International travel policy and working overseas

International travel policy

The Duke Global Travel Policy has been adopted to ensure a consistent set of travel standards to be followed by all units of the University. The policy applies to all international travel that receives support from Duke, meaning:  financial and logistical support, academic approval, granting of credit for activity or work completed based on the travel, mentorship or any kind of material role for Duke in the travel.

The Global Travel Advisory Committee (GTAC) makes recommendations on the global travel policy, including adding or removing restrictions and reviewing travel petitions.  GTAC consists of faculty and administrators from across the University appointed by the Provost.  Restrictions issued by the Provost are reflected in Duke University's Restricted Regions List (RRL).  GTAC meets three times annually and ad hoc when conditions warrant.

Working overseas

  • U.S. export laws are extraterritorial.  You may be prosecuted in the United States for export violations occurring overseas.
  • Goods and technical data taken in luggage or hand bags are subject to export control licensing.
  • If your work is controlled for export purposes, you may be required to obtain a license in order to share your knowledge with foreign counterparts.
  • Providing a speech overseas on controlled technology may require a license.
  • Foreign travel to embargoed or sanctioned countries may be prohibited.
  • Most standard laptops may be taken with a traveler without an export license.  Laptops which physically incorporate special features or processors may require a license to be exported.
  • If your laptop contains special encryption software, please contact export controls
  • Software developed to operate or for use with controlled items will most likely be controlled as well.
  • Controlled technical data which is not necessary for the performance of your duties overseas should be removed from a laptop prior to travel
  • The export of cash or cash equivalents in excess of $10,000 MUST be declared to US Customs or be subject to seizure

Please see the Duke Travel Policy regarding registration requirements and restricted areas.