Effective January 1, 2024, the CSU travel policy has changed to location-based per diem for domestic meals & incidental expenses (M&IE) to comply with federal guidelines. Please see the below details on what to expect with this change to the travel policy.
Frequently Asked Questions
With this policy change, travelers will be reimbursed for a set amount per travel day (regardless of the actual meal cost) and the per diem rates are calculated based on location of travel.
All campuses must implement this policy on January 1, 2024. If the first day of travel starts on or after 1/1/24, it falls under the new travel policy of location-based per diem. If the first day of travel started before 1/1/24, it falls under the legacy policy/non per diem.
There is no need to resubmit travel requests that have already been approved for travel in 2024.
First and last day of travel is calculated at 75% of the per diem, regardless of location.
Continental United States (CONUS)
- For domestic or continental United States (CONUS), the rates are set by the US General Services Administration (GSA).
- You can look up your per diem rates by going to the GSA website (direct link: GSA Per Diem Rates) and entering the City & State.
Outside the Continental United States (OCONUS)
- For Alaska, Hawaii, and US territories, the rates are set by the US Department of Defense.
- For international travel meals and incidental expenses, the rates are set by the US Department of State.
For travel requests & expenses outside of Concur (such as international) and for non-employees:
- This travel worksheet can be used to help travelers calculate their M&IE per diem.
For travel requests & expenses via Concur:
- Concur has been configured for location-based M&IE per diem and the rates are automatically calculated.
- Expense reports require a travel itinerary to calculate the rate. Please refer to this quick reference guide for instructions.
The updated CSU travel policy is available via the CSU Policy Library effective 1/1/24.
The updated Cal State LA travel policy is posted on the Administrative Manual Policies and Procedures site.
For more information, please see the FAQ for Domestic Travel and other additional resources below.