The Global Travel Office (GTO) supports Duke faculty, staff, and students preparing for international, Duke-supported travel by providing guidance for traveling, working, or conducting research abroad.
Acting as a central resource for global mobility, the office helps travelers understand which documents they need for their destination, how to obtain them, and how those requirements connect to the broader compliance expectations of international travel.
The GTO team also serves as a strategic partner across campus, helping travelers navigate complex regulatory environments and ensuring that Duke-supported international activity is safe and compliant. GTO works closely with the Office of Global Health and Safety to manage the University’s Global Travel Policy and Global Travel Registry, ensuring that travel is well-coordinated and aligned with institutional standards.
For guidance or support, contact globaltravel@duke.edu early in your planning process.
Frequently Asked Questions
At this time, the office cannot assist with applying for or renewing U.S. passports. However, the team can advise on how your passport fits into the overall travel documentation process and what you’ll need before starting visa or permit applications.
Travel approval must come from the appropriate supervisor, dean, director, or management center within your department or school.
Travel to destinations subject to U.S. government sanctions or embargoes must be cleared by Duke’s Office of Export Controls. The Global Travel Office can help direct you to the appropriate contacts if needed.
Travelers or their units are responsible for covering documentation-related expenses. In most cases, a Duke cost object (fund code or WBS element) must be provided for payment. Grant-funded travelers must confirm that documentation expenses are allowable under their award.
Yes. The Global Travel Office can assist faculty and research support staff with estimating visa, permit, and vaccination requirements and costs for proposal budgets. Email globaltravel@duke.edu for assistance.
Depending on your destination and the purpose and length of your stay, you may need:
- A valid passport
- Entry or exit visas
- Work, research, or residency permits
- Country-specific proof of insurance or institutional documentation
Learn more about our global travel documentation support.
If you experience difficulties accessing or completing Duke’s Global Travel Registry, contact the Office of Global Health and Safety at oghs@duke.edu.