GTAC Resources

The Global Travel Advisory Committee considers a number of sources of information as well as consulting faculty and staff within the Duke community when contemplating the safety and security environs of a destination abroad. Below is a list of the most frequently utilized resources.

International SOS (Duke University's Travel Assistance Provider) by selecting the country name on the Location List (upper left-hand corner on the Duke-ISOS website), one sees an overview of the medical and travel risks as well as a Risk Summary. This data is reviewed by GTAC when considering travel restrictions.

Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade provides advice for travelers that is searchable by destination or region. GTAC considers travel advice provided by the Australian Government when undertaking a review of a particular country.

British Foreign Commonwealth Office (FCO) offers "Foreign Travel Advice" for 225 different countries and territories. The content offered by the FCO includes safety and security information, notes on terrorism, local laws and customs, entry requirements, health, natural disasters, money and general travel advice help and support for British citizens.

Canada's Office of Foreign Affairs and International Trade provides information on "how to have a safe and enjoyable journey" for those traveling to Canada or abroad. Their Travel Advice and Advisories are considered by GTAC given they act as "the official source of destination specific travel information" for the Government of Canada.

New Zealand's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade through their SAFETRAVEL portal gives advice on security and safety concerns for over 150 destinations around the world, reflecting potential risks and the assessment of the New Zealand government on what these mean for their citizens. This information is yet another resource GTAC considers in order to make informed decisions on a given destination.

United States Department of State (DOS) as a U.S. University the Department of State Travel Advisory information is one of the key resources we use when ascertaining risks and safety/security information for all non-U.S. countries and territories. The country specific details that DOS offers are an integral tool used when maintaining Duke's Restricted Regions List.

United Nations' Statists Divisions offers a plethora of data when it comes to researching countries around the world.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Travel Health Notices plays a key role in data collection when GTAC is profiling risks as it relates to epidemics and pandemics that could impact our travelers. When outbreaks occur, GTAC turns to its Infectious Disease Sub-Committee made up of DukeHealth experts who are recognized around the world as leaders in the diagnosis and treament of infectious diseases. This group advises the Provost on matters related to restricted travel for health reasons.

World Health Organization compiles Country Sheets for all member nations of the United Nations and offers details on the population, health, and other key data via their website. These facts and figures are yet another resource used by GTAC when assessing risk.

Scholars@Duke features the research, scholarship and activities of Duke faculty members and academic staff. By adding a country name in the search field on the Scholars@Duke home page (e.g., Egypt), one can quickly identify 'People' who have interest, activity, research or publications involving that subject matter. Relying on feedback and input from the Duke community is a key component of a GTAC assessment when it comes to exploring what a traveler would encounter abroad.