International Travel Restrictions
This page details international travel restrictions and associated review and approval requirements as mandated by policy 10.18 Emory International Travel Policy.
International Travel Restrictions
The Emory-Sponsored International Travel Policy (10.18) establishes rules and requirements for Emory-sponsored international travel. Emory University reserves the right to restrict or prohibit Emory-sponsored international travel. Restrictions to Emory-sponsored international travel will be listed here. For any questions regarding restrictions or to request a risk assessment or review, contact Global Safety & Security
Current Restrictions
Updated: July 28, 2026
Restrictions Related to Iran War
All Travelers should not travel to Bahrain, Cyprus, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, United Arab Emirates, and Yemen due to impacts from the Iran war. Faculty and Staff who have an essential need to travel to any of these countries should contact Global Safety & Security prior to booking travel. The U.S. Department of State has also issued a Worldwide Caution related to heightened tensions in the Middle East.
Restrictions Related to Ebola Outbreak in Democratic Republic of the Congo
All Travelers should not travel to Uganda, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), and South Sudan until further notice due to a global public health emergency of internatioal concern resulting from the spread of Ebola Bundibugyo virus. Additionally, International Students and Scholars and other non-US passport holders should be aware of restrictions in place at the US border prohibiting entry from non-US passport holders who have been in these countries within the previous 21 days.
Restrictions Related to Destinations Under Comprehensive Embargo
All Travelers are prohibited from traveling on official Emory travel to comprehensively embargoed countries (Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Syria, and Crimea region of Ukraine) without prior approval from the Office of Export Control and Research Cybersecurity. For travel to Cuba see the Cuba Travel Policy.
Restrictions on Travel to Elevated-Risk Destinations:
In addition to restricted destinations, Emory also classifies destinations into risk categories. Travel to elevated-risk destinations may have additional approval and review. See Destination Risk Ratings for more information.
All Travelers going to any elevated-risk destination are encouraged to contact Global Safety & Security to receive a risk assessment to inform their travel and decision-making. Graduate and Professional Students should consult their Emory school for additional approval and requirements for travel to higher-risk destinations. All Undergraduates must receive approval from the Executive Travel Safety Committee (ETSC) and the traveler's dean before traveling to higher-risk destinations.
Executive Travel Safety Committee (ETSC)
Emory-Sponsored International Travel Policy (10.18) defines the Executive Travel Safety Committee (ETSC), which is comprised of the Vice Provost for Global Engagement, the Executive Director of the Office of Critical Event Preparedness and Response (CEPAR), and the General Counsel, or their designees, and others as deemed appropriate by the President.
Requesting Review by ETSC
Requests can be submitted by the traveler or by others on the traveler’s behalf. Following review, the ETSC will advise the submitter as well as the associated dean or unit head of their recommendation.
For ETSC review, submit the following to global.safety@emory.edu:
- The names of all proposed travelers and their Emory affiliation (e.g., ECAS)
- For students: A letter of support from their faculty advisor or the unit sponsoring the travel
- The reason for the proposed travel (e.g., conference, research, study abroad experience, etc.)
- Itinerary information, including expected trip dates, planned destination(s) [cities, countries], and anticipated activities
- An explanation of why the proposed travel is essential and the steps taken to mitigate its potential risks
Please contact the Global Safety and Security unit in Emory Global Engagement with any questions.