Visitors —Supplemental Guidance

The public is generally welcome on the grounds of the Princeton campus, and in select buildings such as the University Chapel, Richardson Auditorium, Frist Campus Center, and the Milberg Gallery of Firestone Library. Entry to all other buildings is limited to visitors who are invited or sponsored by a member of the Princeton community. Anyone entering any University building must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or otherwise compliant as described below.

This guidance supplements, but does not replace, the Visitor Policy

The below guidance goes into effect July 28. Please refer to the Visitor Policy on the EHS website for details.

All visitors to indoor spaces on campus must be fully vaccinated[1] for COVID-19 and prepared to show proof of vaccination. In some circumstances, visitors who are not fully vaccinated are permitted if they are prepared to show proof of having a negative test for COVID-19 OR agree to wear a mask at all times when indoors. 

Negative COVID tests 

Acceptable tests are a PCR test conducted within 72 hours of the visit or a rapid antigen test completed within 8 hours of the visit.  

Proof of a negative test may include:  

  • PCR tests: An email, printout, photo or other screenshot from the test provider. 
  • Antigen tests: An email, printout, photo or other screenshot from the test provider. A digital photo (with date stamp) of a home antigen test is acceptable.  

The individual event organizers or University hosts may examine this proof of testing at their discretion. 

Visitor Responsibilities  

All visitors are expected to: 

  • Cancel the visit if they test positive for COVID-19 within 10 days of the planned start of the visit. 
  • Cancel the visit if they are experiencing symptoms consistent with COVID-19 that are not explained by previously diagnosed conditions. 
  • Cancel or postpone the visit if they were identified as a close contact of an individual who tested positive within the last ten days unless they have tested negative since the exposure. 
  • Notify the host or sponsor if they test positive for COVID-19 within five days after their visit. 
  • Leave campus immediately via private vehicle if they test positive while on campus. The University is not responsible for the care or isolation of any visitors who test positive during their visit. 

Visitors Testing Positive During or Within 5 Days of Visit 

If a visitor notifies the host or sponsor that they tested positive during or within five days after their visit, the host or sponsor should send an email to communityhealth@princeton.edu for advice on notifying individuals who might have been in close contact with the individual during the visit. 

For more information about visitors and for answers to other frequently asked questions, please visit Environmental Health and Safety’s website.

Optional Proof or Attestation Process 

Individual hosts of campus events retain the flexibility to require proof of vaccination or proof of a negative test, and may ask to see which category the visitor is claiming. There are several options available for this:  

  • TigerPass offers an online form that hosts can share with visitors prior to the event. The form asks potential visitors a series of questions to determine whether they are permitted, not permitted, or are permitted but must wear a mask. The TigerPass is available via the TigerSafe app or via a direct web link. TigerPass has an option to email the host or sponsor of an event the visitor’s permission status or the visitor completing the form can show their phone with their status onsite. (More details in the section below.) 
  • Paper forms (or sign-in sheet) at the  door. (See Resources, at right.)
  • Existing process that  departments have already used, with updates made to reflect changes to the Visitor Policy. 

Using TigerPass 

TigerPass is an easy way to track or view status of vaccination and/or testing. It also requires visitors to answer questions whether they are experiencing symptoms, have recently tested positive, or have recently been identified as a close contact of an individual who tested positive.  

Access TigerPass:  

  • Through the TigerSafe app. Visitors can download the app free from the iOS or Android app stores.  
  • Through any web browser at: princeton.edu/tigerpass  

Hosts and sponsors may confirm attestation by:  

  • Asking visitors to show the results (permitted, must wear mask, or not permitted) from the app. 
  • Asking visitors to enter the email address of the host, event, or department. 

University hosts and sponsors may now add information on their event to TigerPass so an email notification can be automatically generated upon completion. To add your event to the list, complete the form at https://veoci.com/v/p/form/mcsgnwag5qyh

Attestation Resources

Access TigerPass at: princeton.edu/tigerpass
Download a TigerPass QR Code for use in slides or printed materials (right-click on image to save).
Paper form, blank for printing »
Paper form, fillable (fill out, download and print) » 

Visitor FAQs

The following FAQs refer to the Visitor Policy effective July 28, 2022. Click on questions for answers or scroll below index.

General Info

Clarifications

Info for Hosts

Defining 'Visitor'


What are the expectations for all visitors? 

Visitors must cancel their planned visit if they test positive for COVID-19 within ten (10) days of the planned start of their visit, if they are experiencing symptoms consistent with COVID-19, or if they were identified as a close contact of an individual who tested positive within the last ten (10) days and have not had a negative COVID-19 test since the exposure. Visitors must notify the sponsoring host if they test positive for COVID-19 within five days after their visit. 
 
Regardless of vaccination status, all visitors must comply with the requirements of face coverings in effect at the time of their visit to campus 
 
What are the categories of visitors? 

Broadly, the University divides visitors into two categories. 
 
    1.    The following categories of visitors must be fully vaccinated[1] for COVID-19 and must be prepared to show proof of vaccination. All of these visitors must be sponsored by a member of the University community (faculty, staff, graduate student, or undergraduate student) or a University department or unit. 


  • Visitors staying overnight in University dormitories. This does not include graduate student apartment complexes, such as Lakeside or Lawrence Apartments. 

  • Individuals participating in summer residential programs, such as sports camps, summer research, etc. 

  • Individuals participating in multi-day programs sponsored by the University, such as Princeton University Prep, summer day camps, Princeton Writing Program, Teachers as Scholars, Teacher Prep, regular tutoring, etc. Does not include conferences and events. 

  • TigerCard holders (e.g., faculty spouses, graduate student dependents, etc.) with access to the libraries or Dillon Gym facilities. 

  • Visiting Student Research Collaborators.  

  • Individuals participating in University-sponsored programs where removal of a mask indoors is necessary. 

  • Long-term visits of more than five days, consecutively or non-consecutively 


 
    2.    The following categories of visitors listed below must be prepared to show proof of being fully vaccinated1 for COVID-19, and follow the policy for masks in effect at the time of their visit OR have a negative test for COVID-19 via PCR within 72 hours before the start of the scheduled visit or via rapid antigen test within 8 hours before the start of the scheduled visit and be prepared to show proof of the negative test OR 
agree to wear a mask at all times when indoors. These individuals cannot remove their masks inside of University buildings, including to eat or drink.  


  • Individuals invited or approved by faculty, staff, or students or by a department or unit for short-term visits (5 days or fewer, consecutively or non-consecutively, no overnight stay on campus) and who will not have independent access to buildings.  

  • Attendees at University-sponsored meetings, conferences, and events. 

  • Individuals invited to participate in sponsored human subjects research. 

  • Individuals participating in or attending events in University buildings where the sponsor is a third-party entity that has permission to use the facilities 


 
Are boosters required for visitors? 

As of July 28, 2022, visitors only need to have received a primary series of COVID-19 vaccine. 
 
What does it mean to “be prepared to show proof” of COVID-19 vaccination status? 

Proof of Vaccination may include an official CDC COVID-19 vaccination card, a vaccine certificate from an official source (e.g., public health agency, government agency, or authorized vaccine provider), a mobile phone app, or a digital or physical photo of a vaccination card or record. It is at the discretion of individual event organizers or University hosts if they wish to examine this proof. 
 
What does it mean to “be prepared to show proof” of a negative COVID-19 test? 

Acceptable tests are a PCR test conducted within 72 hours of the visit or a rapid antigen test completed within 8 hours of the visit. Proof of a negative test can include a photo of the negative test result (for home antigen tests), an email or other screenshot from a pharmacy or other provider, or a printout of the negative test result. It is at the discretion of individual event organizers or University hosts if they wish to examine this proof. 
 
What is the logic for this length of time to constitute an acceptable test? 

The CDC and NJ Department of Health both indicate that a PCR test within 72 hours is acceptable for travel and is within the limitations of timing to receive results from most PCR testing laboratories. For rapid antigen tests, the chances of a false negative diminish the closer in time to the visit that the test is conducted. 
 
Can individual departments or events be stricter than University guidance (i.e. continuing to require all visitors to be up-to-date on COVID vaccines?) 

Yes, individual departments or events can be stricter than University guidance and can require their visitors to show proof of vaccination status, show proof of a negative test, etc. However, these departments should not expect support from service departments at the University (i.e. University Services, DPS, etc.) in facilitating stricter compliance measures. 
 
Do I need approval from Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) for a visitor to enter a campus building? 

No, EHS approval is not required. Most visitors can be approved by the immediate supervisor of the faculty or staff member sponsoring the visit. 
 
Who is NOT a visitor? 

Visitors means any individual who does not have an appointment as University student, faculty, or staff, including those who are NOT a(n) 

  • Enrolled degree-seeking undergraduate and graduate student  

  • Current employee of the University, including:  

    • Faculty and staff who currently have access to campus buildings. 

    • Casual employees.  

    • Visiting researchers and visiting faculty with formal appointments. 

    • Long-term temporary staff agency personnel. 

  • University affiliates who regularly spend time on campus interacting with faculty, staff, and students are covered by the University Vaccination Policy.1 


Secondary occupants residing with graduate or undergraduate students in University dormitory housing, as approved by Housing and Real Estate Services, are not considered visitors to their residences and residential complex, but are considered visitors to other University buildings.

 
I am hosting an indoor event where food will be served and would like to allow individuals to attend who are not fully vaccinated. What are the options? 

Since eating and drinking requires removal of masks, individuals who are not fully vaccinated will need be prepared to show proof of a negative test. 
 
Who is considered a pre-approved visitor that does not need to go through the approval process? 

The following visitors do not require sponsors or approval. If not up-to-date with COVID-19 vaccination, they must wear a mask indoors around other people. 

  • Contractors and vendors retained to provide essential services on campus, including repair, technical assistance, renovation, construction, maintenance, moving, food delivery, waste removal, etc. and who comply with the Requirements for Vendors and Contractors. 

  • Guests in non-dormitory University residences. Visitors who are not up-to-date with COVID-19 vaccination must wear a mask in common spaces, such as lobbies, common rooms, hallways, etc. 

  • Regulatory inspectors, including federal, state, and local agency inspectors on campus for planned or unplanned visits

See the  Visitor Policy  for additional information about each of these groups. 
 
Are emeritus faculty considered visitors? 

If emeritus faculty currently have access to campus buildings, they are not considered visitors. 
 
Are caterers considered visitors? 

No. Caterers are subject to the Requirements for Contractors and Vendors  and may provide service on campus if they comply with applicable food safety/health and insurance requirements.  
 
My department works with volunteers. Are they considered visitors? 

Yes. Volunteers whom faculty or staff sponsor to be on campus are considered visitors. 
 
Are alumni considered visitors? 

Yes. At this time, alumni are considered visitors. 
 
Are retirees considered visitors? 

Yes. At this time, retirees are considered visitors. 
 
May hiring managers invite prospective candidates on campus for interviews? 

Yes. The hiring manager will act as the sponsor for prospective candidates.

 

[1] Fully-vaccinated means that at least two weeks have passed since receiving the second dose of a two-dose vaccine or the single dose of a one-dose vaccine. 

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