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 (policy 10.18)

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.

Updated: September 8, 2025

  1. Faculty and Staff: Travel to Iran requires review from the Executive Travel Safety Committee followed by the review and approval of the traveler’s dean or unit head.
    As of September 8, 2025, travel to Israel by faculty and staff is still considered high-risk but pre-approval is not required. It is still recommended to consult the Global Safety & Security team prior to travel.
  2. Graduate and Professional Students: Travel to Israel or Iran requires review from the Executive Travel Safety Committee followed by the review and approval of the traveler’s dean. 
  3. Undergraduates: Travel to high-risk destinations requires review from the Executive Travel Safety Committee followed by the review and approval of the traveler’s dean.

High-risk destinations are defined as those subject to any of the following:

  • U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory Level 3 or higher
  • U.S. Department of Treasury Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) trade or economic embargo
  • U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Level 4 Travel Health Notice, or similar advisory
  • International SOS "Extreme" Medical or Travel risk rating or similar advisory 
  • Updated June 27, 2025 – Middle East conflict high-risk destinations: Bahrain, Egypt, Israel, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, United Arab Emirates, West Bank and Gaza, and Yemen.

Executive Travel Safety Committee Review

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@emory.edu with the subject line “ETSC Review: [Sponsoring Emory school or unit] [Country(ies)] [Dates of travel]” :

  • 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

Executive Travel Safety Committee & Emory’s International Travel Policy

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.

Please contact the Global Safety and Security unit in Emory Global Engagement with any questions.