Embargoed or sanctioned countries
Travelers should be aware of the list of countries that have been placed under an embargo or are sanctioned by the U.S. Government. Travel to these countries (as well as certain travel-related activities) may have restrictions or require a license.
Example: You want to travel to an embargoed or sanctioned country to attend a conference. Depending on which country it is, there may or may not be a restriction on your travel. Additionally, your attendance at the conference itself may require a license, as would certain items you intend to bring in your luggage or carry-on baggage and certain financial transactions or exchanges you may have in country. Always confer with the Office of Export Controls before traveling to an embargoed or sanctioned country.
Countries under comprehensive embargo. Restrictions exist on most imports/exports and financial transactions
- Cuba (Travel to Cuba is restricted to only certain academic activities which may be pursued under a US government license. Contact Export Controls for more information about travel to Cuba prior to making any travel-related arrangements (hotel accommodations, airfare, etc.).)
- Iran (See Information on Iranian sanctions)
- North Korea (Travel to North Korea is highly restricted. No exemptions for academic activities currently.)
Countries under targeted sanctions programs; limited restrictions on certain imports, exports, financial transactions/dealings exist
Specific Country related sanctions (subject to change)
- Russia-related Sanctions
- Iran Sanctions
- North Korea Sanctions
- Cuba Sanctions
- Venezuela-related Sanctions
The Office of Foreign Asset Controls (OFAC) is the best place to investigate sanctions for any particular country, as sanctions may be targeted to specific entities within that country rather than comprehensively across the entire country:
Countries to which the transfer of military or space technology is prohibited (based on 22 CFR126.1)
- Afghanistan
- Belarus
- Burma (Myanmar)
- Central African Republic
- China
- Congo, Democratic Republic of
- Cuba
- Cyprus
- Eritrea
- Ethiopia
- Haiti
- Iran
- Iraq
- Ivory Coast
- Lebanon
- Libya
- Nicaragua
- North Korea
- Russia
- Somalia
- South Sudan
- Sudan
- Syria
- Venezuela
- Zimbabwe
For a list of the export controls that apply to the above listed countries, please refer to the Countries of Concern page on the Export Controls web site.
Duke also maintains a Restricted Regions List of locations that pose high risk. The Duke Restricted Regions List is updated whenever conditions warrant by the Provost, who is advised by the Global Travel Advisory Committee (GTAC).