What travel and infectious disease restrictions affect egg donors?

FDA regulations impose strict travel restrictions: travel to Zika-endemic areas (including Mexico, Central/South America, Southeast Asia) requires 6-month deferral, recent travel to malaria-endemic regions may require testing and deferral, COVID-19 vaccination requirements vary by clinic, exposure to infectious diseases may temporarily disqualify you, international donors face additional screening requirements including hepatitis B/C, HIV, syphilis, CMV testing. Current high-risk areas (subject to change): parts of Florida and Texas (Zika), most of Africa (malaria), certain areas of Asia. Travel restrictions apply even for short trips or layovers. Check with us before booking any international travel during the screening or cycle process.

Travel expectations

Travel policies vary by journey and clinic. Some appointments can be local, while others must be done at the fertility clinic (especially around screening and embryo transfer).

Clarify reimbursement rules early: what qualifies, what documentation is required, and how timing works if schedules shift.

Typical workflow (high level)

1. Application + screening: health history, labs, and psychological screening.
2. Matching: preferences and profile selection.
3. Legal + consent: agreement review before medications.
4. Medication + monitoring: clinic-guided injections and frequent appointments.
5. Retrieval + recovery: outpatient procedure with short recovery window.
6. Wrap-up: follow-ups, records, and next steps if donating again.

What can vary (and why)

• Clinic schedules and medical protocols (individualized to the situation).
• State and international legal requirements (especially for parentage workflows).
• Matching preferences and availability (fit matters).
• Insurance and financial structure (coverage details can change).
• Logistics like travel, time zones, and appointment availability.

Questions to ask (so you don’t get surprised later)

• What are the next 2–3 steps in my specific situation?
• What documents or records should I prepare before we start?
• Which decisions should I make now vs later?
• When is travel required, and who approves dates and logistics?
• What expenses are reimbursable, and what documentation is required?
• What happens if a clinic schedule changes and travel must be rescheduled?
• What should I expect during screening, medications, and recovery?
• How are privacy and future contact handled?

Next steps

• Egg donor requirements
• Egg donor process
• Apply as an egg donor
• Contact our care team

Important note

This page is educational information only and is not medical, legal, or tax advice. Always confirm specifics with qualified professionals and your care team.

See the sources section below for reference links when available.