Duke Resources to Consider Before Travel
Successful global travel begins long before departure. The following Duke offices support international activity and help ensure our community travels safely, responsibly, and in compliance with university and federal requirements.
All travelers – faculty, staff, graduate, and undergraduate students – are encouraged to consult these resources early in the planning process.
What They Do
The Global Travel Office (GTO) helps Duke students, faculty, and staff understand and navigate the immigration requirements of their destination countries when traveling internationally for research, teaching, collaboration, or other Duke-supported activities.
How GTO Supports Travelers
- Advises on required travel documentation—including visas, entry/exit permissions, and work or residency permits for extended stays
- Confirms whether a visa or permit is needed based on destination, citizenship, and purpose of travel
- Offers support in understanding processing timelines, application procedures, and fee policies related to visas and permits
Note: Individuals are responsible for obtaining and renewing their own passports. GTO cannot assist with passport applications, renewals, or second-passport requests.
When to Contact
- Ideally three to six months before international travel to determine visa requirements, understand documentation timelines, and receive guidance on securing the correct permissions for your destination
Explore the Global Travel website or email globaltravel@duke.edu for more information.
What They Do
Duke Visa Services (DVS) works with U.S. government agencies and external partners to secure visa documentation, employment authorization, and maintenance of legal status for Duke’s international community.
Important Note for International Students & Scholars
If Duke sponsors your U.S. visa, you must consult your DVS advisor well in advance of any planned international travel. Travel may affect your legal status or re-entry to the U.S.
When to Contact
- As an international student, staff, or faculty member, contact Duke Visa Services anytime you have questions about travel outside the U.S., visa implications, or anticipated changes to your legal status.
What They Do
The Office of Global Health and Safety (OGHS) promotes the health, safety, security, and preparedness of Duke travelers and programs. OGHS assesses travel-related risk, manages the Duke-ISOS Global Travel Registry, and oversees the 24/7 emergency support line for undergraduate students abroad.
How They Support Travelers
- Manages the Duke-ISOS Global Travel Registry required for all Duke-supported international travel
- Conducts risk assessments and offers planning guidance for Academic Enrichment Travel and other experiential programs
- Collaborates with campus partners to share information, monitor emerging risks, and strengthen Duke’s culture of health and safety
- Operates a 24/7 emergency support line for undergraduate travelers
When to Contact
- When organizing Academic Enrichment Travel or experiential programs requiring safety or risk guidance, whether in the U.S. or abroad
- When an undergraduate traveler abroad experiences a health, safety, or security emergency
- When you need individualized travel risk management support
What They Do
Corporate Risk Management (CRM) helps protect Duke’s people, property, and operations, minimizing potential injury and financial loss.
How They Support Travelers
Oversees Duke’s insurance programs, including:
- Property Insurance
- General Liability Insurance
- Automobile Insurance
- International SOS Plan
- Partners with Campus Police, the Occupational & Environmental Safety Office, and the Office of University Counsel to evaluate potential travel-related hazards
When to Contact
- When reviewing insurance needs or risk considerations
What They Do
The Duke Finance Office is the primary resource for questions related to employee and student travel reimbursements.
How They Support Travelers
- Provides guidance on reimbursement policy and documentation
- Audits all reimbursement submissions for compliance with Duke policy and IRS regulations
- Helps resolve reimbursement issues before or after travel
When to Contact
During trip planning and when preparing reimbursement materials.
What They Do
Export Controls ensures Duke complies with all federal and state laws governing the transfer of controlled technologies, information, goods, and services abroad.
Areas of Support
- Traveling with equipment (e.g., laptops)
- Shipping items overseas
- Research and conferences overseas
- Export Administration Regulations (EAR)
- International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR)
- Anti-Boycott compliance
- Foreign Corrupt Practices Act
- Engagement with sanctioned countries
Critical Reminder
Faculty and staff must contact Export Controls before interacting with individuals or entities in sanctioned countries such as Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Sudan, and Syria. Regulations are complex and vary by situation, and the office is available to guide compliance and facilitate required licenses.
When to Contact
- When you are traveling with equipment or engaging in research abroad
- When you want to ship items overseas
- When you need guidance on engagement with sanctioned countries
What They Do
OIT supports travelers using Duke-owned or personal devices to access Duke systems abroad.
How They Support Travelers
- Offers the Global IT Checklist to prepare devices for international use
- Provides best-practice guidance on data security, access restrictions, and safe online behavior abroad
- Shares additional tips on the Stay Safe While Traveling resource page
When to Contact
Before departure, particularly when traveling with devices or accessing Duke systems from outside the United States.