Fieldwork and Travel
If you have any questions or queries, please e-mail travel@arch.ox.ac.uk
For all staff and students going on fieldwork or travelling abroad for work (conferences, museums, etc.), there must be a full risk assessment of how the activity will be conducted in a safe manner within the UK and overseas, reviewed where necessary by the Safety Office.
Any travel needs to be in accordance with FCDO travel advice.
Please note that all staff and students must have completed the online fieldwork training course as a minimum, for your travel/fieldwork to be approved. Supervisors/Tutors/Line Managers should also note that to sign off on risk assessments, you must have completed the supervision training course.
On submitting your risk assessment to the online TIRS system, you should allow a minimum of two weeks prior to your date of travel for the approval of low risk fieldwork, four to eight weeks for medium risk and eight weeks plus if your fieldwork is high risk or requires insurance office referral (additional premiums may also apply) before approval can be given.
All researchers, including DPhils and early career staff should familiarise themselves with the University's Trusted Research guidance. THis provides information on security risks, international collaboration, sanctions, and protected technologies. This is particularly relevant when travelling to countries under arms embargoes or when working with advanced technologies such as OSL, SEM, or neutron facilities.
The School of Archaeology's Fieldwork Health and Safety Policy requires staff and students who undertake fieldwork to apply for University travel insurance and complete the online travel insurance application, before any work is started.
You can find the link to the online travel insurance system here:
https://travelinsurance.admin.ox.ac.uk/
You will need to complete the online TIRS form and upload a completed risk assessment form (available to download below), together with any other supporting documentation e.g. site safety documents. This includes for low risk travel.
This form MUST be signed in BOTH LOCATIONS (at the beginning and at the end) by you AND your supervisor/tutor/line manager.
The risk assessment form is available to download here:
SoA Fieldwork and Travel Risk Assessment Form Download (Word docx) Last Updated: February 2026
Once you submit your risk assessment, allow a minimum of two to four weeks prior to your date of travel for the approval of low risk fieldwork, four to eight weeks for medium risk and eight weeks plus if your fieldwork is high risk or requires insurance office referral (additional premiums may also apply) before approval can be given.
You may need to allow more time than this for high risk or red list assessments, as they also have to be approved by both the Divisional Office and Safety Office, before final approval from the Head of School.
Please note that undergraduates are not permitted to undertake high-risk fieldwork or activities.
You should also not sign any waiver agreements without first consulting with the Head of School.