential gouging and authorizing the California Energy Commission to penalize the oil industry for wrongdoings.

A Chevron gas station where prices are over $6 per gallon in Danville, Calif., on Wednesday, April 17, 2024. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)

Newsom in November accused “Big Oil” of raking in “huge profits” last summer while gas prices spiked and said that “we’re continuing to hold them accountable with the new tools from our gas price gouging law.” But it remains to be seen how the new Division of Petroleum Market Oversight will affect gas prices.

California Energy Commission spokeswoman Lindsay Buckley said the division is investigating market activity and refinery maintenance schedules and that the commission this year will consider a profit cap to moderate price spikes. She attributed recent gas price spikes to refinery maintenance and spot market activity.

San Jose resident Moses Jackson, who was walking near San Jose’s Rose Garden on Wednesday, said that he now does his errands on foot because fueling up his Chevy truck is just too costly.

“I walk two to three miles a day because of high gas prices,” he said. “When is it going to end? People are hurting. I’m hurting.”

Staff photographer Jane Tyska contributed to this story.

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Guided Campus Visits. We are excited to welcome you to our campus! Read below to view our different visit options. The Visitor Center is open 9am to 4pm (Pacific Time) Monday-Friday, and 9:30am-1pm on select Saturdays (April 6th-May 18th).There are no guided tours June 17th-21st. The Visitor Center will be closed or have adjusted hours on the ...
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Santa Barbara Car Free promotes alternative ways to get in, out and around Santa Barbara.The organization collaborates with Amtrak to provide discounts on rail travel. Currently on offer are a 20% discount on Pacific Surfliner fares and a 15% discount on Coast Starlight fares.Promotion details and instructions for signing on may be viewed here. ...
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A dynamic environment that prizes academic inquiry and creativity to generate discoveries with wide-ranging impact: This inspirational setting, this collaborative community, this is UC Santa Barbara. UC Santa Barbara is a leading center for teaching and research located on the California coast - truly a learning and living environment like no ...
Media Advisory: Vice President Kamala Harris to Travel to La Crosse, WI
On Monday, April 22, Vice President Kamala Harris will travel to La Crosse, WI to continue fighting for workers, supporting families, and improving health care for people across America.She has consistently led on these important issues as Chair of the White House Task Force on Worker Organizing and Empowerment. This will be the Vice President's third trip to Wisconsin this year and her ...
First timer's guide to Santa Barbara
Welcome to Santa Barbara, where the sun, sea, and mountains create a coastal paradise like no other.The Chumash people initially inhabited the town for thousands of years before Spanish explorers arrived in the 16th century. Today, Santa Barbara still reflects its Spanish colonial heritage with Mediterranean-style buildings and red-tile roofs, which perfectly complement the natural backdrop of ...
California gas prices are spiking again, what's going on?
Frank Auguston, of Danville, fills his tank at a Chevron gas station where prices are over $6 per gallon in Danville, Calif., on Wednesday, April 17, 2024. "Gas is stupid expensive," Aug.on ...

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