A few federal agencies, in addition to requiring the use of American carriers (See Fly America Act) and economy class tickets, require prior approval for each foreign trip - even if it was included in the approved budget. Always check the terms and conditions of a grant when it arrives to make sure you understand what is required by the sponsor in regard to international travel.

The Duke International Travel Policy has been adopted to ensure a consistent set of standards to be followed by all units of the University. The policy applies to all travel outside the U.S. that is sponsored by, funded in any part by, or involves Duke granting degree credits for study.

As part of the travel policy, Duke maintains a Restricted Regions List (RRL) of locations that pose a high risk to travelers. The Duke RRL is updated as conditions warrant by the Global Travel Advisory Committee (GTAC).  Travelers should also be aware of the list of countries that have been sanctioned by the U.S. Government. Travel to these countries may have restrictions or could require a license.

There are no restrictions on faculty and staff travel to any country or location, but faculty and staff are expected to consult the Duke Restricted Regions List and the Office of Export Controls and to explore other sources of information in arriving at their own judgment with respect to the level of risk involved. No faculty can be required to travel to a location on the Duke Restricted Regions List. Faculty and staff are requested to register their travel plans on the Duke Travel Registry (link is external) web site. The Registry will be the first source of information to be consulted in case of a health emergency, natural disaster, or a crisis of civil or political unrest in a foreign location that requires assistance or evacuation.

Faculty and staff who travel internationally will be covered by Duke’s international travel insurance policy.

Staff and Faculty planning to travel abroad please note that some countries may require vaccines for entry or a certificate of health.

Employee Occupational Health and Wellness now provides travel-related health services, to include vaccinations, to employees who must travel abroad on Duke related business. To learn more about this 'at cost' benefit via the HR policy website by clicking here.

All Duke travelers who intend to take equipment or software abroad should check the Duke Export Controls Office to ensure that they are in compliance with Federal regulations.

All Duke travelers planning to travel to a country sanctioned by the U.S. Government must clear their travel plans with the Export Controls Office to ensure that any required approvals or licenses are in place prior to departure.