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
- North Korea (Travel to North Korea is highly restricted. No exemptions for academic activities currently.)
- Syria
Countries under targeted sanctions programs; limited restrictions on certain imports, exports, financial transactions/dealings exist
- Belarus
- Congo, Democratic Republic of
- Iraq
- Libya
- Nicaragua
- Russia/Ukraine
- Somalia
- Sudan
- Venezuela
- Zimbabwe
Countries to which the transfer of military or space technology is prohibited
- Afghanistan
- Belarus
- Burma (Myanmar)
- China
- Congo, Democratic Republic of
- Cuba
- Cyprus
- Eritrea
- Fiji
- Haiti
- Iran
- Iraq
- Ivory Coast
- Lebanon
- Liberia
- Libya
- North Korea
- Somalia
- Sri Lanka
- Sudan
- Syria
- Venezuela
- Vietnam
- Yemen
- 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).